2000-07-26
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
London 1966: - Professor Brett's ultra-intelligent computer WOTAN is about to be linked up with other advanced machines around the world to create a problem-solving network. However, trouble is afoot: - WOTAN has hypnotised Brett and several other technical wizards, using their skills to breed a new lifeform - the War Machine, which the computer is using to threaten London. However, WOTAN has a much higher goal than merely London itself, and time is running short for the Doctor and his allies as soon the world will face a merciless army of bloodthirsty Machines programmed to desroy all animal life...
This is very much a tale of it's time - I mean we've got the Post Office Tower (WOTAN's HQ), cameos by BBC news reporters and even a clip from Blue Peter at the start of the vid. WOTAN's scheme is far-fetched in the extreme, and the design of the War Machines themselves leaves a fair bit to be desired. The idea that these roaring clunkers could do anything except knock over dustbins (and believe me, that's what they do for most of the time) can generously be described as ludicrous. However, the direction is fine (like the explosion of WOTAN at the end!), and Hartnell gets the chance to shine in one of his last appearances. Me, I want a copy of that scary music they use when WOTAN hypnotises people. The good news is that Jackie Lane's Dodo abruptly decides to get lost in the last episode, and we have get Cockney couple Polly + Ben as her replacement. All in all, not a bad tale. Try it.
James