9.
The Chase An almost entirely brainless runaround. Barbara and Ian deserved a better swan song. One star, but a "high" one star, nearly a two, on the strength of episode 6 alone.
8.
The Web Planet Admirably ambitious design with very clumsy execution. Silly and slow, but not entirely without merit. Wins the "You Tried!" Award.
7.
The Space Museum It's been suggested by some that this story is "boring on purpose" as an example of the show parodying itself, but if that's true (and I don't believe it is) then it's a joke stretched too thin. The TARDIS crew being aware of their fate and having to work to prevent it is a clever twist.
6.
Planet of Giants Inoffensive fluff. Shrinking your characters is a well-worn science fiction trope, but it makes for a refreshing change of pace as a DW premise. I was surprised at some of what they were able to pull off in terms of effects.
5.
The Romans Some of the comedy works here and some of it really doesn't. It's difficult to lean into the lightheartedness at times when the story keeps cutting back to Ian and Barbara getting put through the wringer. Nero is very broad but you love to hate him.
4.
The Time Meddler A fun story with an unusual and interesting villain, but a little small in scale for the first encounter with another Time Lord. There's a lot to like here, but I couldn't help but feel like it should have been
more somehow. A low four. (I'm willing to accept that I'm just wrong about this one.)
3.
The Rescue A brisk introduction to a fun new companion that doesn't outstay its welcome, although we don't get to see what a delight Vicki really is until later. Love the Doctor's confrontation with Koquillion at the end.
2.
The Dalek Invasion of Earth The Daleks' plan may be utter nonsense, but the effects of their occupation of Earth are bleak and chilling. Everybody gets something to do in this story, and we are treated to some truly striking visuals. Susan was tragically underserved by the writing in most stories but gets a lovely sendoff here.
1.
The Crusade Absolutely smashing historical, with great costumes and sets. Fantastic guest cast; Jean Marsh is spellbinding as Princess Joanna. The Doctor shines here, Barbara's subplot is startlingly raw, and Ian gets knighted. Left me wanting more. (This should have gotten six episodes and The Web Planet four.)