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The first episode of this story is highly memorable, but not for the reason that some people would assume. From the moment the travellers leave the TARDIS and stand in the petrified forest, this episode exudes an amazing atmosphere that builds towards its notable climax. There are those who state that it was the cliffhanger ending of this episode which drew in viewers, but I would say that its the episode as a whole. The atmosphere continues for another episode, but after that the story begins to slow down and the tension and power of the whole story diminishes. Once again, the Doctor seems to be a selfish individual who prizes his curiosity above the welfare and wishes of all around him, however, he is prepared to admit that he is wrong. It is interesting to note that the eariler stories deal with Ian and Barbara and how they cope with the scrapes the Doctor lands them in. So much of those earlier stories are from the companion's perspective - an element which Russell T Davies has restored (albeit in a different manner). The companion was always meant to be the voice of the viewer - a character with whom the viewer could experience the wonders of time travel.

It goes without saying that the other highlight of this story is the debut of a race of aliens who would become the Doctor's most notorious and enduring foes. The Daleks are more than just plain nasty, although their scheming is simplistic, but it is easy to see why they were popular at the beginning.