60%

There is a body of opinion that this is a highly underrated story. I am one of those who can never understand why some people regard a story as brilliant based on the notion that at its core there is a really good idea. Never mind the surrounding material, as long as there is a tiny ear of wheat among the mountains of chaff, then everything is okay. The Web Planet is such a story. I can understand the uniqueness of the story - the then production team are to be applauded for their courage in undertaking a story of this magnitude. I'll be honest and say that I can't see the 21st century series tackling a story this ambitious. However, the fact remains that while it stands alone in restricting the humanoid characters to the regular cast, it does not make it a good story nor does it make it a well-told story.

The story does have its moments and I must admit that it improves with viewing and time (something which certain other stories do not). One outstanding aspect of the story is that Barbara is a very strong character in this story - and was perhaps the best served of the early companions. Watching her performance in this story I am reminded of how good an actress Jacqueline Hill was and how well Barbara worked in a number of the stories. For my money, Jacueline Hill's performance stands head and shoulders above anything I have yet to see from Billie Piper. Of course, it goes without saying that Maureen O'Brien is given little to do as Vicki and William Russell gives another reasonable performance as Ian. Hartnell, as always, is wonderful as the Doctor although sometimes the dialogue he is given is not as good as it could have been.

While its not one of the best stories of the series, The Web Planet is certainly memorable and a testament to the imagination and sense of wonder that drew me to the series.