The Claws of Axos

Premise: An alien spaceship lands on Earth and in exchange for fuel, the crew offer a miraculous gift that could end global food shortages forever. But the Doctor has his suspicions.

Notes: This was the first story to be written by writing duo Bob Baker and Dave Martin who would go on to write many more together. Up to and during the production of the first two episodes it was titled The Vampire from Space but at the last minute was changed to The Claws of Axos before transmission. While the Axons would not appear again their tentacled costumes designed by Jules Baker would be used again for the Krynoid in the Tom Baker story The Seeds of Doom, albeit spray painted green. 

Verdict: A rather tedious first episode leads into an immensely enjoyable final three. There are rich ideas on show throughout and the action has dated surprisingly well 8/10

The Ambassadors of Death

Premise: Contact has been lost with Mars Probe 7 since it set off on its return journey to Earth. The Doctor embarks on a solo mission the recovery ship but is intercepted by an alien ship.

Notes: This was writer David Whitaker's final involvement in Doctor Who as he proved unable to write for the new format of the series. He was the original script editor and had written many stories prior to this one. Although he was the only writer credited, the story was heavily edited by Trevor Ray, Terrance Dicks and Malcolm Hulke to make it fit the new format. The opening titles were quite different in this story for two reasons. Firstly, they cut off halfway through to give a quick recap of the last episode before continuing on to give the title, writer and episode number. Secondly, the title was split into two parts with 'The Ambassadors' appearing first and then followed by 'of Death' below it moments later. The second part is also accompanied by a strange but dramatic gunshot noise.

Verdict: A marvelous spectacle accompanied by eerie music, intrigue and a gleefully different plot where human villains replace the typical aliens trying to invade Earth. The Brigadier is at his best and it all comes together perfectly. It's just a shame the ending's so flat 9/10