The Three Doctors

Premise: As gel creatures materialise around UNIT HQ and begin a full scale attack, the Doctor realises the situation is beyond even him control and sends out a desperate SOS...

Notes: To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the show, it was decided that the three Doctors would unite for the first time. Originally, they were all supposed to play an equal role in the story but Hartnell's health prevented this so his role was reduced to reading off of cards in a pre-recorded segment. The episode was also originally planned to feature the return of Jamie too but Frazer Hines' was unable to due to other commitments so his role was filled by Sergent Benton instead. This episode also saw the end of the Doctor's exile on Earth as the Time Lords give him his freedom as a reward for helping them vanquish Omega.

Verdict: Not the most amazing Doctor Who story ever told but nevertheless it is very entertaining to see the return of the previous Doctors. Omega is a unique villain who adds a lot to the serial but the best part would have to be the interaction between Troughton and Pertwee 8/10

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