Will Sutekh reign supreme? (Doctor Who - Pyramids Of Mars (DVD))

Member Name: marlowe

Product:	Doctor Who - Pyramids Of Mars (DVD)
Date:	02/02/09 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good acting, good plot

Disadvantages: Limited by budget and special effects

When the decision was made to create Doctor Who, it was felt that the programme should combine entertainment with historical information, that not only should the Doctor battle against and help various inhabitants of other planets, but that there should also be an element of genuine education. Consequently the Doctors' first two human assistants were two schoolteachers, who were thus able to question and expand on other's questions when the TARDIS set down at the time of the Crusades, or Ancient Rome. As the series progressed it appeared that there was a general shifting away from the historical stories towards those of a more SCi Fi or "monster based" nature. In "Pyramid of Mars" we can see how these two original elements are cleverly combined, leading to one of the more promising Doctor Who stories.

The story begins with an archaelogical dig in Egypt, undertaken by a Marcus Scarman. As the entrance to a tomb is opened he finds himself struck down by a strange light. We then see a change in scene to the TARDIS, where the Doctor appears distracted and ill at ease. There is a pleasing link to his earlier incarnations with brief references to Vicki and Victoria and a rediscovered late Victorian/Edwardiandress for Sarah Jane Smith to find and change into it, conveniently just before the TARDIS lands back on Earth during the year 1911, at the family home of Marcus Scarman.

Naturally, this being Doctor Who, it can not be that the TARDIS will land somewhere uneventful and, sure enough, the seemingly tranquil grounds and house (previously a priory) are host to some catastrophic events manipulated by one of the strongest adversaries the Doctor has been pitted against, Sutekh, one of the Ancient Egyptian Gods, who is striving for his own personal release and the destruction of all living things. Assisted by a strangely altered Marcus Scarman, who has returned to his estate, Sutekh appears invincible. Set against such a formidable foe, it will take all of the Doctor's faculties to oppose him.

The strengths in "Pyramid of Mars" may be noted particularly in some very fine acting, which - to be honest - is needed in order to convey a sense of danger and tension amidst the noticeably limited special effects. The constraints of the budget are clearly observed in some places, including - ironically in one of the climaxes of the storyline, that of the forced landing of the TARDIS on Mars and the appearances of Sutekh and it sometimes appears clear that the writers and actors are doing the best they can against evidently limited means. Ironically, had the entire narrative taken place within the grounds of the old priory then many of the special effects would not have been needed, or been so strongly hindered, but perhaps it was felt that the might of Sutekh could be revealed by his ability to move the TARDIS on a whim.

Gabriel Woolf presents a strong portrayal of a creature for whom evil seems too light a word and reveals that often credible acting can be achieved simply by the voice alone. The rest of the cast also present a credible performance, leading us to ignore the limitations placed upon them and to simply enjoy the story for what it is. As a radio production this would surely rate amongst one of the finest of the Doctor Who stories, a remake with greater technology and money behind it might also achieve this (perhaps "The Satan Pit" might be said to be this in a way). As it stands it is an enjoyable and at times powerful plot.

Summary: Worth watching, but constrained by its time and money