I started watching The Krotons today, which is particularly notable as being the first story written by Robert Holmes, who would later go on to become the Script Editor for Doctor Who from 1975 - 1977 and who wrote more episodes of the classic series than any other person. I mean, no big deal or anything but he's the guy who created Gallifrey, The Master, Rassilon, Sarah Jane Smith, Romana, and the entire notion that Time Lords get twelve regenerations. He's kind of an important figure in the show's history. So here we are today with his very first story.

Let's talk about that.

The Krotons - Episodes 1 & 2

(TARDIS Data Core recap)

The TARDIS materializes on an alien planet that does not at all look like an English rock quarry. As the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe leave the ship, two things are immediately obvious: First, the planet belongs to a binary solar system with two hot suns beating down on them. Second, Zoe has changed out of her catsuit into an outfit with a mini-skirt so short that if she happens to bend over, or even walk up a slight incline, the planet will also have a lovely new moon.

Hello, gentlemen.

The plot revolves around the fact that the human residents of the planet live in a society subservient to titular (and completely unseen) Krotons. All of the technology is provided by the Krotons, as are all the laws. Every now and then the Krotons will send a message calling the smartest among the humans to enter the machine to become companions of the Krotons. Unknown to the humans, but witnessed by the Doctor and company, these "companions" have all of their knowledge sucked out of them and then are promptly dissolved into ashes.

So of course the Doctor decides to help the humans and unmask the Krotons, and much drama ensues. By the end of the second episode, both the Doctor and Zoe have gone through the machine and escaped out the other side, while poor Jamie has just entered the machine and is facing certain death.

I will readily admit that this is not the most original story in terms of setup. But the characters are interesting, and the plot moves forward quickly without any undue padding. I am thoroughly enjoying it so far, and am looking forward to tomorrow's conclusion.

STATS:

Doctor(s): Second
Companion(s): Jamie McCrimmon, Zoe Heriot
Episode(s): The Krotons - Episodes 1 & 2
Steps Walked: 6,671 today, 782,331 total
Distance Walked: 3.38 miles today, 378.29 miles total
Weight: 273.90 lbs (five day moving average), net change -33.40 lbs