"An Unearthly Child" Review

I've seen this story many a time. Its an amazing introduction to the show that we know and love. I think this episode really stands the test of time. It starts off with the amazing title sequence which is just ground breaking for the time it was made in. And the theme tune is so magical and yet unearthly which just heralds what is to come with the series. I love that the theme tune continues on over the policeman checking the gates to the junk yard. And with our first glimpse of the TARDIS we have that unearthly hum which gives us that sense that its not just an ordinary police box.
What some newer viewers might find strange is that the Doctor is actually the last character to be introduced in the episode. We are first treated to the introduction of Ian and Barbara at Coal Hill School. This first scene introduces us to the mystery of Susan Foreman and her Grandfather, the Doctor. They decide to go check out the junk yard in which is the address Susan gave to the secretary. This is one aspect of the story that I think wouldn't have been allowed if this story was made these days since it could sort of be classed as stalking.

In the car while waiting for Susan to turn up, we have some great foreknowledge. Susan says that she thought we were on the decimal system which was not actually introduced until 1971, 8 years after this story was televised. They follow her into the junk yard after seeing her entering the the site entrance. This is where we are introduced to the Doctor for the first time. This is not the Doctor we have grown to know and love. He starts off as a much more cold hearted and fiery character. Before the entrance to the TARDIS, he is just very dismissive as he is trying to get rid of the two of them.
That first entrance to the TARDIS is one of the best moments from Doctor Who for me. I wish they had used a simular shot to the pilot when Barbara runs in and the camera follows from the doors but thats just one small quibble I have. The set designed for the TARDIS is just an amazing budget especially when you remember the small budget they had. It really forms the basis of the design of what has continued throughout the 50 years. There is some really great dialogue throughout this TARDIS scene. Alot of memorable explanations of the things we now know and love about the series. "Have you ever wondered what its like to be wonderer's? To be exiles?" And as we come to the end of the episode we are treated to the first TARDIS take-off. The sound of the TARDIS was made up of a manipulated sound of a key being scrapped against piano stings. And from that we have the great sound of the TARDIS which was so magical it is still used to this day.

This episode is one of my favourite single episodes of Doctor Who. The serial is let down by the last 3 episodes but this episode is a definite 10/10. A memorable episode which really does still feel as great as it must have done when it first aired. How much I would love to go back to 1963 and get to watch this episode without the foreknowledge. To see them walk into the TARDIS and not know that size difference.