Doctor Who (TV Series) Carnival of Monsters: Episode Two (1973) User Reviews

Life from a Goldfish's point of view.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 13 January 2019]

Have you ever had a goldfish, and wanted to jump in for a swim? If that's you, then this episode will appeal to you.

You can tell instantly that this is a Bob Holmes penned story, it has all the hallmarks, it's funny, it's intriguing, and it's really clever, a very nicely written episode.

A very well set of characters, I love the trio of leaders, and their power struggle. The trio on board the ship are also great fun, The Major in particular is great.

I like the Drashigs also, despite being glove puppets I find them rather effective. 8/10

Carnival of Fun

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 8/10 · 16 October 2014]

Review of all 4 episodes:

The ideas for this story are very good with plenty of interesting and exciting elements. It is not always fully successful in presenting these ideas so is not one of the greatest serials but it is great fun and very good. All 4 episodes are very satisfactory but could have been greater with a little more cleverness in the presentation. Even with the imperfections in execution this is still good quality and a lot of fun.

The effects are not great but I do not judge that too harshly as it was OK for the day. The costumes, make-up and sets/equipment is more problematic to me, it is like a premonition of the mid 80s serials with these gaudy, over the top and unimpressive elements but the story, script and acting are all strong enough which is the main thing and overcomes visual shortcomings.

The story involves The Doctor having been given back his power to travel through space and time unhindered by the Time Lords. He and Jo then find the TARDIS has landed aboard the S.S. Bernice, an early 20th Century ship but finding that events keep repeating in a loop. Meanwhile we see a pair of travelling entertainers arriving on a distant planet in the future where they encounter a hostile reception from the ruling class of alien beings. These two seemingly unconnected story lines are revealed to be very much linked.

The interest of the two apparently unrelated story lines and the mysterious repeating of events aboard the ship are a great idea and the script is very good. The first episode is the best in my opinion as this mystery element is great. The appearance and actions of the travelling entertainers is a bit over the top and a slight let down for me as are some of the design aspects throughout the story. The alien beings two classes both look pretty unconvincing and also provide a strangely unresolved moral element as the seemingly cruel oppression of the servant beings is inexplicably ignored. These faults stop the adventure from reaching its potential but there is still good material to make it a very decent, enjoyable story overall. There is lots of nice dialogue, interesting characters, Pertwee and Manning in great form as The Doctor and Jo and a story which is good.

My ratings: Part 1 - 8.5/10, Part 2 - 8/10, Part 3 - 7.5/10, Part 4 - 8/10. Overall - 8/10.

Carnival of Monsters: Episode Two

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 23 September 2021]

The Tardis being lifted by a giant hand was clearly an indication that the Doctor and Jo materialised inside the Miniscope.

The leaders of the planet are shown by Vorg that the Miniscope contains living creatures. It is liked being trapped in a goldfish bowl.

Vorg can also alter moods. At one point the officer of the ship gets violent towards the Doctor.

When the leaders order the Miniscope to be destroyed, they find that their weapons has done little damage to it.

An indication that their powerful weapons is just not powerful enough.

Robert Holmes unleashes intrigue as one of the leaders forms his own agenda.

Vorg is still a showman, although someone a little bit incompetent.

The Doctor is beginning to work things out but finds himself coming up against the Drashigs. Pah. Who needs Jurassic Park!

I do love the colourful look of Vorg and Shirna. It is very 1970s and glam rock. On the other hand Mr Patridge would be appalled.