Well, that was a longer break between
entries than I had anticipated. There are a number of reasons why which I
*plan* to write about in the near future. But this is not a slice of life type
of entry. This is a Time Stream entry and I am here to talk about “The
Savages”. More or less. I say it that way because “The Savages” frankly doesn’t
have much going for it. It is not flat out bad, and boring isn’t quite the word
I want to use either. Maybe… pointless? Nothing of any consequence happens
throughout the entire story, and then Steven up and leaves the show. THAT is
the only plot point worth remembering. Everything else is inconsequential.
Alright, alright, I really don’t like
being negative about Doctor Who, and I honestly didn’t hate “The Savages”, so
much as was left feeling unfulfilled. That said, there were indeed some other
things I noted during the story that are worth mentioning. In roughly
chronological order:
1) This story has the feel of a sequel
to an unseen adventure, without ever going into specifics. The Doctor seems to
know where they are, and is familiar with the people of this planet. Even more
strangely, particularly in this era of the show, the Doctor and company seem to
have been expected. They’re not the mysterious travelers who suddenly arrive,
they’re more of the dinner guests who are always late but eventually turn up.
It’s a peculiar feel for a Hartnell episode.
2) Dodo. It’s to the point in her
tenure as part of the crew that there should be strong bonds between her and
Steven and the Doctor. When she wanders off, Steven’s attitude is less
concerned and more just aggravated by this kid. “Not even Dodo would be as
stupid as that!” he says, barely able to hide his disdain. With the possible exception of “The
Gunfighters,” Dodo simply didn’t work as a companion and it seems as if the
writers’ frustrations were coming out in the scripts. Fortunately for all
involved, Dodo’s time in the TARDIS is wrapping up, and in just about a stupid
way as it started (ooh, spoilers)!
3) William Hartnell. Continuing a
theme from the last few stories, “The Savages” was produced at a time when the
production team was actively trying to remove William Hartnell from the show.
Was he ill/forgetful/badly performing? Accounts vary and I don’t know that
we’ll ever learn the entire history. But once again there was a stretch in this
story, from about the end of Episode 2 through most of Episode 3 where there
was little to no Hartnell. If my notes are to be believed, then even when he
appeared in Episode 3, he had no lines. It’s sad to watch him go out with all
of these possible ways to continue the show without him. Whatever his condition
it just strikes me as disrespectful to Hartnell as an actor.
4) Steven Taylor. OK, this is where
the story got me. I’ve have really, really enjoyed Steven as a companion and
Peter Purves’ portrayal. He has the square-jawed hero shtick down pat in a way
that I don’t think Ian ever quite managed. I can almost believe him staying
behind to help lead this planet, particularly after the Doctor’s confidence
boosting speech. But that’s an *almost*. Steven Taylor, space pilot, who can
travel in time, has escaped the Daleks, and is ready to buckle his swash with
the best of them… agreeing to just settle down and be some sort of politician?
I don’t doubt his acumen, more his desire. If he just waited a little while
longer, Dodo would be gone and that right there could have convinced him to
stay.
“The Savages” is never going to be
anyone’s favorite story, even in the event the episodes are one day recovered.
It’s an inoffensive bit of fluff, and kind of a footnote in the show’s history,
really only remarkable for Steven’s leaving. I don’t dislike it as much as I am
unmoved by it. It’s harmless, but there are better things coming and I can’t
WAIT for those…
NEXT
EPISODE: The War Machines
"The Savages" novelization cover, courtesy The TARDIS Data Core at
tardis.wikia.com
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