You're own (Giant) Pet Ant

The Web Planet - Episode 5: Invasion

So, our journey starts somewhere near the beginning, but not quiet. We're partway through season 2 of 26, and even partway through Story 13 of 156. So it's an ideal time to just jump on board and start putting thoughts to paper and were where things go.

Now, lets get started with Invasion.

The more time I spend on the Web Planet the more I come to appreciate the Zarbi. The costume, model, puppet things that they are. They're really quiet well made. But not too threatening as a villain though. Though I will admit, if I was there and facing down a giant ant I'd probably be a bit terrified in person. Just as an onscreen threat, it's a touch lackluster.

With the Menoptra spearhead failed, Barbara and surviving Menoptra escape into some cave system, where they spend the episode deciding what to do. It's a lot of back and forth padding about should the Menoptra trust Barbara, then should the trust the Doctor. And then should the Doctor trust the Menoptra. All the while I'm just thinking those look like comfortable footie pajamas, and I want one.

This isn't a bad episode, but it's mostly filler. What was kind of a high with a climatic battle at the end of episode 4, it's a low lull into the finale that ends this story. It perhaps does not help matters that the Doctor and Vicki ended where they began, and while things changed, they didn't feel like it.

And all that leaves us with is Ian. Who did things in this episode. Not much, he was in it so little, he might as well have been on holiday during the filming of the episode. Slowly but surely he's making his way through the plot, and we shall see where this all ends up.

So when next I see you, it will be for episode 6 of The Web Planet, the Centre.