365 Days of Doctor Who: Relistening to THE MYTH MAKERS - Warped Factor - Words in the Key of Geek.

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365 Days of Doctor Who: Relistening to THE MYTH MAKERS

January 21st brings us to the 20th television adventure, The Myth Makers, first broadcast in October and November 1965. This four-part historical serial, written by Donald Cotton, transports the TARDIS crew to the time of the Trojan War, blending Greek mythology with Doctor Who’s signature mix of drama and humor. Unfortunately, like many stories from this era, The Myth Makers is entirely missing from the BBC archives. For this rewatch, I experienced the off-air soundtrack recording CD, which features narration by Peter Purves (Steven Taylor).

Relistening to this lost classic highlights its wit, ambition, and tragic undercurrents. While it’s a challenge to fully appreciate without visuals, Peter Purves’ narration helps bridge the gap, allowing the story’s character-driven drama and humor to shine through.


The Story: The Trojan War Reimagined

The TARDIS materializes on the plains outside Troy, where the Doctor, Vicki, and Steven find themselves entangled in the events of the Trojan War. The Doctor is mistaken for Zeus by the Greeks and taken to their camp, where he is tasked with devising a plan to end the war. Meanwhile, Steven is captured by the Trojans, and Vicki—adopting the alias “Cressida”—is drawn into Trojan society.

The story builds to the iconic moment of the Trojan Horse, with the Doctor reluctantly inspiring the Greeks’ infamous strategy. However, the light-hearted tone of earlier episodes gives way to tragedy as Troy falls, forcing the TARDIS crew to flee amid the chaos.


The Doctor: A Reluctant Schemer

William Hartnell’s Doctor is at his most reluctant and mischievous in The Myth Makers. He’s quick to disown the role of Zeus and spends much of the story trying to avoid taking sides. Hartnell’s delivery, as conveyed through the soundtrack, emphasizes the Doctor’s sharp wit and moral unease, particularly as he becomes complicit in the creation of the Trojan Horse.

This story underscores the Doctor’s growing awareness of his influence on history and his discomfort with causing harm, even indirectly. His interactions with figures like Odysseus are filled with tension and humor, showcasing Hartnell’s ability to balance levity and gravitas.


Vicki: A Farewell Among the Ruins

The Myth Makers marks the final appearance of Vicki, played by Maureen O’Brien. Her departure is one of the serial’s emotional highlights. Over the course of the story, Vicki develops a romantic connection with the Trojan prince Troilus, and when the time comes for the TARDIS crew to leave, she decides to stay behind with him.

Vicki’s decision feels organic and fitting, reflecting her growth as a character. From the wide-eyed curiosity of her introduction in The Rescue to her courage and empathy here, Vicki’s journey is one of quiet evolution. Her departure is bittersweet, made more poignant by the backdrop of Troy’s destruction.


Steven: A Captive in Troy

Peter Purves delivers another strong performance as Steven, whose role in this story involves equal parts resilience and humor. Captured by the Trojans and imprisoned for much of the narrative, Steven’s interactions with the Trojan leaders add depth to the story’s exploration of loyalty and deception.

Purves’ narration adds extra layers to Steven’s experience, providing insight into his frustration and determination. While Steven doesn’t play as central a role as in other adventures, his presence adds tension and a human perspective to the larger-than-life events unfolding around him.


A Blend of Comedy and Tragedy

What sets The Myth Makers apart is its tonal duality. The first three episodes are filled with witty dialogue and comedic moments, as characters like Odysseus and Paris are portrayed with sharp humor. Donald Cotton’s script is packed with clever wordplay and playful subversions of Greek mythology, making the early episodes a delight to listen to.

However, the final episode takes a darker turn, as the fall of Troy unfolds in devastating detail. The destruction and loss of life are conveyed powerfully through the audio, and the tragic consequences of the Doctor’s involvement leave a lasting impression. This shift from comedy to tragedy adds depth to the story, reminding us of the complexities of history and myth.


Revisiting Through Audio: A Unique Experience

Experiencing The Myth Makers as an audio story is a unique challenge. Without visuals, much of the humor and action relies on Peter Purves’ narration to fill in the gaps. Thankfully, Purves excels in this role, bringing energy and clarity to his descriptions. His ability to convey character nuances, from Odysseus’ cunning to Paris’ arrogance, helps bring the story to life.

Still, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of loss for the original episodes. Moments like the Trojan Horse’s unveiling or Vicki’s emotional farewell must have been visually striking, and their absence makes the experience bittersweet.


Themes of Fate and Responsibility

At its core, The Myth Makers is a story about fate and responsibility. The Doctor’s reluctant involvement in the Trojan Horse underscores the tension between free will and predestination, as his actions inadvertently shape one of history’s most famous events.

The story also explores the human cost of war and the fragility of alliances. The Greeks and Trojans are portrayed with equal flaws and virtues, emphasizing the complexities of their conflict. This moral ambiguity adds depth to the narrative, challenging simple notions of heroism and villainy.


Legacy and Significance

The Myth Makers holds a special place in Doctor Who history as one of its most inventive historical serials. Its blending of humor and tragedy, along with its playful approach to mythology, makes it a standout story from the Hartnell era.

Vicki’s departure is a significant moment, marking the end of her journey while paving the way for a new companion in the following adventure. Her decision to stay in Troy reflects the series’ willingness to evolve and let its characters grow beyond the TARDIS.


Final Thoughts

Relistening to The Myth Makers has been a poignant and rewarding experience. Its humor, drama, and thematic depth make it a standout in the Hartnell era, even without its visuals. Peter Purves’ narration brings the story to life, offering a glimpse of the wit and ambition that made it such a memorable serial.

While it’s bittersweet to experience this story through audio alone, its charm and impact remain undiminished. The Myth Makers is a testament to Doctor Who’s ability to reimagine history and myth, blending adventure with introspection to create something truly timeless.

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