365 Days of Doctor Who: Rewatching THE ROMANS - Warped Factor - Words in the Key of Geek.

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365 Days of Doctor Who: Rewatching THE ROMANS

Adventure twelve in this journey brings us to The Romans, a four-part serial that aired in January and February 1965. This story is one of the most distinctive entries in early Doctor Who, blending historical drama with comedic farce in a way that no previous serial had attempted. Set during the height of the Roman Empire, it explores the political machinations and decadent lifestyles of the ancient world, while the TARDIS crew finds themselves caught up in a mix of mistaken identities and perilous situations.

Rewatching The Romans today highlights its bold tonal experimentation, offering a fascinating mix of high drama and slapstick humor. However, the story also reveals the challenges of balancing these elements, particularly when viewed from a modern perspective.


The Story: Comedy Meets Danger

The TARDIS materializes near Rome in the first century AD, where the crew takes an extended break in a luxurious villa. Ian and Barbara revel in the peaceful surroundings, while the Doctor decides to explore. Their relaxation is short-lived, however, as each member of the crew becomes embroiled in separate adventures:

  • The Doctor and Vicki travel to Rome, where the Doctor is mistaken for a famous musician and inadvertently becomes embroiled in Emperor Nero’s court. His quick wit and charm allow him to navigate the dangerous political landscape, often with comedic results.

  • Ian is captured by slave traders and forced into a grueling journey to Rome, where he becomes a gladiator and seeks to escape.

  • Barbara is also captured and sold into slavery, ending up as a servant in Nero’s palace, where she must evade his lecherous advances while plotting her freedom.

The serial culminates in chaos as the Doctor inadvertently inspires Nero to burn Rome, fulfilling history while preserving the crew’s safety.


Tonally Ambitious: Humor in the Spotlight

The Romans marks a significant departure for Doctor Who, leaning heavily into humor and satire. The comedic elements are most evident in the Doctor’s storyline, with William Hartnell delivering a masterful performance that balances wit and mischief. His interactions with Nero, played with over-the-top zeal by Derek Francis, are a particular highlight, combining farce with genuine tension.

This comedic tone, however, creates a stark contrast with the darker subplots involving Ian and Barbara. While Ian’s gladiatorial trials and Barbara’s enslavement are played mostly straight, the overarching humor of the story can occasionally undermine the gravity of their situations. From a contemporary perspective, this tonal dissonance may feel jarring, particularly in scenes where the reality of slavery and oppression is juxtaposed with slapstick humor in Nero’s court.


Character Dynamics

Each member of the TARDIS crew is given a chance to shine in The Romans:

  • The Doctor is at his most playful and confident, reveling in the chaos he inadvertently creates. Hartnell’s performance demonstrates his versatility, effortlessly switching between moments of comedy and genuine danger. This is one of the earliest examples of the Doctor’s role as a disruptive force in history, a trope that would become a defining characteristic of the series.

  • Vicki, as the newest companion, provides a fresh perspective on the Doctor’s antics. Maureen O’Brien imbues her character with curiosity and enthusiasm, though Vicki’s role in this story is largely reactive, serving as a foil for the Doctor’s schemes.

  • Ian is thrust into the role of action hero once again, his resilience and determination driving much of his subplot. William Russell’s performance is grounded and compelling, though the gladiatorial scenes, while dramatic, are somewhat diminished by the limitations of 1960s television production.

  • Barbara faces perhaps the most challenging storyline, navigating the dangers of Nero’s court with courage and resourcefulness. Jacqueline Hill delivers a nuanced performance, balancing Barbara’s fear and resolve as she contends with Nero’s predatory behavior.


Historical Setting and Themes

The depiction of ancient Rome in The Romans is both lavish and exaggerated, capturing the decadence and intrigue of the period while leaning heavily on stereotypes. The sets and costumes are impressive for the time, lending the serial a sense of grandeur, but the story’s approach to historical accuracy is decidedly loose.

One of the key themes explored in The Romans is the intersection of power and corruption, embodied in the character of Nero. His portrayal as a buffoonish tyrant serves the story’s comedic tone but also undercuts the potential for a more complex exploration of his character.

From a modern perspective, the story’s treatment of slavery and exploitation is problematic. While these elements are integral to the historical setting, their depiction lacks the sensitivity and nuance that contemporary audiences might expect. The casual humor that occasionally intersects with these darker themes can feel tone-deaf, undermining the gravity of the subject matter.


Production and Direction

Directed by Christopher Barry, The Romans benefits from strong visual storytelling and a clear sense of pacing. The decision to juxtapose the sprawling grandeur of Nero’s court with the more intimate struggles of Ian and Barbara creates a dynamic viewing experience, though the tonal shifts are not always seamless.

The physical comedy, particularly in the Doctor’s storyline, is well-executed, with Hartnell and Francis displaying impeccable timing. However, the limitations of the era’s fight choreography are evident in Ian’s gladiatorial scenes, which lack the intensity and realism that modern audiences might expect.


From 1965 to Today: A Critical Perspective

Viewed through a contemporary lens, The Romans is both a bold experiment and a product of its time. Its willingness to embrace humor and satire is commendable, showcasing the series’ ability to push boundaries and explore new narrative styles. However, its treatment of serious themes, particularly slavery and sexual harassment, reflects the limitations of 1960s television in addressing these issues with depth and sensitivity.

The tonal dissonance is challenging, particularly in scenes where the comedic elements clash with the darker realities of the story. While the humor often lands, it can feel out of place in a narrative that also seeks to explore the human cost of imperial decadence.


Legacy and Influence

The Romans is an important milestone in Doctor Who history, demonstrating the show’s willingness to experiment with tone and genre. Its blend of humor and drama would influence later stories, particularly those of the Fourth Doctor era, where the balance between comedy and peril became a defining feature.

The serial also marks a turning point in the portrayal of the Doctor as a more active participant in historical events. His role in inspiring the Great Fire of Rome, whether intentional or not, establishes him as a figure who both observes and influences history, a theme that would recur throughout the series.


Final Thoughts

Revisiting The Romans highlights its unique place in the Doctor Who canon. It’s a story that dares to be different, embracing comedy and satire while still delivering moments of drama and suspense. While its treatment of certain themes may feel dated, its ambition and creativity remain commendable.

As an exploration of the versatility of Doctor Who, The Romans stands as a testament to the show’s ability to evolve and experiment, even when the results are imperfect. It’s a serial that invites both laughter and reflection, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling to entertain, provoke, and inspire.

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