The Crusade

"The Crusade" is yet another historical story with episode missing. Because I listened to the soundtracks for episodes 2&4 (which are on the Lost in Time DVD box-set), my understanding of these episodes is limited to sound and dialogue only.

This serial is, in my opinion, one of the finest stories so far. It teaches the viewer something about history, but does it in a way that doesn't bore. The characters of King Richard and Saladin are both great presences on-screen and are a joy to watch, and as usual, our regulars are incredible. Barbara is the character who shines the most in the earlier episodes and she really conveys a sense of loss and dread. However, her character begins to fade into the background in later episodes, as Ian comes to the foreground to be knighted. Some humour is injected here as the Doctor remarks that he would have been liked to be knighted as well.

The conclusion of this tale feels a bit dry to me (but that might have been because I couldn't see what was going on) and the end credits roll over an unusual problem with the TARDIS.

"The Crusade" is an interesting story which shows the TARDIS crew being wrapped up in major events, and from what I could see, some of the set pieces were fantastic. If only the remaining two episodes were found...