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Doctor Who: The Crusade - A Mixed Bag in the Holy Land

"The Crusade" is a four-episode historical serial from 
Doctor Who's classic era,  airing in 1965 as part of the 
First Doctor's tenure.  Here's a breakdown to help you 
decide if you'd like to embark on this timey-wimey pilgrimage:

Story

The TARDIS materialises in 1191 during the Third Crusade.  
The Doctor, Susan, Barbara, and Ian find themselves caught  
between  King Richard the Lionheart  of  England  and  Saladin, 
the  Muslim  leader.  As political  intrigue  and  warfare  
unfold,  the  companions  get  separated,  and  the  Doctor  
must  navigate  the  complexities  of  the  conflict  while  
trying  to  reunite  with  his  friends.

Review

Strengths

    Exploration of Historical Context: "The Crusade" attempts 
	to depict the Third Crusade from multiple perspectives, 
	offering a glimpse into the political climate 
	and cultural clash of the era.
	
    Character Development: The serial allows for Barbara 
	to shine as her knowledge of history becomes an asset. 
	We also see the companions grappling with the morality 
	of war and the importance of tolerance.
	
    Guest Star Performances: The serial features well-regarded 
	guest stars like Julian Glover and Jean Marsh, who elevate 
	the drama with their performances.

Weaknesses

    Missing Episodes: Unfortunately, episodes 2 and 3 of "The Crusade" 
	exist only as photo reconstructions, which can disrupt the narrative
	flow for modern viewers.
	
    Limited Scope by Modern Standards: The historical depiction might
	seem simplistic compared to modern productions with richer detail
	and cultural nuance.
	
    Slow Pacing in Parts: The story can feel slow at times, 
	especially during exposition scenes explaining the historical context
	and political landscape.

Reception:

    Positive:  Praised for its  attempt  to  tackle  a  complex  historical
	period, character development for Barbara, and strong guest star
	performances.  Some  fans  also  appreciate  the  themes  of  war  
	and  tolerance.

    Negative:  Criticised for its  missing  episodes  that  disrupt  
	the  narrative,  limited  historical  scope,  and  slow  pacing  
	in  certain  sections.

Overall Thoughts:

"The Crusade"  is  an  interesting  experiment  in  historical  Doctor Who.
While  the  missing  episodes  and  simplistic  historical  depiction  might
be  drawbacks  for  some  viewers,  it  offers  a  thought-provoking  
exploration  of  war  and  cultural  understanding  through  
the  companions'  eyes.

Would I recommend watching it?

    For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10 
	(Especially those interested in historical stories 
	and character development for the companions)
	
    For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 4/10

If you're a die-hard fan of classic Doctor Who  
and  enjoy  historical  settings,  "The Crusade"  
might  be  worth  checking  out  despite  the  missing  episodes.  
However,  if you prefer  fast-paced  adventures  with  complete  
narratives  and  a  more  nuanced  approach  to  history,  
you  might  find  it  slow  and  less  engaging.

Additional Points to Consider:

    This serial is considered significant for being the First Doctor's 
	first historical adventure, paving the way for future historical 
	stories in the show.
	
    If you enjoy "The Crusade" for its exploration of historical conflict 
	and the companions' roles
	
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