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Doctor Who: Mission to the Unknown - A Curious Case

"Mission to the Unknown" is a unique entry in Doctor Who lore.  
Airing in 1965 as part of the First Doctor's era, 
it holds the distinction of being the shortest Doctor Who 
story ever,  a single 25-minute episode.  Here's a breakdown 
to  help you decide if you want to embark on this brief 
but intriguing mission:

Story

This serial  does not feature the Doctor  and  his companions.  
Instead, it  focuses  on  space  security  agents  sent  
to  investigate  a  distress  call  from  a  damaged  
alien  vessel.  Upon arrival, they  encounter  strange  
plant  life  with  mind-altering  effects  
and  the  deadly  threat  of  the Daleks,  
who  were  introduced  in  the  previous  serial.

Review

Strengths

    A Prequel to Dalek Greatness: "Mission to the Unknown" 
	serves as a prelude to the epic serial 
	"The Daleks' Master Plan," introducing the Daleks' 
	master plan and setting the stage for their confrontation
	with the Doctor.
	
    Focus on Dalek Threat: This short episode showcases 
	the ruthlessness and intelligence of the Daleks, 
	building suspense for their future encounters with the Doctor.
	
    Atmospheric Setting: Despite limited resources, the episode 
	creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere onboard 
	the damaged spaceship.

Weaknesses

    Lack of the Doctor and Companions: The absence 
	of the familiar faces might be a drawback for some viewers 
	accustomed to the Doctor's presence.
	
    Limited Scope Due to Length: Being a single episode, 
	"Mission to the Unknown" lacks the character development
	and plot complexity found in longer serials.
	
    Dated Special Effects: The special effects used 
	for the alien plants and the Daleks might seem primitive 
	by modern standards.

Reception:

    Positive:  Praised for  its  connection  to  
	"The Daleks' Master Plan,"  focusing  on  the  Dalek  threat,
	and  creating  an  atmospheric  setting  within  the  time  
	constraints.  Some  fans  also  appreciate  the  experimentation
	with  a  Doctor-lite  story.

    Negative:  Criticised for  the  absence  of  the  Doctor  
	and  companions,  limited  scope  due  to  the  short  length,  
	and  dated  special effects.

Overall Thoughts:

"Mission to the Unknown"  is  a  historical  curiosity  
in  Doctor Who.  While  the  lack  of  the  Doctor  might  
be  a  turn-off  for  some,  it  offers  a  different  
perspective  on  the  Dalek  threat 
 and  sets  the  stage  for  a  larger  narrative.

Would I recommend watching it?

    For Fans of Classic Doctor Who: 6/10 (Especially those completing 
	"The Daleks' Master Plan" and interested in seeing the introduction
	of the Dalek masterplan)
	
    For Fans of Modern Doctor Who: 2/10 (The short length 
	and lack of the Doctor might make it less appealing for modern viewers)
	

Additional Points to Consider:

    This episode was originally intended as the first episode 
	of "The Daleks' Master Plan" but was later separated due 
	to scheduling constraints.
	
    If you enjoy "Mission to the Unknown" 
	and find the concept of stories focusing 
	on characters besides the Doctor intriguing, 
	you might want to explore other "Doctor-lite" 
	episodes produced throughout the show's history.

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