The Talons of Weng-Chiang [TV/1977.2.26 ~ 4.2]

 

★★★★☆

  Revisiting The Talons of Weng-Chiang always feels like having a particularly well-baked muffin. There's a familiar air to it that I love, that of pea-souper suspense set in the Victorian era, and the atmospheric mystery it entails. This serial works perfectly in its six-part format, therefore; so many of its scenes offer little in terms of moving the narrative, but they're perfect in fleshing out the time our characters inhabit. 

  In such a grim and antagonistic world where grime and depravity run rampant, how fitting is it that the main setting — the Palace Theatre — happens to be the one beacon of hope and entertainment in the midst of all this? How fitting is it that the two supporting characters of the serial are also capable, entertaining and electrifying as a pair? How lucky are we that all these wonderful elements are backed by incredible acting and directing? It's becoming clearer to me with each rewatch that this adventure is lightning in a bottle; from Tom Baker's commanding performance to Robert Holmes's script to the set design, so many of its elements align perfectly to create the quintessential Saturday evening TV experience.

  Injecting Orientalism into Who was always going to be shaky, and while Holmes at least makes the effort by portraying Li H'sen Chang in a layered light, its harmful roots and practice of yellowface still make it a point deservedly criticized. As villains go, though, it's hard not to admit how well-written both Chang and Magnus Greel are. Holmes obviously finds it fun to plant seeds of universe lore in the mildly expository dialogue, and the Doctor's musings about 51st-century politics make me inexplicably giddy with excitement. This is what Doctor Who on telly is all about, after all — promising a vast world beyond the modest set. 

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ  

  Make no mistake, The Talons of Weng-Chiang is still a whopper of an adventure. Presenting teatime terror in such an intriguing way while introducing two of the most lovable characters in the entire franchise... it's a tall order for any writer. God bless Robert Holmes for living up to such standards. It's a singular piece of work within the Doctor Who mythos even after all these years, and I wouldn't hesitate to revisit it on any given day.