‘Doctor Who’ Recap: ‘The Faceless Ones – Episodes 1, 2 & 3’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes 1-3 of ‘Doctor Who: The Faceless Ones’.
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We live in quite the incredible time for certain, especially when it comes to how we consume our entertainment. Because on a moment’s notice, we can call up a website or open up an app and dive into just about any episode from our favorite shows or revisit a movie that we absolutely love. Simply because technology has made it possible for mankind to be able to archive and catalog all the wonderful television shows and motion pictures that so many have created over the years. But while it is quite lovely to know that we can settle in and binge watch whatever we want whenever we want, it is important to remember that on demand entertainment, wasn’t always a thing.
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For there was a time where you had to be home by a specific time if you were hoping to catch a live broadcast of your favorite show, and top it all off, networks really didn’t think people would find any value in re-watching a particular series. So, little care went into storing completed episodes, prompting some stories to be lost to the winds of time. Which is something that happened with some classic episodes of Doctor Who. But as time goes on and fans are eager to pour into every story available involving their favorite characters, not only is the archival process being given great care, but some networks are going above and beyond in making sure that fans are treated to every story ever created from a beloved series. Which is why BBC and BBC America are going to great lengths to restore the lost episodes of Doctor Who in some form or fashion, such as by way of animation.

Because that particular format allows for an easy and simple manner in which to recreate the look and feel of the original episode, and it just so happens that last night, we were graced with the first half of a restored/animated Doctor Who serial, entitled ‘The Faceless Ones’. Now in this particular tale, the Doctor and his companions arrive at Gatwick Airport after apparently losing their way and as is often the case with our favorite Time Lord, he (in this instance, since it is the Second Doctor in this serial) goes from one crisis to the next. Because it isn’t long before the authorities have questions for the people that just emerged from a Police Box on the runway and to complicate matters further, something quite suspicious is happening at Gatwick. 

For Polly stumbles upon a murder, one that is incredibly suspicious since the murderer makes use of a ray gun. Something that shouldn’t be readily available on Earth at this point in time. Which of course prompts the Doctor to dive deep into this matter to figure out what is going on and well, what he uncovers is quite unsettling. For it turns out that a race of chameleon-like aliens have set up shop at Gatwick and they are offering tours to young people in order to kidnap them to heaven knows where. Which means it will be up to the Doctor and his intrepid friends to stop these creatures before something terrible happens and well, when we leave Team TARDIS in this particular tale, that might be easier said than done. For these aliens are quite crafty and it doesn’t help that everyone that works at Gatwick is skeptical toward the Doctor and his plans. 

But what is truly impressive about this particular first set of episodes, is how well the folks behind the scenes captured the essence of the Second Doctor’s adventures. Because despite being animated, everything here feels like a classic episode of Doctor Who. Right down to the awkward pauses and extended motion to fill time in an era where serialized storytelling on television was still finding its footing and really in the end, this was simply a treat to watch. Because this is a Who story that few of us know of and it really is quite incredible to see the Second Doctor in action in a ‘brand-new’ story. One that genuinely sucks you in with the wonderful mystery surrounding these weird aliens and well, this reviewer is definitely hooked and eager to see how this serial is going to wrap up and thankfully we won’t have to wait long to see exactly how the Doctor is going to save the day. Since ‘The Faceless Ones’ concludes tonight on BBC America. Until next time.

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