N.B. there might (or might not) be spoilers in this article!

Strangely, given that it holds a unique place in this marathon – insomuch as I hadn’t seen it before – I found myself with a certain reluctance actually to sit down and watch The Web of Fear. That and a pile of half-finished books for me to get through before I could read The Forgotten Son have meant it’s taken me a bit longer than usual to watch the last couple of stories.

But was it ever worth it!

“When I was a little girl I thought I’d like to be a scientist, so I became a scientist.”

Anne Travers, The Web of Fear: Episode 1

Yeti in the Underground! If you’re looking for high-concept 60’s Doctor Who, The Web of Fear is yer man (or woman).

But it is so much more than just a headline-grabbing returning-monster-of-the-week. Great supporting characters (particularly Anne Travers, Staff-Sergeant Arnold, the oily Chorley, who before now I hadn’t even realised was played by one of The Avengers), cracking dialogue, a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, super direction from Douglas Camfield – it really has it all – with the topper (just!) being the introduction of Brigadier – here Colonel – Lethbridge-Stewart, magnificently played, as always, by Nicholas Courtney.

“Funny, isn’t it … how we keep landing on your Earth.”

The Doctor, The Web of Fear: Episode 1

If if weren’t for the high standard set by The Abominable Snowmen and the fact that this was my first proper viewing, I’d be marking The Web of Fear down as favourite Troughton.

Indeed, that it sounds so good gives me hope that should its missing episodes ever turn up, The Abominable Snowmen will also live up to expectations.

And the Yeti are not so cuddly this time around!

When they say they don’t make ’em like they used to, this is what they mean. Marvellous stuff!