The Romans

(Series 2, Episodes 12-15)

Summary: The Doctor & Co take a holiday in ancient Rome.  Whilst the Doctor and Vicki are off exploring Rome, Ian and Barbara’s Palpable Sexual Tension is rudely interrupted when they are captured and sold as slaves.  As the title of the second episode postulates, all roads do indeed lead to Rome, via a dead lyre player-slash-assassin, a Gladiator arena and some Carry on Nero antics in the Caesar’s palace.  As Rome burns and the Doctor giggles hysterically about his hand in it, the four companions are eventually reunited, with much heart-warming grape eating and toga wearing.

Watch it because: Ian and Barbara.  Even the coldest of hearts will melt.

Original Air Date: 16 January – 6 February 1965.

Doctor: William Hartnell.

Companions: Ian Chesterton (William Russell), Barbara Wright (Jacqueline Hill) and Vicki (Maureen O’Brien).

Writer: Dennis Spooner.

Director: Christopher Barry.

Producer: Verity Lambert.

Available on DVD? Yes.