In Defence of The Web Planet - Episode 2: The Zarbi
- The model shot of Vortis where the TARDIS is being dragged along is excellent and gives a real sense of scale to the planet.
- The Menoptra - I really believe these are a brilliant mix of costume design and performance. There is so much thought in how they move and speak and their wings are gorgeous. Insect movement by Roslyn de Winter - only in Doctor Who!
- The Menoptra exo-skeleton that Ian accidentally steps in is another example of the thought that has gone into a properly alien race.
- Barbara’s reaction to being surrounded by three Menoptra is 100% Barbara - completely unphased and in the next scene she’s just calmly talking to them. Having recently seen the way Sarah Jane responds to Alpha Centauri, it’s so pleasing to see a character take weird aliens in her stride.
- The crane shot when the Zarbi surround the Doctor and Ian really helps sell the scale of the Zarbi and makes them look pretty impressive.
- The Doctor’s comment about rubbing their legs together to communicate with the Zarbi is amusing.
- The pulsating growth of the Carsenome - it could be a little more obvious but I admire the attempt to make even the set feel alien and alive.
- I’ve always loved the crystal transmitter the Menoptra use - the way Vrestin operates it is another example of adding little ‘alien’ details to the story.
- The severing of Hrostar’s wings is savage. All communicated through Barbara’s reactions.
- The voice that echoes from the ‘hairdryer’ ending the story on another great cliffhanger - something else is in control…