In Defence of The Web Planet - Episode 6: The Centre:
- Coralling the Zarbi - not sure why they’re doing it but it’s hilarious. Zarrrrrbbbiiiiiii!
- The concept of water retreating from the Animus meaning there’s hope for Vortis to return to being a lush, green planet again (something picked up on in returns to Vortis in the EU).
- Catching the venom grub like Steve Irwin grabbing the mouth of a croc (it’s a shame Hrostar’s resulting death is fumbled really badly in the direction).
- The Centre - I love all the tendrils and the voice. I love how the Doctor is almost helpless here and Vicki is the one trying to fight it.
- The Animus’s true form is actually pretty impressive.
- Love how Barbara knows how to set the right frequency on an astral map because, apparently, it also works as a communicator too! And then because it won’t work she happens to find the isoptope hidden inside.
- I really like the shots of Ian coming up under the centre. It’s weird how some of Martin’s shot choices and direction are really effective, like this, but other parts are truly awful.
- Playing catch with the isoptope - brilliant!
- Love how Hilio continues to be a prissy arsehole because he clearly wants the glory of destroying the Animus.
- The light of the Animus drawing the Menoptra towards it is yet another way the script makes sure it always uses insect tropes to develop the alien creatures.
- Barbara saves the day!
- I really like how the regulars stay to see Vortis’s first steps of recovery.
- The Optera trying to fly is adorable. Vrestin’s desire to help them is lovely.
- Prapillus and the Doctor have another lovely moment bonding in their position of elder.
- Prapillus declaring a national holiday to celebrate the ‘Earthmen’ that saved Vortis.
And we’re done.
I know this story isn’t loved. I’m not blind to its faults and there is much to pick apart in some of the direction and acting but I can’t help but like it because I admire the ambition.
The script is poetic and there is such a lot of effort in the script, the design, and the acting to create proper alien species in the Menoptra and Zarbi. The regulars, as always, are never less than brilliant and the guest cast of Menoptra work really hard to give us distinct characters in costumes which could have swamped their performances.
And the story must have done something right because Vortis has been returned to time and again, and as far back as the 60s TV Comic and annuals. In fact, this little rewatch has prompted me to start a new mini-project ala my Peladon Tales - yes, I’m going to subject everyone to a whole thread of Vortis Vivacity!