I just finished The War Machines and absolutely loved it! This might be my favorite First Doctor story. It’s so much fun, with a fantastic setting, memorable characters, and a genuinely menacing enemy. Ben and Polly are great companions, and their introduction here is fantastic—they instantly feel like a natural part of the TARDIS crew.
The only downside is Dodo’s farewell. It feels a bit lackluster, but honestly, I don’t feel like the show loses much without her. She was the least interesting of the First Doctor’s companions, so her departure doesn’t have the emotional weight it could’ve had. Overall, though, The War Machines is a thrilling and satisfying story!