This story has 4 episodes in it and was aired From: 23 May–13 June 1964.
The Aztecs is a pitch perfect example of a Doctor Who serial that completely fulfils the original intention of the series. The four episode adventure is an educational trip into History for viewers and the only monsters found in the story are human.
This is the third trip into the past for the Doctor and his companions since the first episode. John Lucarotti had already written the popular historical story Marco Polo, so was chosen by the production team to write another educational Doctor Who adventure. Lucarotti had spent some time living in Mexico and was fascinated by the Aztec culture. Using this as his inspiration, he set about writing his second Doctor Who story.
It's not every day one of the Doctor's companions gets mistaken for the reincarnation of a high priest, but luckily the Aztec period is one of the history teacher Barbara Wright's specialities, so she copes with it remarkably well. At least until she decides to educate the Aztec people and make them stop sacrificing humans. And this is where we see William Hartnell shine as the Doctor 'you can't rewrite history' he shouts 'Not one line!'
Recreating 15th century Mexico works brilliantly thanks to Barry Newbury's sets, and this is a story of love, death, cocoa, good intentions and a huge dilemma for the History teacher.
Official Synopsis:
The arrival of the TARDIS in 15th century Mexico leads the crew to the doomed Aztec people, a mixture of high culture and brutal savagery. Matters are further complicated when Barbara is mistaken for a god and the Doctor becomes engaged to be married.
My Opinion:
This is my favourite story so far, I think Jacqueline Hill is outstanding in this as Barbara. It also has my favourite line yet in the series the Doctor tells Barbara You can't re-write History not one line!
My Rating:
10/10 !!!
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