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The Keeper of Traken Format Reviewed: DVD Review The Keeper of Traken really does represent the biginning of the end for Tom Baker as the Doctor. This story also marks the start of a trio of stories that are noteworthy as they see the return of the Master, firstly in the form he was last seen in the Deadly Assassin, this time played by Geoffrey Beevers, and then in a new body played by Anthony Ainley. The Master is often described as 'Moriarty' to the Holmes of the Doctor, and the comparison is well seen as the two characters play well of each other. The Doctor and Adric are visited by the Keeper of Traken and asked to help as he is nearing the end of his life and their is great turmoil on the usually entirely peaceful planet of Traken. This they do and are soon accused of being all pervading evil when in fact that honour should go to the Melkur, a calcified statue that is in fact a ship containing an evil intruder. The Melkur gains control over one of the local heads, the new Consul Kassia, and engineers that she should succeed the current incumbant as keeper. The Mulkur then kills Kassia to take the Keepership himself. The Doctor, Adric and Consul Tremas eventually stop the Melkur by tampering with the Source, which gives the Keeper his power. Another Consul then takes on the Keepership and the Doctor and Adric leave. Soon after though the sinister occupant of the Melkur reveals himself, and the Master takes control of the body of Consul Tremas. The main problem with this story is that there really is very little actually going on aside from some overacted posturing and corridor running. The story could have been accomplished easily in two episodes and been much the better for it, so it is a shame it was padded out to four episodes. Another aspect that lets down the production is the special effects. The rays that are emitted from the Melkur and those under his control really date the program, and show the lack of budget for the show. Perhaps the worst one was Kassia's eyes when about to shoot people with the rays. Did they honestly believe they would get away with that makeup? I know that the technology of today even in terms of contact lenses is so far superior than anything they had to work with, but still, it is an effect that is really very cringeworthy. The cast here sees the first appearance of Anthony Ainley playing the Master. When looking back on this story having seen his subsequent work in the role, it is hard to keep in mind during the time he is playing Tremas that there isn't going to be a sinister chuckle or a diabolical scheme. This perception aside, Ainley delivers a wonderful performance throughout. Tom Baker and Matthew Waterhouse as The Doctor and Adric respectively provide the regular cast. Waterhouse is slightly ill at ease with Baker, and you can tell that the two didn't really see eye-to-eye. Baker gives a solid performance, but there is some horribly hammy overacting in places, not least of which towards the end with the last three digits of the source manipulator, you thought he might break out into song. The rest of the cast are really notable for some dreadful overacting. The worst culprit is probably Sheila Ruskin as Kassia, although there are some scenes where she delivers a formidable performance. I think that when push comes to shove, The Keeper of Traken is really a filler in Tom Bakers final season in the lead up to his departure in the following story. It also served as a vehicule to reintroduce The Master into the series, a decision that I believe is for the better. A lot of this story also seems to have been designed to set up events of the following two stories, even Nyssa coming back as a companion later despite this being an afterthought. Having been very critical though of near enough everything so far, there are redeeming features for this story. It has been beautifully designed and realised, and also the story does move along fairly well so it doesn't really bore you, despite the padding. As redeeming features go, these are not going to make Traken on of the better stories in the shows history, or even the era, but it does mean that it is a fairly pleasant romp and one that will stand up to some repeated viewing. Overall, The Keeper of Traken will probably be remembered as a filler story setting up the storylines for the regeneration of The Doctor in the following story. The Keeper of Traken also serves as a vehicle to reintroduce the Master back into the series, and the casting of Anthony Ainley is excellent in my opinion as he always gives such a sinister performance. This story though is characterised by some overacting and padding that mean it is certainly not one of the greats, but having said that it is fairly watchable. Rating:  |