In 1973 we had the second episode of The Time Warrior, and in 1979 the first part of The Horns of Nimon.
The latter's appearance in the run up to Christmas, coupled with the impression that the cast weren't taking things very seriously, has led many to regard this latter story as a bit of a Panto, and even a spoof of Doctor Who itself. Perhaps a very clever spoof. We have shaky sets - but they're supposed to shake (the spaceship control room being built on a moveable platform); lots of running up and down corridors (but these corridors move by themselves, and are intrinsic to the plot); the aliens look like men in masks (but originally the Nimon were supposed to be humanoid aliens who wore bull-head masks); and some of the actors aren't taking things seriously (Graham Crowden laughs as his character dies - but he honestly thought it was a rehearsal and not the final take). We also have very elaborate costuming - but June Hudson is designing it, so that's only to be expected. Also, the Skonnons are supposed to be a people who think they are more important than they really are, and so are likely to wear exaggerated uniforms. Most Pantos are based on much older fables - and this story is based on the legend of the Minotaur, from ancient times.
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