Horns of Nimon versus Warriors' Gate

I just watched a couple of Tom Baker episodes after having not seen them in about 25 years or so. Here are my critiques.

Warriors' Gate

Thinking back on this episode, I remembered next to nothing about it. So I popped it in to see what it was about. It starts off somewhat interesting, with the slave ship in E-space. There's a certain mystery about the captain and his crew. Where exactly did they come from? Where were they headed with their cargo? The robot guards at the gate were cool, and there was a certain mystery about them too. Who made them? What was their purpose? The lion people (time sensitives) weren't as interesting. It's like they needed a creature for the episode so they took a person and put some fur on him. Pretty lame. The whole story builds up and draws you in. By the end of the 3rd episode, you're waiting for some huge chunk of revelatory knowledge to drop. But it never happens. The captain decides to commit suicide (with his entire crew) for no reason, the lion people conveniently escape, and Romana decides to leave the Doctor on a whim. What just happened?!? No wonder this episode was entirely forgettable. I give it a C- for showing a lot of potential, but completely falling apart at the end.

Horns of Nimon

Now here's a creature I remember. I was a kid when I first saw this, and I thought the Nimon were pretty creepy hanging out in their labyrinth. After another watch, I still like this story. Well-paced and to the point. I like the whole concept of the Nimon going from world to world like locusts. The pod that they used to travel in was cool too. Very reminiscent of the Sontaran ship. Seeing the Nimon today looks a little goofy with the black platform shoes, but the concept itself is scary if you use your imagination. Great story that still holds up over time. I give it an A- for good overall plot, inventive creatures/threat, witty Baker humor, and consistent nostalgia value.

Horns of Nimon trumps Warriors' Gate by a long shot.

I'll go the other way. I'll take Warriors Gate any day.

I don't think I would say Romana chose to leave The Doctor on a whim. She was clearly not happy about returning to Gallifrey. I think she saw the opportunity and took it. Especially since they were on the verge of finding their way back into N-Space.

I love Warrior's Gate. Its got some issues, but I just think the story is really great. I liked how you got to see various stages of the Empire rise and decay. It was an interesting take on perspectives on history. The Tharils start out as a target of sympathy because they're slaves, then you realize they were the enslavers and got their comeupance. Do they deserve what they got or have they learned their lesson? Are they entitled to redemption? Its a far more thought provoking story then many of the other episodes of the time.

It also has one of my favorite Tom Baker lines... "when the pickles run out."

Horns of Nimon is just sci-fi schlock for me. Not a bad thing. Its an enjoyable episode, but that's about it.

Whovian wrote:

Horns of Nimon trumps Warriors' Gate by a long shot.

I agree. I love Horns of Nimon. It's just good fun. It's like 80's pop music - Try and take it seriously and you'll hate it, but if you just enjoy the cheesiness of it, then you're in for a laugh.

I have never watched Warrior's Gate all the way through. When I was a kid it was on PBS every couple of months and it always bored me to death. I tried watching it when the DVD came out but it still couldn't hold my interest.

I can't wait for Horns to come out on DVD!

I did like the weirdness of Warriors Gate, but the runaround fun of Horns of Nimons gets my vote. And Romana's hunting outfit makes it a definite must see!

The Horns of Nimon is superior, you weakling scum!

horns of nimon for me too... extra cheesey- I love the paper bull masks...very surreal.

Warrior's gate- the fella kicked k-9!!!!!!! How dare they!!!!