Ep 2. The Cave of Skulls (2)

The Doctor takes his new companions, Barbara and Ian, on a trip to prehistoric times in the second episode of Doctor Who season 1, titled "The Cave of Skulls (2)." The trio find themselves in the stone age, encountering a tribe of cavemen who are struggling to survive in a harsh environment. The Doctor and his companions must navigate this dangerous world while trying to find a way back to their own time.

Upon landing in the prehistoric era, the Doctor and his companions are immediately confronted by a group of cavemen. They are taken captive by the tribe and brought to their cave, where the Doctor tries to communicate with them. The cavemen are primitive and wary of outsiders, but the Doctor is able to gain their trust and convinces them to let him and his companions go.

As they explore the area, the Doctor and his companions come across a tribe of a more advanced cavemen who have discovered the secret of fire. The Doctor is fascinated by this development and tries to ingratiate himself with the tribe's leader, Kal. In doing so, he hopes to learn more about their way of life and to find a way back to his own time.

However, things take a turn for the worse when one of the Doctor's companions, Ian, is accused of killing one of the tribe's members. Ian protests his innocence but is found guilty and sentenced to death. The Doctor and Barbara are horrified by the verdict and try to find a way to save their friend.

In "The Cave of Skulls (2)," the Doctor and his companions must use their intelligence and resourcefulness to survive in a hostile environment. They must navigate treacherous terrain, deal with primitive tribes who are suspicious of outsiders, and try to find a way back to their own time. Along the way, they must also confront their own prejudices and assumptions about what it means to be civilized.

One of the main themes of this episode is the struggle between tradition and innovation. The advanced tribe who have discovered fire are seen as a threat by the more primitive tribes, who fear change and cling to their old ways. The Doctor, who is always curious about new ideas and technologies, sees the discovery of fire as a positive development and tries to encourage the cavemen to embrace change.

The episode also explores the Doctor's personality and motivations. Unlike his companions, who are often shocked and frightened by the situations they find themselves in, the Doctor is calm and collected, always thinking several steps ahead. He is a man of science who values knowledge and discovery above all else. His curiosity and thirst for knowledge drive him to explore the universe, but it is also a source of danger, as he often puts himself and his companions in harm's way in order to satisfy his curiosity.

Overall, "The Cave of Skulls (2)" is a thrilling episode that delves into the complexity of human nature and explores what it means to be civilized. It is a classic installment of Doctor Who that showcases the show's ability to blend science fiction with historical drama in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.