Ep 101. An Unearthly Child Pilot

In the first episode of the iconic science fiction series Classic Doctor Who, we are introduced to the first ever incarnation of the Doctor. "An Unearthly Child Pilot" opens with two curious schoolteachers, Ian and Barbara, becoming increasingly intrigued by one of their students. Susan Foreman is a strange and enigmatic teenager who seems to possess advanced knowledge of history, science, and technology far beyond that of any normal child. When they follow her one evening after school, they come across an old junkyard that houses a small blue police box. To their surprise, they find Susan inside the box, along with her grandfather who they mistake for a homeless old man.

But when they try to bring Susan back home, they find themselves helplessly transported in time and space to an alien world. They step out of the TARDIS to a prehistoric landscape where they witness a tribe of cavemen grappling for control of fire. The Doctor, it seems, has kidnapped the human teachers in an attempt to keep his time-travelling machine a secret. He tries to leave them behind and return to his own planet, but the TARDIS has been damaged and only he can fix it.

As the four travellers navigate their way through a dangerous and hostile world, they quickly realize that they are not alone. There is an unseen force that is stalking them, one that seems to be both intelligent and malevolent. And within the tribe of cavemen, there is a power struggle between two factions that threatens to completely derail their journey back to civilization.

Throughout the course of the episode, we are introduced to the Doctor's quirky and eccentric character, as well as his companions Ian and Barbara, who provide a crucial grounding influence on the Doctor's often careless and impetuous nature. We also catch a glimpse of Susan's deep connection to the Doctor, as well as her own unique powers that hint at the possibility of her being more than just a human teenager.

"An Unearthly Child Pilot" sets the stage for the groundbreaking series as a whole, introducing viewers to the concept of time travel, alien worlds, and an ever-changing cast of characters. The episode is a bit slower paced than later episodes in the series, but it still manages to build an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue as the characters navigate their way through an unknown and dangerous world. It also provides a window into the character of the Doctor, who would go on to become one of the most beloved and iconic science fiction characters of all time.

Overall, "An Unearthly Child Pilot" is a must-watch episode for any Doctor Who fan who wants to understand the origins of the series and the character that started it all. It may be over 50 years old, but it still manages to capture the imagination and transport viewers to a world of adventure, mystery, and danger.