Classic Doctor Who Season 1 Episode 28 The Aztecs: The Warriors of Death

In Classic Doctor Who season 1 episode 28, titled "The Aztecs: The Warriors of Death," the Doctor and his companions arrive in 15th century Mexico and discover a highly advanced Aztec civilization. They are greeted by the High Priest of Knowledge, Autloc, who tells them about the Aztec belief in the power of human sacrifice. The Doctor is horrified by this practice and sets out to try and change the course of history.

The Tardis crew gets involved in various plot lines. Barbara, the history teacher, is mistaken for the reincarnation of a goddess, Yetaxa, and becomes increasingly intrigued by the idea of using her supposed powers to change Aztec culture. The Doctor, meanwhile, manages to gain the friendship of the Aztec emperor, Montezuma, and tries to convince him to abolish the practice of human sacrifice. However, he soon realizes that the situation is much more complex than he initially thought and that causing an abrupt change in Aztec culture may have disastrous consequences.

Meanwhile, Susan, the Doctor's granddaughter, becomes betrothed to Azael, a young Aztec warrior. This leads to tension between her and her grandfather, who disapproves of the engagement. As the story progresses, Susan becomes increasingly disillusioned with the Aztecs' brutal practices and tries to persuade Azael to leave with her.

As the title suggests, "The Aztecs: The Warriors of Death" features plenty of action and peril. There are two main antagonists in the story: Tlotoxl, the High Priest of Sacrifice, and his rival, the High Priest of Knowledge, Autloc. Both are determined to keep the Aztec traditions intact and will stop at nothing to ensure that human sacrifice continues. The Doctor and his companions find themselves caught in the middle of this power struggle and must use their wits and skills to try and escape unscathed.

One of the strengths of "The Aztecs: The Warriors of Death" is its exploration of different cultural norms and ethical dilemmas. The Doctor is confronted with the question of whether or not he should interfere with the Aztecs' way of life, while Barbara struggles with the idea of using her supposed god-like status to make sweeping societal changes. The story also touches on themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice, making it a nuanced and complex tale.

Overall, "The Aztecs: The Warriors of Death" is a well-crafted and engaging episode of Classic Doctor Who. It showcases some excellent performances from the cast, particularly Jacqueline Hill as Barbara, who is given plenty of material to work with. The story is well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the viewer invested. Whether you're a long-time fan of the show or a newcomer looking for a stand-alone episode to watch, "The Aztecs: The Warriors of Death" is a great choice.