Doctor Who: The Best of The First Doctor Season 1 Episode 8 The Aztecs, The Day of Darkness
- June 13, 1964
The eighth episode of the first season of Doctor Who: The Best of The First Doctor is called The Aztecs, The Day of Darkness. This classic episode sees the Doctor and his companions, Barbara, Ian, and Susan, arriving in 15th century Mexico, where they encounter the Aztecs during the time of their great emperor Montezuma.
The Doctor and his friends quickly become involved in Aztec society, with Barbara being mistaken for the reincarnation of the Aztec goddess Yetaxa, and the Doctor trying to convince the Aztecs to abandon their practice of human sacrifice. However, the Doctor soon finds himself faced with a difficult decision when the Aztecs believe that an upcoming solar eclipse signals the end of the world, and are planning to make even more sacrifices to appease their gods.
As tensions rise and the Doctor attempts to avert disaster, the episode explores themes of cultural differences, historical perception, and the consequences of meddling with the past. With standout performances from William Hartnell as the Doctor and Jacqueline Hill as Barbara, The Aztecs, The Day of Darkness is a must-watch for fans of classic Doctor Who and historical dramas alike.
