Classic Who "Snakedance" Parts 3&4 Reaction

[@Wannabe_Baby]

The Mara: "You must look at me." Jess: "I DON'T WANT TO!!!"

[@IsaacKuo]

16:45 "Thank you! That wasn't necessary!" The boy can see what's up between Nyssa and Five.

[@RevolutionaryGirlLexi]

One of the things I like most about the Mara as a villain is that it genuinely has zero interest in the Doctor, it's far more amused in messing with the companions.

[@andrewgwilliam4831]

Ooh, good point.

[@Problembeing]

I feel terrible for loving every minute of this reaction 🤣

[@TheElderBlotch]

This was such a great reaction, good on you for powering through a story tailor-made to horrify you while still appreciating the merits and layers to it. Now you just need to listen to the Mara's third appearance in Big Finish's 'The Cradle Of The Snake'! (just kidding, although it is excellent.) No wonder The Mara, like Omega, is a villain many fans want to return to this day. Some of my favourite scenes apart from all the spooky Mara manifestations are Ambril desperately wanting to preserve the ancient artifacts, the enchanting desert scenes with Dojjen for their gritty film quality and yeah that final scene is very touching all the more so when you remember Peter Davison was discouraged from physical contact with his female co-stars to avoid giving any impressions of 'hanky-panky in the Tardis' so this was a rare example of them breaking that (IMO ridiculous) rule.

[@AndyRossism]

I agree re that rule of JNT and its especially annoying given that he's a gay man. He called companions 'something for the Dads' , at some points dressed them too sexy then has that daft rule. It's like he hadn't watched the show in previous years . He was a great Producer in some ways but he had some real blindspots , like RTD today . Brilliant but needs someone to say No now and then , to challenge an assumption.

[@jmcdonald.1998]

I believe BF are about to release/have just released a 4th story with the Mara, but this time as a Torchwood story. Art Decadence I think?

[@therealpbristow]

Do they break the rule? Tegan doesn't get a hug, even though she seems in dire need of one. Not even arm across the shoulder. Actually, what stands out to me as missing from that last little scene is Nyssa. Now, maybe she's unconscious/recovering on the floor, like all the other humans in that cave, but really, *she* should be the one to stagger over and give her friend a massively relieved hug, while the Doctor does the comforting lies - er, I mean, "possibly overoptimistic assurances". =;o}

[@JohnLumb-r2m]

Good point​@@therealpbristow

[@therealpbristow]

Actually, I just watched this again, and realised I'd remembered it wrong: The Doctor DOES put arm around her shoulders and draw her in. I wonder how hard the actors had to push to be allowed that? But I still think it should have been Nyssa. =;o}

[@johnyesjustjohn]

“I offer you fear in a handful of dust.” is a reference to TS Eliot’s The Waste Land.

[@gus4u2c]

You’re right. The Doctor still feels guilty for letting Adric die.

[@chrisbrooker7260]

I’ve never understood the dislike many used to have (and some still do) for the Fifth Doctor, his companions and this era. Sure it can be an inconsistent period, quality wise with really good and utterly awful interspersed (as with this story following two shockers) but on the whole it’s a really nuanced, characterful and quite emotive period in the show’s history. This Doctor is fallible, which I like, he doesn’t ride roughshod over his companions like 3 did, or treat them as accessories like 4 was prone to. Anyway, this is an excellent story, and a fantastic sequel to the wonderful Kinda. It’s well written, genuinely unnerving and deeply philosophical. And it has Martin Clunes

[@tl1110]

Can't wait to see your reaction to the next story.

[@Mrazmatmahmood]

The most anxious and self-conscious Doctor of them all needing to find the still point within himself in order to save the day is such great writing and a pivotal step in his character arc. This story as a whole is beautifully written, the characters are all interesting with depth and the world building is very well done. I think I might slightly prefer this to Kinda, but they're both great.

[@AlbertSquareAfterDark]

The fact you had to edit this as well 😂 Jess, you are a true soldier for your fans ❤

[@travisgray8376]

Wont be surprised if after his run the fifth doctor becomes one of your favourite doctors.

[@alexfletcher5192]

Unlike the gnomic riddles of its predecessor, 'Snakedance' provides some kind of historical context for the Mara, building the mythos. And it also does something Doctor Who rarely does, even today: it learns from the past. I think the final confrontation is still genuinely chilling. As with a lot of the great British horror films, it's more about suspense and implication than outright gore - although we get a bit of that too! And what is it with these blue crystals? We've had the Metebelis crystal (which pops up again in the Matt Smith era), Dojjen's crystal here... and even the 1st Doctor's finger-ring had a stone with mesmerizing qualities.

[@helenwood8482]

I think you're right. The death of Adric haunts this Doctor.

[@williamhuebler68]

Agreed, I think why he runs around panicking in the first 3 stories shouting “you gotta believe me!” Which he has to know isnt convincing is just him panicking thinking he might lose tegan.

[@frankshailes3205]

The "Attendant Demons" were pretty much the Trickster from Kinda... I missed that connection before. The Trickster's little puppet also prefigured Mr Punch here.

[@R.senals_Arsenal]

The Doctor has as he has called it on many occasions: "A Duty of Care," to his companions/friends. He feels he was a failure of that Duty for Katarina, Sara Kingdom, and Adric, and some times in Modern WHO too. He doesn't forget his failures, he internalizes them and strengthens his resolve to never let it happen again. Although sometimes it does. I love the Snake stories, they were experimental for the show, and it paid off!

[@davefm5559]

The classic series started to get notably more violent around this time, with Adric's shock departure setting the tone for a rather darker sort of feel to what was mainly a childrens series.

[@hornorsilk2901]

Snakes on a TARDIS needs to be an episode of Who.

[@darthken815]

Then Sesska will be shouting "I'm tired these mfing snakes on this mfing TARDIS!"

[@Jeremy-f3s]

Yeah I think she'd be skipping that episode.

[@phantomsidious2934]

@@hornorsilk2901 don't give them ideas....

[@alexfletcher5192]

Talking of possession, the guy with the Megaphone is Brian Grellis; silvery-eyebrowed puppet of the Nucleus in 'The Invisible Enemy' (and one-time Vogan in 'Revenge of the Cybermen' by the way). Actors were a little less fussy about their resumes in those days. John Carson ('Sixth Face of Delusion' Ambril) had started in British films as far back as the late 40's and had done everything from 'The Avengers' to 'Hammer House of Horror'. And then there's faithful Jonathan Morris (Chela), who had grabbed screen attention in 'Beau Geste' the previous year - but now haunts our dreams as Adrian Boswell in the Liverpool-based sitcom 'Bread'. You win some, you lose some...

[@helenwood8482]

In awe of your courage in watching this. My sister hates the two snake stories. As the Doctor said, it's over now.

[@frankshailes3205]

We spider and centipede haters got through 12 episodes...

[@di7770]

Want to say thank you for putting yourself through this given how uneasy it made you feel.

[@AnthonyP73]

Poor Jess! This was a real trial but worth it, it's a good story and a satisfying sequel to Kinda. Very characteristic of the kinds of stories the early 5 years tackled. Poor Martin Clunes regularly gets made fun of on British television for the erm - somewhat substandard costume he is given to wear in part 4.

[@Jeremy-f3s]

I remember Parkinson took the piss out of him for it in the early 00s when he was on the show one time, they played the clip where he dons the costume for the first time and admires himself, Martin was thoroughly embarrassed about it.

[@thethinkingcatakaneonormie3527]

Kinda Snakedance, Terminus, The Awakening and Frontios are my favourite 5th doctor stories mainly because they don't follow the trend of later seasons of the show with this story having an interpretation of Hindu faith and dark triad, cluster of three negative personality traits-Machiavellianism and subclinical (nonpathological) narcissism and psychopathy. It's weaknesses in SFX aren't really that bad as the story is so good.

[@bobblebardsley]

I know people with phobias who will literally leave a room immediately if they see a spider, so putting yourself through this voluntarily is genuinely brave and impressive, and I appreciate you doing it rather than just skipping this story. Thank you 💙💙

[@charlesclinton3305]

I cross the street when I see someone walking a dog coming towards me.

[@bobblebardsley]

@@charlesclinton3305 I'm nervous of big dogs. Then again I'm nervous of people without dogs, too 😅

[@charlesclinton3305]

@@bobblebardsley I'm scared of all dogs regardless of size or breed.

[@DocRobAC]

This remains one of my favourite stories. Am looking forward to what you make of the next one; I’m expecting it will delight.

[@therealpbristow]

WELL DONE for getting through this story. And thankyou for your dedication. I really hope it hasn't given you nightmares. (i kept wanting to say "close your eyes! Just let the dialogue and soundtrack tell you the story!", but I knew it was way too late for such advice.) [OFFERS YOU A SOOTHING CUP OF TEA AND A LARGE, DEFINITELY NON-SNAKEY HUG]

[@Lokeydin7]

The last few stories were briefly mentioned by the 10th Doctor when he met the 5th Doctor.

[@benji274]

Breathe….Breathe. It’s gone now. Good story, and well done for doing it. And Chela would have been a great companion

[@martinmorles1]

God this was such a great reaction 😂 Honestly like Snakedance more than Kinda , find it a lot more creeper and atmospheric ! Plus love how it dove deeper into the Mara background with the crystal

[@bobsteele9581]

Well done getting through this Jess, Like you I have a genuine snake phobia, and there are parts of this one that I can't look at without getting physically ill. The snake in "Kinda" was just artificial enough not to have the same effect, but this one was a different kettle of fish. Funnily enough at the time this was first shown on the BBC, I had the flu, so watching this made me feel doubly ill.

[@ianbuckley2347]

Great Jess. That was one if the most entertaining reactions I've ever watched. Thanks 😊

[@johnyesjustjohn]

By the way, The Celestial Toymaker animated recreation is now out! I’ve watched it and I think they do an amazing job - a combination of staying true to the story and going a step further with the visuals!

[@whobp8]

Far from being annoying, your reaction to the Mara was hugely entertaining 😂. Adric is referred to in both The Power of the Doctor and the Giggle, so presumably his loss is still a source of pain and regret to the Doctor.

[@ethanburke1635]

Well done for making it through your nightmare episode. Can’t wait for next week!

[@Eltonlaleham]

Brian Miller is an awesome actor his portrayal of Dugdale is awesome and he is well talented.

[@AnotherScifiGuy]

He is also Liz sladen’s husband.

[@DaleRibbons]

The good news is the next story won't have any snakes in it. I think you'll really like that one. Can't wait to see your reaction to it.

[@Alexandrashepiro]

Yes, The Mara is Done in the T.V Series. You Can Breathe Now! Just a Note: Avoid the Following BF Audios: "The Cradle of the Snake" In the Doctor Who Monthly Range, AND "Art Decadence" in Torchwood Monthly Range! The Next Story is really Good! Major Surprise incoming!

[@alexfletcher5192]

Your reactions remind me of when I was a kid and I came across something coiled up on the grass as I walked up our road. I ran and ran and ran. Looking back, it was a probably a garden hose!

[@ImpossibleCaseEdits]

Wonderful reaction, Jess! I admire you managing to get through this one. I'm terrified of clowns and I can only equate that fear with your own for snakes. Part Four actually overran its allotted duration and a rather lovely ending scene that wrapped the story up was cut. I liked it because for once you were afforded the chance to see the people who dismissed the Doctor's warnings actually apologizing for not listening to him in the first place.

[@cameronmonaghan6883]

Perfect ending to the story. It's so impactful how it just cuts off. That said imagine how awkward it must have been to leave after spending a day warning everyone and saving them in the nick of time. After they dismissed everything and invited their own destruction. Ambril is one character you can't stand. He is such an obnoxious collector masking as a historian. And Tanha's obliviousness makes her just as insufferable as well. On the opposite end Chela is such a likeable person you kind of wish he joined the TARDIS. The Mara is such a great villain. It's about time it returns again.

[@phantomsidious2934]

There's a deleted scene of the original ending where the people thank the doctor , it's pretty good but the ending they went with works better

[@cameronmonaghan6883]

@phantomsidious2934 thanks for telling me.🙂 That actually gives me a sense of dissatisfaction. I kind of wish Ambril got some sense of comeuppance. Like everyone threw the trinkets at him in complete silence

[@AndyRossism]

Ironically Chela, Jonathan Morris, a star at the time , was made a fuss of being in it, yet app wasn't that great to work with, whereas the new and unknown Martin Clunes as Lon rather steals the the show from him and went onto big success.

[@danniemadsen1996]

Well… you know that the Mara is not truly gone since it’s the God of Beasts, as per The Legend of Ruby Sunday. 😂

[@williamhuebler68]

I was waiting for your reaction to the snake dance bites. :) I think this is the last classic series story with snakes. Not remembering anything else. As said there is an audio book with a third Mara story but u don’t have to do that or indeed look at it. You’ll enjoy the next episodes much more. Snake aside this is an interesting story, the idea of the great crystal tuned to the human mind and manifesting our nightmares is fantastic and something I’ve always loved.

[@Stephen-Fox]

Your reactions are always a joy to watch.

[@djco5782]

This story followed Martin Clunes for a long time, with a clip of Lon in THAT outfit cropping up every time he went on a talk show.

[@Jeremy-f3s]

Apart from Parkinson when else was it ever played?

[@djco5782]

@@Jeremy-f3s The Jonathan Ross Show, for one.

[@Jeremy-f3s]

@@djco5782 interesting, he's into pop culture though so I guess he would know Dr who and Martin's role in it. On Parkinson it was more just about this is how embarrassing his start was.

[@robtymec2045]

I couldn't wait to get to the snakedancing scene with Dojjen to watch you freak out! Mentally, I'm pretty much a 12 year old boy!

[@fadikhoory5350]

You know how An Unearthly Child didn't have a video, I thought this would be the same.

[@LightLife4]

The Snake story is a trilogy concluding with The Cradle of the Snake which is an audio story

[@frankshailes3205]

Easily avoided, then!

[@therealpbristow]

I've never heard that one. Who wrote it? And more to the point, would you say the writing is in keeping with what Christopher Bailey established, as the themes and style of the first two stories?

[@LightLife4]

@@therealpbristow it takes place some time after the events of Snakedance, only this time The Doctor is possessed and eventually Nyssa

[@lemonfreshrob]

Well done! I felt for you watching this.

[@Alfwin]

At the risk of sounding sadistic, your reaction to this episode was _highly_ entertaining! And hey, having an intense phobia is at least _thematically relevant,_ right? I definitely agree with what you said about the Doctor being haunted by Adric's death. It's not front-and-center, but it definitely shapes how he acts and what he does to some extent.

[@finnstewart4747]

Back when I had bad emetophobia I had to look up all movies and tv shows prior to watching them to see if they had any vomit scenes, and I'd always dread it when I knew it was coming, even if I was having a good time. Watching this feels like I'm seeing the same thing happening, but with snakes.

[@cutthr0atjake]

Considering your phobia, my heart goes out to you for powering through this. It took a lot of guts. 💙 Others have mentioned this has a sequel on audio, but there is nothing on TV. ...However, as the Mara was name checked in the penultimate episode of Disney series 1, he may still return! 😮

[@joshuajoshua2732]

It would be interesting to see sesskasays reaction if we had a snake like creature companion.

[@andreasfuchs79]

I can understand you, because i suffer from the same Anxiety, in combo with depressions!!!It is not the easiest thing to deal with!

[@EsteemedRepresentative]

This is what I love about classic Who. Tom's years were the best for creepiness and horror but the occasional story popped up with other Doctors. The new series hasn't had a fear factor since Peter Capaldi's era. Jodie's giant spider episode did nothing and Gatwa's "snot monster" could have been but was reduced to a joke. I'm going to miss your classic Who reactions. Keep screaming at those snakes! :D (I'm sorry. I didn't hear about your anxiety until after I wrote that but I'm glad you ended with, "I loved that" and praised the story.

[@kittyprydekissme]

Really looking forward to next week.

[@bananasaregood8655]

The thumbnail is EVERYTHING haha! This story has a lot of similarities to planet of the spiders, villain is something people have fears of, companion gets taken over, the doctor must face fear, a blue crystal has to be placed in its rightful place inside a special cave. I will keep saying it, please react to time crash

[@Concreteowl]

Phobia needs no explanation. I would recommend confronting them in your own time but that's a decision for yourself. Most snakes are harmless creatures. Just as most arachnids are. But phobia doesn't operate rationally.

[@andrescastro5520]

I just want to thank you for continuing to react to original Doctor Who. I've enjoyed many of your reactions.

[@GavinBollard]

I appreciate the personal pain you must have had to go through to film this. That's the last of the snakes.

[@Shadoestar]

I have to admit, I never thought about the Doctor still being haunted by Adric's death. You might be onto something. Also, the Mara is gone for good. You can relax now.

[@scifiradioguy]

You think this episode was stressful, wait til you see who shows up next week!

[@paulhammond6978]

She's not scared of birds too, is she?

[@joeltasker6956]

Spoilers sweetie

[@Lokeydin7]

TFT power ritual on youtube, feel the fear and then tap, its effective at blowing that negative effect away.

[@ThomasCorp]

Plenty of times in this reaction, I’m sounding like Indiana Jones, yelling, “Jess, don’t look at it. Shut your eyes, Jess, don’t look at it no matter what happens.” and as it gets worse and worse, I’m yelling, “Don’t look, Jess, keep your eyes shut!” Many hugs sent your way on this one, Jess.

[@lordhoot1]

This is why we hide behind the sofa!

[@Lokeydin7]

Points to when the Doctor met ... The Doctor (10th and 5th) notice the dialog... kzbin.info/www/bejne/anqaZ6NnmL-Vp5Y

[@alexantonijevic8156]

Yeah, Kinda wasn't the snake story. This was the snake story.

[@Stuart_Cox1969]

Nice, looking forward to next week.

[@Polyglot85to90]

Well done for getting through that. It would be easy for us to laugh, but if I had to watch a whole Doctor Who story about nettles I'd be going through hell: squirming, covering my face so I don't have to look etc. It's over now, and you'll get a reward sometime in the near future...

[@fatwolf]

Can't wait until the Mara returns in the new series. We it does we should play a drinking game of every time Jess screams take a shot.

[@andrewgwilliam4831]

Nobody tell her that the entire Sixth Doctor's run of episodes was a multi-season arc set on the Planet of the Snakes! 🤫

[@thenamesgould]

Lol I knew Dojjen would push you over the edge! 😂

[@Lokeydin7]

This poor woman had to edit this after seeing it lol

[@michaelsimonton433]

She will enjoy the big story, though. Shhhh!

[@AndyRossism]

WHO DARES INTERRUPT THE BECOMING Just me trying to get my stuff together on a morning when the phone rings or a letter comes through the door

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

Next week - there are no Snakes! (yet, you are further ahead in viewing, so you'll know that) 🙃

[@AjayGrayson1986]

Congrats you made it through the psycho snake episode #TheMaraHasBeenDestroyed

[@timidwolf]

Punch and Judy in Space (and with snakes)

[@Eltonlaleham]

I do say Seska if you have not seen sci-fi series Blake,s Seven, the Tomorrow People from the 70s and also Star Maidens they are worth seeing and reacting to if you have never seen these awesome sci-fi series.

[@stacyp2186]

You’ve suffered enough now. Maybe you’ll be rewarded next story. 🤞

[@moviesrocks2]

probably someone already told u this, but this (as far as i can remember) is THE last snake story. More on audio adventures, but as for TV appearances. this is the end of them. sorry but i had to laugh everytime the snake around tegan appeared. felt for you. can't wait to see the next story & all the rest this season. I kept saying, "Brave heart Jess."

[@fionaforrest4787]

Brave heart Jess!

[@ladycplum]

So which of the Mara stories do you prefer, this one or Kinda?

[@ryanpollard1166]

During post-production, part four overran very badly, which resulted in it being completely restructured. Originally, the door for a third Mara story was to be left open, with closing scenes discussing the ultimate fate of the Great Crystal. Ultimately, a third and final story in the planned Mara Trilogy never materialised.

[@LightLife4]

There is a 3rd part to the trilogy but it's an audio story called The Cradle of the Snake

[@thelastofthetimelords9043]

There technically is a third story. It's a big finish audio called Cradle of the snake. I haven't listened to it yet, but it was released in 2010.

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

Also, during post-production, there was an ending scene, where the community thank The Doctor dnd Friends for saving them from the Mara (available on Blu-ray set). The ending we have is far more dramatic, and emotional. Good to have deleted elements, yet the edit is justified.

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

@@LightLife4 Wasn't that also an album by Duran Duran, in the mid-80's? 🤔 OH, "the union of the snake" 😉

[@Jaketherobonrd]

These last two parts kinda (no pun intended) slow down a bit and gets a bit boring and the ending too is very rushed. Although there is a deleted scene where at the end of the story where they all apologise to the doctor for not believing him and the doctor and co leave in the Tardis. The Mara is more terrifying in this story mainly the snake effects looks much better then it was in Kinda. But honestly I’m watching this reaction and I’m thinking “oh gosh there’s a lot of Snakes in these episodes, oh bless her, how much can she take? ” But as I said for Kinda you did well Jess, and you faced your fear again, well done you should be proud.

[@kemmdog4444]

As we all know the Doctor is incorrigibly meddlesome.

[@dalekwatcher]

Great season 👍🏼

[@neilmcdonald9164]

Unfortunately for you the Snake sfx had improved since "Kinda"🎩

[@Skeezer66]

I don't like this quite as much as Kinda, but it's a great story! Martin Clunes (the Prince), is such a great villain, even before The Mara gets him. Everyone's acting is amazing, especially Janet Fielding! I just wish THIS giant snake was in Kinda, but that might have literally killed Sesska, lol!!

[@markpatrick2735]

The Mara has not returned to the TV show since this, so you can rest easy.

[@charlesclinton3305]

Honestly, I prefer Kinda over this one. That being said watching you freak out over the snakes and trying my best to empathize reminds me of dealing with my sister's dogs and how much they terrify me.

[@DNulrammah]

... For today ..perhaps NOT to-MARA.. heheh. Do not worry about that.. I am sure that people understand.

[@rtaylor7384]

If you don’t like snakes then do not watch Primeval. Not the original show your ok and safe to watch that if you want but don’t watch the spin off Primeval new world. That had a giant snake in it. 😂

[@JoeThornhill]

Yeah, pantomime and Mr. Blobby. Just two baffling British things.

[@Jeremy-f3s]

Im so sorry you found this uncomfy but I couldnt stop laughing at the fact they kept on showing tegan inside the snake's mouth and your reaction to that. That was hysterical as well as the overacting gasps, they were going overboard with those. You should watch Martin Clunes' work though hes a very famous English actor now but I dont think Americans would know him.

[@mark-s]

Not a great story for me a little slow and dull characters not sure why they bought the mara back again but onto the trilogy story within this season ps your reaction to this story was better than the story itself 😊

[@danielbridger7113]

ive seen worse, when you saw the basilisk in chamber of secrets

[@phantomsidious2934]

Great story, i hope the Mara never returns in new who so it can be defeated very easily and brushed aside like the other so called 'pantheon gods'....poor suetekh...and poor pyramids of mars....😢😢😢😢😢

[@LightLife4]

The Mara story is actually a trilogy and concluded in The Cradle of the Snake which is an audio story

[@joshuajoshua2732]

The way they use old classic villains in NuWho have been utter shit they need to create their own villains.

[@phantomsidious2934]

@@joshuajoshua2732 exactly, create and ruin thier own ideas rather than the classics

[@joshuajoshua2732]

​​@@phantomsidious2934 I will say however the only success NuWho did in my opinion was the Weeping Angels and the Dregs everything else just crap.

[@Epsilon1Zeta]

Agreed. I rewatched Pyramids of Mars after seeing the new RTD version. Sutekh should have been left in peace! And the way in which Sutekh was thwarted by the Fourth Doctor was much better plotted too.

[@joshuajoshua2732]

Not all snakes are as bad as they make out I actually have a pet snake called Junior he's a carpet snake which are very common and the most harmless snakes in australia and he likes and is use to humans but I can see why some people find them terrifying I'm the same with spiders however even though I hate spiders I do believe every species have a right to exist and we probaly shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.

[@Eltonlaleham]

I hate snakes they are sneaky and devious and I would prefer Lions, tigers, Leopards and Jaguar cats to snakes any day