TV #4: Marco Polo

TARDIS crew; 

• First Doctor

• Susan

• Ian

• Barbara 

Notable Characters; 

• Marco Polo- Historically famous traveller

• Tegana- War hero 

• Ping-Cho- Servant of Marco Polo

• Kublai Khan- Emperor of Cathay

Detailed Plot; 

The Roof of the World

The first part of this fairly lengthy serial was very well done. It introduced the guest cast excellently and immediately outlined plot danger which was great! It begins following on from the cliffhanger of The Edge of Destruction with a snowy landscape and a giant footprint left in the snow. Nearby danger perhaps? The TARDIS crew were quick to search the area near the ship and Ian, using his scientific knowledge, explained how the footprint could've been expanded thanks to the sun melting the edges. It was logical and made sense, so no giants to worry about it seemed. 

It was established that the TARDIS had landed on high ground, there was a lack of air and it was freezing. Ian and Barbara, now arrived at their third location since stumbling into the TARDIS, hoped they were on Earth, in their own time on this occasion. It seemed the crew had landed amongst the Himalayas, the roof of the world. A great link with the individual episode title. 

Danger soon struck as the lights in the TARDIS had gone out, water supplies were down and the heating was off. A disastrous malfunction, calamitous! The TARDIS crew were stranded on top of the Himalayas. An exciting prospect of a story! The Doctor knew he couldn't repair it before it was dark and if he didn't the crew would freeze to death. More twists in the plot at this early stage, fantastic! 

Ian and Barbara, with minimal chance, searched the area for fuel, anything that could help repair the TARDIS or at least provide warmth. Instead, they found a stranger! A man? Barbara thought an animal of some sort. Prints were left in the snow and it was no animal, they were boot prints. 

The Doctor had established their was an issue with one of the TARDIS circuits and it needed to be repaired, something he said could and most likely would take days. They only had one choice. They would attempt to get to a lower altitude with a chance of help and fuel or tools. 

The stranger was seen again, this time by the Doctor and Susan too, and the Doctor quickly wanted them to follow him. He knew there would be nearby shelter! The four time travellers chased after the man but ran into a party of people. Tegana was introduced, and he was seen as the leader of this group. He didn't take too kindly to the TARDIS crew and suspected them as evil spirits. He wanted to kill them. 

To the traveller's relief, the official leader of the group, or at least he seemed that, entered the fray and stopped any potential killing. He noticed that the Doctor was suffering from the 'mountain sickness' and understood he needed looking after. I was questioning who he was, but of course going from the serial title and the fact that Ping-Cho, the party's servant who made soup for the travellers after arriving inside the tent, referenced him as 'Mr Marco', it was obvious who the man was. Marco Polo. A name history, like myself, loves and adores. The Doctor introduced his companions and brilliantly mocked Ian's surname once more referring to it as 'Charlton' before Ian himself corrected the Doctor pointing out his surname was Chesterton. 

Marco explained how Cathay was his intended destination, the place we now know as China of course. The time period was set- 1289. Quite a way back into recorded history, something I loved! Susan and Ping-Cho had started chatting and it was discovered that the latter was due to be married upon arrival in Cathay, an arranged marriage to a 75 year old man! Susan was disgusted, she questioned why Ping-Cho wouldn't have the choice. 

Tegana still wasn't keen on the four travellers and wanted them dead. However, it seemed Marco trusted them. Tegana though swayed that trust to a certain degree explaining how their carriage (the TARDIS), had no wheels and that it's size was too small for four passengers. Marco was now a little suspicious, and examined the TARDIS himself. Ian explained how it moved 'through the air' and that the Doctor was the only one who could unlock it. Marco tried to enter but no luck, the Doctor was down on lower ground recovering from the mountain sickness. The historic traveller planned to make a sledge to bring down the Doctor's 'caravan.' 

The party returned to the tent and after receiving news, the Doctor was happy that his ship was to be brought down to him. But now, it was time for Marco and his assembly to move, and head for Cathay. The TARDIS crew were to accompany the party. Marco though laid down a rule. He believe the crew could be dangerous if let inside the TARDIS, so they must remain outside of it. The Doctor agreed in recognition of the shelter given, but I was sure he had a plan on entering. 

A map filled the screen and Marco was heard narrating, filling in his diary on the events that were unfolding. The group had now reached Lop. It was a crowded area and the Mongol Bearers (slaves or employees) unpacked the tent for shelter and stay. By now Susan and Ping-Cho were getting along brilliantly! The Doctor planned on beginning the repairing of the TARDIS, but his path was blocked by a Mongol. Marco had a proposition for the Doctor, one he didn't think the old man would take kindly upon. Marco explained about his past travels, his departure in 1271 up until the point seen in 1289. Marco Polo wanted to go home. But he needed permission from the Kublai Khan, permission that was dismissed on his previous asking. But now, after being astounded by the wonders of the TARDIS (and that was just the outside), he would use the ship as a bargain with the Khan. He'd offer it in return to go home. The Doctor was outrage, he now had a problem. Marco claimed the Buddhist monks of Cathay would find the secrets of the TARDIS, but the Doctor laughed it off and was hysterical about the whole situation! He had no idea of a resolution but was just laughing uncontrollably. I loved this, it was hilarious. He'd no idea yet he was laughing, just brilliant from William Hartnell. I love this incarnation of the Doctor and having not seen/heard this serial before, it just made me love the original Doctor more! 

In what seemed a secret meeting, Tegana was given a glass phial by an unknown person, presumably a Mongol of some sort. It seemed the phial contained poison, and Tegana had a plan. He would continue travels with Marco Polo, heading through the Gobi desert but on the third night return to his supplier in Lop, presumably having planted the poison, and take the TARDIS from the dead group. With this, he planned on bringing the 'Mighty Kublai Khan to his knees.' 

A good cliffhanger! I look forward to seeing how Tegana's plan will unfold. 

The Singing Sands

With no immediate resolution needed to the cliffhanger of the previous part, the second episode of the serial begins with the journey to Cathay continuing. The TARDIS was seen on horseback and the route was visibly shown on a map. The Doctor wasn't seen and Marco explained in his journal how the Doctor was tempered and somewhat insulting towards him. He was angry at losing the TARDIS to a man he considered of much less intelligence. 

Marco explained the supply of water the group had. Eight barrels with one lasting the party five days. It was getting dark and camp was set up, so Marco challenged Ian to a game of chess. It was accepted. Susan wasn't enjoying her time though. She was upset at her ill tempered Grandfather. Barbara though comforted her. Susan though was also worrying about her fear that the TARDIS will be lost once they arrived in Kublai Khan's court. Barbara though was confident they'd get it back. She relied on the mysterious ship, it was the only thing close to a home for her. She was some 774 years away from her home! Susan beautifully explained how she wanted to be in another galaxy, another time and how once she and the Doctor, along with Ian and Barbara now, would know all the mysteries of the stars. Only then would the journeys through space and time stop. Barbara said that would be the moment she and Susan would say goodbye, a day Susan didn't seem happy to talk about. 

Marco was gaining the upper hand over Ian in the game of chess. Tegana just observed from a distance, seemingly intrigued. Susan went to her bed area which she shared with Ping-Cho, they left the tent and admired the wonderful moonlight. Susan was using modern (to the viewer) language and Ping-Cho didn't quite understand everything. The pair, hidden, saw Tegana leaving the tent. Intrigued, the pair followed him out into the desert. 

This caused disruption amongst the horses and Ian and Marco were woken up. They examined the situation as well as the weather. A sand storm was imminent, this wasn't good. Tegana was walking quite fast and whilst trying to maintain their secrecy, the girls struggled to keep up with him. He was though still in the sights of Susan and Ping-Cho. By now, they were quite a way from the tent and out in the open, the beginnings of the storm were heard. Susan wanted to return but Ping-Cho, more knowledgable in these situations, explained how they'd get lost in the storm. They'd be better to find a dune to crouch behind and protect them. They couldn't risk getting lost and dying in the heart of the storm. The storm ensued into its main cycle, struggles were heard. It was loud and unpleasant. 

Barbara now awoke thanks to the horrific noise, she was terrified. Marco was used to such an occurrence, and described the storm as 'singing sands', another good reference to an episode title in this serial. By now the trio had noticed Tegana's absence, and more worryingly to Ian and Barbara, the absence of the two girls as well. They suspected they'd been caught in the storm. And to the viewer it wasn't clear if they had safely survived, especially with the format just being audio supported by pictures. Barbara was panicking and upset, but she couldn't enter the storm. She'd never find them and would be risking her own life. She'd be swallowed up by the storm. 

Susan and Ping-Cho were seen, safe and sheltered. But not exactly thrilled. They could hear Ian shouting from the tent, they were closer than they thought. Tegana was close behind them, returning from his mysterious walk. The storm calmed and soon ended. The girls, along with Tegana, returned to the tent to the relief of the schoolteachers and Marco. Humorously, despite the mass noise created by the storm, the Doctor had remained asleep throughout. 

Marco decided that the group had to move, they couldn't risk any water wastage. Tegana secretly had the phial of poison with him, out, but what were his intentions. How would he use it? Marco was now heard narrating what he was writing in his journal, whilst the route was shown on the map, visual to the viewer. Marco explained how fifteen miles progress was made, and camp had been set up. 

Susan was talking to Ping-Cho and explained her suspicious thoughts of Tegana and his reasoning for his walk the previous night. Tegana approached Marco whilst he was in the middle of writing in his journal, and called for the start of a sword fight! Marco was alert however and Tegana's sword was drawn away. Just a test. Or planning for the future? 

The Mongol guard protecting the valuable water barrels soon became distracted by a disturbing noise and when he left to investigate, Tegana sprang from out of nowhere and stabbed the water barrels with his dagger. The barrels emptied, one by one, all five drained. Marco wasn't shocked by the sabotage, he planned on rationing what was left of the current tank. He thought bandits had caused the sabotage in order to weaken the group for them to attack them and take their stuff. They couldn't turn back, so they thought, as they feared attack. But there was a nearby oasis, around one week away. Ian thought that was the best chance, despite the fact they'd grow weaker by each day. Tegana was reluctant to go but Marco demanded he did using his leadership authority. He had a duty to Kublai Khan to bring Tegana to offer up his peace offering. 

The journal was read and five days had passed, each day with less distance travelled than the previous. The group were dehydrating. The intense desert heat from the sun certainly wasn't helping. The Doctor was seen awake and up for the first time this episode, but he was struggling with the lack of water. But that lack soon became less, rations were given but it was the last of the barrel. It was empty. The water had ran out. They needed to reach the oasis quickly! 

Tegana volunteered to go ahead on his horse, the strongest remaining, and fetch back water to the tent. Marco allowed this, desperate times called. The group would try and push on in Tegana's absence. It was a brilliant plot twist! The group's hopes of survival relied on a conspiracist. The Doctor now collapsed! He was exhausted. Things were not looking good. He was allowed to rest in the comfort of his TARDIS with Susan, he needed to chirp up. Ian and Barbara though were ordered to remain outside of the ship. But without water, that didn't really matter, they wouldn't be lasting 24 hours. Their fate lied with Tegana. 

Tegana was seen reaching the oasis, he drank some water before mocking Marco and the group, by spilling water onto the floor. He had a supply, and he didn't intend on returning by the looks! A marvellous cliffhanger! I'm really looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds from now onwards.

Five Hundred Eyes

The third part of this serial moved the story on nicely and was very good! After the cliffhanger of the previous part, it was unclear how the travelling group would cope with no supply of water and Tegana's absence and apparent intention of not returning. 

Marco was writing in his journal and showed his concern for Tegana's absence. Time was moving on and he feared for the end. No water, no sign of Tegana. The Doctor, asleep inside the TARDIS, was awoke by a drop of water. He quickly woke Susan up, the TARDIS walls were streaming with water! They had a supply and the pair quickly collected what they could. Condensation had occurred inside the TARDIS! They'd got lucky. Once the supply was taken outside, Marco was angry and misunderstanding as to how they'd come across this supply. But Ian explained to him how condensation occurs and he now understood. He was happy they'd been given hydration. 

Tegana returned, no water with him. He made up a cover story claiming there were bandits nearby so he had to hold back. He also didn't believe the Doctor's supply of water occurring by condensation. The Doctor planned on repairing the TARDIS circuit now within a week. Due to the amount of travelling the group had been doing, the Doctor hadn't found the time to start repairing. 

Barbara was now suspicious about Tegana and didn't believe his cover story. The journey through the desert continued, and they reached Tun-Huang, a place famous for a temple and a cave. Susan really liked the city and she'd found out about the cave. The Cave of Five Hundred Eyes. 

The Doctor, who was ordered to be out of the TARDIS and the key handed over to Marco, now intended on returning to his ship. And he easily could. He'd given Marco a key, but not the real one. The Doctor had made a fake when 'asleep' during The Singing Sands. He planned on using the real key to enter the TARDIS and repair his circuit in attempt to leave 1289. 

Ping-Cho was now about to tell a story and a sizeable crowd had gathered. She talked about the Hashish and Aladin. It was a good, delightful and interesting little story. Whilst she was telling the story, Barbara noticed that Tegana had left, so she followed, still suspicious. 

Tegana went to the cave and met Malik, a Mongol of sorts. He'd been waiting for Tegana's arrival. Tegana wanted news and was taken to a secret inner chamber within the cave. Acomat was there waiting for Tegana, and he talked of how Tegana failed on his plan as heard during the cliffhanger of The Roof of the World. Tegana talked about the TARDIS, and how they needed to capture it and take it to the Kublai Khan before Marco did. 

Malik interrupted the conversation between Tegana and Acomat, revealing how Barbara had stumbled into the cave, spying. She didn't see much and intended on leaving, heading for the exit, but was kidnapped by Mongols! 

The group had noticed Barbara had been gone a while now and were annoyed but concerned. They planned on splitting up and searching for her, before meeting back at the courtyard. The Doctor was confident she'd be found. The Mongols were seen playing dice, deciding who would kill Barbara! If they were to find Barbara, it had to be quickly! 

The Doctor, noticing the courtyard was empty, planned on going into the TARDIS but was prevented by Susan and Ping-Cho as they thought they had an idea of Barbara's whereabouts. She was interested in the cave and that's where the young girls presumed she'd be. The Doctor found out the location of this cave from Chenchu, somewhat by threat. They planned on going to the cave, but due to it being night, Chenchu feared they wouldn't make it alive. 

However, the trio of the Doctor, Susan and Ping-Cho arrived at the cave safely, now investigating. Tegana was back at the courtyard talking with Chenchu, and the latter told his apparent boss of the Doctor knowing about the cave. Tegana was angry and attacked the scared Chenchu. 

Inside the cave, the trio saw an item of Barbara's on the floor, they knew she was close. Barbara's death was being prepared and with Susan looking around, the eyes of a painting on the wall of the cave moved! Susan was petrified. A good cliffhanger! 

The Wall of Lies

The fourth part of this serial was the best so far. It was intriguing and has really set up a scintillating final three parts! After the cliffhanger of the previous part, with Barbara's death imminent and Susan seeing the eyes of a painting move, this part begins in the courtyard with Chenchu telling Marco how the Doctor, Susan and Ping-Cho had left for the cave. Marco explained to Ian and the pair set out to the cave. 

Inside the mysterious Cave of Five Hundred Eyes, the Doctor used his usual explanation for something he thought ridiculous- that his companion had imagined it. How many times has he been proven wrong though in the 50 year history? Tegana was seen entering the cave and despite suspicions on both sides, they talked of Barbara's whereabouts. Ian and Marco now arrived as well, but still no sign of Barbara. Tegana was very superstitious, and feared that the cave was haunted. Ian examined the painting of which Susan claimed the eyes had moved. Tegana though was increasing his desire to leave, warning the group about their safety. Ian though firmly believed Susan now, she was absolutely correct. The eyes had moved, as Ian had just seen the same thing! 

He presumed there was a room behind the rock face. As the viewer, I knew he was correct. The group, minus Tegana, tried to open the secret door and as it opened, Barbara was about to be killed! But the group saved her, just in the nick of time. This lead Marco to feel he was responsible for the four strange travellers, despite not knowing much, if anything, about them. Tegana though still wanted them got rid of. He claimed he feared for his life with the 'evil spirits' alive. He made Marco question his trust in the TARDIS crew, asking 'does a magician need a key?' This was of course referring to the entry of the TARDIS. 

Barbara soon was on the scene and she told Marco why she had left for the cave. She followed Tegana. He said that was false though and calmly left the courtyard, no harm done to him. Thanks to Tegana's influential ill speaking about the four travellers, Marco stepped up and used some of his authority and separated Susan and Ping-Cho from sharing the same bedroom together. 

The journey through Cathay was continuing and, as visibly seen on the map, the party had followed the historic Great Wall. By now the Doctor had made significant progress on repairing the TARDIS circuit and said he would only need one more night. The TARDIS crew were looking very forward to leaving, they'd had a torrid time. The Doctor though was nervous about Ping-Cho. She knew about him having a second key, would she keep it a secret from Marco and Tegana? Susan was confident she would. 

Ping-Cho was seen alone, sad about her separation from Susan. Susan approached, not exactly happy either, and engaged in conversation. Tegana though, hidden, eavesdropped in on the conversation. The young pair mentioned the secret key of the Doctor's and now Tegana had the knowledge too. 

The visual map was seen once more and now the group were following the Yellow River. Ping-Cho, desperate to prove Tegana a liar, thought she had her answer. She told Marco of his knowledge of something beyond the entrance, where Barbara's item was found, but Marco wasn't impressed at all. He had confidence in and trusted the war lord that was Tegana. Such a shame. 

Tegana's conspiring continued again with Acomat. He wanted him to slaughter the entire TARDIS crew! Then Tegana would capture the TARDIS, but would deal with the Doctor, the magician, personally. He'd put a stake through his heart! But the Doctor was almost complete in his repair work and now needed to enter the TARDIS for the final touches. Barbara kept watch over a near deserted courtyard as the Doctor quietly entered the TARDIS. But disaster struck. Just as the doors of the TARDIS were closing, Tegana entered the courtyard, perfect view of the police box. He seemed curious, examining the TARDIS, but not quite sure that somebody had entered. 

The three companions of the Doctor were together, convinced that Tegana had seen the Doctor enter his ship. But Ian had a plan, a bluff, and if successful the tables would be turned on Tegana, but if failed, it would be calamitous. Ian went to Marco and tried to talk sense into him about Tegana. But the traveller admired Tegana, respecting his status as a servant of Kublai Khan. Tegana soon arrived to Marco and told him about the Doctor having entered the TARDIS. Part of Ian's plan? It seemed so. He'd just hoped the female contingent of the TARDIS crew had got to the Doctor and told him to get out! Ian seemed confident. But that confidence disappeared as the Doctor was seen exiting his ship. Marco confiscated the second key, by force, and now Marco's trust in Tegana had greatly increased. Marco seized the caravan (his terminology) of the Doctor's and claimed any resistance was punishable by death. Calamity had struck. The crew were lead off by Mongols. It seemed Tegana had undoubtedly convinced Marco Polo that the TARDIS crew were evil spirits. 

The four time travellers were prisoners now and this had only increased Ping-Cho's resentment in Marco. They'd been given a seperate tent, guarded at all times. Ian was angry within it and smashed a plate into pieces. The Doctor was even more annoyed as the circuit was both ready and installed into the TARDIS, able to leave but locked out. The crew were desperate, and came up with the plan to take Marco hostage and regain the keys! Ian exited via the side of the tent, using the sharp edge of a smashed piece of a plate. Ian approached the guard from behind, grabbed him, and to both his and my surprise, the guard was already dead. A very intriguing cliffhanger! 

Rider from Shang-Tu

The fifth part of this fairly large serial began with intrigue and confusion. Acomat and a Mongol were talking, planning something. Ian had told the rest of the TARDIS crew of the guard already being dead, and they were all mightily confused. Tegana was seen by the crew, he hadn't seen them, with a burning torch. Did he plan on alighting the tent of the 'evil spirits'? 

Ian quickly ran to the tent of Marco and awoke him, eager to show him what Tegana was planning. As Marco arrived into the view of Tegana, along with the TARDIS crew, he was startled and dropped the torch immediately. He made up a clever cover story, claiming he feared for bandits. Bandits he had organised. Ian and the Doctor were armed with swords to fight off agh bandits that would step foot into sight. 

The issue of the dead guard hadn't been explored yet and Tegana tried turning the table on the travellers, claiming it was they who killed him. Marco though seemed neutral between his war lord and his mystery travellers, not putting the blame on either, but on the bandits. He was right, but it was Tegana's organisation. 

The bandits were seen talking amongst themselves in a nearby hidden woods, anxious by Tegana's absence. They were concerned, but clearly in cahoots with the cunning war hero. 

Ian had a plan that Marco quickly agreed to. They prepared a bamboo fire, knowing the horrific noise it would make upon explosion. Ian calmly told Marco about the travellers' plan to get the TARDIS key back. He wasn't angered at all and jokingly claimed he'd have to be a bit more suspecting of an escape. Marco didn't quite realise the importance of the TARDIS to the crew, but now it was massively vital to him as well if he wanted to return home to Venice. 

Suddenly, the bandits stormed into sight! They were heard to admire Tegana on sighting him. But to protect his plan, Tegana killed Acomat! Ruthless and selfish. The bamboo soon exploded and the noise was horrific and caused the bandits to flee. An eventful night, time for the journey to continue. 

Marco now had a renewed trust in the TARDIS crew after their honesty and help with defeating the bandits. But the key would not be returned. Susan and Ping-Cho were reunited and could share the same bedchamber once more, that pleased both of them greatly. The TARDIS crew's tent was also to be left unguarded although the TARDIS itself was not. Barbara now confirmed what the time travellers already knew- Tegana had organised the bandits. They recognised Acomat from the Cave of Five Hundred Eyes. 

Marco was seen writing in his journal whilst talking to Ping-Cho. He placed the keys to the TARDIS inside his journal, Ping-Cho knew where they were now but had given her word not to tell anyone of their location. The group now had a guest, as Ling-Tau arrived. He was a messenger from Kublai Khan and he gave Marco a letter from Khan himself. He wanted to see Marco as soon as possible. The group had to leave immediately, the group were though in disbelief at his Ling-Tau had travelled nearly 300 miles on horseback in just over a day. Was that even possible? 

Marco set his target at journeying to Cheng-Ting within six days. Shown visually on the map, that target had been achieved and the party had arrived in the glorious city. They were given impressive accommodation in a palace, where a rather ebullient Wang-Lo escorted the individuals to their rooms. 

Susan and Ping-Cho were seen admiring a fish pond and they were funnily comparing the fish to the people travelling through Cathay with them. Susan mentioned how she was far from home, Ping-Cho also was but she always had the possibility of returning whereas Susan had none without the TARDIS. She desperately missed her home planet and Ping-Cho could see the sadness in Susan and it affected her. She wanted to help. 

Tegana secretly had met with Kuigi and an agreement between the two had been made. Tegana wanted him to steal the TARDIS, in return for gold. Meanwhile, Ping-Cho found herself alone with the journal of Marco Polo and she took the TARDIS key from within it, technically not going back on her word. She hadn't told anyone of its location after all. She went to Susan and gave her the key, hoping she could go home. But not before she said goodbye! That was something Ping-Cho wanted, a goodbye. 

Susan had given the key to her grandfather and the four travellers now tried sneakily heading towards the TARDIS. They had to try and lure the guard away and Ian had another plan, hopefully this one would work better than the last. He hilariously pretended to be drunk on wine and the guard was laughing with him. But Ian then attacked the guard! Tegana however entered the fray. 

Susan, wanting to say goodbye to Ping-Cho as she'd promised, was not in the TARDIS as the other three travellers were ready to leave. The Doctor was outraged! Susan, now ready to leave it seemed, was grabbed from behind by Tegana, by the throat! A good cliffhanger! Will the TARDIS crew ever leave the 13th century? 

Mighty Kublai Khan

A very good penultimate episode of the serial and the final part has been set up rather nicely. After the cliffhanger of the previous part, this episode started with Susan still being held in the clasp of Tegana. Ian though had exited the TARDIS and confronted the war lord, or so that's what he was considered to be. Tegana, wanting the TARDIS for his own means, ordered the exit of the Doctor and Barbara from within. Marco arrived as the pair left the ship and once more, the keys of the TARDIS were handed over to Marco Polo. Tegana tried to kill the foursome who were continually attempting escape, but Marco quickly got in his way. Marco questioned how they'd got possession of the keys, and as Ping-Cho entered the scene Ian quickly took blame of the theft. 

Marco had decided that in order to undoubtedly prevent the TARDIS crew from escaping, their ship would follow from Shang-Tu in a seperate group of tradesmen. They had journeyed some more and the Doctor and his companions were now a few miles from the only sign of a home they had. They were mightily fed up of being a part of Polo's travels by now. 

Marco couldn't quite understand the importance the TARDIS had in the lives of the four travellers, so Ian tried explaining. Marco knew Ian was from England and referenced the Crusaders voyage, but of course Ian's home wasn't in 1289. Ian tried to explain how the TARDIS could travel through time but Marco refused to believe it. After quickly rubbishing the claim, Marco questioned where in his room Ian had found the keys to the TARDIS. But of course he didn't know, he'd not the faintest idea. Marco now knew it was Ping-Cho who'd given the crew their keys. 

Susan was seen asleep in her bedchamber and Ping-Cho came to her and quietly said her goodbyes. She knew Marco knew of her telling and now she had fled. After discovering her absence, the group were concerned about Ping-Cho. Ian said he would head back to Cheng-Ting in attempt to find her whilst the rest of the group would continue venturing towards Shang-Tu. 

Ping-Cho was seen arriving back at the temple in Cheng-Ting, where the effervescent Wang-Lu was seen again. Kuigi was also there, knowing the TARDIS still remained in the stables as seen previously in the story. Wang-Lu was confused at Kuigi's story as to why he was now to collect the TARDIS to accompany Marco, and even gained all the riches of Ping-Cho as she paid him to be able to journey with him. But she was conned. Kuigi wasn't going to let her travel, he'd get away sneakily. That was his plan at least. 

Ian now arrived in Cheng-Ting just as the proper delegate of Marco's did, he whom was to take the TARDIS to Shang-Tu. Ian now knew that the TARDIS had been stolen! Meanwhile a few miles up the road, Tegana was desperately trying to get out of his duties and return to Cheng-Ting to meet with Kuigi. He tried an excuse claiming Ian was only going back for the TARDIS but Marco refused. He needed to have Tegana with him when they reached the court of Kublai Khan. 

Susan and Barbara soon made a pivotal mistake though, explaining how the entire TARDIS crew opposed Ping-Cho's marriage to a 74-year old man. This confirmed to Marco that Ian's interest in returning to Cheng-Ting was in the TARDIS. So the infamous traveller gave Tegana the permission he desired, and allowed him a quick return to the temple. He wanted certainty that Ping-Cho and Ian would be back. 

Ian was in a slight mode of panic knowing now that the TARDIS was stolen and was eager to find it. He thought logically and guessed it would be taken on a hidden or unused route in Cathay. Karakoram was the route Ping-Cho guessed, a brilliant one of that. 

The rest of Marco's party had now finally arrived at the court of Kublai Khan, a journey they'd spent six parts in getting to. The Doctor was tired and aching, refusing to worship the mighty Khan upon his arrival. But once Kublai Khan arrived he reluctantly got down and bowed, hurt, in a struggle. The Doctor's blabbering caused outrage within the court, they demanded Khan to have the upmost respect! The people rose. Kublai Khan asked for Tegana, but Marco explained he was following on and was due to arrive shortly. The Khan seemed to know about a plan concerning Karakoram which was of intrigue, and Marco was a little confused too. They had patrols there, and Kuigi had been spotted by the looks. 

Kublai Khan was in agony, just like the Doctor, he was suffering from old age. He claimed to have some sort of medicine or form of healing for the Doctor. Help at least. The group inside the court had set plans on leaving for Peking within a day, and this angered the tired Doctor. 

Ian and Ping-Cho had reached Karakoram and were searching for Kuigi and the TARDIS. They saw him from a distance, he was waiting, with a fire set. Ping-Cho distracted him whilst Ian crept up behind up and grabbed the dagger. They had the upper hand. Kuigi returned Ping-Cho's money upon threat, but Tegana arrived. He, the ruthless war lord, threatened to kill Ping-Cho. Would he relent? A good cliffhanger and I now look forward to seeing how this serial concludes! 

Assassin at Peking 

The seventh and final part of this serial was a great conclusion! It begins with Ian pushing away Kuigi, whom he'd had at knife point, but Tegana wouldn't care if he died. Tegana, despite threatening to kill Ping-Cho at the cliffhanger of the sixth episode, didn't take her life. Instead he wanted the TARDIS. But thankfully for Ian, Ling-Tau arrived before Tegana would try and take the ship by force. Both Tegana and Ian were disarmed of their swords. Men of Ling-Tau's arrived and as Kuigi tried to escape he was killed, not to the amusement of Ling-Tau. 

Tegana, again lying and trying to cover up his true intentions, accused Ian and Ping-Cho of stealing the TARDIS, an item now the possession of Kublai Khan it seemed. But Ling-Tau wasn't going to judge, and would leave Kublai Khan make the verdict once they reached Peking. 

In Peking, the Doctor and Kublai Khan were wnjoying each other's company and wisdom and engaged in a game of backgammon. The Doctor was quite the player, as expected, and was winning the games. The Empress soon arrived into the court, and she was pleasantly welcomed. But the Doctor now convinced Kublai Khan to agree to a stake in their next game, the winnings the Doctor had already won vs the TARDIS. 

Tegana had now arrived in Peking and wasn't far from the court. Marco didn't seem too happy at something. It was now revealed that the future husband of Ping-Cho was in Peking as well, and a dinner was prepared for the evening. The wedding was arranged for tomorrow. Marco's unhappiness seemed to have been answered as it was revealed that Ian and Ping-Cho had been arrested on suspicion of stealing the property of Kublai Khan. Tegana's influence was being seen. The accused pair arrived at the court and Ian explained, truthfully, to Marco what had exactly happened in Shang-Tu. Ping-Cho confirmed but Tegana's rank was keeping him safe and believed. 

It seemed the Doctor had been victorious in his game of backgammon and the TARDIS was now once again his. Khan, upon seeing the 'magician's caravan' for the first time was impressed. But Ian's accusation of theft seemed to be keeping the TARDIS crew stuck in 1289. 

 

Things took another massive sway into the hands of Tegana as Kublai Khan turned on Marco, not impressed by the fact that he took the TARDIS from the Doctor for his own selfishness. Tegana quickly sided with Khan and told the Emperor how Marco intended on offering it in return to go home. Khan wasn't happy at all. However, he also suspected Tegana as well. Full of wisdom, Kublai Khan wasn't going to fall under Tegana's 'power of persuasion.' 

A 'tragedy' had occurred in the court now though. Before the planned dinner could occur, the to be husband of Ping-Cho had passed away. A sense of relief and lack of weeping caused confusion to the Empress, but she explained how she couldn't weep for a love she never knew. Kublai Khan offered Ping-Cho the choice of returning home, something she desired. But instead she refused and said she'd remain in Peking. In her final words to the Khan, she spoke highly of the TARDIS crew, trusting them as her friends. 

Kublai Khan, still disappointed, wanted Marco Polo to prove himself to him, that he was worthy of representing him and to return home. Otherwise he'd be banished and refused permission to return to Venice. Marco soon realised the cunning Tegana's plan, having underestimated him since and before finding the TARDIS crew on the Himalayas in The Roof of the World. Tegana was a two faced villain, the Doctor knew he had another objective. 

The crew remembered a reference to Noghai, a rival to the Emperor's throne, by Tegana. He intended on helping Noghai rule Cathay with the TARDIS! And what better way to help him get to throne than kill the Emperor? Tegana was going to assassinate Kublai Khan! A great revelation and massive twist. It seemed Tegana had this ulterior motive planned long ago. 

The TARDIS crew, locked in a room, managed to lure the guard in and quickly took him out. They escaped and needed to try and prevent the assassination! Noghai's army had been spotted and they were marching on Peking, a takeover was on its way. A revolution. 

In the throne room, Tegana drew his sword and lunged at Kublai Khan, but missed and instead killed his Vizier. Marco entered the room, knowing the truth and trusting the TARDIS crew now, and drew his sword, wanting to prove himself to the Khan. The dual engaged and after a struggle, Marco disarmed Tegana. He was victorious and Tegana was brought before Kublai Khan. He was sentenced to death, but instead of having someone else killing him he grabbed a sword and impaled himself. Suicide, he didn't want to be dishonoured by someone else killing him. 

Marco quickly gave the Doctor the sky to the TARDIS and encouraged the crew left quickly. Marco seemed apologetic at the frustration he had caused. Susan said a rushed goodbye to Ping-Cho, as promised, and the four travellers rushed into the TARDIS and left, dematerialising in the court of the Khan. Kublai Khan and Marco Polo admired the 'flying caravan' and after proving himself worthy, Marco was given the permission to go home. He was wondering where the crew were now, past or present, he now believed in time travel. 

My analysis; 

John Lucarotti pulled out a fantastic serial with Marco Polo. It was perfectly paced and is a real travesty that all seven episodes are missing from the BBC archives. But thankfully, the audio remains and numerous telesnaps enabled me to experience this story visually in recons (on Dailymotion) and it was fantastic. Significant for having the first historical figure to feature in Doctor Who, Marco Polo himself was a great character. I really liked how the monstrous journey from the Himalayas to Peking was shown visually via the map and it really helped the serial along. Tegana was a cunning villain and his constant lying and accusing of others made him all the more evil. Ping-Cho was a wonderful character and the relationship she developed with Susan throughout the serial was magnificent. They really were great friends. There were many plot twists which were good and the majority of cliffhangers were brilliant. My minor criticism would be that I think the TARDIS crew were thwarted in escape or having the keys of the ship taken one too many times and it had a hint of repetitiveness in it. But the constant disappointment in having to remain in 1289 did provide some good humour with the Doctor. I did feel though Barbara could have featured a bit more! But overall, Marco Polo was brilliant and I hope that one day it is found! 

Rating; 9/10