[Cover]
It is quite obvious where Clayton Hickman got the inspiration for the Golden cover; the Golden Axons themselves.But, a part of me would oddly prefer to see this cover with a fire or something in the background.I also would've liked an arrangement of Pertwee in the centre, an Axon Man's face on the left, Axon monster on the right, Axos Eye at the top and Master at the bottom.Reason being there is quite alot of moments where the Axos head floats around in a circle.The back? Quite basic really.Promo images.I'd expected more.But, then again, perhaps I expect too much from the Merchandise.
[Story]
The Claws Of Axos [A.k.a The Vampire From Space] would really make a great modern day story.I can really see Modern Day UNIT fighting these golden baddies; guns ablazing 'n' all.I feel a lot of Pertwee's era scarily focuses on Present Day events; famine, pollution, greedy governments etc.Claws Of Axos shows how scary the Government would snap up an unknown alien substance; perhaps too quickly.I find it quite ironic that the Doctor stops the missiles from destroying Axos yet is shocked when Axos turns out to be evil and in it for it's own gain.Now, is that shock or guilt? Personally, I think it's guilt.For a full two episodes the Axons played nicely.And then: WHAM! You're suddenly tied up in Axos' claws.
The return of the Master, if I'm honest, wasn't as 'in your face' as it should be.I especially liked the Master/Brig conversation at the end of Part 3.Both men on an equal par: Witty, wary of the other side and prepared to take risks.But, I was shocked that the Brigadier would let the Doctor die to save the World.So much for 'Old Friends'; he was prepared to murder him! We got a few hypnosis moments from the Master which was nice.But when he emerged from Axos and murdered that soldier? I actually laughed.A huge alien ship lands in the middle of the country side and there's only one soldier.Pa-lease!
Nice little alliance between the Doctor and the Master; friends once more but not long enough.And, after Axos is stuck in a time-loop [time-loop time-loop] he flees again.Oh well.You win some, you loose some.If you compare Pertwee's reaction to Delgado fleeing and Tennant's reaction to Simm's return in The End Of Time, you certainly see a huge contrast; the latter Doctor is shocked and horrified but Pertwee acted as if Delgado was a little boy running away from his Dad's hand!
[Extras]
Commentary: I loved this commentary very much but there was room for improvement.Katy and Richard had a good banter, but I felt Barry was quite quiet.That is understandable though.Commentaries are a good extra, but, if I'm honest, I only watch 'returning' stories or 'Regeneration' commentaries now.Planet Of The Spiders is a real gem, which I shall review later.
R.S.C-The Axon Legacy: The Claws Of Axos was originally in black and white?! Really?! I assumed that from Spearhead onwards that everything was in colour.Well, they've certainly done a great job in restoring it.I just hope Ambassadors lives up to it's 'sister story'.
Production Subtitles: I have a 'religion' of watching a new DVD in original form, then with commentary and then with Production Subtitles.The subtitles are nothing special, really.But, I did notice a error: When the Third Doctor is talking to Axos in Episode 3, Axos says 'Lies are useless, timelord!' yet the subtitles [At least on mine!] say 'Your lies are useless, timelord!'.
Overall, Claws is a Golden 9/10; based on plot-line, extras, and the cover!
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