The Romans (Doctor Who)

"The Romans" is the fourth serial of the second season of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was written by Dennis Spooner and directed by Christopher Barry. The serial was originally broadcast in four weekly parts from 16 January to 6 February 1965. It is notable for its blend of historical setting, humor, and a darker, more violent portrayal of the Doctor than previously seen.

The story sees the First Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions Ian Chesterton (William Russell), Barbara Wright (Jacqueline Hill), and Vicki (Maureen O'Brien) arriving in Italy during the reign of Emperor Nero (Derek Francis). They become entangled in political intrigue, mistaken identities, and Nero's capricious and increasingly dangerous behavior.

The TARDIS crew splits up early in the story. Barbara is abducted by slave traders and eventually sold to Nero's household, where she becomes embroiled in the emperor's vanity and paranoia. Ian sets out to rescue her, leading to perilous encounters with gladiators and other dangerous figures. Meanwhile, the Doctor and Vicki travel to Rome separately, with the Doctor accidentally starting the Great Fire of Rome while attempting to play the lyre.

The serial is significant for showcasing the Doctor's fallibility and willingness to engage in morally ambiguous actions. His role in starting the fire, though accidental and initially played for comedic effect, highlights the unintended consequences of his interventions in history. It also introduces a more humorous side to the Doctor's personality, contrasting with the more serious tone of earlier stories. The historical detail and the portrayal of Roman society, while not entirely accurate, are engaging and provide a backdrop for the character-driven narrative. The story concludes with the TARDIS crew reuniting and escaping Rome, leaving Nero increasingly unstable and obsessed with achieving artistic immortality.