10 good reasons why The Web Planet rocks!

I know most of fandom loathes it, but after viewing it *twice* the other week, I decided that I absolutely cherish and adore this story, perhaps even more so than The Chase - which was my favourite Season 2 story. Okay, let's get down to business but keep it simple...

1) The planet Vortis looks wonderful. Seriously - the set design here is magnificent. Lots of thought and imagination here, this was the first time the show had ventured into the territory of pure science fiction/fantasy on another world. And this was all done on such a low budget too! It is a very alien world, this is by far the most psychedelic episode of the 1960s!

2) The Zarbi - giant alien ants, 'nuff said...

3) Venom Grubs - my dad remembered seeing this episode when it aired as a kid and being terrified of them! How cool is that??!

4) Atmospheric Density Jackets (or ADJs) are a neat idea. Who needs oxygen bubbles around the TARDIS? Pffft - these wonderful contraptions allow you to roam and explore the surfaces of planets where there is no breathable air.

5) Thankfully no-one needs to take Aspirin in the 25th Century!

6) The Menoptra invasion force on strings.

7) The Optera are quite amusing to watch - hey don't mock, it was only a kids' show!!!

8) Zombo the Zarbi - 'nuff said... ;-)

9) The Animus - what a strange and dark alien intelligence... GOT GOLD? Hehe. According to Russell T Davies, the 'Greater Animus' perished in the Time War.

10) Oh, I nearly forgot the best scene of them all - the one where the Zarbi runs straight into the camera!!! Love it... ;-)