Landing in Rome, A.D. 64, the travellers take a rare holiday. While Ian and Barbara are happy to relax, the Doctor and Vicki set off to pursue adventure.

Carry On with us into Ancient Rome on our little holiday as we dance around with groovy lyres and sneaky liars.

The gang bond over their all-inclusive hotel (aka decadent squatting) but get into trouble in the marketplace and find themselves auditioning for Banged Up Abroad.

Derek Francis brings us the queeniest most threatening emperor you’ve ever seen but the Doctor turns his charm and campery up well past 11 and outwits him at every turn. And the gang get a package tour of all the bad things that might doom an average Roman citizen, including being the object of Nero’s affections. Turns out Nero plays Yakety Sax while Rome burns.

Firsts: all-out full-on comedy, first ocean-going ship

The Doctor, Ian and Barbara arrive on the planet Dido. They find a crashed spaceship, the only two survivors of which are terrorised by the monster Koquillion.

It's Vicki versus the man with the bejeweled spanner in a story that shares a bit of DNA with Con Air. The Doctor, in a twinkly mood, despite missing Susan, is looking to adopt an orphan in desperate need. The planet Dido can provide. But there's only space on the TARDIS for one more. No creatures with mandibles need apply.

We’re impressed by Barbara’s continuing ability to do everything and how much story you can cram into two episodes.

Content warning: Sarah does sing in this episode. But give her a break; she’s very emotional about Sandy’s untimely end. RIP.

Firsts: new companion, reference to the Doctor’s qualifications, first time in the top 10 most-watched shows of the week

First broadcast from 21 November to 26 December 1964

The best baddies are back! We're outside in the real world ready to welcome our pepper pot overlords.

The Doctor is in a chipper mood despite the destruction of humanity. He’s in stark contrast to all the slavery and death – hey keep it light, remember this is a kid’s teatime show!

Sarah is intimidated by a giant poster and is charmed by an unlikely Ursula Andress moment. David tries to explain unexplainable timelines and very complex Dalek lore. We worry about the toxicity of the Thames. And why would you veto an elephant? If you know, please get in touch @ramblingwhopod on Instagram

First: kiss, companion leaving, the Doctor saves the Earth, returning baddies, “exterminate!”, attempt to pilot a planet, quarry (verification needed)