Doctor Who
- Thread starter RHOPJ
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I've been having a little binge on Britbox again... by now I've run out of clsssics, so, I'm onto some of the lesser stories:
Happiness Patrol (1988)... I first saw this when I rented it on VHS from the local library. I have seen it again more recently but my latest rewatch was the most enjoyable. It is very silly and I don't think its really a political satire as such, I think people have read that into it. From the shocking pink wigs, The Kandyman and scenery chewing Helen A, this is pure camp. I do have a question, what are those things that live in the sewers, did I nod off or was it explained? Anyway I love their delivery of the line "Danger. Fefe!""... so awful, yet so Doctor Who.
Meglos (1980) ... the one with the cactus. It wasn't as boring as I remembered. Things I liked .. Tom Baker's cactus makeup was very good. I also liked the return of Jacqueline Hill who did a great job as the fanatical religious leader with a penchant for a good sacrifice... a classic Who trope that I love. You don't get enough of these anymore...
What I didn't like, Lala Ward's horribly uneven acting which is so jarring. I think she is one of my least favourite companions ever because of this. She'll go from competent to absolutely wretched in the space of 5 mins. Awful.
Overall it was okay.
Colony in Space (1971)
I remembered this as being overlong and dull. I was wrong on the dull bit. I think it's a perfectly average story of the era. I liked the plot and really got behind the poor colonists against the evil company trying to steal their planet. Now this did have a clear political message, whereas Happiness Patrol didn't for me. The power of huge corporations over everything still resonates strongly. Politics aside, you get a good guest cast, a quarry, The Master, lots of action scenes. Jo was such a great companion too.
Yes, it could be a 4 parter, but its still good.
Dalek Invasion of Earth (1964)
"We are the Masters of Earth".. I've only seen this once before and that was ages ago. I was familiar with it as I've recently watched the movie adaptation which wasn't as good as this, despite the bigger budget and colour. Yes, despite a low budget, lots of fluffed lines and whatever that monster thing at the work camp was, this story has real charm. I found the principal cast very endearing. Had Hartnell done more colour episodes I think he'd be more highly regarded, he plays the Doctor with authority but with kindness and humour too. He fluffs the lines a lot in this but it doesn't matter as he has a charm about him. I think the biggest surprise is Jacqueline Hill (again) ... she is very much the lead in this story and carries several episodes. I always like a Dalek episode and it was nice to see them on location in London. Overall, good so long as you don't mind b&w and a 6 parter.
Happiness Patrol (1988)... I first saw this when I rented it on VHS from the local library. I have seen it again more recently but my latest rewatch was the most enjoyable. It is very silly and I don't think its really a political satire as such, I think people have read that into it. From the shocking pink wigs, The Kandyman and scenery chewing Helen A, this is pure camp. I do have a question, what are those things that live in the sewers, did I nod off or was it explained? Anyway I love their delivery of the line "Danger. Fefe!""... so awful, yet so Doctor Who.
Meglos (1980) ... the one with the cactus. It wasn't as boring as I remembered. Things I liked .. Tom Baker's cactus makeup was very good. I also liked the return of Jacqueline Hill who did a great job as the fanatical religious leader with a penchant for a good sacrifice... a classic Who trope that I love. You don't get enough of these anymore...
What I didn't like, Lala Ward's horribly uneven acting which is so jarring. I think she is one of my least favourite companions ever because of this. She'll go from competent to absolutely wretched in the space of 5 mins. Awful.
Overall it was okay.
Colony in Space (1971)
I remembered this as being overlong and dull. I was wrong on the dull bit. I think it's a perfectly average story of the era. I liked the plot and really got behind the poor colonists against the evil company trying to steal their planet. Now this did have a clear political message, whereas Happiness Patrol didn't for me. The power of huge corporations over everything still resonates strongly. Politics aside, you get a good guest cast, a quarry, The Master, lots of action scenes. Jo was such a great companion too.
Yes, it could be a 4 parter, but its still good.
Dalek Invasion of Earth (1964)
"We are the Masters of Earth".. I've only seen this once before and that was ages ago. I was familiar with it as I've recently watched the movie adaptation which wasn't as good as this, despite the bigger budget and colour. Yes, despite a low budget, lots of fluffed lines and whatever that monster thing at the work camp was, this story has real charm. I found the principal cast very endearing. Had Hartnell done more colour episodes I think he'd be more highly regarded, he plays the Doctor with authority but with kindness and humour too. He fluffs the lines a lot in this but it doesn't matter as he has a charm about him. I think the biggest surprise is Jacqueline Hill (again) ... she is very much the lead in this story and carries several episodes. I always like a Dalek episode and it was nice to see them on location in London. Overall, good so long as you don't mind b&w and a 6 parter.
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He/They
Wait a second, The Dalek Invasuon Of Earth is a classic...
I also love The Happiness Patrol, arent the Pipe People the natuve inhabitants of the planet?
I think I enjoy all the stories from the last two seasons barring Silver Nemesis.
I'm still making my way through S19 slowly, Black Orchid for me next.
I also love The Happiness Patrol, arent the Pipe People the natuve inhabitants of the planet?
I think I enjoy all the stories from the last two seasons barring Silver Nemesis.
I'm still making my way through S19 slowly, Black Orchid for me next.
I think you are right about the creatures in Happiness Patrol. I could have done without them really...
Silver Nemesis is so awful. Such a waste of talent and locations. I used to watch the VHS all the time as the cover was all silver and glossy... as an adult I realise that you can't polish a turd.
I need to revisit the 2 parters like Black Orchid, I tend to skip them.
... extended version!!! Even more crap.
Inland Empire
Staff member
Is that a fucking corset???? First femboy Doctor let's fucking go!!!!!
I think one problem with Colony in Space is that it pales in comparison with the rest of Jon Pertwee's first two seasons. Season 7 is stellar and most of Season 8 is quite good with Colony in Space sticking out in terms of quality. Not only is it stretched out to be a six-parter, but it also looks quite dull considering its the first colour Doctor Who story set on an alien planet. It's very much the epitome of "Doctor Who adventure set in a quarry". It's not terrible but would be more enjoyable as a 4-parter.
I've been going through the Season 2 collection box set, and some of the stories are certainly more enjoyable than I remember them. Planet of Giants is often overlooked, but in my opinion its a perfectly fine 3-part story and does try something different for the time. For me, The Dalek Invasion of Earth and The Time Meddler are the two best stories of the season. The Space Museum has a great first episode but I find the latter 3 to be middle of the road and a bit of a let down as a result. The one serial I struggle with is The Web Planet. Its certainly ambitious and does have charm, but it hasn't aged well. Its too long as a 6-part story and the Zarbi beeping becomes weary to listen to very quickly. I suppose I could appreciate it more if I think of it as a piece of avant-garde theatre with vaseline.
he/him
Ahhhhh I’d be so happy if this is true.
Couple of interesting updates:
-Redacted Season 2 all but officially confirmed
-The Mirror is claiming a UNIT TV spin-off starring Kate Stewart is coming following her appearance in the 60th anniversary
-Russell T. Davies said he's written episode 4 and called it "one of the greatest things I've ever written in my life"
-5 new novels set in each decade from the 1960s to 2000s, each one featuring a different Doctor & companion
-13th Doctor Audiobook Original story, featuring Graham, is coming
-David Tennant will appear during Comic Relief, unclear if it's a new sketch or a preview of the 60th
-Katy Manning has spoken about "people returning and there will be spin-offs," although she said only wants small parts here and there and won't be a big part of them
-The Mirror is claiming a UNIT TV spin-off starring Kate Stewart is coming following her appearance in the 60th anniversary
-Russell T. Davies said he's written episode 4 and called it "one of the greatest things I've ever written in my life"
-5 new novels set in each decade from the 1960s to 2000s, each one featuring a different Doctor & companion
-13th Doctor Audiobook Original story, featuring Graham, is coming
-David Tennant will appear during Comic Relief, unclear if it's a new sketch or a preview of the 60th
-Katy Manning has spoken about "people returning and there will be spin-offs," although she said only wants small parts here and there and won't be a big part of them
There are three Tennant and Tate specials. I agree, it would have been better if they had staggered them throughout the year to keep us fed.
Just include
a young girl who turns into an adult in the next scene and kisses the Doctor
Don't think so it seems to be an audio drama below. Think Russell T would have posted about it if it was to do with the 60th