Doctor Who - Colin Baker era, part 2

As I said in my last blog on this matter (three years ago!): I have met Colin Baker and do feel sorry for him (and McCoy) sometimes, because they are often lambasted as the wreckers of Doctor Who (though I think the blame is really at the door of JNT, BBC politics, Coronation Street, and so much more). In fact, both Doctor's were really excellent and playing the part at the wrong time - people had simply stopped loving Doctor Who.

If like me, you could see Colin's potential, why don't you listen to some Big Finish audios. They have scripted him perfectly and Mr Baker is excellent as the Doctor. I've suggested some audios below which you can buy direct from Big Finish.

Anyway...here are my views of the second quarter of Colin Baker's television time as Doctor Number Six! Click on pictures below if you want to buy them and help the lovely charity called the Living by Giving Trust (see here), who will earn some money to support its work. 



Vengeance on Varos: I was never a massive fan of this story when it was first show on the television, and I could never understand the love of it. However, since getting a bit older and probably more cynical, I can now see very clearly what a masterpiece this story is. Interestingly enough, unfortunately I suspect this is where the world is heading right now - people are increasingly showing a lack of interest in human stories, but rather searching to do or see something exciting or stupid instead. Right now, many desperate people are trying to get across to the promised land of the "West", and no one is particularly interested. The two characters of Arak and Etta are disinterested in the life surrounding them, and simply care about what will happen next on the TV. Indeed one could argue that part of the reason for this is that they know no better - but we should know better.

Meanwhile, the leaders of the planet keep feeding the people full of propaganda, so that they don't worry about the reality. "Video nasties" are constantly shown to the populace to help in two ways: show that there is no point in trying to change the world; and secondly to show what happens to the scum who rebel against this perfect dystopia. I wonder if this is happening to us all now?

In the story, The Doctor shows the people what is wrong with the society, and he leaves them hopeful that the planet will finally enjoy happier times.

Vengeance on Varos is an excellent piece of work and I highly recommend it. At the time, it was perceived too violent (maybe so) for Doctor Who, but that's the whole point. None of this is right and is all rather shocking. The message is simple: let's not lose our humanity, or all is lost. 9/10



The Mark of the Rani: I've always loved this one, because it introduces The Rani. For the first time since the Delgado Master, a rebel Time Lord actually has a reason to be somewhere that does not involve the Doctor! The Master (as played by various people since Delgado, but here played by Anthony Ainley), has had no purpose since the Tom Baker era, but to kill the Doctor. This happens throughout the Peter Davison era and continues throughout the Colin Baker era. This wish to kill only stops in Doctor Who - Survival [DVD] - Sylvester McCoy's last full story, where The Master is simply trying to survive. So, that's my long-winded way of saying: The Rani is a breath of fresh air, because she just wants to take brain stuff out of people and head back to her planet!

It makes for a very fresh change and The Rani's bickering with The Master is also rather fun. The Doctor here is confident and strong (and the horrible coat disappears sometimes too). Peri also develops and she shows that she's more than just a companion when she helps the local people to sleep - thanks to her skills.

The best bit of it all is the design. Wow! The Rani's TARDIS is supreme and a beautiful design. If only the BBC had given them good money for every story and we wouldn't have ended up with Timelash (more of that on my next update).

All in all it's not a bad story. It is a little boring in parts (whoops), but is fresh and interesting in other ways. 6/10.

Big Finish

Most of Colin Baker's Doctor Who work with Big Finish is EXCELLENT. Have a look, here.

What a break!

Sometimes I look at another blog and see that it hasn't been updated for so long. If I've enjoyed reading it, that becomes quite annoying. However, I may been one of those people - though I have seen much worse - as ever I am not really sure anyone is reading my thoughts thoughts! C'est la vie!

Here are some more books that I have recently read and HIGHLY recommend. Click on the links if you want to buy them. If you click on the link and purchase something a lovely charity called the Living by Giving Trust (see here) will earn some money to support its causes. :) I supported them recently, and though I've not been to any of their events, I have supported them as much as possible. This is one way I can do that.

First up: The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Poirot). I've read a few of Agatha Christie's classics and have now started from the beginning of Monsieur Poirot. I'll follow these through in the order that they are intended (according to Christie). This book was a good beginning, explaining how Captain Hastings knew Poirot, and how they first meet Inspector Japp. The story was excellent and kept taking us down a dead end. I highly recommend this excellent book.

Next, I always need facts: Who Governs Britain? This excellent book is part of the new Pelican books series of thinking books. I do enjoy the politics of the UK and this book shows all the intricate bits and pieces. What did I learn? That no one really runs this country - especially not the Prime Minister! Well worth a read. This man also writes very well and kept me interested throughout.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Series) - everyone should read this book (and the next two too!). This author sadly died before he became famous. I loved this book so much, and it was full of excellent twists and turns. Some things I never ever expected. It's also very sinister and quite nasty is some parts. I think the novel is about the real world not being very nice - instead it's a tough place, but sometimes every one of us gets a chance to win something big. Read this novel, it's well worth every turn of a page. I am currently reading the second book and I am already hooked!

Finally, Sovereign: 3 (The Shardlake Series). I am not going to talk too much about this. These books are perfect and their historical details feel so real. You want the characters to do well and you feel part of their lives. The depiction of Henry VIII is wonderful too. The best bit? An excellent twist or two. Read ASAP!