Fourth Doctor Reviews
Note on television stories - all of these are available in the US on CBS/FOX video, and on BBC Video in the UK. In March 1998, several of these were rereleased at reduced price as The Gateway Collection - The Best of Tom Baker as Dr. Who. I'll note which ones they are in my critiques. I'll also note which ones are in movie format, which edits out cliffhangers and most of the credit sequences. All TV stories are in broadcast order; books are in order of publication. If any of the TV stories spawned direct sequels in the Virgin Missing Adventures (MAs) and/or BBC novels and/or short story anthologies, I will note that too.
The Television Series
Season 12
Robot, by Terrance Dicks
Though the Doctor is a bit unstable after his regeneration, he still has to help stop the Scientific Reform Society's efforts to hold the world ransom - and deal with the powerful robot in their employ.
The first story with the Fourth Doctor is an entertaining variant on King Kong. The first episode in particular - with scenes like the Doctor trying on possible (and silly) new outfits - is wonderful. There are plenty of good scenes for regular characters Sarah Jane (Elizabeth Sladen) and the Brigidier (Nicholas Courtney), as well as for new addition Harry Sullivan (Ian Marter). And Tom Baker is superb as he takes on the part of the Doctor. The effects in the second half of this story are dodgy at times, and compared to what was to follow the story's very corny, but it's still worthwhile.
The Ark in Space, by Robert Holmes
The Doctor and his friends find themselves thousands of years in the future on a space station that holds hundreds of cryrogenically sleeping humans, who came here to wait out an Earth ravaged by solar flares several centuries before. But there is another lifeform on this ship that has delayed the sleepers' awakening and wants to claim Earth for itself, and the Doctor, his friends, and several revived crew members must find a way to stop it.
The second Fourth Doctor story and the first produced by Philip Hinchcliffe is quite effective considering that it's entirely studio bound and has a rather small cast; this is definitely a case of making the most of what one has (a hallmark for much of Who as a whole). The script is quite good, particularly during the scenes in which one of the crew members is slowly changing into one of the villainous insect Wirrn. Also, it's rather neat how the ending of this story winds up leading into the the remaining season 12 stories...Note: In movie format.
The Sontaran Experiment, by Bob Baker and Dave Martin
Continuing from The Ark in Space, the Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Harry arrive on the slowly healing far-future Earth to find a different expedition of astronauts tormented by a Sontaran who is conducting experiments to determine human weaknesses.
The only two-part Fourth Doctor story isn't too complicated, but it is entertaining and refreshingly free of padding. Good location filming too. Note: Only available on video in a set with the next story, Genesis of the Daleks.
Genesis of the Daleks, by Terry Nation
The Time Lords intercept the Doctor and his friends as they are trying to return to Nerva and send them to Skaro at the point in time that the mad scientist Davros is creating the Daleks. The Doctor must now find a way to stop them from menacing the galaxy in the centuries to come - even if it means committing genocide...
Arguably the most popular Doctor Who story ever (a recent poll in Doctor Who Magazine confirmed this). The Daleks are always crowd-pleasers, but what sets this apart from the rest of the stories that feature them is that it really concerns Davros - in his introductory story - and his twisted ideals in creating the Daleks, and the Doctor's dilemma in deciding what should be done about it. There is some great dialogue here from both of these characters, and the ultimate resolution is a thoughtful one indeed. Long (six parts) - too long - but worth it ...episode six is really something.
Season 13
Terror of the Zygons, by Robert Banks Stewart
The Doctor and friends go to Scotland to help the Brigadier investigate the mysterious destruction of several oil rigs in the North Sea. It turns out that the creaure responsible for these events is the cyborg pet of shape-shifting aliens planning world conquest...
One of the better-regarded Fourth Doctor stories does suffer because the Skarasen effect (pretty much just a puppet) is too silly-looking. The pace is also slow, and I don't think it would have worked as well if it had been six parts as originally conceived. But there are some great effects here too: the model work on the Zygon craft, and the design of the Zygons themselves. The acting is fine, and the humor is placed in just the right spots. All in all, a good treatment of the typical alien-invasion plot so common to this program. This is also Harry Sullivan's last story as a regular companion, although he later appears in The Android Invasion.
Pyramids of Mars, by Stephen Harris (Robert Holmes and Lewis Greifer)
On Earth in 1911, the Doctor and Sarah Jane must stop the Egyptian God of Death, Sutekh, from being freed from his prison on Mars.
The first complete Doctor Who adventure that I - and a lot of others it would seem - saw. A terrific introductory story, certainly - it has an easy to follow plot, a magnificently malicious villain who must use others for his dirty work, classic Doctor-companion interaction, some beautiful dialogue (i.e. the "walking in eternity" speech), colorful supporting characters, and lots of suspense and excitement. If you haven't seen it,do so. Note: Part of Gateway Collection, and in movie format - in the U.S. at least; I heard it is now available uncut in the U.K. The Fourth Doctor Decalog story "The Scarab of Death" and the Fifth Doctor MA The Sands of Time are sequels to this.
The Seeds of Doom, by Robert Banks Stewart
Two alien seed pods are found in the Antartic. These are the pods of the Krynoid, a plant that can take over the Earth by infecting a life form and growing to the point where it can germinate. The Doctor and Sarah Jane first face the terror at the Antartic base after one pod infects a human there. But after it is destroyed, they must return to England to track down the wealthy, insane botanist Harrison Chase, who has had the other pod brought to his estate so that it may be studied, and eventually grown...
A six-part action story, with a fast pace and good supporting characters. In particular, Harrison Chase is creepily subdued and extremely memorable. The makeup and special effects as the Krynoid begins to grow are very good too. Note: The UK video of this story spans two tapes, while in the US it's all on one tape. This practise of putting 6-part stories - which are roughly equivalent to two-and-a-half hour films - on two tapes is par for the course at BBC Video on both sides of the Atlantic now.
Season 14
The Hand of Fear, by Bob Baker and Dave Martin
Sarah Jane is possessed by an alien, fossilized hand and compelled to take it to the core of a nuclear reactor to restore it into the creature it once belonged to. What are the creature's intentions once it is restored?
One of the more underrated Fourth Doctor stories. It's well-paced, the villain Eldrad is wonderfully realized in both its female and male forms, and the effects of the title hand beginning to move on its own are superb. The final scene - The Doctor being called back to Gallifrey and saying goodbye to Sarah Jane because she cannot come - is terribly touching and understated, a real feat considering how hard it was to write.
The Deadly Assassin, by Robert Holmes
Called back to Gallifrey by an unknown force, the Doctor is soon accused of the assassination of the Lord President - which he was trying to prevent! Stalling for time by announcing himself as a candidate for the position, he soon realises that one of his cruellest enemies is behind this.....
One of the most violent Doctor Who stories ever - much of the violence (primarily in the Matrix scenes) more realistic than usual. The Doctor's home world of Gallifrey became synonimous with dark political dealings for the show's writers after this intruiging tale, and had an enormous impact on the series as a whole, as well as on the subsequent original novels. Tom Baker is especially good in the only televised Who story that did not feature a companion, plus, he runs around in just a white linen shirt, smart trousers, and boots for a good deal of the running time...purrrrrrrrr.... Note: The US video is in movie format, with a minute or so of the most excessive violence trimmed. The British rerelease is episodic and complete.
The Robots of Death, by Chris Boucher
On a mining vessel in the far future, the Doctor and Leela (Louise Jameson) try to discover who is reprogramming its servant robots to kill the human crew members.
An extremely stylish murder mystery in the Agatha Christie vein. The human crew's individual personalities and suspicions are well-drawn, and the beautiful design and calm voices of the robots themselves makes them that much more effective. And how the Doctor ultimately stops the villain is too clever to spoil here, though it makes perfect sense....;-) Note: In movie format. BBC books sequel (by the same writer): Corpse Marker.
The Talons of Weng-Chiang, by Robert Holmes from a story by Robert Banks Stewart
Late 19th century London: A rash of mysterious kidnappings, all near the Palace Theatre and its sewers, lead the Doctor and Leela to a phony Chinese god who is really a cruel, disfigured ruler from the future trying to return to his time through a very dubious device.
Often considered the best Doctor Who story ever; I can't have the definitive opinion but it certainly ranks high with me. Six episodes and little padding...the period detail is lovely, the supporting good guys Litefoot and Jago are fun, the supporting villains - the ill-fated magician Li-Hsien Chang and the mysterious Peking Homunculus - are well-thought out and offbeat, there's plenty of humor (especially as Leela tries to adjust to these strange surroundings), and Tom Baker is at his best...I don't think I need to go on any farther. A great closer to a great season. Note: A Gateway Collection selection, in movie format with a fight scene in the first episode reedited for violence. See below for my review of the MA sequel to this story, The Shadow of Weng-Chiang.
Season 16: The Key to Time - encompassing all six stories of this season, the Doctor, K-9 Mark II, and new companion Romana [Mary Tamm], a Time Lady, are sent by the White Guardian to retrieve the six disguised, hidden pieces of the mysterious key to restore the balance of the universe...but they must beware the Black Guardian...
The Stones of Blood, by David Fisher
The third segment of the Key is in the countryside of present-day England, and it is proving to be mighty elusive. More pressing problems, however, have to do with an ancient stone circle...and the three living stones there...and Druids...and their 4000-year-old goddess who is also a surveyor's assistant...and a ship stuck in hyperspace...
An unusual blending of Gothic horror and verbal humor elements. I think the production gets bogged down in the second half, which is set mostly on the hyperspace ship and involves a very odd trial. But the story is very involving with several memorable characters: the friendly old surveyor Amelia Rumford, the "justice machines" known as the Megara (which appear as sparkling lights and speak in amusingly judicious voices), and the villainous Vivien Fay. The effects with the titular stones (the alien Ogri) are also well-executed. Note: In the Gateway Collection.
The Androids of Tara, by David Fisher
Tara is the destination in the search for the fourth segment of the Key. Romana easily finds it, but soon she, the Doctor and K-9 are caught up in the evil Count Grendel's plot to usurp the Taran throne using android duplicates of the Prince and Princess...and to make matters even stickier, Romana looks exactly like the Princess!
This variant on The Prisoner of Zenda is a lighthearted story that has lots of amusing twists and turns and fun dialogue (this is the one with the Doctor's line "If you don't stop burning my scarf, you're going to have to kill me!"). It seems shorter than its four parts; the time flies just by...the swordfight between the Doctor and Grendel at the climax is exciting and funny. Note: The Seventh Doctor Decalog 2 short story "The Trials of Tara" is a sequel to this.
Season 17
City of Death, by David Agnew (Douglas Adams and Graham Williams, from a story by David Fisher)
Paris, 1979 - The Doctor and Romana (Lalla Ward) discover a plot by the odd Count Scarlioni to have the Mona Lisa stolen - even though he already has 6 originals of it! The Count is using the money gained from the sales of such treasures to fund a time-travel experiment...for he is really a splinter of the one surviving member of his alien race. And his efforts to rescue it could result in the non-existance of humanity.
I'm going to be frank. Most anyone who comes to a page like mine knows why this is the rival to The Talons of Weng-Chiang as the most acclaimed Fourth Doctor story. I'll just say that I thought it was hilarious, original, exciting, beautifully produced, and...well, fun. No...joyous. Note: In the Gateway Collection.
Season 18
Full Circle, by Andrew Smith
The Doctor, Romana, and K-9 are attempting a return to Gallifrey when the TARDIS is sucked into the alternate universe of E-Space; specifically to the planet Alzarius. There, the humanesque Terradonians, stranded eons ago, are trying to escape before they are overcome by the rising Marshmen...but do the two races have more in common than anyone thinks? And why are the Terradonian Deciders hesitant to take action in leaving?
An imaginative story with some interesting points raised (such as the delightfully ironic - and relevant - problem the Deciders have in making desicions). The effects are very glossy, a mark of the John Nathan-Turner production era. This is the debut story of young Adric, played by Matthew Waterhouse and probably the most hated companion in Who-history. Well, I'll admit, the character (and to a lesser extent, the performance) is pretty dorky...but compared to all the other obnoxious kiddie characters I've seen on TV, he's not so bad. Note: The adventure in E-Space spans this and the following two stories, State of Decay and Warriors' Gate. These three stories are thus only available in the 3-tape E-Space Trilogy box set.
State of Decay, by Terrance Dicks
The next planet the TARDIS and its occupants - who now include the stowaway Adric - arrive on in E-Space is a strangely medieval world, overseen by the Three Who Rule. As it turns out, their castle is really the crashed ship of three Earth astronauts were sucked into E-Space as well. And these rulers are not merely their descendants ...even though the crash happened hundreds of years ago...they ARE those astronauts, and the powerful creature that has altered them is preparing to rise again...
It's hard to choose between this or Warriors' Gate as the best part of the E-Space trilogy. Either way, this long-delayed story (originally meant for season 15) is a richly designed, very creepy tale that has deservedly become quite popular with the fans. Note: This story has had no less than three follow-ups in the books. The Fourth Doctor section of the BBC novel The Eight Doctors takes place immediately after this story, the Seventh Doctor New Adventure Blood Harvest follows, and it concludes in the Fifth Doctor MA Goth Opera. (The first two are written by Dicks.) A more distant follow-up is the BBC Eighth Doctor novel Vampire Science.
Warriors' Gate, by Stephen Gallagher
The TARDIS comes to the spot where N-Space (the universe we know) and E-Space converge. There is also a ship trapped here, manned by humans who have enslaved the catlike Tharils to gain time travel ability. Time and space are converging as this gateway is shrinking, and whether anyone will escape E-Space depends on what is done in the present.
The final section of this trilogy is definitely the most imaginative and ambitious. Visually it has many marvelous elements (the white void, the gardens, a terrific opening tracking shot), and plotwise it is quite complex - involving not only escaping from E-Space, but the aspects/themes of power changing hands, convergence of past and present events, and trying to figure out what should be done if anything needs to be done at all! Also, it's a fine departure story for Romana and K-9. That's quite a lot to pack into four episodes, so you might want a complete summary of it to refer to as you watch.
The Missing Adventures
The Romance of Crime, by Gareth Roberts
Ogrons, smugglers, and a mask containing the life force of a human-hating princess cause plenty of trouble for the Doctor, Romana II, and K-9. (Set between City of Death and The Creature From the Pit)
How you react to Roberts's Fourth Doctor MA's - all set within the 17th season - may depend on whether you saw and liked any of the shows of that season; I came into his books cold and could not prejudge them. Frequently his writing is quite funny, and the regulars are always in fine form...but he tends to overload the stories with characters and plot threads. Of the three, this book is the weakest...but it's still worthwhile, especially for season 17 fans (well duh).
System Shock, by Justin Richards
In 1998 London a dying man slips a computer disk to the Doctor. The piece of paper on it has one cryptic word scrawled upon it: "Hubway". From there, the Doctor, Sarah Jane, and an older Harry are forced to stop the evil dealings of a computer corporation staffed by disguised aliens bent on world domination...no, it's not Microsoft. *heehee* (Set between The Seeds of Doom and The Masque of Mandragora)
Although it is one of the longest MA's (360 pages) it's got plenty of action; take away the regular characters (characterized quite well, by the way - especially an older but still good-hearted Harry) and replace them with some bankable box-office names and I could see a $25 million dollar opening weekend...a great beach read. BBC books sequel: Milennium Shock.
Managra, by Stephen Marley
In the far far future, much of Europe has been transformed into the surreal "Europa", a sort of theme park where long-dead historical figures and fictional characters abound. But the strange impresario Doctor Sperano is threatening to subvert it to his - its? - will, and the good Doctor and Sarah Jane are caught up in this conflict. (Set between Planet of Evil and Pyramids of Mars)
Definitely the darkest and most violent Fourth Doctor MA, thick with well-realized characters and bizarre incidents. Although the characterization of Sarah Jane is off, no other MA can match its take on the Fourth Doctor. Though he behaves as usual, this book hints at a troubled, lonely soul beneath the surface. (And I can buy that. Look at the fellow - have you ever really noticed how wide and deep and a touch sad his eyes are?) This alone makes the book rewarding, though it is long.
The English Way of Death, by Gareth Roberts
1930's England becomes host to future Earth time travellers and a malevolent alien force who controls zombies - not to mention the Doctor, Romana II, and K-9. (Set after MA The Romance of Crime)
Not all that it could have been, but okay.
The Shadow of Weng-Chiang, by David A. McIntee
The Doctor, Romana I, and K-9 are pulled off course from their search for the Key to Time by the energies of time-travel paths in 1937 China. Someone is trying to alter the effects of a far-future experiment for deeply personal reasons...(Set between The Stones of Blood and The Androids of Tara; a sequel to the TV story The Talons of Weng-Chiang)
McIntee seems to be one of the more controversial Doctor Who writers. I'll admit his writing is overly descriptive, which can make reading his books a bit tedious at times, but he does have a real feeling for time and place. Certainly he's ambitious (the other book of his that I've read, the fine Second Doctor MA The Dark Path, featured the Master before and as he became evil). If you haven't seen the story The Talons of Weng-Chiang, you might want to have a passing familiarity with its events if you're going to read this. I found it to be quite satisfying. Hsien-Ko - an apparently ageless, tragically misguided woman - is my favorite villain in the MA's.
A Device of Death, by Christopher Bulis
Trying to return to the TARDIS using the Time Ring, the Doctor, Sarah Jane and Harry are separated and each experiences distinctly different sides of an ambiguous interplanetary war. (Set between Genesis of the Daleks and Revenge of the Cybermen)
A very character-driven story - the Doctor and his two companions are separated on different worlds for about the first half or so and given plenty of individual moments to shine, with the parts converging for the climax. Like the TV stories that surround it this is a war story, and a well-written one, in part because Bulis has more of a knack than most MA authors for handling lots of supporting characters. And few MA's do such a good job tying in to the events of the television series. (Love the very last paragraph!)
The Well-Mannered War, by Gareth Roberts
Roberts wraps up his Fourth Doctor/Romana II/K-9 trilogy with a tale in which the trio tries to stop a bloodthirsty Hive from transforming a peaceful conflict between two races into a deadly battle. (Set between "Shada" and The Leisure Hive)
The final MA released by Virgin Publishing. It's a very amusing tale, although it is too long and shares some similarities to A Device of Death. What really impressed me is how Roberts creates a bridge between the very humorous season 17 with the subdued season 18. The ending is remarkable, though in a way we have been set up for it throughout the book.
Short Stories
"UNITed We Fall" (from Decalog 3: Consequences), by Keith R. A. Candido
The Doctor arrives in contemporary New York City, where an appropriations hearing regarding the British arm of UNIT is taking place. He thinks the Brigadier (who indeed is there) summoned him, but in fact, it is the work of a mad bomber who holds a personal vendetta against the Doctor.
A really mixed bag. It has an appealing concept, good characterizations of the regulars, and some very funny moments, but apparently the more serious element of it was forced upon it by the theme of this collection (the effects of the Doctor's actions upon not only the lives of others, but upon his own life, past and present). In particular the end paragraphs are a real bringdown. More fun to read than to reflect upon.
Other fiction
The Pescatons, by Victor Pemberton
A novelization of an original audio Fourth Doctor story from 1976 regarding an Earth invasion by fish-like creatures escaping their self-ruined planet.
Written in the same style of the television novelizations (which I have chosen not to review for the obvious reason); on its own terms, having not heard the record, it's not too shabby and probably would have made a good television story - albeit a very elaborate one.
Non-fiction books
Doctor Who Handbook: The Fourth Doctor, by David J. Howe, Mark Stammers, and Stephen James Walker
This volume is an omnibus of the Tom Baker era: there are interview excerpts, story synopses and reviews, essays on the show's development over the seven seasons, and more. Not the type of book one reads from cover to cover, but still an essential purchase. (These authors cover much the same ground in the Fourth Doctor-related chapters of the books Doctor Who - The Seventies and The Eighties.)
Classic Who: The Hinchcliffe Years, by Adrian Rigelsford
Phillip Hinchcliffe produced the first three Tom Baker seasons, and this book covers their production. Text is very technical and somtimes a bit dry, but for anyone who really wants to understand the production of a show like Doctor Who, it's fascinating. Lots of great photos too.
Who on Earth Is Tom Baker? by Tom Baker
My, my, my...this is certainly one of the best autobiographies I have ever read. Sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes darkly hilarious, sometimes very ribald, ALWAYS fascinating. Of course we never get an answer to the title question, but with clues like these, some of us can make a fairly educated guess. ;o) Note: There is an audiobook version of this available, read by the author. If and when an American version is published, it will include an additional chapter regarding American fan conventions.
Documentaries
The Tom Baker Years, written and directed by John-Nathan Turner, presented by Tom Baker
A two-tape, three-hour retrospective that includes clips from every Fourth Doctor story, and more importantly, Baker's reactions and anecdotes,which are wonderful. It is a testament to Baker's talent and charisma - both then and now - that even as someone who has not yet seen the entirety of Logopolis, I was truly moved by the final scenes of that story that are shown near the end of the tape. Absoulutely exquisite, and an interesting companion to the autobiography.
Audio releases
Genesis of the Daleks
This is a condensed version of the television story with the original dialogue and music, tied together with new narration by Tom Baker in character as the Doctor. A pleasing diversion, though I was disappointed by its exclusion of the Doctor's final speech.
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