Death to the Daleks

Unlike Nicholas Briggs, I can't share his enthusiasm for this story. It's not a bad one, but not good either. Mediorce maybe? The scene in episode 3 where the city root attacks the Daleks is pretty good. And the incidental music is unique to say the least. But otherwise it's bland.

The DVD extras on the other hand have something special. The first time the series has taken a look at the Dalek movies of the sixties. Some footage of the filming was recently found and is included on the disc along with interviews with some of the cast and crew. The best bit is when actor Jason Flemyng, son of directer Gordon Flemygn, says he can't wait for his kids to be old enough to watch the movies so he can talk to them about their grandfather (Gordon having passed away in 1995). Which shows how Doctor Who can bridge generations. I they like it.

Mary Tamm 1950-1962

What a horrible twelve months it's been for Doctor Who companions. First Nicholas Courtney, then Elisabeth Sladen, Caroline John and now Mary Tamm. All gone. Cancer took them all.

My thoughts are with Mary's family.

The Sun Makers

 "Perhaps everyone runs from the taxman?"

What was it Graham Bond once said? Beware the wounded satirist. Otherwise you may become part of their repertoire. Never was a truer word spoken in Robert Holmes' case when he had his battle with the Inland Revenue. He turned it into one of the funniest Doctor Who's ever. Tom Baker's at his best here. And Henry Woolfe and Richard Hade as the Collector and Gather Hade respectively are another great Holmes double act. This is probably the best story of the fifteen series.