Doctor Who The Complete History was a series of hardback volumes which came out every two weeks and covered 3-4 stories each. These were in-depth volumes covering the production of each episode from the first in 1963 to the end of the Peter Capaldi era of the show. In addition to the extensive production notes there were also merchandise and publicity updates and actor profiles. The quality of each volume was exceptional overseen by several different editors. The volumes were only available in the UK and Ireland so were difficult to obtain in other locations. I am more of a Watsonian fan but if you are a Doyalist you will greatly appreciate these books. Even so I give the entire series a solid 8 out of 10. I will rate each episode covered below.
Horror of Fang Rock written by Terrance Dicks was an exceptional story and one of the highlights of the entire Tom Baker era. We see our first and so far only appearance of the arch enemies of the Sontarans the Rutans. Director Paddy Russell brings the lonely, isolated island of Fang Rock and its lighthouse to life in riveting detail. The small cast is well realized and the downbeat ending satisfying. The Beast of Fang Rock is an excellent follow-up novel. 10 out of 10
The Invisible Enemy was one of my least favorite stories. I found the cloning (complete with clothes!) to be beyond my suspension of belief and the Virus of the Swarm was one of the least well-polished monsters. We did see the introduction of K9 in this episode. 6 out of 10.
The beautiful Wanda Ventham (mother of Benedict Cumberbatch) stars in Image of the Fendahl. Denis Lill, who would go on to feature in the series Survivors, was excellent as Dr Fendelman and Daphne Heard as Grandma Martha Tyler and Geoffrey Hinsliff as her grandson Jack added some nice color. This story provided some interesting history into the ancient powers that ruled the universe towards the beginning of creation. The assisted suicide of Fendelman by the Doctor was a captivating and horrifying scene. 9 out of 10.
The Sun Makers find The Doctor and Leela enwrapped in a world of taxation and suppression on Pluto. This is writer Robert Holmes attack on the tax policies of 1970s England. Michael Keating of Blake’s 7 fame appears in a small role and Richard Leech as Gatherer Hade and Henry Woolf as The Collector give over the top performances. 7 out of 10.
