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.
With 17 + incarnations of the Doctor through all media the Sixth Doctor is my favorite. I will admit that this opinion is based on the extended media more so than the TV show. Colin Baker is a great actor which really comes to the front in audio adventures like “The Marian Conspiracy“, “The Holy Terror” and “Jubilee.” The Twin Dilemma is the Sixth Doctor’s debut story on TV and was the last story broadcasted in season 21. The story has a bad reputation in the fandom but is grossly under-rated in my opinion. It is not a great story and following the best Doctor Who story ever The Caves of Androzani doesn’t help but is an acceptable introduction to the persona of this incarnation. It is a disservice to have the only appearance of The Sixth Doctor for months be while he is in a regenerative crisis. I truly wish the ridiculous costume was replaced with what Colin wanted a simple black jacket. 7 out of 10.
Attack of the Cybermen sees The Doctor and Peri return to Telos and meet the Cybermen and a new alien species the Cryons. We also see the return of Gustave Lytton the mercenary from The Fifth Doctor story Resurrection of the Daleks. The character was popular enough to earn his own comic book miniseries from Cutaway Comics. The story was very violent and led to much criticism of the era 7 out of 10.
Vengeance on Varos is a highly regarded story many consider the best of the Sixth Doctor era. This critique of modern TV culture also sees the introduction of the evil Sil from Thoros-Beta. The slug like creature and the great performance by Nabil Shaban bringing him to life make for a truly memorable opponent 9 out of 10.
