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.
Silver Nemesis was the episode meant to be the 25th anniversary of the program. Lady Peinforte from 1638, her servant Richard Maynard, Cybermen and Windsor Castle in 1988 all come together to make a mess of a story. We do get a hint at The Doctor’s mysterious past and the Cartmel Master Plan which is the one redeeming aspect of the story. 6.5 out of 10.
The Greatest Show in the Galaxy sees The Doctor and Ace wind up on a circus planet where they meet the wackiest group of characters ever. The explorer Captain Cook and his werewolf assistant Mags help The Doctor as he confronts a trio of “elder gods.” Mags proves to be a durable character and Jessica Martin reprises her role in a trio of Big Finish audio plays. 7 out of 10.
Battlefield sees the welcome return of Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart. Jean Marsh also makes a return to the program as the evil Morgaine. There is a lot of lore in this episode which I very much enjoyed. The red-haired future incarnation of The Doctor (Muldwych?) who will become Merlin and his mysterious past on Gallifrey are great little tidbits to be expanded on in the extended media. 8 out of 10.
