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.
The Empty Child and The Doctor Dances is a classic Doctor Who story in all media and all time periods. This two part story showed what a brilliant writer Stephen Moffat is. The story is a fast paced adventure with some genuinely creepy atmospheric situations. The empty child is both creepy and sympathetic. Rose is my least favorite companion but here with the Ninth Doctor she is tolerable. The introduction of the omni-sexual Captain Jack was an important milestone in representation for the program. 10 out of 10.
Boom Town is a very under-rated story. Annette Badland is a nice villain of the piece and the crowded Tardis team of The Doctor, Jack, Rose and Mickey work well together. A nice light-hearted story set before the dour season finale. 7 out of 10.
The Daleks return in force in the two part season finale Bad Wolf and The Parting of the Ways. A humorous start to the story with the game show pastiches turns into a emotional and riveting climax. The end of Bad Wolf is one of the best cliff-hangers of the program, not necessarily for the Doctor but for the Daleks. The Ninth Doctor is the epitome “The Oncoming Storm” The ” Ka Faraq Gatri” the destroyer of worlds. 10 out of 10.
