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 Hungry Earth / Cold Blood sees the welcome return of the Silurians to Doctor Who. This Chris Chibnall penned tale is a good character piece, we see The Doctor as his most alien with his interaction with the young boy and Amy‘s anguish over Rory‘s “death” is quite moving. The interplay between Ambrose and the Silurian demonstrates the worst of humanity. 8.5 out of 10.
Vincent and the Doctor is one of the best episodes of Doctor Who. Tony Curran gives a wonderful performance as Vincent bringing to life a realistic portrayal of mental illness. We have come a long way in depicting mental illness since Zaroff in The Underwater Menace. His ability to see beyond the natural world allows him to see Amy’s sadness of the missing and not remembered Rory. The final scene in the Musée d’orsay is one of the best in the entire series. The pop song Chances by Athlete blends perfectly with Vincent’s amazement at seeing his work in such a hallowed venue. Bill Nighy as Doctor Black is also memorable, he would have made a fine Doctor. 10 out of 10.
If you can look past the presence of James Corden playing Craig Owens in The Lodger it is a above average episode. This light-hearted romp shows The Eleventh Doctor at his most bouncy and silly and plays well with the budding relationship between Craig and Sophie both of whom give quality performances. 8 out of 10.
