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.
A Good Man Goes to War is the Avengers Endgame moment for Doctor Who. The Doctor gathers up a collection of his old Allies to rescue Amy from Madame Kovarian and her cohorts. We see the introduction of the Paternoster Gang, and the wonderful Christina Chong as Lorna Bucket as well as the return of Dorium Maldovar and Captain Henry Avery. The deaths of Strax and Lorna after the battle are both touching. The scene with Rory and the Cybermen as the cold opening is memorable and iconic. The final moments with River finally revealing her backstory is one of the best moments in the show. 10 out of 10.
Let’s Kill Hitler completes River’s origin story following directly on from A Good Man Goes to War. Nina Toussaint-White gives a fine performance as Mels an earlier incarnation of River. A light-hearted beginning to the story leads into a poignant finale highlighting the relationships of The Doctor, River and Amy. 9 out of 10.
Night Terrors is a solid Mark Gatiss penned story making good use of the monster in the closet and creepy dolls tropes. A solid middle of the road episode 7.5 out of 10.
