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.
Last Christmas was the Christmas special for 2014 and was meant to be Jenna Coleman‘s last episode as Clara. She had a change of heart at the last minute and her final scene was changed to account for her staying on. The old age makeup was very good and it would have been a unique and devastating end for her character. The plot with the dream crabs was reminiscent of several movies but still provided a few scares and visceral pumps. Faye Marsay as Shona would have made a good companion if Coleman did leave. Nick Frost did a nice turn as Santa. A solid story 8 out of 10.
The Magician’s Apprentice and The Witch’s Familiar saw the returns of Davros and Missy in an epic two part season opener. The opening scene with the young Davros in the handmine field was riveting with a shocking reveal. The scenes in the Skaro wilderness with Missy and Clara were fantastic and the final confrontation between The Twelfth Doctor and Davros exceptional. The Doctor riding on a tank playing the Doctor Who theme on his electric guitar is an iconic moment in the history of the show 9 out of 10.
