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 tenth series is one of my least favorite but these three stories are OK if not spectacular. Smile sees The Doctor take Bill on her first journey in the TARDIS after her short excursions in her introductory story. I feel that this story may not age well with its heavy use of emojis as a plot point. The cute robots and mystery surrounding the abandoned colony make for a light hearted romp. 7 out of 10.
Thin Ice is one of the better stories of the series I always appreciate the historical and pseudo-historical episodes. It was nice to see the Doctor and Bill in period costumes as they make a visit to London’s last great frost fair. The Doctor of course has been here before with River and Stevie Wonder! I much appreciate the handling of Bill’s race in this episode as compared with the hand-waving treatment in The Shakespeare Code. I wish we could get a true historical episode instead of shoe-horning in a monster of the week. 8 out of 10.
Knock Knock sees Bill getting a new place to live with a collection of housemates. The group of friend were all well realized and likable and you find yourself pulling for each of them. The Doctor and Bill have a humorous relationship in the story and the creature is poignantly brought to life. 7 out of 10.
