The Black Guardian Trilogy - Terminus

Firstly, the much-maligned Terminus isn't that bad at all. It's just slow. And the Garm - supposed dog-guardian of hell, as far as mythology goes - is actually quite cute. And he talks in a version of English I don't understand.

Terminus actually gets off to a cracking start, with the sneaky Turlough trying to sabbotage the TARDIS at the request of the Black Guardian. Then, doors with skulls on appear, and it all goes very creepy and mysterious, as the crew pass from a disintigrating TARDIS into the Terminus lepper ship.

The story is actually great - a superb concept, sadly let down by budget constraints and all kinds of behind-the-scenes problems. However the new CGI effects on this version really liven things up, and to be honest, the new space sequences that replace the model shots, are stunning.

The reasons for Nyssa suddenly taking off her skirt still remain undisclosed, but I'm sure it's still a delight for Nyssa fans all over the world, who still crave for the Director's Cut, where far more comes off. But all in all, Terminus makes for a dramatic and rather dark finalé for Nyssa, who, in a genuinely moving farewell scene, decides to stay on the ship and with the help of her new pet Garm, stabilise the cure for the leppers, and transform Terminus into a fully functional space hospital.

Wouldn't it be nice if the Doctor payed her a visit again one day.

The Black Guardian Trilogy - Mawdryn Undead

One of my earliest memories of watching Doctor Who as a young boy, was 1983's Mawdryn Undead. I had obviously been into the show for a while as I recall being familiar with the characters and the premise, but this was the first time I remember being genuinely scared - and the scary person in question was the ginger-haired, pale gangly new schoolboy companion, Turlough, played sarcastically and brilliantly by Mark Strickson.

Actually, what scared me was Turlough's crystal, through which he communicated with the Black Guardian - and it was that whole combination, particularly Valentine Dyall's menacing stare and gruff voice, that had me heading for the protection of the sofa.

Anyway to the story - the new DVD version comes with the much loved option of new CGI effects, which work wonders, bringing the look of the story up-to-date and not out of place. The moments of horror, such as the burned body of Mawdryn still stand up, and the whole episode just looks wonderful. Turlough sneaks around, controlled by the Black Guardian, on his mission to kill the Doctor, and Nicholas Courtney plays two versions of the Brigadier perfectly.

Mawdryn Undead is not only a great story, but a Doctor Who adventure I never tire of, not because it's great, but for the sheer delight of remembering the impact it had on me, aged 5!!

The DVD comes with plenty of extra features, such as your usual making-of, a fun little "interview" with The Brig, reminiscing about his time working as a teacher, plus out-takes and even some rare film trims. Above all, Mawdryn Undead is one of those stories that shows 80s Who at it's best, and proves wrong any sceptic who claims that era was crap - and let's face it, they probably weren't even born then!

The End of Time - Part One

Fortunately, a proper story and not some silly Christmas "special", part one of David Tennant's final adventure wasn't bad at all.

That was, of course, until everybody turned into John Simm, in a bit of a "Being John Malkovich" moment. Then the story just turned into one giant reminder as to why I can't wait for Russell T Davies to leave.

Throughout the Tenth Doctor's tenure, I've noticed he's become a bit of an emo. Our first teary Doctor. For me, the over-emotional aspect never worked; it detracted from the mystery of the character. Christopher Eccleston's portrayal of suppressed emotion was much better - whereas the previous Doctors had generally kept any such emotion well hidden, he let it show, but only very slightly, keeping his pride and charisma in tact. It's clear now, that the Tenth Doctor probably cries at the end of soppy movies.

But that doesn't mean I haven't enjoyed Mr Tennant. Indeed, he might make a better Hamlet than Doctor, and his portrayal of the character turned out to be different to my expectations, and I always felt, not quite right, given David's excellence and potential as a genuinely brilliant actor. But there's no denying his popularity is what made the show the huge success it is, and, as always, it is always a moving moment when you know you're watching the current Doctor for the last time.

Since 2007, I've been trying to erase John Simm's Master from memory. So what do they do? They bring him back. But I think, mistakes made, and lessons learnt, the new, ravaged (or unshaven), pointlessly blonde Master is much better, and far more in keeping with the character. Apart from the ridiculous flying bit.

I had suspected the Time Lords would return, and - hurrah! - they are! Led by an unexpectedly fitting Timothy Dalton. The clips of the new Time Lords looked full of promise, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what the second part holds, as well as waving off the Tenth Doctor, and preparing myself for the show's much-needed change.