This story marks the first story of the new look era of Doctor Who with a new intro, new logo and new outfit for Tom Baker. After six years with the same outfit it was decided by new Producer John Nathan-Turner to revamp the show with former producer Barry Letts as a watchful eye over JNT. It doesn’t really get off to a good start with one of the longest and dullest opening shots ever in TV. There is a panning shot across Brighton beach and it’s nearly two minutes before there is any dialogue, luckily moments later K9 is blown up and that’s his involvement in the story at an end.
The story is set on Argolis which had a war lasting just 20 minutes. The Argolins are a relatively smart race that are playing around with Tachyonics but don’t seem to have got a handle on it. They are at odds with the Fomasi, I was impressed at how they managed to create this in studio and on a small budget. There are three main Argolins that we meet but its Pangol (David Haig) that’s the star. I’m a big fan of his and he really is great, especially in episode four when his plan goes into full swing. I wasn’t wild about Mena to begin with but she grew on me. The cliffhangers were very good, especially the first one which was quite grim. It was more like a Philip Hinchcliffe type ending. The Cliffhanger where the Doctor ages 1200 years was another cracking one because of the performances of everyone involved.
There are problems with this story. The revelation of Brock to be a Fomasi was dodgy. It was on the same level as the Scaroth revelation in ‘City of Death’. I also thought the Fomasi or the look of them is far from impressive. Also the revelation that when their ship was blown up in episode four but really it has left with a rogue Fomasi and the others hadn’t gotten on board was a bit silly. Something else that I wasn’t wild about were the props in the Hive they were so 1980’S and in the 21st century, they really standout and not in a good way.
Apart from the supporting cast the main cast were ok. Lalla Ward carried the story because Tom Baker was busy playing a 1200 year old Timelord for the majority of the story. It was clear that Tom’s enthusiasm was on the decline and the importance or relevance of the Doctor in this story isn’t perhaps as big as it is in future stories. I like Lalla Ward because her Romana is more likeable than Mary Tamm’s. It’s because whilst there is snobbery about lesser species, there is a greater sense to roll her sleeves up and help solve a problem. It’s also the rare occasion where the companion is trying to save the Doctor though she isn’t entirely successful.
The Leisure Hive kicks off Tom Baker’s final season off well with some good performances and also some good writing and directing. There may be a few issues with bits of the story but compared to Meglos and Warriors Gate they pale into insignificance.
The story is set on Argolis which had a war lasting just 20 minutes. The Argolins are a relatively smart race that are playing around with Tachyonics but don’t seem to have got a handle on it. They are at odds with the Fomasi, I was impressed at how they managed to create this in studio and on a small budget. There are three main Argolins that we meet but its Pangol (David Haig) that’s the star. I’m a big fan of his and he really is great, especially in episode four when his plan goes into full swing. I wasn’t wild about Mena to begin with but she grew on me. The cliffhangers were very good, especially the first one which was quite grim. It was more like a Philip Hinchcliffe type ending. The Cliffhanger where the Doctor ages 1200 years was another cracking one because of the performances of everyone involved.
There are problems with this story. The revelation of Brock to be a Fomasi was dodgy. It was on the same level as the Scaroth revelation in ‘City of Death’. I also thought the Fomasi or the look of them is far from impressive. Also the revelation that when their ship was blown up in episode four but really it has left with a rogue Fomasi and the others hadn’t gotten on board was a bit silly. Something else that I wasn’t wild about were the props in the Hive they were so 1980’S and in the 21st century, they really standout and not in a good way.
Apart from the supporting cast the main cast were ok. Lalla Ward carried the story because Tom Baker was busy playing a 1200 year old Timelord for the majority of the story. It was clear that Tom’s enthusiasm was on the decline and the importance or relevance of the Doctor in this story isn’t perhaps as big as it is in future stories. I like Lalla Ward because her Romana is more likeable than Mary Tamm’s. It’s because whilst there is snobbery about lesser species, there is a greater sense to roll her sleeves up and help solve a problem. It’s also the rare occasion where the companion is trying to save the Doctor though she isn’t entirely successful.
The Leisure Hive kicks off Tom Baker’s final season off well with some good performances and also some good writing and directing. There may be a few issues with bits of the story but compared to Meglos and Warriors Gate they pale into insignificance.
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