Doctor Who DVD Files - Part Sixteen: Issues 79-83

Introduction

Hello readers! In this part, the issues cover the latter part of Series 5, including the 2010 Christmas Special. Following this, issues included a Third Doctor Dalek story, the Sixth Doctor's trip to Telos and the Fifth Doctor encounters and ancient enemy deep beneath the ocean's surface. Enjoy!

Issue 79 (11/1/2012)

The DVD

The Lodger - The Doctor has to live a normal life to investigate aliens in Essex.

The Pandorica Opens - The Doctor and Amy discover the perfect prison beneath Stonehenge.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - The Pandorica Opens - A trap awaits the Doctor deep beneath Stonehenge (EP 5.12)
• Allies - Henry Avery - This pirate captain wasn't as evil as he seemed (HE1)
• Alien Worlds - Logopolis - Visit the planet that kept the universe from unravelling (LO1)
• Behind the Scenes - The Rani Returns - Read part two of our exclusive interview with Kate O'Mara (Part 79)
• Technology - Pandorica - Climb inside the strongest prison in the universe (PR1)
• Enemies - Light - A surveyor from another world, Light wasn't good at adapting (LG1)
• Who on Earth - New Companions - The nineties and noughties were busy times for the Doctor (Part 28)
• Enemies - Pandorica Alliance - Find out who was who in this unholy union of monsters (PR1)
• Episode Guide - The Lodger - The Doctor embarks on his greatest adventure: normal life! (EP 5.11)

Issue 80 (25/1/2012)

The DVD

The Big Bang - The Doctor is in a race against time to stop his TARDIS from destroying the universe

A Christmas Carol - Amy and Rory's honeymoon is heading for disaster...

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - A Christmas Carol - The Doctor must use all his wits to outsmart Kazran Sardick (EP 6.X)
• Enemies - Stone Dalek - Even fossilisation couldn't stop the monsters from Skaro (DL13)
• Who on Earth - World's End - 2006 was the year in which everything changed for Earth (Part 29)
• Flashback - Maximum Power - The Third Doctor takes his last stand against a giant spider (DR3-7)
• Alien Worlds - Parallel Earth - Explore a world that was a twisted mirror of our own (PE1)
• Allies - Abigail Pettigrew - The frozen women helped to thaw Kazran Sardick's heart (AL1)
• Behind the Scenes - Astro Girl - Exclusive interview with Wendy Padbury, who played Zoe (Part 80)
• Episode Guide - The Big Bang - The Doctor meets a grreat artist and a terrifying monster (EP 5.13)
• Technology - TARDIS Console - Discover the secrets of the Eleventh Doctor's eccentric ship (TD7)

Issue 81 (8/2/2012)

The DVD

Planet of the Daleks - The Doctor and Jo run into trouble on the planet Spiridon

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Planet of the Daleks - The Doctor and Jo are trapped in an alien jungle (DOC 3.18)
• Allies - Madame Vastra - Read about the Silurian adventuress from Victorian London (VS1)
• Enemies - Ganger Jen - Jeffiner Lucas' flesh avatar had a life of its own (GA2)
• Who on Earth - Wanted Aliens - 2008 was a year of relentless alien invasion (Part 30)
• Behind the Scenes - Taylor Talks - Actor Peter Purves shares his memories of playing Steven (Part 81)
• Technology - Dalek Time Travel - Discover the secrets of the Dalek's time travel technology (DL4)
• Alien Worlds - Messaline - This subterranean world of warfare was not what it seemed (MS1)
• Enemies - Torchwood One - Before Captain Jack there was Yvonne Hartman (TW1)
• The Doctor - The Eleventh Doctor - Everything you need to know about the madman with a box (DOC 11)

Issue 82 (22/2/2012)

The DVD

Attack of the Cybermen - The Sixth Doctor and Peri visit 1980s London, where they encounter Cybermen from Telos

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Attack of the Cybermen - The Doctor and Peri battle the silver ginats on Telos (DOC 6.2)
• Enemies - Cyber Guard - If you go down to Stonehenge, you're sure of a big surprise (CY7)
• Alien Worlds - Castrovalva - Visit the city that was really a mathematical trap (CA1)
• Allies - Lorna Bucket - Meet the girl who ran with the Doctor (LB1)
• Technology - Osterhagen Key - Martha Jones held the key to doomsday in her hand (OK1)
• Who on Earth - Raising Aliens - Adipose, Daleks, stingrays and the Master (Part 31)
• Enemies - Auntie and Uncle - The Patchwork People of House were not what they seemed (AN1)
• Allies - Amy Pond - Little Amelia grew up to be a traveller in space and time (PO2)
• Behind the Scenes - Sontaran Concept Art - Check out the designs that brought the clone warriors to life (Part 82)

Issue 83 (28/12/2011)

The DVD

Warriors of the Deep - The Fifth Doctor, Tegan and Turlough encounter Silurians and Sea Devils preparing to conquer Earth

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Warriors of the Deep - Silurians and Sea Devils unite to take on the Fifth Doctor (DOC 5.15)
• Allies - Richard Nixon - The US President nicknamed Tricky Dicky had a secret (RX1)
• Who on Earth - Changing History - The Eleventh Doctor's adventures on Earth begin (Part 32)
• Enemies - Doctor Malohkeh - Was this Silurian scientist as creepy as he looked? (MK1)
• Behind the Scenes - Ood Doodles - Check out the concept art that brought the Ood to life (Part 83)
• Alien Worlds - Argolis - Visit the famous planet of the Leisure Hive (AR1)
• Allies - Jo Jones - Find out what happened to Jo Grant after she left the Doctor (JG2)
• Enemies - Madame Kovarian - This fiendishly clever woman was determined to stop the Doctor (KO1)
• Technology - Dalek Crucible - Check out the beating heart of Davros' New Dalek Empire (DL5)

Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Top Five(ish) - Doctors

Hello readers! Something a bit special today. I haven't been around for a few weeks due to scary future stuff, but I couldn't miss today. Today marks the first anniversary of this blog! To mark this special day, I thought I'd answer one of the most essential questions of Doctor who fandom: who is my favourite Doctor?

This isn't going to be a normal Top Five post. That would be much too difficult to write and rank. I am going to start with my favourite Doctor, then work my way down from there. I have different tiers of Doctors, within which I cannot decide an explicit ranking. Therefore, without further ado, here is my top five tiers of Doctors. I can't do anything the simple way.... -sighs-

Note: A large amount of time passed during the writing of this post and this order underwent some heavy reshuffling and opinions changed leading to many rewrites, so just go with it...

First Tier

This one is solely reserved for my favourite Doctor:

The Fourth Doctor

Portrayed by Tom Baker, the Fourth Doctor (and also the longest serving Doctor) is my favourite due to the energy he brought to the part. Baker's sole ambition was to make the show as enjoyable as possible for his audience, something which he put forward in his portrayal with excellent conviction, even if he didn't have the best material to work with. His comedic performances with excellent ruthlessness was a brilliant combination, and I can't really sum up into words how good he is. Though that could just be me writing this at 2am.

Second Tier

Here you will find the Doctors I consider to be excellent, but not quite the best:

Sixth Doctor

The Sixth Doctor is the most underrated Doctor. Colin Baker brings a fresh energy to the role and during his time as the Doctor, you can see his character develop massively. He gels well with his companions, yet still keeps the abrasive side to the character. It's a shame that the BBC weren't fully backing the show once it came round to this era, but Baker puts his all into his portrayal despite of all the bad press and cancellation efforts.

Eleventh Doctor

Despite some shaky patches for the show during Matt Smith's time as the Doctor, one constant brilliant element to the show was his acting talents shining through. The progression of the show during this time was great for my tastes, as it moved from fairy-tale to a darker fantasy. I liked how this Doctor reacted to personal trauma, as he took time to recover from it rather than jump straight back into adventures and keep talking out his traumas, but more on that later....

Third Tier

These Doctors give a good, solid performance:

Second Doctor

Patrick Troughton's Doctor was the first one to take over the lead role, giving him the great responsibility of selling the changes to the audience. The Second Doctor was a lot more active than the First Doctor making him less reliant on his companions. Troughton's Doctor also brought a more juvenile characteristic to the role, yet could still play serious when the role demanded it. He brought a humour to the role which has stuck around for the show's history.

Seventh Doctor

The late 1980s was a rough time for Doctor Who. After defying cancellation once, the show was under great scrutiny from the powers that were. For me, the Seventh Doctor, portrayed by Sylvester McCoy, got off to a rocky start, but once he was paired with Ace, the show began to improve despite the reduced production values. His character showed echos of the Second Doctor, with silly and serious sides when they were appropriate. 

Ninth Doctor

This Doctor brought the show back with a bang in 2005. Portrayed by Christopher Eccleston, this Doctor was possibly the most human yet, showing the pain and grief caused by his loss in the Time War. This Doctor got more personal with his companions, making his character more relatable then his previous incarnations and more appropriate for the modern audiences. Despite the 'damaged goods' character, Eccleston could also play a more comedic chatacter towards the end of his tenure when Captian Jack joined the TARDIS crew. 

Tenth Doctor

Widely considered as the best Doctor by the young fans of today (many of whom are ignorant to the classic era), I find that David Tennant's Doctor is suitably eccentric, alongside the ability to be comedic and serious in the appropriate circumstances. However, this Doctor became too attached to Rose and his new inability to move on from lost companions meant his Doctor was almost too human. This Doctor was at his best with Donna when Rose was completely out of the picture. 

Twelfth Doctor

The current Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, has got off to a decent start. So far, I am thoroughly enjoying his tenure with Capaldi being one of the shining lights in the not so good episodes. While this Doctor has not yet been fully developed and explored, in episodes we have seen so far, the Twelfth Doctor has been shown to be practically inhuman. He isn't as tolerant as other incarnations towards humans, but I hope that he mellows over time like the First Doctor. 

Fourth Tier

The following are still good, but have some character flaws:

First Doctor

The original Doctor was portrayed as a wise, learned old grandfather by William Hartnell, and this enabled him to come across as kind and caring some of the time, but also crotchety and intolerant at other times. These contrasts in characterisation sometimes make his performance seem disjointed, however, Hartnell's excellent acting abilities allow him to steal any scene, regardless of his health issues later in his tenure. 

Third Doctor

This Doctor's era got off to a brilliant start with Jon Pertwee's partnership with Caroline John. As intellectual equals, they had an agreeable relationship with mutual respect. However, with intellectectual superiority over later companions, the Doctor began to show arrogance. However, the earth bound format of much of his era gave Pertwee lots of chance to establish chemistry with the UNIT regulars. 

Fifth Doctor

Portrayed by Peter Davison, this Doctor had an excellent charm and a great relationship with most of his companions. However, there were times when he could be hapless and childish, often leading to immature arguments between him and his companions, such as Adric. Nevertheless, the Doctor held up some Doctor-ish traits such as pacifism and getting there with minimal bloodshed. Also, I find that due to a large number of companions in his era, character development could be limited at times.

Fifth Tier

I don't have enough experience with these Doctors to pass a suitable judgement upon them:

Eighth Doctor

At time of writing, I have only just recently watched the TV Movie, and I have to say, I really think this Doctor had great potential. Paul McGann brought an excellent personality to the role, despite the narrative issues in the film. However, his character was much more developed in the Big Finish audio dramas, but I haven't been able to listen to many of those. 

War Doctor

John Hurt's forgotten Doctor is portrayed brilliantly, with most of the Doctor's human qualities stripped right back making this Doctor seem even more alien than the rest of them. However, with only his 50th Anniversary appearance to go off, this Doctor's full development was limited. 

Doctor Who DVD Files - Part Thirteen: Issues 64-68

Introduction

Hello readers! This series of posts has now hit its teens! And ironically, and very not planned, the first issue featured a story from Doctor Who's thirteenth year on air, 1976. Also in this post, the Third Doctor has his first encounters with Silurians and Sea Devils and the Sixth Doctor faces terrifying reality television!

Issue 64 (15/06/2011)

The DVD

The Masque of the Mandragora - The Doctor and Sarah Jane unleash a deadly danger on medieval Italy.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - The masque of the Mandragora - The Fourth Doctor and Sarah Jane take a trip to 15th Century Italy (DOC 4.12)
• Enemies - The Gods of Ragnarok - Entertain these mysterious beings at your peril (GR1)
• Allies - Sylvia Noble - Donna's mother didn't always treat her too well (SN1)
• Who on Earth - Madame de Pompadour - The Doctor kept weaving in and out of the life of one French courtesan (Part 13)
• Allies - Shakespeare's Players - Find out more about the men who spoke William's words (WS2)
• Enemies - Professor Docherty - The academic who lived two very different lives (DC1)
• Technology - Peking Homunculus - Look at the internal mechanics of the sinister Mr Sin (PH1)
• Alien Worlds - Alfava Metraxis - Visit the planet where the Byzantium crashed (AL1)
• Behind the Scenes - Direct Shot - Rodney Bennet, director of many adventures, talks about Doctor Who (Part 64)

Issue 65 (29/06/2011)

The DVD

Doctor Who and the Silurians - Some ancient creatures are awoken from hibernation, and they will stop at nothing to get their planet back!

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Who on Earth - French Revolution - The Doctor dips in and out of a turbulent time in history (Part 14)
• Allies - Guido and Isabella - Find out about the Venetian ship builder and his daughter (GU1)
• Enemies - Chloe Webber - The girl whose pictures stole a thousand people (CW1)
• Alien Worlds - The Moon - A quick guide to the alien battlefield in Earth's sky (MO1)
• Technology - Cybershade - See what these Cyber-creatures look like under their cloaks (CY5)
• Flashback - Time Lord Traitor - Can the Doctor really be an assassin? (DR4-8)
• Enemies - Fenric - Read about one of the Doctor's oldest enemies (FE1)
• Episode Guide - Doctor Who and the Silurians - The Doctor meets the original rulers of Earth for the first time (DOC 3.2)
• Behind the Scenes - Theory of Relativity - Meet the actress who played the Doctor's granddaughter, Susan (Part 65)

Issue 66 (13/07/2011)

The DVD

The Sea Devils - The Doctor, Jo and UNIT are faced with an aquatic threat when the Master escapes from prison

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - The Sea Devils - The Master teams up with some ancient earthlings (DOC 3.12)
• Enemies - Ironsides - Meet the Daleks who brew a mean cuppa (DL13)
• Allies - John Smith - Take a look at the Doctor's human side (JO1)
• Who on Earth - Time of War - The era of big dresses and big threats to Earth (Part 15)
• Allies - Rosita - Introducing the Victorian woman who faced the Cybermen (RO1)
• Alien Worlds - Vortis - Visit the planet inhabited by a wide variety of giant insects (VO1)
• Enemies - Roboforms - Look behind the masks of the Robot Santas who terrorised Earth (RS1)
• Technology - Cyberman - Take a peek under the metal skin of the Cybermen entombed on Telos (CY6)
• Behind the Scenes - Seventh Heaven - Read our exclusive interview with the Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy (Part 66)

Issue 67 (27/07/2011)

The DVD

The Stones of Blood - In search of the third segment to the Key to Time, The Doctor and Romana encounter bloodsucking stones on Earth.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - The Stones of Blood - The Doctor and Romana hunt down the third segment of the Key to Time (DOC 4.26)
• Enemies - Adipose - They're small and cute but formed from human fat (AD1)
• Who on Earth - Famous Faces - The Doctor meets both Dickens and Queen Victoria, among others (Part 16)
• Allies - Sir Robert MacLeish - Meet the man who owned Torchwood House (SR1)
• Alien Worlds - San Helios - Dare you take a trip to the planet of the dead? (SH1)
• Flashback - Twisted Reality - The Sixth Doctor faces danger from a future version of himself (DR6.3)
• The Doctor - Time Rewritten - How the Eleventh Doctor restarted the Universe (Part 59)
• Behind the Scenes - it's a Dog's Life - An interview with John Leeson, the man who gives K-9 his voice (Part 67)
• Technology - Eighth Doctor's TARDIS Console - Peel back the panels of this steampunk version of the Doctor's console (TD8)

Issue 68 (10/08/2011)

The DVD

Vengeance on Varos - The Sixth Doctor's trip to Varos leads to him experiencing reality TV gone wrong!

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Vengeance on Varos - The Doctor and Peri enter a world of televisual horror (EP 6.3)
• Enemies - Regenerating ngels - Take a look at the Weeping Angels on Alfava Metraxis, just don't blink (WA2)
• Who on Earth - Art and Music - The Doctor's adventures on Earth led him to Vincent Van Gogh (Part 17)
• Allies - The Women - Meet the mysterious lady who appears to Wilf (WO1)
• Alien Worlds - Varos - Plan a trip to the planet where torture and death are entertainment (VA1)
• Allies - The Preachers - The brave few who stood up the mighty Cybus-Industries (PC1)
• Behind the Scenes - Going Mentor - Find out what it's like to play a Giant alien slug (Part 68)
• Technology - Dalek - Discover the inner workings of the early Daleks (DL3)
• Enemies - Karzan Sardick - Understand the bitterness of this lonely old man (KZ1)

Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Doctor Who DVD Files - Part Twelve: Issues 59-63

Introduction

Hello readers! It's been a while... I get busy with school stuff and find limited time for blog stuff. However, onto the post. In this part of the DWDVDF series, the DVDs contain the Seventh Doctor teaming up with the Brigadier, the Third Doctor's first trip following the lift of his exile, and the Sixth Doctor faces not one, but two, renegade Time Lords! Also, the Fourth Doctor meets the Sontarans' deadly enemy, the Rutans. Enjoy!

Issue 59 (06/04/2011)

The DVD

Battlefield - The Doctor and Ace team up with an old friend for a legendary showdown

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Technology - Silurian Blaster - See the inner core of this formidable weapon (SU1)
• Allies - Moxx of Balhoon - Meet the blue-skinned alien solicitor who loved a party (MX1)
• Who on Earth - Mighty Rulers - The Doctor meets the good and the bad of the late middle ages (Part 8)
• Enemies - Solana Mercurio - The woman whose loyalty to her employer sealed her doom (ME1)
• Alien Worlds - Ribos - Visit the icy home to one part of the Key to Time (RB1)
• Allies - Leela - This companion to the Fourth Doctor was handy with weapons (LE1)
• Flashback - Alien Growth - See the huge Krynoid battle with UNIT (DR4-7)
• Episode Guide - Battlefield - The Seventh Doctor and Ace face a foe from legend (DOC 7.9)
• Behind the Scenes - Ace Image - Ex-Companion Sophie Aldred talks more about her time in the TARDIS (Part 59)

Issue 60 (20/04/2011)

The DVD

Carnival of Monsters - With the power of Time Travel restored to him, the Doctor takes Jo on her first proper adventure!

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Carnival of Monsters - The Third Doctor and Jo find themselves in a mad, miniature adventure (DOC 3.16)
• Who on Earth - Aztecs and Aliens - Follow the Doctor's country hopping in the Renaissance (Part 9)
• Enemies - Plasmavore - Meet the bloodsucking alien disguised as a harmless old lady (PM1)
• Alien Worlds - Necros - Visit the planet of the dead that was presided over by Davros (NC1)
• The Doctor - Hidden Identities - Read about the Eleventh Doctor's continuing adventures (Part 57)
• Enemies - Henry Van Statten - The man who not only owned the internet, but also the last Dalek (VS1)
• Behind the Scenes - What Katy Did Next - Katy Manning talks about returning to the role of Jo Grant in 2010 (Part 60)
• Allies - Amelia Pond - Read all about the young Pond who waited years to travel with the Doctor (PO1)
• Technology - First Doctor's TARDIS Console - Look at the inner workings of the earliest known TARDIS console (TD5)

Issue 61 (04/05/2011)

The DVD

Horror of Fang Rock - The Doctor and Leela face danger in a lighthouse

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Horror of Fang Rock - Who will survive the alien in the lighthouse? (DOC 4.18)
• Allies - Catkind: The Brannigans - Meet the Doctor's feline buddy and his human wife (CK1)
• Who on Earth - Liz One - The Doctor just keeps bumping into Elizabeth I (Part 10)
• Alien Worlds - Telos - Plan your trip to the Cybermen's second home planet (TL1)
• Allies - Crespallions - Feeling Blue? You would be if you worked on Platform One (CR1)
• Flashback - Dalek Execution - Watch the Master's dramatic demise on Skaro (DR8-1)
• Behind the Scenes - Armed and Dangerous - Part two of our interview with ex-companion Louise Jameson (Part 61)
• Enemies - New Dalek Paradigm - Meet the most recent incarnations of the Doctor's old enemies (DL12)
• Technology - Judoon Ship - Get behind the controls of a vast prison ship (JD2)

Issue 62 (18/05/2011)

The DVD

Delta and the Bannermen - The Doctor and Mel take a coach trip and find themselves battling aliens in a Welsh holiday camp

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Delta and the Bannermen - Can the Doctor save the Chimeron Queen at a Welsh holiday camp? (DOC 7.3)
• Enemies - Lilith - Learn all about the youngest of the wicked Carrionites (CN2)
• Who on Earth - Great War - Read about the Doctor's adventures on 17th Century Earth (Part 11)
• Allies - Alonso Frame - Allons-y! It's time to meet this brave SS Titanic crew member (AF1)
• Alien Worlds - Zeta Minor - Visit the strange planet at the farthest reaches of the universe (ZM1)
• Enemies - The Destroyer - Face the blue demon who was summoned by the sorceress Morgaine (DE1)
• Allies - Nasreen Chaudhry - The woman who was humanity's ambassador to the Silurians (NC1)
• Behind the Scenes - Direct Action - The first man to direct the Daleks talks about his Doctor Who adventures (Part 62)
• Technology - Nostalgia Trips Cruiser - Would you buy a ticket for this terrifying bus ride? (NC1)

Issue 63 (01/06/2011)

The DVD

The Mark of the Rani - A trip to the Industrial Revolution reunites the Doctor with an old enemy

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - The Mark of the Rani - The Doctor and Peri face not one but two renegade Time Lords (EP 6.4)
• Allies - Bracewell - He's both a man and machine, but not the creator of the Daleks (BR1)
• Who on Earth - Slaves and Masters - Who would have thought that the Doctor was a twisted fire starter? (Part 12)
• Alien Worlds - Frontios - Plan your visit to this distant planet inhabited by giant insects (FR1)
• The Doctor - Alien Awakenings - The Eleventh Doctor, Amy and Rory face some ancient aliens (Part 58)
• Flashback - Written in Stone - Can the Doctor and Zoe resist Medusa? (DR2-7)
• Behind the Scenes - Fourth Time Lucky - Part two of our exclusive interview with director Christopher Barry (Part 63)
• Enemies - Silurians - Be careful not to wake the original rulers of Earth (SU1)
• Technology - Pyrovile Pod - Get behind the controls of the pod that made Versuvius erupt (PY1)

Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Doctor Who DVD Files - Part Nine: Issues 44-48

Introduction

Hello readers! In this part, the DVDs visit the Third Doctor's trouble with parallel worlds, a Double Doctor adventure in Spain, and the Fourth Doctor's final stand against the Master. Also featured is the debut of the Fifth Doctor and some very large maggots! Enjoy!

Issue 44 (08/09/2010)

The DVD

Inferno - The Third Doctor has a bad case of deja vu as he suffers similar troubles in parallel universes.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Inferno - The Third Doctor faces death in a parallel universe (DOC 3.4)
• Enemies - Morgaine - Meet the evil sorceress from another dimension (MO1)
• Allies - Jake Simmonds - This member of the Preachers helped save two worlds (JS1)
• Enemies - Voc Robots - Discover creepy mechanical men with murder in mind (VR1)
• The Doctor - Friends and Foes - The Tenth Doctor's adventures in time and space begin (Part 44)
• Allies - Zoe Heriot - Was this companion really as clever as the Second Doctor? (ZH1)
• Behind the Scenes - Getting into Character - Actor Christopher Benjamin has worked with three different Doctors (Part 44)
• Technology - Yeti - An exclusive look beneath the fur of these alien robots (YE1)
• Enemies - Jagrafess - This blobby monstosity ruled the Human Empire (JG1)

Issue 45 (22/09/2010)

The DVD

The Two Doctors - The Doctor takes a visit to Spain, where he meets himself and and an old enemy.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Enemies - The Graske - The terror that caused nightmares for the Doctor and Sarah Jane (GK1)
• Technology - Jabe's Scanner - Take a look at Tree People technology from the year 5 billion (JB1)
• Allies - The Watcher - This projection of the future haunted the Fourth Doctor (WA1)
• The Doctor - Rebirth of the Cybermen - Face the creatures that want to steal your humanity or destroy it (Part 45)
• Enemies - Lady Peinforte - Meet the woman who wanted the power of a Gallifreyan weapon (PN1)
• Allies - Titanic Passengers - Who survived the meteoroid disaster on the Starship Titanic (TT1)
• Flashback - Hospital Horror - Discover why Sarah Jane is about to get the shock of her life (DR4-4)
• Episode Guide - The Two Doctors - Two versions of the same Time Lord join forces to defeat the Sontarans (DOC 6.5)
• Behind the Scenes - Highland Fling - The second part of our interview with Jamie actor Frazer Hines (Part 45)

Issue 46 (06/10/2010)

The DVD

Logopolis - The Fourth Doctor makes his final stand against The Master.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Logopolis - The Master's machinations could mean the end of everything (DOC 4.41)
• Allies - Martha's Family - Keep up with the Joneses and their adventures with the Tenth Doctor (MJ3)
• Enemies - Origins of the Cybermen - Think you know about the Cybermen? Think again (CY6)
• The Doctor - Daleks vs Cybermen - Earth is caught in the crossfire when these two foes declare war (Part 46)
• Enemies - Axos - Dare you face the parasitic creature fought by the Third Doctor? (AX1)
• Allies - Victoria Waterfield - Meet the orphaned companion who was always terrified (VW1)
• Technology - Tissue Compression Eliminator - The weapon of choice for the early incarnations of the Master (TC1)
• Enemies - The Master Lives - How the Master's fight for survival turned to desperation (MS4)
• Behind the Scenes - Coming of Age - Christopher H Bidmead reveals the secrets of season 18 (Part 46)

Issue 47 (20/10/2010)

The DVD

Castrovalva - A newly regenerated Fifth Doctor needs to fight the Master in a topsy-turvy world!

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Castrovalva - Can such a tranquil place as Castrovalva really be a deadly trap? (DOC 5.1)
• Allies - Hath - Meet one of mankind's oddest allies - a fiercest enemies (HT1)
• Enemies - Sky Sylvestry - A trip to Midnight changed this poor woman's life for ever (SV1)
• The Doctor - Spiders, Cats and Witches - The Tenth Doctor and his new friends encounter toil and trouble (Part 47)
• Allies - Emilia Rumford - This elderly archaeologist battled The Stones of Blood (ER1)
• Flashback - Double Trouble - Find out how the Doctor got rid of his evil doppelganger (DR2-5)
• Behind the Scenes - Mad World - The second part of our chat with Christopher H Bidmead (Part 47)
• Enemies - Time Lords - Discover the rogues gallery of misfits behind the legend (LO1)
• Technology - Torchwood Telescope - This Victorian device did more than just stargaze (TS1)

Issue 48 (03/11/2010)

The DVD

The Green Death - After battling a supercomputer and some giant maggots, Jo leaves the Doctor for a professor

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - The Green Death - While investigating an eco disaster, the Doctor's companion finds love (DOC 3.19)
• Enemies - Sil - Introducing the foul slug like alien who was obsessed with money (SI1)
• Allies - Eddison Hall Guests - Meet and greet the unfortunate party-goers who faced the Vespiform (ED1)
• Enemies - Kess - This brutal guard took pleasure in wreaking violence on the Ood (KS1)
• The Doctor - Genetic Horrors - The Tenth Doctor meets Daleks once again (Part 48)
• Behind the Scenes - Jo Goes - Find out why Jo Grant actress Katy Manning left Doctor Who (Part 48)
• Enemies - Field Major Styke - Take a look at the Sontaran who experimented on humans (SN4)
• Allies - River Song - The intriguing woman from the Doctor's past... and future (RS1)
• Technology - Who-Mobile - Get behind the Wheel of the Third Doctor's amazing vehicle (WH1)

Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Doctor Who DVD Files - Part Seven: Issues 34-38

Introduction

Hello readers! In this part, the issues include the Third Doctor's debut, the Fifth Doctor's swan song, and the Fifth and Sixth Doctor's involvement in the Dalek civil war! Enjoy!

Issue 34 (21/04/2010)

The DVD

Resurrection of the Daleks - Dalek Civil war breaks out! Can the Doctor stop it before the death toll rises higher?

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Resurrection of the Daleks - Can the Fifth Doctor prevent the reawakening of Davros? (DOC 5.17)
• Allies - Adelaide Brooke - Meet one of the most important women in human history (AB1)
• Enemies - The Malus - Peel back the plaster and come face to face with evil (ML1)
• The Doctor - Slugs and Cybermen - The Sixth Doctor faces a host of alien aggressors (Part 34)
• Enemies - Gelth - Discover the history of the extraterrestrial phantoms (GL1)
• Allies - Caecilius' Family - Read about the Roman family who survived Pompeii (CL1)
• Enemies - Commander Lytton - The mercenary worked for the Daleks and met two Doctors (LY1)
• Technology - Adipose Ship - Take a peek inside the nursery ship that came to Earth (AS1)
• Behind the Scenes - Doctor, Doctor - An exclusive interview with the Fifth Doctor, Peter Davison (Part 34)

Issue 35 (05/05/2010)

The DVD

Spearhead from Space - The Doctor begins his exile, and he arrived just in time....

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Spearhead from Space - The Newly regenerated Third Doctor battles Autons (DOC 3.1)
• Allies - Natural Ood - Discover the squid faced aliens in thier native state (OO1)
• The Doctor - Doctor in Distress - The Sixth Doctor must rescue the Second (Part 35)
• Enemies - Family of Blood - Meet the family who liked to slay together (FM1)
• Allies - Liz Shaw - The Third Doctor's first companion was a brainy scientist (LS1)
• Flashback - Big Freeze - Victoria must escape the grip of a Martian warrior (DR2-4)
• Behind the Scenes - Shaw Thing - Exclusive interview with Caroline John, who played Liz Shaw (Part 35)
• The Doctor - Tenth Doctor - Look back over the life and times of Doctor number 10 (DOC 10)
• Technology - Bessie - Take a peek under the bonnet of the Doctor's vintage car (BE1)

Issue 36 (19/05/2010)

The DVD

The Caves of Androzani - The Doctor and Peri land on Androzani Minor, where they come into contact with a deadly disease. But will they pull through?

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Technology - Sonic Pen - it's not only the Doctor who has sonic technology (SC5)
• Enemies - Captain Hardaker - Meet the captain who planned to go sown with his ship (HD1)
• Allies - Laszlo - This bizarre but tragic tale of the pig and the showgirl (LZ1)
• The Doctor - Doctor on Trial - Why has the Doctor been kidnapped by Time Lords? (Part 36)
• Enemies - Headmaster Finch - The leader of the alien Krillitanes was one smooth operator (FN1)
• Allies - Peri - This Californian student had a wild ride in the TARDIS (PR1)
• Behind the Scenes - Script Supremo - Exclusive interview with Doctor Who legend Terrance Dicks (Part 36)
• Episode Guide - The Caves of Androzani - Prepare for a white-knuckle ride as the Fifth Doctor faces death (DOC 5.19)
• The Doctor - The First Doctor - Journey into the past and meet the Doctor's original incarnation (DOC 1)

Issue 37 (02/06/2010)

The DVD

City of Death - The Doctor takes Romana sightseeing in Paris. However, their trip is interrupted by an alien from long ago.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - City of Death - The Fourth Doctor and Romana enjoy a Parisian caper (DOC 4.31)
• Allies - Colonel Mace - Read the secret fil on UNIT's commanding officer (CM1)
• The Doctor - Sixes and Sevens - The Seventh Doctor battles Tetraps, Bannermen and a dragon. (Part 37)
• Enemies - Scaroth - Behold the one-eyed creature whose ship created life on Earth (Part 37)
• Allies - Ian Chesterton - This 1960s schoolteacher was abducted by the Doctor (IC1)
• Enemies - Cassandra - Meet the last human - or what's left of her (CS1)
• Flashback - Devil Doll - Jo Grant gets a nasty present from the Nestene Consciousness (DR3-3)
• Behind the Scenes - Location, Location, Location - Your guided tour of Doctor who in London and Cardiff (Part 37)
• Technology - Jagaroth Ship - Check out the interior of this weird spider-like spacecraft (JS1)

Issue 38 (16/06/2010)

The DVD

Revelation of the Daleks - Learning of the death of an old friend, the Doctor visits Necros to find gruesome schemes taking place.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

• Episode Guide - Revelation of the Daleks - Davros returns with his grisliest scheme yet (DOC 6.7)
• Enemies - General Staal - The Commander of the Tenth Sontaran Battle Fleet unmasked (SN2)
• Allies - Melanie Bush - Meet the original fiery red-head who journeyed in the TARDIS (MB1)
• Enemies - Mercy Hartigan - How one Victorian lady became a metal giant (MH1)
• The Doctor - Ancient Artifacts - How far will the Seventh Doctor go to ensure victory? (Part 38)
• Enemies - Glass Dalek - Gaze in horror at the most gruesome Dalek ever (DL10)
• Allies - Mr Copper - This elderly historian from Sto proved he was young at heart (MC1)
• Behind the Scenes - Action Man - The second part of our exclusive Graeme Harper interview (Part 38)
• Technology - Platform One - Travel to the end of the world in ultimate style and comfort (PL1)

Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Death Count - Revelation of the Daleks

Hello readers! In this edition of the Death Count series, I will be counting up the deaths in the Sixth Doctor story Revelation of the Daleks.

About this Story

Title	Revelation of the Daleks
No. of Episodes	2
Season No. Serial No.	Season 22 Serial 6
Broadcast Dates	23rd Mar - 30th Mar 1985
Run-Time	90' 03"
Doctor	Sixth Doctor
Companion	Peri Brown

Davros with his Imperial Daleks

Synopsis

The Doctor lands the TARDIS on Necros to visit a dead friend. However, it turns out there are more sinister goings on at Tranquil Repose then first thought. With Daleks swarming the place, can the Doctor defeat Davros and stop his gruesome experiments?

The Death Count

Episode One

Character	Time of Death	Description
Unnamed Guard	9' 02"	Shot by Grigory
Mutant	10' 23"	Injuries from Peri hitting him with log
Unnamed Guard	19' 07"	Shot by Grigory
Stengos	28' 14"	Shot by Natasha

A Mutant attacks the Doctor, who is
saved by Peri

Death Toll:

4

Death Rating:

8.98 (White)

Episode Two

Character	Time of Death	Description
Imperial Dalek	7' 29"	Shot by Orcini
Vogel	15' 35"	Exterminated! (Imperial Dalek)
Jobel	22' 17"	Stabbed by Tasambeker
Tasambeker	22' 32"	Exterminated! (Imperial Dalek)
Unnamed Guard	25' 48"	Stabbed by Bostock
Natasha	27' 34"	Exterminated! (Imperial Dalek)
Grigory	27' 34"	Exterminated! (Imperial Dalek)
Imperial Dalek	27' 34"	Self destructs
Kara	29' 51"	Stabbed by Orcini
Imperial Dalek	30' 04"	Shot by DJ
Imperial Dalek	30' 31"	Shot by DJ
DJ	30' 42"	Exterminated! (Imperial Dalek)
Bostock	35' 51"	Exterminated! (Imperial Dalek)
Unnamed Guard	36' 45"	Exterminated! (Renegade Dalek)
Imperial Dalek	36' 48"	Exterminated! (Renegade Dalek)
Unnamed Guard	36' 56"	Shot by Orcini
Renegade Dalek	39' 31"	Grenade explosion, planted by Peri
Orcini	42' 02"	Triggered explosion to kill all Imperial Daleks

Note: In the explosion triggered by Orcini, it is likely a large portion of Davros' Imperial Dalek army was also wiped out.

Imperial Daleks are attacked by
Renegade Daleks

Death Toll:

18

Death Rating:

39.56 (Yellow)

Overall

Death Toll:

22

Death Rating:

24.43 (Green)

Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Character Profile - Mel Bush

Fact File

Name	Mel Bush
Species	Human
Place of Origin	Earth, 20th Century
Associated Doctors	Sixth Doctor Seventh Doctor
Relationships
First Appearance	Terror of the Vervoids
Portrayed By	Bonnie Langford

Appearances

(NC) denotes a Non-Companion appearance

Terror of the Vervoids
The Ultimate Foe
Time and the Rani
Paradise Towers
Delta and the Bannermen
Dragonfire

Mel Bush

Overview

It is unknown when Mel first met the Doctor, as the first time we meet Mel, she has already been travelling with the Doctor for some time. As part of his defence in his trial, the Doctor chooses an adventure from his future aboard the Hyperion III spaceship. Him and Mel are embroiled within a mystery, as the Doctor tries in vain to use the bloodbath as a way of defending himself.

Mel in the Matrix

However, we do know when the Doctor first meets Mel. He meets her when the Master brings her to the courtroom to give evidence in his defence. From there, she travelled with the Doctor and the Master into the Matrix, where the Doctor battles with the Master while attempting to unmask the cunning Valeyard. From there, the Doctor returns her to where she came from, so he can meet her at the correct time.

The next the time we see Mel, the Doctor regenerates and crashes the TARDIS on the planet Lakertya. Here, he is kidnapped by the Rani, who then impersonates Mel in order to gain his trust. However, Mel works with the Doctor and the locals to put a stop to the Rani's evil plans, and send back the other scientists she kidnapped to their respective time.

Mel and the Doctor
investigate Paradise Towers

Mel wants to visit a swimming pool, so the Doctor takes her to the pool at Paradise Towers. However, when they arrive, they discover that not all is as it should be. Mel is separated from the Doctor and attacked by cannibals, cleaner robots and a pool cleaning robot. However, she rejoins the Doctor and helps the residents overthrow the powerful Kroagnon, restoring peace to the towers.

On an intergalactic coach trip to Disneyland, Mel crash-lands in a holiday camp in Wales in 1959. She becomes friends with an alien woman and her baby who are under threat from the Bannermen. Mel and the Doctor have to deal with the Bannermen, saving an entire race, while getting the coach fixed.

However, Mel left the Doctor after an adventure on Svartos. Here, Mel and the Doctor met Ace and were reunited with Sabalom Glitz. Together, they worked to overthrow the icy Kane before departing their separate ways. Mel decided to travel with Glitz instead of the Doctor, and the Doctor took on Ace as his new travelling companion.

Personality

Mel forcing the Doctor to exercise

Mel is a very active individual. She partakes regularly in exercise and is often seen to be trying to get the Doctor into shape, much to his dismay. This can be seen as soon as we meet Mel, in her first scenes of Terror of the Vervoids.

Mel is also a very cheery person, who is usually pretty optimistic. This often led to her being disappointed as she usually saw the best in people, which was typically wrong. However, her high level of education and understanding means that her optimism can sometimes be dashed with realism and scepticism.

Mel is also a very clever person. It is stated in Terror of the Vervoids that she has an eidetic memory, as well has being a genius with computer science. This earned her respect from the Doctor.

Mel screaming in the Rani's trap

However, Mel is probably best known amongst fans for her unbearably high-pitched screams in the face of danger. These ear splitting shrieks can be found in most of her stories, most notably in Time and the Rani when caught inside one of the Rani's traps.

On the other hand, Mel can sometimes be found to be brave (though usually after screaming). For example, she breaks free from the pool cleaning robot in Paradise Towers and steals Pex's gun to shoot the robot.

Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!