The Twenty Fifth Season Overviews

by Scott Walker

Yea! Finally, it seems, after an eternal wait, we seem to be getting Doctor Who that rivals even Tom Baker and Jon Pertwee's eras. I am, of course, referring to the latest incredible season, season 25.

It may seem I am putting a great deal of praise and expressing a good deal of enthusiasm for this season, but after such attempts as season 22, 23, and 24, and even some Peter Davison stories, I think it aptly deserves all the praise I, or anyone else, give it.

Nearly all the stories I have seen have had me at one time or another sitting on the edge of my seat, or expressing a great deal of verbal enthusiasm, as Andrew can contest to (Yes, he certainly does go on!).

Remembrance of the Daleks is the story of this season. It seems to ooze freshness, you could almost believe a new producer had moved in, and a new production team taken over. Ben Aaronovitch is a writer of incredible talent and I'm sure everyone else would want to see him remain for a long time.

By Richard Scheib

I'm afraid that I must admit to be one of those not dazzlingly impressed by the latest season. Everyone seems to be awed by how much it has risen above the usual. Mindedly anything would seem an improvement on some of the recent seasons, at which admittedly this does improve somewhat in places, but still has nothing on such classic seasons as 12th through 17th or 19th.

One good aspect is the current cast line-up. Sylvester McCoy goes a good way towards restoring the integrity of the Doctor after the abortion that was Colin Baker. It is probably unlikely that he will ever reach the list of anyone's favourite Doctor, but he has fun with the role, playing up the baggy pants impressario of Troughton and the minced seriousness of Pertwee while adding his own brand of rolled r's, sarcastic one-liners and shrewd wiliness. Remembrance of the Daleks highlights him best, although there is a great face-off between two guards in The Happiness Patrol.

The other great aspect of the season is Sophie Aldred, who comes as a breath of fresh air after that grotesquerie Bonnie Langford. Ace comes off as some sort of hip update of a Dickens street urchin, which Aldred plays with attractive voicing of the accent and some emotional subtlety which in particular rounds the character out to become quite strong and worth watching.

By Ken Tod

Sylvester McCoy's portrayal of the Doctor was a definite improvement, I felt he was at his best in Remembrance of the Daleks and consistent through the rest of the stories.

Sophie Aldred's Ace was also consistent, although I became a wee bit tired of her saying "wicked" and "severe - such and such". She still rates as a great companion alongside the 7th Doctor though.

British Broadcasting Corporation, keep up the good work!