| THE PARADISE OF DEATH by Barry Letts |
| Story ? Synopsis: There is a new "Space" theme park on Hampstead Heath. UNIT are called in when a body is discovered nearby on the eve of the official opening. The Doctor is suspicious, whilst the Brigadier is disturbed by the ER machines. Sarah and Jeremy try to take covert photos, but are caught, but not before they rumble that things are afoot. The Doctor is nearly killed, but he recovers. The Parakon Corporation, the brains behind Space World, leave for their home world. The Doctor tracks them back to Parakon, where he learns that they have bled dry that planet's resources. They intend to do the same to Earth. By restoring order in the Presidential Palace, the Doctor offers hope for the future of Parakon. Space World is closed down. |
| Review:- So, in 1993, 4 years after the series had finished, 10 years after his last appearance in the series, and 19 years after he had stopped appearing regularly, Jon Pertwee made a surprising return as the Doctor. In a brand new adventure broadcast on Radio 2. Written by ex-producer Barry Letts, and with Liz Sladen and Nick Courtney back in their respective saddles, it was a chance to test a new medium, and offer a new adventure. Subsequently, Barry novelised the story (which is principally what I'm reviewing here). In some ways it is typical of the early 1970's, and yet in others, it is quite unlike any Doctor Who story ever tried. This is unfortunate, and leads to the supposition that this is an attempt to bring the show up to date, and drops it firmly between the two stools. Though the general eco-friendly message fits with stories like The Green Death, the whole theme park aspect, and ER, is far more recent. The Doctor gets plenty to do, although perhaps this is exaggerated through the need for the lead character to hold the audience's attention. Certainly, his apparent resurrection feels tacked on (last seen in The Daemons, of course, which was also written by one B Letts). Sarah's investigative journalist role is rather subsumed by the need to have her own companion, the witless Jeremy. Her affection for Waldo seems also rather a surprise, as she was often viewed as an independent lady, not the type who fell for every man she met (cf. Jo Grant). The Brigadier is unfortunately back in his old box. He never convinces as a military man at all, just a walking cliche. Freeth makes a slimy villain, although Tragan steals the show for vile nastiness, and unpleasant reactions to pain, and the infliction thereof. The President of Parakon, and the helpful Onya Farjen, add in the colour for the rest of the planet, although a whole 2-dimensional lot of silliness it is. Nice though it is to see such a strident environmentally-friendly message about what happens when you use up all your resources (gosh, what can Barry be getting at?), the whole second half fades into a dull, derivative mess. As for the Gargan... do me a favour. Not recommended as a book (and from what I heard of the actual radio play, that isn't to be recommended either!) |
| Disclaimer: I have a copy of the novelisation, and I have heard the audio drama. |