| THE CELESTIAL TOYMAKER by Brian Hayles |
| Story 24 Synopsis: The TARDIS has landed in the Celestial Toyroom, the domain of the mysterious Toymaker, who livens his immortality by playing games. The Doctor is forced to play the Trilogic Game, whilst Steven and Dodo are forced to play elaborate, but simpler, games, against a variety of opponents. When they try to win through fair play, they keep being tricked. But they win their games, only to find their path back to the TARDIS still unclear. Then they get new clues, and have to start new games. Each time, they work together to find the winning way, until finally meeting nasty schoolboy Cyril, in a game of TARDIS Hopscotch. Steven outfoxes him, and they finally reach the real TARDIS. The Doctor completes all but the final move in his game, and joins them in the TARDIS. But the Toymaker won't let them leave until he finishes the game. And if he finishes the game outside the TARDIS, he will die when the Toyroom collapses. Imitating the Toymaker, the Doctor makes the final move, defeating the Toymaker, and winning their freedom. Relieved, the Doctor takes a sweet that his companions took from Cyril, but collapses with toothache... |
| Review:- Out of the ordinary, into the world of games... There are many points about this story that people remember in trivia. Again, like The Space Museum, and the later Mind Robber, it is an attempt at an unusual story, where anything can happen, and does. Also, at one stage, it seemed this story might be needed to write out William Hartnell (the plan being that when he regained his visible form at the end, it would be as someone else). Luckily, this idea wasn't pursued. The Toymaker makes for possibly the most creepy villain the Doctor has so far met (more than the Monk, anyway). His realm and his games are presented with such conviction, and Michael Gough fits the part so well, that what might seem ridiculous, comes across as scary. His minions are also mostly creepy, especially if you realise that they're often played by the same people. Cyril, notoriously nasty fat schoolboy, makes for a wonderful exploration of childlike terror, without being immaturely written or acted. Steven and Dodo get the bulk of the narrative, and come across well. Steven, rational as usual, is particularly good played in such an irrational environment. Dodo does less well, but keeps Steven grounded and focussed. As for the Doctor, he is reduced to a cipher for much of the time, with a cunning production holiday allowing Hartnell time off and only his voice and hand present. But the script is good enough for this to work. His eventual reappearance is all the more welcome, and his trouncing of his enemy quite neatly done. And what does he get in return? Toothache! There's no justice... :-) Weird story, but very entertaining on its own terms. |
| Disclaimer: I've read the book. |