JournalofImpossibleThings

Spearhead from Space by Robert Holmes (1970)

The Shock of the new? Change and Spearhead from Space It is easy to assume that ‘Spearhead from Space’ came as a huge shock to existing viewers of the show in January 1970. It also fits perfectly into a narrative when writing about ‘Doctor Who’ in a marathon context, since the change of Doctor, formatContinue reading “Spearhead from Space by Robert Holmes (1970)”

The Christmas Invasion by Russell T Davies (2005)

Did you miss me? So, this one is a bit of a trip down memory lane, as ‘The Christmas Invasion’ is the start, ‘Feast of Steven’ aside, of a retrofitted Christmas tradition. One that feels so right, that you almost believe it has been going for 55 years. One which, to me at least, makesContinue reading “The Christmas Invasion by Russell T Davies (2005)”

Point of Entry by Marc Platt (storyline Barbara Clegg) (2010)

Not marching now in fields of Trasimene,Where Mars did mate the Carthaginians;Nor sporting in the dalliance of love,In courts of kings where state is overturned’d;Nor in the pomp of proud audacious deeds,Intends our Muse to vaunt his heavenly verse:Only this, gentlemen, we must performThe form of Faustus’ fortunes, good or bad. So starts Point ofContinue reading “Point of Entry by Marc Platt (storyline Barbara Clegg) (2010)”

The Ultimate Foe by Robert Holmes/Eric Saward/Pip and Jane Baker! (1986)

You are elevating futility to a high art. There is nothing you can do to prevent the catharsis of spurious morality Eric has been coerced back to finish the last two scripts of the season. He had already started on episode 13 before he resigned. Sadly, just before the transmission of ‘Mysterious Planet’ Robert HolmesContinue reading “The Ultimate Foe by Robert Holmes/Eric Saward/Pip and Jane Baker! (1986)”

Terror of the Vervoids by Pip and Jane Baker (1986)

My submission concerns a crisis which threatens the lives not only of a group of people confined together with no means of escape, but would, if unresolved, threaten every mortal being on the planet Earth. What are you, a comedian? No, more a sort of clown, actually. Some context… So, while the next story isContinue reading “Terror of the Vervoids by Pip and Jane Baker (1986)”

Mindwarp by Philip Martin (1986)

‘How pathetic and juvenile are your attempts at humour.’ – The Valeyard ‘Thanks for pointing that out’ – Me So after ‘Mysterious Planet’, most opinion seems to have it that the next story ‘Mindwarp’ is the highlight of this season, at least from the reviews I’ve seen. The DWM polls count Trial as one storyContinue reading “Mindwarp by Philip Martin (1986)”

The Mysterious Planet by Robert Holmes (1986)

‘Why do I have to sit here watching Peri getting upset, while two unsavoury adventurers bully a bunch of natives’ So ‘Doctor Who’ has been away for a year and a half. When we left it, the TARDIS was about to leave Necros after a pretty decent story – it was Blackpool bound. We re-joinContinue reading “The Mysterious Planet by Robert Holmes (1986)”

Twice upon a Time by Steven Moffat (2017)

‘Oh, I don’t think so. No. Dear me, no. You may be a Doctor, but I am the Doctor. The original, you might say.’ Twice upon a time, is an episode that not one, but two showrunners didn’t really want to make. ‘World Enough and Time/The Doctor Falls’ is so comprehensive an ending for theContinue reading “Twice upon a Time by Steven Moffat (2017)”

The Dominators by Norman Ashby (1968)

We don’t unfortunately get to choose our ‘birth story’ – it is chance – it really wasn’t in any way considered or planned during your conception. Not even fans do that surely? Children are growing up called Nyssa or Leela or Rose or Martha – but surely nobody thought in 2013 if we work backContinue reading “The Dominators by Norman Ashby (1968)”

The Guardian of the Solar System by Simon Guerrier (2010)

So, to the last of the ‘Sara Kingdom’ trilogy. In the moving prologue, Robert’s 21-year old daughter, who Sara helped save, leaves to see the world, never to return, but Robert stays in the house – shouldering the burden that Sara has carried for a thousands years. It is made explicitly clear that the impressionContinue reading “The Guardian of the Solar System by Simon Guerrier (2010)”