PS Creativity > Reviews > Into The Vortex > Season Nine

As far as PS is concerned, season nine started oh (KKK-ay) but over the course of the five stories it was generally (OOO-h) dear.
The Mutants in particular comes in for a roasting, and The Time Monster isn't spared. Barry Letts was APPALLED!

>> Season Nine averages 6.615 out of 10 <<

Some comments from a few members...

Day of the Daleks

"This was my first BBC Video and for me, the ultimate pinnacle of everything that's great about Doctor Who. It's the mummydaddy." -- Rob McCow (10/10)

"A very average Dalek story - you think after five years away from the screen that the production team would at least do a bit of research to find out how the Daleks sounded? They really spoil it for me. "WHO EV-ER IS O-PER-RA-TING THE TIME MA-CHINE, IS AN EN-E-MY..." *snore* Pertwee gets a few nice moments: "Styles didn't start the war, you did it yerselves!" and his argument with the Controller, but a few awful ones too - the Dalek invasion is pathetic television." -- Pip Madeley (4/10)

"I actually really like the story. It’s a great idea to have the paradox and there’s a really great cosy theme running throughout (especially the Doctor with his one man cheese and wine party). Anat and co are quite annoying to begin with but as the story moves on you can really understand their motives – then the killer blow – that they caused the one thing that they were trying to stop – it still makes my head hurt just thinking about it. I think as everyone else has said the naff and rather puny sounding Daleks do ruin the show somewhat. Mind you one of the women at the Dalek base is such a bad actress that she is out-acted by Ogrons!!!! I must just say though that the controller is played brilliantly" -- Ian Lethbridge-Stewart (7/10)

"Would have given it 10 if I hadn't discovered "DW fandom", and thus the fact that there are only three Daleks. Boo, how dare they! Nice boots! "-- Perry Vale (9/10)

"Lots of nostalgia for this - my Target must be close to 30 years old now and is one of the best ones, and I first saw it in late 1986 at my best mate's (along with Revenge/Cybes) at a time when I had no vintage videos of my own. Nostalgia aside, it's an excellent story with a superb premise and a rare Who story actually about time travel/changing history and so on. All the regulars are on good form, but it is a shame that the Daleks are crap!" -- Jonno Simmons (8.5/10)

"Great story. Pertwee was very wrong about this one, as the fact that there are only three Daleks doesn't stop this story being a thought provoking and intelligent one. Without a doubt this is the finest Pertwee Dalek story. Jo's costume is great too!"
-- Si Hart (8/10)

"More for the nostalgia of it than for how good the story actually is. It was the first video I bought, and the first Target novelisation I owned." -- Paul Clement (9/10)

"My favourite Pertwee Dalek story. Another story which sticks clearly in my mind from childhood, and I never seem to tire of it. It's also good to see a story actually making use of the concept of time travel as a major part of it's plot, rather than just a plot device for the setting of the story." -- MacNimon (8/10)

"I really enjoy this one. The Daleks are an added bonus. This was the first time I remember seeing a Dalek so it was fairly exciting. I think the Ogrons add a nice touch to proceedings also and the controller's performance is excellent. I love all the fun touches like Jon partaking of the hospitality and the pulling rank scene over the sandwiches. I just find it great fun to watch from start to finish." -- Ralph (9.5/10)

"It's SO boring, and the Daleks are pitiful. But it has Ogrons and the most ridiculous chase sequence EVER." -- Ssarl (3/10)

"I actually think this would be better with no Daleks in it at all, but it's still a great story. From Pertwee eating all the cheese and drinking wine in Styles house to the scenes of UNIT fighting an army of three Daleks(which, thanks to the new series, has been made more acceptable). The Controllers good too, and his creepy guard who takes over towards the end. "
-- Martin Penny (8/10)

"I'm never sure what to make of this one. It isn't very exciting, but the story is good. The Daleks all sound like they're on valium, with worse delivery even than the ones in The Dalek Invasion Of Earth. Whilst an assault by three Daleks is perfectly acceptable, why go to all the trouble of using multiple passes to make it seem like about twenty come through the time tunnel if you can't make it look more impressive later? Still, it is pretty good I suppose." -- Jason Thompson (8/10)

"I'm not for a minute suggesting that this is a perfect story - it has three oddly-squeaky, barely-mobile Daleks who live in a cupboard; some tacky and gaudy production values; etc, etc. BUT other than the first time I saw it (when it was soooo much cheaper than the glorious Target version) I love it. I haven't seen it in quite a while, so I'm looking forward to the inevitable DVD. It's just such glorious fun, with some lovely lines ("one man cheese and wine society "). And Daleks"
-- Andrew Curnow (10/10)

The Curse of Peladon

"Another really interesting story. Troughton Jr is not as pretty as his lady counterpart in the sequel, but he’s another great character – I like the fact that he appears none too confident. Even Aggedor is good – if a little too cute to be scary. Mind you, I wish the Doctor’s hypnotic song wasn’t to the tune of my favourite Christmas carol!" -- -- Ian Lethbridge-Stewart (7/10)

"Haven’t seen this for a while but very much enjoy it. I remember when I first read the target book decades ago, I thought the role-reversal of the Ice Warriors was a really good idea; it made them seem much more real and believable as a race. Lovely cosy atmosphere, too! " -- Ant Cox (8/10)

"I prefer its sequel, so many of you will think I'm nuts before I say owt else. It's very well made, particularly the costumes and sets, and I love the fact that the Ice Warriors have changed their ways, and the Doctor's unjust mistrust of them. A lovely twist. A solid script, but a bit too dull for my liking." -- Pip Madeley (5/10)

"Very atmospheric story - I think the alien guests make for a good mix. Interesting to see the Ice Warriors turning out to be good guys for a change." -- Ralph (8/10)

"Great fun, & well paced. Arcturus rocks!" -- Wayne Jefferies (8.5/10)

"Arcturus is one of the funniest aliens to appear in the series, albeit for slightly the wrong reasons; and Julian Clary would have a field day with Alpha Centauri. (You know what I mean - I hope!) Otherwise, a possibly underrated Pertwee, or at least oft overlooked these days. Another solid story, with another pretty strong cast, though David Troughton best succeeds if he were meant to be wet. And enough's been said about Alpha Centauri as it is..." -- Stuart Wallis (7/10)

"I do like this one. It's main selling point, of course, is that the Doctor, for once, is wrong about the aliens. The Peladon/Jo romance stuff is a bit crap, but the Ice Lord Izlyr is a superb character, and the sets and costumes look suitably lavish. Decidedly enjoyable. This and the preceding story are excellent examples of how four parts is an ideal length, especially as they are followed by three very badly padded stories in (not so) quick succession." -- Jason Thompson (8/10)


"Even more nostalgia - Target of a similar vintage and first seen 25 years ago this summer on that unheralded BBC1 repeat. It's a fine line up of monsters, and the Ice Warriors are handled superbly - especially the Doctor's distrust of them. "
-- Jonno Simmons (7.5/10)

The Sea Devils

"I do like this one, but i have a few mixed feelings about it also. I can't help but compare it to The Silurians, & it doesn't quite have the cut & thrust of that story.The Sea Devils, even though an episode shorter, feels more padded than The Silurians. It doesn't have as many ingredients to the story, & most of the tension is destroyed far too early. Another niggle for me, is why The Sea Devils, who obviously have very advanced technology in their base, need the help of the Master to fix their revival mechanism. I realize it's just a flimsy excuse to bring The Master into the proceedings, but it still annoys me slightly. Also, i don't like the scene where the Doctor nicks off with Jo's sarnie's either!Another bugbear is the fact that the Master conveniently lets the Doctor 'fix' the revival mechanism. Watching these in order for the first time makes the plot device of The Master & The Doctor 'collaborating' on some piece of techology feel a bit over familiar, now. On the plus side we have a great looking monster, the return of Roger Delgado, & some good support characters from Captain Hart to Mr.Walker. I remember as a child, my delight at seeing the return of The Master, & being most impressed by The Sea Devils. The image of them coming out of the sea is a very strong memory. I think the Sea Devils are a classic monster, but like DIOE, this story rests a bit too much on classic imagery, IMO. I also remember being highly delighted with the appearance of The Clangers! That scene always makes me chuckle at the look on Roger's face! Roger is of course excellent throughout. I love the smug look on his face when the Sea Devils first arrive at the prison. As ever, his every scene is just marvelous & this story would be a lot poorer without him. Despite the resevations i've listed, & the fact that this story seems to sag a bit in the middle, i still class it as a good one though. Not a classic, but very memorable. " -- Wayne Jefferies (7.5/10)

"The guest cast annoy me, it drags a fair bit, but the monsters are fabulous, every cliffhanger rocks and it has lots of little scenes involving sandwiches." -- Ssarl (7/10)

"For all the reasons I love DW this has it for me. Great monsters, the story hits the ground running and the atmosphere on the sea fort is fantastic. Roger and Jon on top form and clearly enjoying it too. I love all the scenes they're in together. The sword fight is a hoot and taking the bite out the sandwich while fencing a brilliant touch Great scene with them both working together as well. When watching it for the first time in 32 years in 2004 I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. How can you fault a story that just makes you grin with joy throughout the performance. The experimental music doesn't bother me at all either, I think it adds an offbeat quality to the production." -- Ralph (10/10)

"Dear me. What was Malcolm Clarke thinking?! The music gives me a splitting headache, without doubt the worst incidental music Doctor Who's ever had. My feelings on the return of the Master are mixed - it's lovely to see Delgado back, he's terrific in the role and his chemistry with Pertwee is beyond argument, but I'm starting to get a bit bored of the character by this point. The guest cast aren't that good either - Trenchard and Walker are unlikeable characters, the navy personnel are dull and forgettable, and I really miss the Brig and UNIT." -- Pip Madeley (3/10)

"Taken an episode at a time this is actually not a bad story. I thoroughly enjoyed it when it was shown on BBC 2 back in 1991, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it every time I have watched it since. Taken all in one sitting it is obviously padded and the ending is weak, but I think judging a story based on how arduous it is to sit through every episode one after the other is rather unfair, since that was never the intent. Roger Delgado of course is on top form, and it's a refreshing change to have the Navy in place of UNIT." -- Jason Thompson (8/10)

"A generally boring story with one or two glimmers of enjoyment in it. The Sea Devils do look good though."
-- Paul Clement (5/10)

"Major disappointment, though not of course without merit, such as Roger Delgado, the titular monsters, the location filming and I quite like Captain Hart - indeed, the whole navy thing makes a nice change form UNIT I suppose. But the incidental music is horrible, it desperately needed pruning by an episode or two, and the much lauded "rising from the water" moment is poorly shot, and was done miles better twice in the following decade - in Full Circle and Fenric. It gains an extra point though for the lovely Clangers moment! " -- Jonno Simmons (6/10)

"I don’t dis-like this one by any means – it just doesn’t sway me one way or the other. It’s quite a good story, but not amazing. Delgado is good (but then he always was really). The incidental music is unique as has been stated – it’s odd because I can listen to it on the music CD’s over and over again and love it – but when trying to watch it in the show I find it very intrusive. Fans moan about Murray’s music being intrusive – he’s got nothing on Malcolm Clarke!!!" -- Ian Lethbridge-Stewart (5/10)

"Good, but not great. The strange incidental music, odd camera angles and the Pertwee/ Delagado sparring lift the story, but it's still padded, over long and has a very weak ending, where unlike the Doctor blows up the sea devils. What happened to the righteous indignation when The Brig did the same to the silurians? The third Doctor is a big hypocrite. Still Captain Hart is a great replacement for the Brig. I love his world weariness." -- Si Hart (7/10)

"The Silurians re-invented with a bit more pace. Some of the finest Master/Doctor handbag action ever seen. Classic."
-- Rob McCow (10/10)

"Delgado makes it watchable-ish, but my golly this is an over-rated plodder. The scenes on the sea fort in part 2 are probably the highlight of the tale. Even the famous 'emerging from sea' scene is directed with all the drama of a Sunday afternoon stroll. The music, and the story, really farts." -- Andrew Curnow (5/10)

"Delgado's fun, but that's about it. Based on this and 'The Silurians', how on earth did the Silurians/Sea Devils get so popular, and when you include dross like 'Colony in Space,' how come Malcolm Hulke keeps on getting asked to write new stories?"
-- Phillip Culley (5/10)

The Time Monster

"The regulars really lift this one ("Mike!" and "Curses, foiled again?" being two great moments) with the result that, although Atlantis looks too cheap for words, and Ingrid Pitt is a-w-f-u-l, and it's two episodes too long, and the fourth episode is clueless gibberish... despite that, the fun and frolics make it darned watchable, and bizarrely entertaining." -- Andrew Curnow (7/10)

"Oh dear. This is a very silly, and frankly rather tedious story - especially when they get to Atlantis and everything goes cod-Shakespearian. TOMTITT has a new capability every episode to keep the story going, there's silly speeded up Bessie footage, and everyone is obviosuly having a great time... except the audience." --Si Hart (3/10)

"I really enjoy the early episodes of this story, but the last couple of episodes are a big letdown. If this story had only been 4 episodes long and it's conclusion didn't involve a trip to Atlantis, I'd score this one higher. Definitely a story of two halves."
-- MacNimon (6/10)

"If it had been like the first couple of episodes all the way through, it would probably have got a few more marks, but as soon as the story hits Atlantis it because pretty poor." -- Paul Clement (5/10)

"Tiresome, puerile nonsense." -- Logo Polish (3/10)

"I enjoy this story a lot, and it's only when they get to Atlantis that the story really loses what it had. Points for Delgado (Episode Six aside), and also for the very effective cliffhanger to Episode Three when Yates' convoy gets bombed."
-- Phillip Culley (8/10)

"Nowhere near enough plot to fill its length, and even at four parts would have been too long. Some nice moments (I've said it before, but I love the moment when the Brig switches from calling for Captain Yates and starts calling him Mike after the V1 explodes), but some utter crap and pointless scenes, and an ending where the most vile and destructive creature ever to be released on the world actually turns out to be rather nice. Lame by any standard." -- Jason Thompson (3/10)

"Underated in my opinion as just a bit of fun light hearted entertainment. It's a spoof throughout and I watch it as such. To take it seriously means you have to slate it. But with some particularly so wooden they're funny performances from the guest cast, a superspeed Bessie, a device made from an obviously stupid collection of everyday items, the minotaur, Sgt Benton at the end..these are reasons to enjoy." -- Ralph (7.5/10)

"It's pure joy, and utter madness. And then in Part Five it becomes a completely different story which is ALSO pure joy and utter madness." -- Ssarl (10/10)

"It's got a lot of faults. The main offender is the script - it's bobbins. There's a machine called TOMTIT! The Doctor makes a jamming device out of a wine bottles and other useless crap! Dear me! Some truly awful lines, it ridicules UNIT (what the hell happened since classics like Inferno and The Mind of Evil? they're reduced to idiots here) and gives the regular cast some awful lines. And then there's the guest characters - Stuart and Ruth are right gormless sods aren't they. Ingrid Pitt for god's sake, but at least she has a nice pair to detract you from her awful performance. Kronos looks laughable (Big Bird, anyone?), the Minatour even worse, there's too much padding, the special effects border on pathetic and worst of all, the TARDIS interior looks disgusting. Least we get some nice "roll back and mixes", attempting to put the TARDIS in shot with the cast... But unlike the Mutants, it's actually fun to watch at times!!!" -- Pip Madeley (4/10)

"Hilarious, but not intentionally." -- Perry Vale (7/10)

The Mutants

"Dire. Couldn't give a toss what happens to anyone. The script is poor, the sets look so cheap, the politics bore me and there's more ham on display than in a butcher's shop window. The story only gets one mark because of the impressive Mutant costumes (making for a very memorable Target cover). I'm tempted to give it two marks for Rick James' bizzare turn as Cotton, which rivals Jenny Laird for worst performance of all time, but then again, it's more painful than funny. George Pravda isn't far behind him, either. Just awful." -- Pip Madeley (1/10)

"Loses a lot of points for the cast. While Pertwee, Stubbs and Sondergaard are fine, well Rick James we agree is the worst offender, and thirty seconds of Geoffrey Palmer show just how OTT or wooden everyone else is by comparison. Could have been better as a four-parter, there's some good ideas, which is a shame really. The effects are reasonable, CSO aside; the Mutt costumes are so good one was reused in Morbius; but a couple of the cliffhangers aren't up to much."
-- Stuart Wallis (4/10)

"6 episodes of mental torture." -- Larry (1/10)

"Basically, it's just very dull. The plot isn't anything out of the ordinary, and it looks quite dreary." -- Paul Clement (3/10)

"No, Cotton can't act, Jaeger's lab is a broom-cupboard, and the CSO at the end of part 5 is awful... but apart from that, this story is a corker, with great monsters, an ingenious central plot, and some great twists & mysteries. The scenes in the crystal cave are gloriously eerie, and the Doctor siding with the hideous monsters over the handsome humans is always a nice sight."
-- Andrew Curnow (8/10)

"Probably some good ideas here, but it's let down by an overlong, unengaging story. And Rick James." -- Phil Culley (4/10)

"Fairly poor. I think people would like it better if the prints weren't quite so horribly washed out, it makes the story the visual equivalent of runny porridge." -- Rob McCow (6/10)

"I really should give this one another shot, but I found it to be pretty dull and boring last time I watched it (a long time ago!) The weakest story of the season, imo." -- MacNimon (4/10)

"Not great, but not completely awful either. I've only watched it once, and although I enjoyed it, it suffers from the same overpadding that most six parters do, plus more getting locked up and escaping every five minutes." -- Martin Penny (6/10)

"It does drag a bit admittedly, & there's some crap acting, but there's a good story in there!" -- Wayne Jefferies (6.5/10)

"Dire. Easily the worst Pertwee. Overlong, unengaging, dull and dreary, and I don't care for any of the characters or the storyline." -- Jonno Simmons (2/10)

"Adequate. More mad incidental music, another great monster and some great location work can't save this one from being dull and rather over length. Shame, because there's a good idea at the heart of it, but it soon becomes tedious."
-- Si Hart (6/10)

"Given how awful received wisdom tells us this story is, I was pleasantly surprised when I eventually got to see this story when BBC Video finally got round to releasing it. The story is not at all bad, and the Mutants themselves are actually rather impressive. It goes on a bit too long at the end with the advantage shifting between the Marshall and the Doctor faster than the men's singles at Wimbledon, but other than that it's not bad." -- Jason Thompson (7/10)

"Rick James just could not interact with any other actor, I've never seen anything like it!" -- Barry Letts

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