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Presented by Colin Baker.
Produced by John Nathan-Turner. |
A Review by Stuart Gutteridge 14/1/99
One of the most interesting things about The Colin Baker Years is that, whilst the majority of fans know all there is to know about the era, it is also reknowned as being one of the most troubled periods in the history of Doctor Who. So it is refreshing to hear the lead actor, Colin Baker, share his views on his era, (even if it has been heard at conventions, several times before.)
The tape opens with a clip featuring him as Maxil in Arc of Infinity. This is followed by clips of his appointment to the role of The Doctor from Blue Peter and Breakfast Time and continues with various clips from all of his stories (except Revelation of the Daleks). Colin`s memories of working alongside the likes of Maurice Denham, Kate O`Mara, Paul Darrow and of course Nicola Bryant and Bonnie Langford are fond, warm and heartfelt.
As are his very honest opinions of his stories: he admits that The Twin Dilemma wasn`t the best of his stories, but could have been worse. The recollections of various stories are interesting, and also amusing: a pudding-eating contest between himself, Joan Sims and Tony Selby, and the dog-dirt incident spring to mind. Sandwiched in between all this are clips of a Blackpool exhibition from 1985, In a Fix with Sontarans and More Than A Messiah from The Stranger series. Add to this coverage of the shows cancellation and you have a near perfect guide to the Sixth Doctor`s era (although strangely Slipback isn`t mentioned).
On the whole The Colin Baker Years has one fault: there are too many clips. But Colin himself makes up for this with his presentation and honest criticisms and praise for both himself and his era, which in itself makes for a pleasant change. Not essential, but certainly enjoyable.