About Time 1980-1984 Seasons 18 to 21: 5 (About Time; The Unauthorized Guide to Dr. Who (Mad Norwegian Press)) [Paperback]

Since I don't see a detailed review of this here, I'll record a few of my thoughts.

I first saw Doctor Who on my local PBS station, probably around 1980. I have been a fan every since. In fact, when I got married it became a passion that my wife and I shared, and my 17-year-old son has enjoyed it for as long as he can remember. Currently, we only have those episodes of the original series that have been released on DVD here in the US.

This book reviews Doctor Who seasons 18-21. That covers the final season of the Fourth Doctor (tall, curly brown hair, long scarf), the entirety of the Fifth Doctor's work (medium build, thinning blond hair, wore a white suit with celery on the lapel), and the first story of the Sixth Doctor (tall, curly blond hair, wore an (almost?) painfully technicolor ensemble).

The <u>About Time</u> series notes when each Doctor Who story was first broadcast; the credited cast members (and who they were); the number of viewers for each episode of the story; how people are most likely to remember which one this is; and the cliffhanger moments ending each episode. More importantly, it covers the continuity of the series: revealed facts about the history and background of not only the Doctor and his companions, but of other significant recurring characters (not just allies, but villains as well); details about each planet, and each alien race, including the Time Lords themselves; and even a breakdown of important facts about the TARDIS. It also lays out what each story is really about, looking at the influence of the time in which the story was written, English culture, and other SF sources. It provides a critique (sometimes two!) of each story, and interesting behind-the-scenes tidbits. Finally, almost every story is accompanied by a detailed sidebar essay into the background of the show, attempts to resolve conflicting information given in the show, and ponderings into both physics and metaphysics.

It's a fascinating look at, into, behind, and through each story, where you may be presented with the real-world reason for an oddity alongside an analysis of how it can still all fit together in the context of the show.

I enjoyed this immensely. I rarely read something twice in quick succession, but I'm about to re-read this after only finishing it about six months ago, in anticipation of getting the next volume.

In About Time 5, Who experts Miles and Wood continue with their excellent, detailed work on the series. In this volume, they cover seasons 18 to 21, the last season of the Tom Baker era, through Peter Davison's tenure, to the beginning of Colin Baker's years.

This book marks the beginning of the John Nathan-Turner era of producership, a time that is rife with criticism of the man who brought the series to it's end in the late `80's. Though not sparing JN-T, I was pleased to see that their analysis is quite balanced. JN-T very possibly saved Doctor Who from an even earlier demise and many of the Davison-era stories are quite good. I have to admit, I always was a fan of Peter Davison.

The books have always been very "British-insider" with a number of references that American might find hard to follow. Still, I think even the authors are stretching a bit when they add a section of "Oh, Isn't That...?" to track the appearance of well-known guest stars, which became a hallmark of the series during this time. The fact is, the guest stars Miles & Wood detail were not necessarily famous before their appearance on the show and, with rare exception, are not particularly famous at all. Perhaps this is a criticism of the show that needs to be re-examined.

Still, this is an invaluable resource for what is arguably the greatest SF television show of all time. I wouldn't have missed having it on my shelf.

Part of the epic About Time series, this book tries to be the definitive guide to all of Doctor Who. Unlike a lot of other guides, many of the stories are put in it's own cultural and social context, making for an interesting read. Recommended.