Colin Baker reads this thrilling novelisation of a classic "Doctor Who" adventure, his debut as the Sixth Doctor. The Doctor has regenerated, having sacrificed his fifth persona to save Peri's life. But things are not going well...On this occasion the process of regeneration is by no means smooth, for the even-tempered, good-humoured Fifth Doctor has given way to a rather disturbed and unsettled successor. In a particularly irascible moment the new Doctor comes dangerously close to committing a shocking crime. Overwhelmed with guilt for his violent behaviour, the repentant Time Lord decides to become a hermit...Colin Baker reads Eric Saward's complete and unabridged novelisation, first published by Target Books in 1986.
| |||||||||||||||
 Trade In this Item for up to £0.75
Trade in Doctor Who: The Twin Dilemma for an Amazon.co.uk gift card of up to £0.75, which you can then spend on millions of items across the site. Trade-in values may vary (terms apply). Special Offer until June 30, 2013: Receive an additional £5 promotional Gift Card, when you trade-in at least £10 worth of books. Learn more
|
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A truly splendidly imaginative novelisation that adds whole worlds to the TV original
21 Jan 2012
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
The Twin Dilemma has a difficult reputation among Doctor Who fans, its plot little liked and its depiction of the Doctor's most troubled - and potentially homicidal - regeneration blamed for turning viewers off Colin Baker's tenure almost before it began. While Baker's Doctor evolved into a more interesting character (albeit often in even weaker stories) that won many fans in hindsight over the years, the story has almost grown in infamy. So, not the most promising prospect for a novelisation, which only adds to the pleasant surprise at just how very good Eric Saward's really rather splendid reworking of the television story is, expanding it and tweaking it with the author clearly revelling in spreading the worlds of the story beyond the budgetary limits of 80s BBC television. While many novelisations simply attempt to recreate the TV shows, this is a genuine novel, getting inside even minor characters' heads, giving them a life outside the story - even a passing cat's self-image (and the revelation in passing that cats run the world but simply let humans think they do, secure in the knowledge that they can tidy up after they make a hash of it). Even a passing reference to a bit of hardware and the perils of its overuse leads to a bemused digression on an infamous space plague that makes its victims agreeable, not bothered about their bonuses and so incapable of lying that it has to be eliminated for the good of the universe.... Read more ›
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Huw Davies
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Rightly lambasted for being a pretty crummy script and having even worse production values, the Doctor Who TV story Doctor Who - The Twin Dilemma [DVD] [1984] is probably not top of any fan's 'favourite story' list. However the novelisation is slightly different.
Obviously Eric Saward, the book's author and the story's script editor, had to stick reasonably closely to the script to warrant it the description of a "novelisation", so some slightly ridiculous elements of the plot do remain (using maths to blow up planets being #1 on that list). That said, however, Saward does a great thing by totally embellishing the plot with many different character quirks - far from being a bit of background detail, these range from a complete biological explanation of how the Time Lord regeneration process works to the alcoholic tendencies of Professor Sylvest. They really help flesh out the plot and give it a new lease of life.
Saward's writing style is a bit odd to say the least - sarcastic, descriptive and witty - a strange mix which does prompt some confused faces from time to time when one thinks: why would ANYONE even have the brain to think this string of words and put them on the page?! But nevertheless it's a refreshing tone from the usual Terrance Dicks we have come to know and love (and then slightly fall out of love with).
If you're new to Doctor Who novelisation CDs this will probably put you off through sheer fear at its bizarreness. However if you're reasonably well-versed in their ways you'll love this totally sideways take on a story you thought you hated.
Obviously Eric Saward, the book's author and the story's script editor, had to stick reasonably closely to the script to warrant it the description of a "novelisation", so some slightly ridiculous elements of the plot do remain (using maths to blow up planets being #1 on that list). That said, however, Saward does a great thing by totally embellishing the plot with many different character quirks - far from being a bit of background detail, these range from a complete biological explanation of how the Time Lord regeneration process works to the alcoholic tendencies of Professor Sylvest. They really help flesh out the plot and give it a new lease of life.
Saward's writing style is a bit odd to say the least - sarcastic, descriptive and witty - a strange mix which does prompt some confused faces from time to time when one thinks: why would ANYONE even have the brain to think this string of words and put them on the page?! But nevertheless it's a refreshing tone from the usual Terrance Dicks we have come to know and love (and then slightly fall out of love with).
If you're new to Doctor Who novelisation CDs this will probably put you off through sheer fear at its bizarreness. However if you're reasonably well-versed in their ways you'll love this totally sideways take on a story you thought you hated.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
I'll admit to being an utter novice when it comes to the phenomenon that
is Doctor Who. My sharpest memories are of his first televisual incarnation
given shape and terrestrial form by the wonderful William Hartnell (crikey
that dates me doesn't it!). As a beginner, nonetheless, I very much enjoyed
this audio dramatization of Eric Saward's novelization of the original script.
I was also interested in more knowledgeable reviewers' accounts of the bad
reputation which seems to have blighted this particular story's copybook
among hardcore fans. I found much to enjoy and admire in this BBC Audiobook
adaptation of 'The Twin Dilemma'. This has everything and more to do with
Colin Baker's sprightly narration of the complex and at times torturous plot.
His authoritative and colourful voice brings the story to life in our mind's eye.
At four and a quarter hours long, over four CDs, it's a substantial listen but
I managed to devour it in two sittings without my attention wandering unduly
and have little hesitation in recommending it to aficionados and beginners alike.
I feel certain that Mr Hartnell would have liked it too.
is Doctor Who. My sharpest memories are of his first televisual incarnation
given shape and terrestrial form by the wonderful William Hartnell (crikey
that dates me doesn't it!). As a beginner, nonetheless, I very much enjoyed
this audio dramatization of Eric Saward's novelization of the original script.
I was also interested in more knowledgeable reviewers' accounts of the bad
reputation which seems to have blighted this particular story's copybook
among hardcore fans. I found much to enjoy and admire in this BBC Audiobook
adaptation of 'The Twin Dilemma'. This has everything and more to do with
Colin Baker's sprightly narration of the complex and at times torturous plot.
His authoritative and colourful voice brings the story to life in our mind's eye.
At four and a quarter hours long, over four CDs, it's a substantial listen but
I managed to devour it in two sittings without my attention wandering unduly
and have little hesitation in recommending it to aficionados and beginners alike.
I feel certain that Mr Hartnell would have liked it too.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Mr
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Brevity -
The TV production may rate as one of the stinkers among the not so fragrant C Baker era but that should only reflect on the BBC.
This book is entirely different and is read extremely well by Colin who has really settled down to a gracious and unique portrayal of his Doctor.
Fab - Buy it
Regards Paul
The TV production may rate as one of the stinkers among the not so fragrant C Baker era but that should only reflect on the BBC.
This book is entirely different and is read extremely well by Colin who has really settled down to a gracious and unique portrayal of his Doctor.
Fab - Buy it
Regards Paul
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
The Twin Dilemma is one of a very small handful of stories that the majority of Doctor Who fans are acutely embarrassed about. It's dreadful, it's also the very first adventure of the sixth Doctor, Colin Baker, the narrator of this talking book.
I collected all the TARGET novelisations as they were published and I was dreading this as I disliked the story so much, to my surprise it was fantastic and, in actual fact, bears very little resemblance to the TV original. Everything has been altered to make the story flow better. Here we don't have to suffer the terrible costumes that the unfortunate actors were forced to wear. Here we don't have to cringe at some of the dreadful acting of the two 'actors' chosen to play the twins of the title. Here we don't have to shrink away with horror at one of the worst monsters ever to appear in the show. This book does away with all that and presents us with a tightly plotted story, excellent characterisation and genuinely interesting set pieces, and more importantly the story flows.
Eric Saward, Doctor Who's script editor at the time, has used the Douglas Adams' Hitch Hikers style as a template, it's very funny and witty. It's also dark and serious when it needs to be and is thoroughly engaging.
Colin Baker narrates the story with glee and gusto and one gets the feeling that he enjoyed revisiting an old story of his and presenting it from a very different angle. The soundtrack and spot effects greatly enhance the mood of Colin's narration and it zips along brilliantly.
This is the definitive version of The Twin Dilemma, so leave the DVD of the story on the shelves and listen to this instead, you won't be disappointed.
An excellent reading of a great book.
I collected all the TARGET novelisations as they were published and I was dreading this as I disliked the story so much, to my surprise it was fantastic and, in actual fact, bears very little resemblance to the TV original. Everything has been altered to make the story flow better. Here we don't have to suffer the terrible costumes that the unfortunate actors were forced to wear. Here we don't have to cringe at some of the dreadful acting of the two 'actors' chosen to play the twins of the title. Here we don't have to shrink away with horror at one of the worst monsters ever to appear in the show. This book does away with all that and presents us with a tightly plotted story, excellent characterisation and genuinely interesting set pieces, and more importantly the story flows.
Eric Saward, Doctor Who's script editor at the time, has used the Douglas Adams' Hitch Hikers style as a template, it's very funny and witty. It's also dark and serious when it needs to be and is thoroughly engaging.
Colin Baker narrates the story with glee and gusto and one gets the feeling that he enjoyed revisiting an old story of his and presenting it from a very different angle. The soundtrack and spot effects greatly enhance the mood of Colin's narration and it zips along brilliantly.
This is the definitive version of The Twin Dilemma, so leave the DVD of the story on the shelves and listen to this instead, you won't be disappointed.
An excellent reading of a great book.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see the review
4.0 out of 5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
I'm a Colin Baker 6th Doctor fan so I quite enjoyed this four CD audio...
This story 'The Twin Dilemma' has been taken from Colin Baker's first 4 episodes as Dr Who, and they were tacked on the end of Peter Davidson's final season as the Doctor (season... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Keith Joseph
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not your typical Doctor Who
Just like Colin Baker wan't the typical Doctor Who, so this story is atypical of the franchise. My son - usually a lover of all that is Whovian - got fed up waiting for the Doctor... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Ray Blake
2.0 out of 5 stars
The Twin Dilemma - Audio book
The first story for the dark and increasingly surreal Dr Who that was Colin Baker, read by the man himself. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Fraser the Frank Fish
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not the best Dr Who story nor such strong characters
For those into the modern versions of Dr Who, this is not the best Dr Who story, and nor are the characters so strong. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Herbie Green
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good story, read by Colin not Tom Baker!
Written by Eric Saward from the original TV scripts, first published in 1985 and read here by Colin Baker, The Twin Dilemma follows the sixth Doctor (also COlin Baker in the TV... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Mr. P. HAIGH
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable
The television serial of the 1984 adventure 'The Twin Dilemma' was voted the worst ever story in a recent poll, so it is pleasing to say that the novelization is a much superior... Read more
Published 11 months ago by D. Evans
4.0 out of 5 stars
True Who
When I saw 'The Twin Dilemma' on television, with Colin Baker's debut as The Doctor, I was far from impressed - and it felt like true Dr. Read more
Published 11 months ago by N. Gratton
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Doctor returns again
Frankly, if you are a Dr. Who fan any of this series of CDs has to be in your collection, and this one is no exception. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Book fiend
3.0 out of 5 stars
More audio Dr Who!
Perfect for amusing the child during long car journeys just make sure you can turn it off when the adults get bored of it. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Ed F
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good
I enjoyed this a lot. Colin Baker could have been one of the classic Dr Who actors, but his tenure was cut short. Read more
Published 13 months ago by 70s
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
