Timelash is a tale from the undercooked Colin Baker era in the TARDIS, and on face value, there are lots of problems that were symptoms of this period of the show: hammed up acting, unconvincing monsters and a script that could have used a good deal more work are all present and correct here.

But--whisper it--Timelash is actually good fun. Really. There’s the always-likeable Peri, H G Wells, an overarching sense of entertainment and ultimately a breezy 90 minutes to enjoy. Even those who don’t usually warm to Colin Baker will find him in a calmer state here, although perhaps that’s more to do with the hideously over-the-top performance from Paul Darrow.

There’s never likely to be a revisionist call to instate Timelash as a classic piece of television, but time has at least proven that it’s an enjoyable one. Factor in a DVD that features a commentary track (including Darrow!), a 25-minute documentary and assorted notes and listings, and it’s hard to feel shortchanged. --Jon Foster

Synopsis
The planet Karfel is ruled by a cruel tyrant, the Borad. When the Doctor arrives he is asked to rescue a woman, Vena, who has been cast out through a time tunnel known as the Timelash. If he refuses, the life of his companion, Peri, is forfeit.