Doctor Who: The TV Movie

First broadcast on the second May Bank Holiday weekend of 1996 -- six and a half years since new Doctor Who has last graced British TV sets (it sounds hardly any time at all now, but it seemed like forever back then) -- the American-produced Doctor Who TV movie (or TVM for handy abbreviation, or The Movie as the DVD would have it, or The Enemy Within as executive producer Philip Segal would have it) was a ratings success in the UK, but flopped in the US where it was scheduled against the final episode of popular sitcom Roseanne. In many ways, retrospectively, this is a good thing -- if it had been a success it would've led to a US-produced new series, which would probably have lasted seven years at the absolute best, at variable quality, and then disappeared again. Instead, we've had a hugely successful and artistically sound revival, which has so far lasted four years, will definitely do two more, and most likely more beyond. For many Who fans, who view the TVM as an Americanised aberration, this can only be a good thing. But they're wrong, you know, because the TVM is actually a lot of fun.

Let's start with the point nearly everyone can agree is good: Paul McGann. Right from the off, he's a brilliant incarnation of the Doctor, arguably the only actor to have nailed the part so confidently in their initial performance. The greatest loss is that we didn't get further TV adventures with him, though thanks to the Big Finish audios those with a decent disposable income can enjoy a raft of stories with the eighth Doctor. The rest of the cast are great too, right down to the supporting artists (having been watching Babylon 5 lately, I've seen how bad minor-role actors can be). Daphne Ashbrook's Grace would make a great companion, as would Lee, played by Yee Jee Tso. Eric Roberts' version of the Master is often highly criticised, but there's nothing wrong with his camp panto villain portrayal, which seems to suit the character rather well. John Simm's turn in the new series could be seen to be developed from this as much as any other variation on the part. Several other highly criticised elements have also emerged in the new revival -- the kiss(es), hand-holding, fast pace, action-packed, etc etc. The revelation that the Doctor is half human may still cause debate among fans, but, really, it's not that bad -- it can be see to add to the mythology, or written off as a quirk of his eighth life, or any other number of sci-fi explanations.

The same can be said for the climax of the plot. Bringing Grace and Lee back to life may be somewhat dubious, and "temporal orbit" barely makes sense either, but if you care enough for them to bother you you should be able to come with some explanation or another (I'll make some up for you, if you really want). Otherwise, Matthew Jacobs' much criticised script is actually a joy. Yes, the opening is exposition heavy, and is awkward enough to follow even for knowledgeable fans, but if you can sidestep that the rest is pretty straightforward, packed with exciting sequences and great dialogue. There are laughs aplenty, especially from the Doctor, and for once they're not at poor production design. Even jokes that some call nonsensical -- the Doctor saying he's English, for example -- make sense -- in that example, he's speaking with an English accent, so why wouldn't he say "I suppose I am" when called English! The 'car chase' is brief, not executed out of character, and helps keep the plot moving. Geoffrey Sax's direction serves the same job. It's exemplary, in fact, with some great shots and fantastic editing -- look at sequences like the Doctor choosing his outfit while Lee searches through his items; the Genghis Khan moment; the furiously-edited climax... It's great to watch.

Despite the low opinion many fans hold of the TVM, it's one of my most-seen Who stories. It's fantastic fun, especially once you get past the rather leaden first half hour. McGann is great, the script is exciting and witty, the direction glorious to watch. It's not perfect, but it boldly dragged Who into the '90s and had a great time doing it. Really, I don't think I'd've minded some more.