Image of the Fendahl

One thing I have noticed in Chris Boucher's Doctor Who stories is that their story lines are very rarely original. Another thing I have noticed is that Boucher does not let that stop him from weaving a thoroughly absorbing, intelligent piece of television out of well-worn sci-fi staples. The obvious antecedent to this story is The Dæmons, but Boucher's script is far more coherent and intelligent than 'Guy Leopold's. Nigel Kneale is also a big influence- the basic story has similarities with Quatermass and the Pit, whereas the setting is very similar to The Stone Tape. However, Boucher makes this story his own and does it by playing with the structure of a Doctor Who story. In many other stories, the Doctor has to stop blinkered scientists from meddling with forces they do not fully comprehend. The fact that the Doctor is there to warn them makes the blinkered scientists responsible for the havoc they unleash. In this story, the Doctor and his companion are largely detached from the driving forces behind the problem. Apart from one short scene, the scientists are left to their own devices. In doing this Boucher subtly shows us that the scientists are merely pawns- as are we all- and even the Doctor could not have stopped the discovery of the skull and the coming of the Fendahleen. The Doctor, indeed, spends most of his time with the secondary protagonists, Mother Tyler and her grandson Jack. These country types are not belittled for their superstition, but respected for their insight into the problem.

Amid all this, Boucher still manages to write great characters and wonderful dialogue- 'You must think my head zips up the back' is one of my favourite lines in anything ever. The performances are great, with Daphne Heard making a wonderful Mother Tyler. Dennis Lill and Scott Fredericks are great as Fendelman and Stael. Wanda Ventham is very effective as Thea Ransome and Colby is brilliantly portrayed by Edward Arthur as the 'cheeky chappie' scientist. Unlike previous attempts at this sort of character, the story realises that they can be annoying in a crisis. Tom Baker gives one of his best performances as the Doctor- perhaps director George Spenton Foster knew how to channel the Baker boggle. Louise Jameson is wonderful as ever.

The direction is very effective, with great use made of night-shoots and very moody sets which are very effectively lit. the special effects work well- the Fendahleen could be more mobile, but they look fantastic. A small annoyance is the painted on eyes of Thea when she becomes the Fendahl Core- there is no special effect reason for them. Perhaps Wanda Ventham didn't like contacts.

This is a hugely enjoyable story from one of Doctor Who's most accomplished writers.

NEXT: The Sun Makers