As I "mature" the appreciation of the CLASSIC SERIES increases evermore; the once previous basic stories can be approached with less apprehension and derision. The "comic strip" style of the Pertwee era can be tedious at times, certainly predictable and precocious but with the advent of remastered DVD and, in particular, BBC AUDIO narrated soundtracks a new perspective can be applied.
Don Houghton's DOCTOR WHO - THE MIND OF EVIL comes from an enigmatic period of the series (season 8 - 1971) with such classics as TERROR OF THE AUTONS, THE DAEMONS and, less so austere productions, THE CLAWS OF AXOS and COLONY IN SPACE. However, all five productions are historically iconic due in part to a true television partnership between Jon Pertwee and Roger Delgado's Master.
With THE MIND OF EVIL we witness the Master's devilish attempts to thwart the Doctor and UNIT to rule Earth with the aid of a glutinous green bubbling mass of hate acquired by the renegade Time Lord on his travels. And whilst other DOCTOR WHO commentators (contributors to "Virgin Books" DOCTOR WHO HANBOOKS in particular) ridicule the production's repetitious action set-ups and convoluted themes, for me it unfurls like tulip warmed in Springtime sunshine. Yes, it takes it time but, nonetheless, the rewards are highly satisfying. The subtly of complete horror & menace is balanced with witty gems (Nicholas Courtney's "mockney" (a mock Cockney accent created for his "Trojan Horse" delivery man's disguise).
The narrated soundtrack is confidently & reverently delivered by the drama's Captain Yates, Richard Franklin. The first of many, I hope. Unlike many of the actors that have provided a narration, Franklin's "debut" is addictive, riotous and proprietorial, making the six-part story impel forward at a pace that would change the mind of jaded CLASSIC SERIES fans. And credit where credit is certainly due; Robert Ayres' succinct linking script is deservedly key to Franklins success.
Narration: The Master enters the process chamber and warily approaches the Keller Machine. It responds to his presence, beginning to theob and pulse with light. He suddenly recoils clutching his temples. The Master lurches to the control desk and jabs at various buttons trying to turn off the machine but the theobbing in his head suddenly increases. He turns to face the machine, and it seems to shimmer before his eyes. A giant image of the Doctor appears 20 foot tall laughing derisively. The Master cowers in a chair but the apparition gets closer. The Doctor's giant hands reach out to crush him. the Master breaks free of the Doctor's grasp.
The added bonus is, regrettably short (probably due to the six-parter being crammed onto a two-disc set), an admirable interview with Franklin. Again, the first of many, I hope.
DOCTOR WHO - THE MIND OF EVIL may, just may, never be released on DVD as for the fact that only a minor percentage exists in colour. Although I cannot see why 2|entertain BBC should withhold it from release - even though it comes from the "colour age" of DOCTOR WHO. In the meantime, this re-mastered BBC AUDIO is a welcome addition to the archive.
