<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: The Faceless Ones
Review: Even though this is yet another hackneyed version of an alien invasion where aliens are snatching humans and taking their place--by criminy I had fun with this 2nd Doctor adventure! Here's why:The 2nd Doctor is very active. I don't mind him lurking about in the background, but occasionally the 2nd Doctor should step up and really immerse himself in the action. He does that here: trying to turn the tables on the aliens, dodging from confrontation to confrontation with airport staff and security (plus the regular coppers), and proving just how resistant he can be to alien sleep-gas attacks. And he's thinking on his feet the whole way through. A clean departure for Ben and Polly. They are fairly prominent in the early stage of this story, but then are artfully moved aside as it becomes clear that the Doctor and Jamie are going to be the new team (Victoria pending). Sure, it's a bit silly that they turn out to be in the perfect spot to leave, by complete chance, but that's typical around here. The fast pace, and continuous suprises kept me grappling with the puzzle of what the creepy aliens were really up to, the complete diabolical plan. All in all, a light entertaining read that sends Ben and Polly on their way, and sets the stage for the Doctor-Jamie dynamic.
Rating: 
Summary: Alien abductions in 1966
Review: Terrance Dicks adapts this 1966 serial, which no longer exists on tape. The TARDIS arrives back on Earth in 1966 (as it turns out, the very day Ben and Polly commenced their travels with the Doctor), and the crew encounter some mysterious happenings at London's Gatwick Airport. Some travellers with Chameleon Tours have travelled overseas but have not come back. Families are reassured by postcards describing events of their holidays. But these postcards are fakes... After Polly mysteriously vanishes, someone who looks like her turns up working at the Chameleon Tours desk. But she says she isn't Polly... This story of alien abduction and substitution has something of an X-Files feel, except that the authorities aren't an active participant in the aliens' plans. It is sadly the last story for Ben and Polly, who are essentially written out part way through the book and return at the end to make their farewells. Like many of Terrance Dicks' adaptations, it is readable but lacks any particular inspiration in its writing.
Rating:
Summary: Alien abductions in 1966
Review: Terrance Dicks adapts this 1966 serial, which no longer exists on tape. The TARDIS arrives back on Earth in 1966 (as it turns out, the very day Ben and Polly commenced their travels with the Doctor), and the crew encounter some mysterious happenings at London's Gatwick Airport. Some travellers with Chameleon Tours have travelled overseas but have not come back. Families are reassured by postcards describing events of their holidays. But these postcards are fakes... After Polly mysteriously vanishes, someone who looks like her turns up working at the Chameleon Tours desk. But she says she isn't Polly... This story of alien abduction and substitution has something of an X-Files feel, except that the authorities aren't an active participant in the aliens' plans. It is sadly the last story for Ben and Polly, who are essentially written out part way through the book and return at the end to make their farewells. Like many of Terrance Dicks' adaptations, it is readable but lacks any particular inspiration in its writing.
<< 1 >>
| 
