38 Weeks to 50: Poll-of-Polls Countdown: Father Time
Continuing my 50th Anniversary countdown of aggregated poll results for Doctor Who Books, TV Serials & Audio Dramas, with number 38:
38. Father Time
Doctor: 8th (Paul McGann)
Companions: Miranda
Aliens: Future People (probably Time Lords)
Synopsis: The Doctor has been trapped on Earth for 80 years now, with no memory, no TARDIS, not even a sonic screwdriver (though he's working on that). So imagine his surprise when he meets a young girl whose breath does not condense in cold air, who could beat him at chess and has two hearts in her chest. Yet he is not the only person interested in her. In fact she is the most important person in the universe.
Why is it so well loved?
1. This is very much Miranda's tale, and she is such a great character, even getting her own (short-lived) comic book series.
2. However, we get to see new sides to The Doctor, struggling to be a 20th Century father under unusual circumstances.
3. This story really marks the start of the later spin-off media. For years writers had tried to distance themselves from the TV series, making their tales darker and more adult (and often actively insulting it). This absolutely feels part of the television era and sets up both ideas and the tone for years to come.
Statistical Snippet
Lance Parkin is the most popular book writer, with 4 books in the top 50 (and Cold Fusion just missing out at #55). The only other with multiple books is Lloyd Rose.
X-posted from Doctor Who
38. Father Time
Doctor: 8th (Paul McGann)
Companions: Miranda
Aliens: Future People (probably Time Lords)
Synopsis: The Doctor has been trapped on Earth for 80 years now, with no memory, no TARDIS, not even a sonic screwdriver (though he's working on that). So imagine his surprise when he meets a young girl whose breath does not condense in cold air, who could beat him at chess and has two hearts in her chest. Yet he is not the only person interested in her. In fact she is the most important person in the universe.
Why is it so well loved?
1. This is very much Miranda's tale, and she is such a great character, even getting her own (short-lived) comic book series.
2. However, we get to see new sides to The Doctor, struggling to be a 20th Century father under unusual circumstances.
3. This story really marks the start of the later spin-off media. For years writers had tried to distance themselves from the TV series, making their tales darker and more adult (and often actively insulting it). This absolutely feels part of the television era and sets up both ideas and the tone for years to come.
Statistical Snippet
Lance Parkin is the most popular book writer, with 4 books in the top 50 (and Cold Fusion just missing out at #55). The only other with multiple books is Lloyd Rose.
X-posted from Doctor Who