New adventures, new dangers for the Fifth Doctor, Nyssa and Tegan.
Entering a post regeneration crisis, the vulnerable new Fifth incarnation of our Time Lord more than ever needs his companions help in recuperation, especially as the returned the Master plans two means of revenge against his bitter enemy: the Event One 'Big Bang' from which our heroes barely escape, and a recursive space/time trap operating within the block-transfer computed realm located at Castrovalva.
I remember the excitement of January 1982 and the debut of Castrovalva, watching this new story, new era, new season, new timeslots, new Doctor, new everythings', unfold. I loved Part One (highlights: Davison's introduction and the accompanying, important past-Doctor references/nostalgia, more exploration of the always fascinating TARDIS interior, plus the build-up to Event One), and most of Part Two of Christopher H. Bidmead's clever tale. Part Three flagged a bit with the introduction of Castrovalva itself, and its quirkily peaceful inhabitants, but with the return of the Master, back in disguise mode by Part Four, the story, which I have respected and enjoyed more over the years, ended on a high note, bringing with it the happy portents of great and innovative things to come in this bold new era...
Briefly escaping the police at the Pharos Project, the clearly woozy Fifth Doctor must be returned to the safety and security of the TARDIS by his companions.
Davison's Doctor sheds his Fourth incarnation's legendary costume skin, whilst cleverly impersonating previous Doctors and saying recognisable classic lines from them that audiences and fans would enjoy.
Enjoying the comfort of the TARDIS's unique Zero Room, the Doctor begins his recovery.
The Fifth Doctor's fine rapport with Nyssa would continue across this season and into the next...
The story's 'special edition' heights showcasing the striking dwellings of simplicity at Castrovala,
A special, if not always harmonious, Doctor/Companions relationship is established, in great location filming at Royal Tunbridge Wells.
The mystery of the kindly Portreeve brings revelatory dangers.
"We're caught in a space/time trap!"
The soon feeling 'absolutely splendid' Doctor inspects the TARDIS, recently 'landed' by Tegan!
Super cover art for the story's original VHS tape release, by Andrew Skilleter.
Target Books 1990's re-release cover art by Alister Pearson.
Full BBC Video release sleeve.
DVD UK release sleeve image composition by Clayton Hickman.
American DVD release for the Baker/Davison New Beginnings box set.
Sleeve for the Doctor Who Collection UK DVD series.
The intriguing cover for the BBC Audio Target Books adaptation.
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