1. Curse of Fenric (Story 154, 1989)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2xOkASo42w Not, let me hasten to add, the broadcast version, which doesnt really make all that much sense. No, this story is viewed best on DVD where you can check out the directors cut. With the added scenes, the story makes a lot more sense and gives us a clear impression of where the series would have gone had season 27 ever been made (which it eventually was, in audio form). This story involves vampires (of a sort), Russian spies, World War II and significant elements of Aces personal history, as almost all quality Seventh Doctor stories do (Ghost Light being a notable exception here). With strong supporting performances, excellent writing and a wonderful use of a chess and Viking motif, this story is, by far and away, the best of the Seventh Doctors time. For better or worse, the Seventh Doctor was THE Doctor until the 1996 movie. That wont be getting listed on any Best of lists anytime soon, though the Eighth Doctor will be getting his own list of episodes, just you wait. In the meantime, we can look back on the Sylvester McCoy years with confusion, occasional anger, and a lot of fondness. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egD2ucWon-M
Chris Swanson
Chris Swanson is a freelance writer and blogger based in Phoenix, Arizona, where winter happens to other people. His blog is at wilybadger.wordpress.com
See more from
Chris