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The Caves of Androzani (Doctor Who #92)

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The almost lifeless planet of Androzani Minor is the setting for this one. Seems the planet has the raw materials of a drug that can lengthen people's life times. Obviously such a drug is highly sought after, and therefore brings out the worst in many of those involved. The Doctor enters into the middle of things with Peri at his side. He runs afoul of gun-runners, the army, political intrigue, and a host of other minor irritants. Seems everyone is out to get someone in this one, when all the Doctor wants is to save Peri from a painful death, even if it means the end of one of his own lives.

The TARDIS materialises on Androzani Minor, where the Doctor shows new companion Peri a number of features of geological interest. (Maybe he's trying to expand her horizons - Peri is a botanist!) But some fusing of the local sands shows a spaceship has been here, and that there is a minor war going on between the rulers on nearby Androzani Major and the rebel, Sharaz Jek, hidden on this planet. But even that is only the surface, and there is a complex plot behind it all...

Taking the elements of his earlier script and adding in some 'Phantom of the Opera' riffs, Robert Holmes produced what is considered by many to be the finest story featuring the Fifth Doctor. It is here adapted by Terrance Dicks.

The layering of plots behind this story, which benefits from the absence of oppressed primitives and a giant monster, slowly peel away as the Doctor and Peri resolve one problem only to find another.

Worth a look, although the TV serial is better.

If you're in the mood for something very easy and not time consuming to read, yet something nostalgic as well, this is the book for you. Adapting one of the most popular and momentous stories of the series, Terrance Dicks brings about an exact replica of the show through the use of words. There is no going off on tangents to tell a deeper story, just everything that happens from the show, nothing else. Well recommended for a change.