Customer Reviews

Doctor Who: Planet of Fire

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The TARDIS is travelling through the Vortex when it picks up a distress signal which Turlough recognises and, with Kamelion spasming strangely, tries to conceal from the Doctor. But as the Doctor and Turlough argue, Kamelion sets course for the source of the alien signal: Earth! And so is set in motion the story that will see the Doctor travelling on without either Turlough and Kamelion...

The penultimate TV serial of the Fifth Doctor is novelised by its original scripter, Peter Grimwade. To set things in place for the new Doctor, he has the task of clearing out accumulations from the Fifth's period (that's Turlough and Kamelion, Tegan having departed in the unnovelised 'Resurrection of the Daleks'), tying up their respective stories, and introduce a new companion, Peri. And tell a story that stands on its own in the meantime.

The result is a little mixed, but still quite reasonable. Turlough is given a substantial role in this story, and it is the second TV serial in which Kamelion actually does anything. Resolving their back-stories lays much of the story's basics in place. And, while I won't tell you exactly who, one of the Doctor's old enemies has a substantial role to play as well.

This story is inextricably tied with the show's history, and hence may contain elements that could confuse someone with no real familiarity with the show.

A distress signal is sent to the TARDIS, sending Kamelion into spasms and Turlough into a frenzy trying to hide this signal, of which he has recognised from his past. Kamelion, unbeknownst to the Doctor, sets coordinates for the signal which originates from Earth. This sets in motion distrust between the crew, with at least one of them having to leave, another is gained and the return of a favourite villian.

This novel is Turlough's swan song, as you learn more about his character than in any previous story. The novel gives more of a portrayal of the angry youth than the televised version ever did. Here you see Turlough forcibly threaten the life of the companion robot Kamelion, just to keep his secret safe.

You'll also find the introduction of the young well endowed American botanist, Perpegilliam Brown (Peri). Sure she whines a lot but she ends up being one of the better companions.
This story also sees the departure of the very little used Kamelion, which is great as he never done much for the series. Plus the shockingly 'small' misfortunes of one of the Doctor's greatest adversaries.

The ending is a surprise departure of three supporting cast members, one being totally ruined by a future story. This story is RECOMMENDED to all.

The Doctor goes on a vacation to Earth, but it is cut short as he finds himself thrown into another odd adventure as the result of the Master's evil schemes. The Doctor's TARDIS is taken to a volcanic world where superstitious people live in the shadow of a volcano. The volcano is close to eruption, which would destroy those who live on the planet. Can the Doctor save them, and what is the Master's involvement? Turlough accompanies the Doctor and Peri makes her debut. We also learn quite a bit about Turlough's past, which explains some of his eratic behavior in past episodes. Not a lot going on in the setting department in this one, but its a fun, quick read.