Customer Reviews

Highlanders (Doctor Who)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an audio narrated CD of one of the earlier Patrick Troughton Doctor Who stories, that some of which were sadly destroyed by the BBC (they'll never live it down!). Thankfully, an audio recording exists of this story (and other 'missing' Doctor Who episodes), excellently narrated by Fraser Hines. The TARDIS crew lands in the Scottish Highlands, eventually becoming separated and swept up in a conflict between the Scottish and the English Redcoats. It's a pity that more of these 'historical' Doctor Who episodes were not produced. It makes for a change to have a story based more on human interactions and conflict and less on dubious science and technology from alien races and the Earth's future. This is a fun and entertaining story, full of sparkling characters, and great activity for every member of the TARDIS crew (even the relentless coffee-making Polly). The quality of the recording in this old Doctor Who story is clear and easy to understand. I would have liked to have seen more pictures from the actual televised episode itself (which do exist). However, the CD limits itself with only a few number of tiny images gracing the cover. However, the CD is an excellent addition to any Whovian's library. This was the first Doctor Who audio CD I purchased from the new 'missing episodes' collection and inspired me to purchase many more! Enjoy!

The BBC, in the days before home video, decided that some of its programs were no longer required in its archives. In a somewhat unsystematic purging, many classics were consigned to the flames, including several Doctor Who stories. Fortunately, some fans of the series had made their own audio recordings, and these (following a thorough re-mastering by the BBC) are being released.

'The Highlanders' is one of these releases. The story occurs at a crucial point in the show's history. The role of the Doctor has changed hands to Patrick Troughton, and this is his second story. In the first story, Troughton had the support of the Daleks as his opponents. This story is also Doctor Who's last regular historical, which were proving less popular than the pure science fiction ones (at least with the production team!), and introduced Jamie who became a regular companion. In short, the show was in transition.

'The Highlanders' is a good story. The four regulars (The Doctor, Jamie, Ben and Polly) all have strong roles, with the Doctor taking a slightly back-seat role which is consistent with his general portrayal. While the setting of the story (the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden) is a pretty grim one, the story manages some humorous moments such as the Doctor's penchant for disguises and accents. These are temporary features which would probably have worn very thin if they had been retained as regular parts of the Doctor's character.

Linking narration is by Frazer Hines, who portrayed Jamie, and of course helps to fill in the details that the original television show would have displayed. It is a very good choice for audio release, and should suit both fans and casual listeners.

I wasn't originally going to do a review on this one, but I didn't want people to think that I hated "Doctor Who" historicals since I've only done two reviews on historical adventures so far and gave them both bad ratings so here's one I can honestly give a great review on.

With very little surviving footage, it's hard to judge this one, but judging by the audio CD, this was one of the great historicals in "Doctor Who" history. It's a pitty that it didn't survive and that it was the last historical made until 1982's "Black Orchid" which wasn't that great. At times this seems like a very dramatic piece with the Doctor and his companions in almost constant danger with them being caught in between the events of war, politics, and slave trading. And at other times this seems like a very funny comedy with the Doctor fooling British soldiers at every turn and disguising himself as old ladies and almost everything else you can think of. Patrick Troughton's performance is great and Jamie makes a great new addition to the TARDIS crew. All of the cliffhangers are great and so was all of the acting and directing. If only I could watch this adventure instead of just listening to it. There's not a bad thing to say about this one. Highly recommended!

I personally found this adventure to be thoroughly enjoyable. The Doctor & company land in a Scottish Glenn in 1745, when British Redcoats were doing battle against Scottish Highlanders, in a battle of those who supported King George and the so-called royal pretender Prince Charles Edward. Here, they befriend the Clan McClarron and meet their piper, James Robert McCrimmon, or just Jamie (who would become a very popular companion throughout the remainder of Patrick Troughton's tenure as the Doctor). Soon they are captured, and separated as well, thus sets in motion what is basically a semi-historical, action comedy adventure. Patrick Troughton is in fine form as he continues to establish his own interpretation of the Doctor, as he proves to be sharp minded, quick-witted, energetic with the ability to think on his feet, and very funny as well as he pretends to be a German Doctor by using an outrageously funny accent, luring the opposition into a false sense of security and catching them offguard. The scenes where he's disguised as an old woman are simply priceless. Anneke Wills demonstrates considerable intelligence, courage, level-headedness and cunning as she and Kirsty McClarron blackmail Algernon Ffinch into protecting them from the Redcoats, and attempt to find the Doctor, rescue Ben and the rest of Kirsty's family. Michael Craze also demonstrates confidence and strength in the face of adversity as he faces the possibility of enslavement along with Jamie and the other Highland Rebels. truly a classic in its own right. So what if it's only loosely based on an actual historical event, it's an enjoyable adventure. a must-have for any Dr. Who fan.

in Patrick Troughton's second adventure as the newly regenerated Doctor, he throws himself and his companions full tilt into this wonderfully comedic romp through a somewhat inaccurate point in history. the comedy and action more than make up for the inaccuracies in history, just look at the Romans or the Myth Makers.

The Highlanders is considered the last historical story until the 1982 Peter Davidson story Black Orchid. Altough according to the linear notes in the Highlanders booklet, most of Scotland did not support the return of Stuart family to the throne. Mabye this story takes place in a alternative universe? In this story, Patrick Troughton's Doctor displays a weird German accent and disguises himself as a old lady. The character of Trask is quite good as wannabe pirate displayed at the end of episode two.
Similar to the Romans and other such stories, this story features a comic bent to it which makes actual historical events seem secondary. If you like lighter historical stories, then this is the story for you. Should anyone want to check out the more serious Doctor Who historical stories, I would suggest the John Lucarotti stories which include Marco Polo, the Aztecs, and the Massacre.

If you should ever have trouble sleeping just pop this audio in and you'll be out in no time. I don't really have any problems w/ historicals, but this bored me to tears! The main problem was that for must of the story the dialogue is unintelligible. Mainly the story is just to weak for four episodes.