D. Evans 2004-09-29
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With over 150 stories broadcast, opinion is often divided as to which are the best and worst Doctor Who stories. Ofcourse the usual level of consensus, will see Caves of Androzani, somewhere near the top, and Timelash,Time Flight, and Time And The Rani, at the opposite end. But then in the middle you get stories such as Seeds of Death, Ambassadors of Death, and The Planet of Fire, which people seem to give less attention too, they are simply seen as ok. I think Planet of Fire perhaps deserves a little more recognition. In the documentary accompanying The Leisure Hive, reference is made to the producer John Nathan Turner favouring style over storyline, certainly in Planet of Fire, the fantastic location of Lanzorate, does help distract from a rather weak storyline. But then the writer, had to include in this one, the introduction of a new companion, the departures of 2 old ones, and the reintroduction of The Master. Despite all these requirements the story is still enjoyable. Nicola Bryant as well as being one of the best looking companions, has an immediate on screen chemistry with Peter Davsion. It is shame that they would only be together for one more adventure. Mark Strickson is also good, in his final adventure, as the tragically underused Turlough. The more relaxed pace of the serial is further welcomed, after the intensity of the previous adventure, Resurrection of the Daleks. I would recommend this, as a good purchase.