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Doctor Who Missing Stories: Galaxy Four
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| 14 New |
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| Custom Reviews: | |
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| Sparse, occasionally preachy but worth a listen | |
|  | "Galaxy 4", by William Emms, is a story that I expected to dislike. Perhaps it was the uninspiring title, the idea of the "cute" robots known as the "Chumblies", the shonky CD cover art or the presence of Steven Taylor, who I've never had much time for. Maybe it was a combination of all four. However, after spinning the first episode of the story into action I found it surprisingly enjoyable.
"Galaxy 4" has a slightly predictable and plodding plot, but within it is a mildly interesting study of prejudice and how one should never judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, Emms' script lacks subtlety and the long speeches of the Rills become somewhat preachy by the end of the fourth episode. I also suspect that there is quite a visual element to the production of "Galaxy 4", as the long periods of Chumblie sound effects where Peter Purves' well-executed narration falls silent ably illustrate. Unlike a historical, where one can picture lavish costumes and sets, the audio "visuals" of "Galaxy 4" are rather sparse. But maybe that's a part of the arid setting.
The regulars play their parts well along with Stephanie Bidmead as the ruthless Maaga, although Steven isn't given a lot to do. Aside from that, the robotic nature of both the Drahvins and the Chumblies means that there aren't a lot of supporting characters to develop and it's left to the story itself to carry things along. And at that, I suppose, "Galaxy 4" is reasonably successful.
| | A much over-looked classic, brought into the public eye! | |
| | The magic of this story is really brought out by the linking narration by Peter Purves. His commentary is so good, that you hardly notice that he's there - his words blend with the action perfectly. Doctor Who fans should definitely buy this CD - I have been a fan of the series for 14 years now, and often this story was paled into insignificance - and unjustly so. It really is a classic, and once fans re-watch the clip of Galaxy 4 on the Ice Warriors Special video, listeners will visualise the story excellently. This, along with the Web Of Fear is one of the best BBC audios available. Buy it!
| | The good doctor discovers beauty is just skin deep. | |
| | Galaxy 4 proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that beauty is definitely not in the eye of the beholder! It is a classic case of looking beneath the surface to see the reality of a situation. Having landed on a desolate planet, the Doctor and his companions Vicki and Steven are drawn into a conflict between the gorgeous Drahvins, headed by the glamorous Maaga, and the hideous Rills,who hide themselves away in their crashed spaceship and whose only contact with the outside is through their servants, the "Chumblies". Of course, as in classic WHO style, the Doctor's innate sense of morality allows him to work out the goodies from the baddies. This is one of a series of Missing Stories, which the BBC is reviving albeit on CD format, and for the most part this current release works well. The studio-bound nature of the story adds clarity and tautness to the sound quality, whilst the effects - especially those of the "Chumblies" - contribute humour and personality to the otherwise characterless robots. Peter Purves does a most effective job of linking the action to the dialogue, particularly in scenes where "his" character - Steven Taylor - is involved. Whilst, it must be said, the story is relatively straightforward, it does represent in audio form the kind of aspiration Doctor Who was attempting to achieve in its' magical early years. A highly recommended disc.
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