Solar Flare: Science Fiction News

1. Andrew Oakley (Profile)

   If you’re a fan of Doctor Who’s more Sherlock Holmesian classic stories such as “Talons Of Weng-Chiang”, “Horror of Fang Rock” or “Black Orchid”, this will appeal enormously. A ghost story set in Dickensian Cardiff (complete with Charles Dickens, although it was actually filmed in Swansea), this is a charming period piece which is superbly done throughout. The ending is a little rushed, but you won’t mind as this allows for a more leisurely walk through the lush costumes and scenery of the BBC’s impressive Victorian props department. The fanbase often cry that the historical episodes are far better than the wobbly sets of the futuristic episodes. With the TARDIS being able to travel backwards, as well as forwards, in time, plus the cheap and ready availability of genuine historical locations in the UK, you have to wonder why there aren’t more stunningly beautiful episodes like this. The acting’s not bad either. Simon Callow (the famously waistcoated toastmaster whose death cases the Funeral in “Four Weddings and a Funeral”), who plays Dickens, is one of the nation’s great Shakespearian actors, and as fans of ST:TNG will appreciate, there’s nothing like having a good Shakesperian actor to lend sci-fi a bit of gravitas.
   

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   2.5

   Oct 6th, 2005

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