Doctor Who: Kinda (Story No. 119/BBC DVD)
Picture: B- Sound: B- Extras: A Episodes: A+
It’s never easy following a legend, and
Peter Davison had to do just that when taking over the role of Doctor Who from Tom Baker. Baker’s amazing run left some giant shoes to
fill, but Peter Davison did so admirably.
He quickly became his own man on the show, and his Doctor developed a
unique set of quirks all his own.
Although younger and more dashing a figure than Baker’s Doctor,
Davison’s 5th Doctor presented a more measured and contemplative face. While still capable of action when needed, he
was often less physical than Baker.
Kinda’s
labyrinthine plot fits Davison’s more laid back, investigative
style. The Doctor, Tegan (Janet
Fielding), and Adric (Matthew Waterhouse) find themselves on the planet Deva
Loka in the midst of a struggle between domineering colonists and seemingly
innocent natives. However, much more
intrigue and strangeness lurks beneath the surface. While the Doctor and Adric meet the challenge
of the colonists head on, Tegan undergoes a tortuous telepathic ordeal at the
hands of a vile creature known as the Mara.
Manifesting as a series of truly creepy characters, the Mara breaks down
Tegan’s resistance and attempts to use her as a gateway to the corporeal
world.
Proceeding along parallel tracks, the two
plot points collide as the Doctor begins to unravel the mystery of the Mara’s
evil, while trying to prevent one of the insane colonists from laying waste to
the planet. This story features
excellent set design and effects work to support the challenging script and
spot on performances. Although the
physical manifestation of the snake-like Mara lacks a bit, it’s not a deal
breaker. Additionally, this story
features an amazing bit of sci-tech with a truly cool and crafty suit of
powered armor. Not really designed for combat, the colonists’ exploration suit
marks just one of the little extra details that add verisimilitude to the set.
Loaded with extras befitting its depth of story,
this disc includes a “making of” featurette, a career retrospective on director
Peter Grimwade, deleted scenes, and commentaries from cast and crew. Anyone desiring a snapshot of Peter Davison’s
run on Doctor Who should look no further than Kinda. The solid combination of strong story, solid
presentation, and tiptop performances make this one a keeper.
- Scott
Pyle
