Mawdryn Undead [TV/1983.2.1 ~ 2.9]

★★★☆☆

  I can think of a handful of classic series Dr. Who scores that are incredibly memorable while not possessing an overarching recognisable leitmotif. Mawdryn Undead's score by Paddy Kingsland is known to be a standout of the series... and I don't disagree at all. It's catchy, exciting and evocative; it's pretty rare that I dedicate a paragraph (albeit a short one) to talk about an adventure's score, but I simply have to mention this serial's music -- it really is that good.

  Onto the serial itself, I feel like this one's slightly given the cold shoulder when it really shouldn't be treated as so. Do I think it's a standout of the 1980s or even of the series? No, it's not as imaginative or creative as the best, and its presentation is certainly not one of its strengths (though it's not a weakness either, with Peter Moffatt giving a dependable enough hand at direction). However, the amount of fun and pathos that the late great Nicholas Courtney brings to the table is nothing short of amazing, and Peter Davison's given a hefty amount to do as well as he faces one of his lifetime's most interesting but no less excruciating dilemmas: save a group of scientists by giving up his regenerations, or condemn them to die. It's a fascinating choice for the Doctor, and while (of course) that dilemma is resolved by outside forces, the fact that it happened here in what is ostensibly an unassuming serial about two Brigadiers and a group of criminals who wanted to regenerate is nothing short of amazing. I love that. 

  Vislor Turlough's a fine addition to the mix come Season 20, and as a big fan of one of my favourite companions, it's no surprise that I think Mark Strickson gave the material his all from the word go. Look at him butt heads with Valentine Dyall's Black Guardian, that man can act. Take his wonderful introduction (as a menace and a half, but one with a heart... though he probably doesn't want to admit it) into consideration, and Mawdryn Undead is hardly the forgettable entity that many claim it to be. It's perfectly fine, it's really fun for the most part, and I would recommend it to anyone willing to see how the classic series dealt with aspects of time travel.