N.B. there might (or might not) be spoilers in this article!
For a couple of episodes Image of the Fendahl seems like a return to form after the disappointment of The Risible Enemy: it’s gloomily atmospheric and it feels like we’re building towards another Gothic classic.
Surprisingly, one of the things I like about those early episodes is the relative lack of music, although deadly Dudley cranks up it in the second half.
“You must think my head zips up the back.”
Colby, Image of the Fendahl:
Part Two
Unfortunately, this coincides with the story losing its way somewhat in Part Three especially with the wild goose chase to the fifth planet. The final episode is a bit of mess too: an odd mishmash of a gold-painted Wanda Ventham, Greek mythology and a rather weak conclusion involving salt.
Elsewhere, there’s another outrageous accent, the Doctor aids a suicide in an almost off-hand manner, we discover Corrie’s Don Brennan has a gran who knows ‘that ain’t the way to make a fruitcake’, and for some reason Leela kisses Colby goodbye.
But after three years of Hinchcliffe Gothic and Horror of Fang Rock, a moody atmosphere and sharp dialogue ultimately aren’t quite enough to lift Image of the Fendahl above its flaws.
‘Alas, poor skull’ indeed.
"In this story they made a funny mistake. The Doctor asks 'would you like a jelly baby?' but instead offers a Liquorice allsort."
"'He has great knowledge and gentleness' says Leela about the Doctor. Meanwhile, the Doctor kicks a box in rage. So funny!"
"The silliest line is 'You must think my head zips up the back!'"
Son of UT Rating: 8/10
"It's funny when Adam says 'You must think my head zips up the back!" [We all agree! – UT]
"In Part Three, the Doctor is sad because he can't think of everything."
"There's a pretty gold woman who looks like a doll and turns people into baby worms whens she points at them."
