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rangersylThis was my second read-through of this book, and the first actual book I've read in way, way too long. I had a sort-of plan to read the Virgin Missing Adventures and the BBC line in chronological order. And since I'm still recovering from the plague, I at least found the energy to pick up a book. Which would indicate I might be able to get my life back soon, yes?
The Plotters by Gareth Roberts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While reading the 90's tie-in novels, it's always fun to pick out the ones that have most influenced the contemporary revival of Doctor Who. The Plotters is a look at some of the work by Gareth Roberts, who's done some of my favorite screenplays of Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
The Plotters is very much what it says on the tin. The Author's Note clearly warns that a) the events as chronicled are not remotely factual and b) the story's aim is to recreate the feel of a televised Doctor Who episode of its time. Roberts goes on to compare his story with Dennis Spooner's The Romans. If you enjoy the 'straight' historicals of the Hartnell era, this one's for you.
Roberts does indeed play fast and loose with events (and historical persons), but at the same time conveys an authentic, vibrant atmosphere. London comes alive, with rollicking public houses, dusty libraries, and the palace of Whitehall all populated with sharply drawn supporting characters. Roberts takes great care with the speech patterns of the day (or at least a believable facsimile thereof) and has great fun with Shakespearean ripostes and rejoinders.
The characterizations of the Doctor, Vicki, Ian and Barbara are spot-on. Everyone is precisely as they should be -- even when they're not exactly making the best decisions -- and you can really hear the actor's voices in the lines that come off the page. The gentle humor and affection between the characters is plain; even though they're split off into two different groups right off the bat.
As long as you're not hankering for a page-turning thriller, The Plotters is a breezy read. It's a romp, or a farce, full of mistaken identities and convenient assumptions. As a traditional historical, our heroes don't advance the plot in any meaningful way. They are carried along by events and the tension is carried by the hope for everyone to land on their feet when the dust settles.
The Good: Strong characterizations, snappy dialogue and immersive experience.
The Bad: Barbara is kidnapped. Again.
The Ugly: Good thing James I can't sue for libel.
View all my reviews
The Plotters by Gareth RobertsMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
While reading the 90's tie-in novels, it's always fun to pick out the ones that have most influenced the contemporary revival of Doctor Who. The Plotters is a look at some of the work by Gareth Roberts, who's done some of my favorite screenplays of Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
The Plotters is very much what it says on the tin. The Author's Note clearly warns that a) the events as chronicled are not remotely factual and b) the story's aim is to recreate the feel of a televised Doctor Who episode of its time. Roberts goes on to compare his story with Dennis Spooner's The Romans. If you enjoy the 'straight' historicals of the Hartnell era, this one's for you.
Roberts does indeed play fast and loose with events (and historical persons), but at the same time conveys an authentic, vibrant atmosphere. London comes alive, with rollicking public houses, dusty libraries, and the palace of Whitehall all populated with sharply drawn supporting characters. Roberts takes great care with the speech patterns of the day (or at least a believable facsimile thereof) and has great fun with Shakespearean ripostes and rejoinders.
The characterizations of the Doctor, Vicki, Ian and Barbara are spot-on. Everyone is precisely as they should be -- even when they're not exactly making the best decisions -- and you can really hear the actor's voices in the lines that come off the page. The gentle humor and affection between the characters is plain; even though they're split off into two different groups right off the bat.
As long as you're not hankering for a page-turning thriller, The Plotters is a breezy read. It's a romp, or a farce, full of mistaken identities and convenient assumptions. As a traditional historical, our heroes don't advance the plot in any meaningful way. They are carried along by events and the tension is carried by the hope for everyone to land on their feet when the dust settles.
The Good: Strong characterizations, snappy dialogue and immersive experience.
The Bad: Barbara is kidnapped. Again.
The Ugly: Good thing James I can't sue for libel.
View all my reviews
