Downtime (1995)

Watched 3-May


Is it really Doctor Who? It features several recurring characters from DW so yes it qualifies. But it does not rank.

Direction by classic series royalty Chris Barry is probably the biggest factor. The video look detracts a little from the finish. There's good use of the Brig and the writing works through some family problems which are both realistic, grounded and dramatic. Other performances are all quite good, even Pete Silverleef as Christopher Rice. University of East Anglia is the main location and many students were recruited through the school paper as extras.

The story is burdened by symbolism and metaphysical issues: ghosts, automatic writing, psychic impressions, ya da ya da ya. I'm not sure it all makes sense but the 'go with it' vibe is irresistable.

This is actually quite good. This has the biggest budget of any DW fan generated spinoff. And it shows. Lots of locations, effects and some action.




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtime_(Doctor_Who)

https://tardis.fandom.com/wiki/Downtime_(home_video)


ABM Rating 3.30/4.00
LJM Rating 3.60/5.00
SPJ Rating 7.30/10   

Not ranked.


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