I have heard it said that anything in life can be improved by the liberal app of Paul McGann.
As statements go, its obviously not a hundred per cent accurate, but theres some truth in there.
The TVM, by the by, is a slightly odd beast.
Essentially, its a series finale trying to do the job of a pilot episode.
Imagine, if you will, thatThe End Of Time Part Twowas broadcast instead ofRose.
Can you imagine how that would go down?
The questions that would ensue?
When did The Master gain that power?
Who are all these people?
IsDoctor Whoalways like this?
This helps a lot, especially when McGanns Doctor is so exuberant, dashing and approachable.
The Doctor is having fun again; he has no Machiavellian schemes to embark upon.
Plus, the Brigadiers in it.
The last time we saw the Eighth Doctor in a book, he was jumping into the unknown.
Compared with the BBC BooksEighth Doctor Adventures,however, they were accessible.
Where Big Finishs audioplays have an advantage is that they feature the real McCoy, Paul McGann.
In 2001, he threw himself into the role, starting afresh and playing the character with zeal.
Much like Colin Bakers early stories, the enthusiasm with which McGann plays the Doctor is infectious.
The dialogue directly compares this with the Seventh Doctor.
Theres a logical chain of characterisation that flows from the Seventh Doctor through to the Eleventh.
Its a lot more rounded than the Fifth Doctor was ever allowed to be.
As long as hes jumping off stuff, I dont really mind.
