Eye of Horus | Doctor Who | The Classic Series 1963-96

STORY PLOTLINE

UNIT is called in after a miner from the Welsh village of Llanfairfach is found dead, his skin glowing bright green. Jo joins forces with a local environmental group, led by Professor Clifford Jones, while the Doctor investigates the nearby plant of a company called Global Chemicals.

They discover that the mine workings are full of giant maggots and green slime - both lethal to touch - that have been produced by chemical waste pumped from the Global plant.

Stevens, the director of Global, has been taken over by the BOSS - Bimorphic Organisational Systems Supervisor - a computer with a will of its own.

SPECIAL EDITION DVD EXTRAS

Commentary with actors Katy Manning (Jo Grant), producer Barry Letts and script editor Terrance Dicks
NEW CONTENT - Bonus commentary with actors Richard Franklin (Captain Yates) and Mitzi McKenzie (Nancy), moderated by Toby Hadoke (episodes 3 - 5); with actress Katy Manning and writer Russell T Davies (episode 6)
NEW CONTENT - The One With the Maggots Cast and crew look back at the making of this story
Global Conspiracy? A spoof investigative report looks at the strange happenings in the village of Llanfairfach.
Visual Effects An interview with the story's visual effects designer, Colin Mapson
Robert Sloman Interview
Stewart Bevan Interview
Wales Today Two pieces from the BBC Wales news programme - a mute 1973 film insert from the filming of THE GREEN DEATH, and a 1994 item with Jon Pertwee opening the new country park that was built on the site of the colliery used in the story
NEW CONTENT - Doctor Forever - The Unquiet Dead . In this unique interview, new series creator Russell T Davies and then BBC Controller of Drama, Jane Tranter, talk about the genesis of DOCTOR WHO's rebirth on television
NEW CONTENT - What Katy Did Next A look at Serendipity , the TV series that Katy Manning presented after leaving DOCTOR WHO
PREVIOUSLY RELEASED - The Sarah Jane Adventures - Death of the Doctor This two-part story from 2010 sees Katy Manning reprising her role as Jo Grant and a guest appearance by Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor. Optional Commentary with actress Katy Manning and series creator Russell T Davies
Radio Times listings (DVD-ROM)
Programme subtitles + Production information subtitles
Photo gallery + Easter Eggs
NEW CONTENT - Coming soon trailer - THE ICE WARRIORS
Digitally remastered picture and sound quality

SPECIAL EDITION DVD COMMENT

When a DOCTOR WHO story impinges itself onto the psyche of the (British) public and becomes simply known as "The One with the Maggots" then you truly know that you are in for a treat, even if you - as a loyal fan of the drama series - have watched it so many times that you've lost count.

The 1973 politicised six-parter DOCTOR WHO - THE GREEN DEATH is one of handful of stories that are 'signposts' for general viewers to appreciate without knowing the (frequently) over-complicated backstory and canon history that threaten to deflect them from being consumed by a 'jolly good story'. It's linear (none of the patronising timey-wimey convolutions of recent series re: NEW SERIES), acted with conviction, professionally realised and, even in 2013, stands-up to scrutiny.

Surprisingly, the co-penned (Robert Sloman with an uncredited contribution by series producer, Barry Letts) and Michael Briant directed 'environmental essay' delivers an astute perspective of how mankind is blinkered in its own economic growth whilst exploiting its resources exponentially only to realise, and all too late in this instance, that irrevocable damage cannot be remedied in neither the short or long term. If nothing else, DOCTOR WHO - THE GREEN DEATH was as insightful in the early 1970's as it is in the 21 st century. Who ever said the DOCTOR WHO was only a children's show with wobble sets and monsters crafted from egg cartons?

In this 'special edition', building upon the 2004 single-disc DVD release, delivers the same balance between entertainment and informative yet, and this is an issue with the majority of BBC DVDs 'special editions', fails in delivering a substantive new message that fans/viewers would have expected and craved. In effect, specifically in relation to DOCTOR WHO - THE GREEN DEATH itself, there is only two new 'value added material' (i.e. Extras) [with a fresh commentary for four episodes] and, clearly, that does not warrant a re-visit of the story. And, honestly, I don't like saying that.

Sometimes, I believe - and I'm not alone in this assertion - that BBC WORLDWIDE has unashamedly reached into my back pocket, retrieved my wallet, extricated a few crisp 'notes' and then deposited a hastily scrawled letter saying "Thanks, sucker!" My Granddad used to say, " if you've got nowt new to say, keep your gob shut" and, at times, I wish BBC WORLDWIDE would do the same and leave the CLASSIC SERIES DVD releases untouched until there's something truly magnificent to say.

So, where's your hard-earned cash going to with this new 'special edition' (you can read the review of the 2004 release below)?

In THE ONE WITH THE MAGGOTS, the cast and crew recall the genesis and filming perils (no more so than witnessing hundreds of pupating maggots resulting in errant 'blue-bottles') in bringing DOCTOR WHO - THE GREEN DEATH to the screen. Speaking affectionately of his close-colleague, Terrance Dicks recounts that the series producer (and co-writer of the story), Barry Letts was ".always a worrier. A streak of pessimism. But he did worry about the state of the planet. "We're doomed, Terrance. We're doomed", whilst its director (Michael Briant) confirms, as we all know as we squint through the mist of time, that along with Pertwee that ".the other superstar in this were real maggots." Departing-companion actress, Katy Manning discusses how the series both warrants and requires change on a regular basis in order to keep it fresh and to develop the character of the Doctor (".the girl needs to change so the Doctor can change."

The Doctor: The fledging leaves the coup.

The maturity of the story's ecological plotting seeped across to character significant development - probably, the first that the series has seen since the romance of Vicki and Troilus (see 1965's THE MYTH MAKERS) - as Jo Grant falls head over heels for fungus-loving scientist, Cliff Jones (actor, Stuart Bevan) spurning - or should that be "spawning"? - the only other man (the Doctor) that she loved;

Katy Manning: I don't know if people know both Stuart and I were 'boyfriend & girlfriend'.
Stuart Bevan: We were the 'Posh & Becks' of the time.

In recalling his most arduous filming day as his character is affected by the 'green death' infection and forcing him to his bed, Bevan cheekily nudges the BBFC's DVD PG rating to a potential 15 rating as he declares that he ".was throbbing all over." but is hastily deflected in expanding on the subject by her former partner (".we shouldn't go there. It's a bit naughty.").

Of course, DOCTOR WHO - THE GREEN DEATH could be affectionately known as 'The One when Jo Grant leaves' such is the impact felt not only by the characters but by the viewers alike. And by all accounts the cast and production team were equally affected with the Grant/Manning departure for jungles new (Michael Briant: I heard Terrance Dicks sniffle - and it wasn't a cold.)

In WHAT KATY DID NEXT we are treated to Manning's solo television presentation for an 'arts and crafts' series, SERENDIPITY. Basically, rather than a chronicle of the actress's career post-DOCTOR WHO, it's a montage of clips that equates to a restaurant's unappetising & limp salad left on the side of your plate after devouring a juicy steak; if it wasn't there you wouldn't miss it.

The only other new story-related content is a STUDIO COMMENTARY for episodes three to six (the final episode is hosted by Manning and, armed with his dog-eared, yellowing but well-read TARGET novel of DOCTOR WHO - THE GREEN DEATH, NEW SERIES show-runner, Russell T Davies).

Under the perennial genial stewardship of Toby Hadoke, Richard Franklin (Capt. Yates), Nancy (Mitzi McKenzie) and Colin Mapson (Visual Effects Designer) thoroughly entertain and inform as they vividly revisit and focus on the memories of forty years since.

Richard Franklin on Stevens (Jerome Willis): .convincingly very unpleasant.

Candidly, Richard Franklin on his acting career and personal life: I have scrubbed floors, Chauffeured, sold carpets as we (actors) all have to. I think that's a very important aspect of being an actor. (a) To turn your hand to other things and also (b) you find a real world out there and you can bring the real world back into your acting work.

Richard Franklin on Jon Pertwee: Tremendous charismatic.

FACT: DOCTOR WHO - THE GREEN DEATH had a prominent 'product placement' for a window cleaning product, WINDOWLENE.

Richard Franklin on the NEW SERIES: A very clever update but (too) crammed in to 50-minutes. Matt Smith; a very good Doctor.

And for episode six, both Manning and T Davies revel like pigs in a puddle of Swarfega that delivers an energetic, intelligent and insightful diversion.

Russell T Davies on recording the commentary: I'm honoured to be talking over this episode. Beautifully sad, you (Katy Manning) were brilliant in it and Jon Pertwee utterly magnificent in it. These moments are a vital part of your life. Not ephemera. Not trivial.

The COMING SOON trailer features Patrick Troughton's six-parter, DOCTOR WHO - THE ICE WARRIORS but, sadly, does not feature any of the 'animation' restoration.

In the penultimate chapter of DOCTOR WHO FOREVER (titled THE UNQUIET DEAD), along with Russell T Davies is joined by former Head of BBC Drama, Jane Tranter, to detail the second DOCTOR WHO 'genesis' (2001 to 2005) as they stride through the treacle-like BBC to develop the series, assaulting the sceptical Corporation's Executives with enthusiasm and passion and verve that (some) fans may regard as false but without it the 'project' would have not have been ratified.

Russell T Davies: Mal Young always wanted DOCTOR WHO to come back, and Jane (Tranter) was the biggest champion. The rule is 'keep nagging'. Am I allowed to say 'pissed off'?

Jane Tranter: I nearly gave birth when someone said, "Russell wants to talk about DOCTOR WHO". BBC Director General, Mark Thompson said, "Stop making it (DOCTOR WHO)."

Overall, DOCTOR WHO - THE GREEN DEATH 'special edition' DVD is a minor disappointment. A couple of story related Extras, a new commentary track and a previously released THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES - DEATH OF THE DOCTOR two-parter hardly contributes 'special' as (some) fans may not want to BBC WORDLWIDE to deftly dip into their wallet (or TARDIS moneybox) again whilst their back is turned and, quite frankly, I wouldn't blame them.

Regrettably, this is one 'special edition' that will be only purchased in two or three years' time when AMAZON.CO.UK have reduced the price to below £7.00.

DVD EXTRAS

GLOBAL CONSPIRACY? A spoof investigative report about the strange happenings in the village of Llanfairfach, written by and starring THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN's Mark Gatiss.
Commentary with actress Katy Manning, producer Barry Letts, and script-editor Terrance Dicks.
VISUAL EFFECTS An interview with the story's visual effects designer, Colin Mapson, including a demonstration of how to build a giant maggot.
ROBERT SLOMAN An interview with the story's writer.
STEWART BEVAN An interview with the actor who played Professor Clifford Jones.
Picture Gallery + Production Notes + Easter Egg.

COMMENT

What would happen if THE GREEN DEATH were added to the BBCtv schedule today?

Quite.

The most recent repeats were basically a flawed attempt on BBC2. The two, SPEARHEAD FROM SPACE and THE SILURIANS were not prime examples of ‘colour’ Pertwee, and, enviably, failed to draw suitably respectable ratings for continuation. However, move forward a season (or two), then the ‘repeats season’ may have been more successful.

Being part of the tenth DOCTOR WHO season (oh, how we will miss the delineation of ‘season’, now that ‘series’ has been adopted by the New Series), THE GREEN DEATH is perfect telly.

Science fantasy, contemporary Earth accepts environmental challenges, love and loss, fights & explosions and Police Box time/space machine (isn’t that the brief set by the 2005 New Series Producers?).

However, THE GREEN DEATH is singularly unique (if grammatically it can be and the same) for pre-dating the US comedy, FRIENDS, for being labeled as “…the one with…”. No answers on a postcard, please.

Viewing the story today after a number of years, the reality that this is more than just “…the one with…”, with many small (but key) scenes being rediscovered (The Doctor returning just in time to answer the telephone, the suicide at Global Chemicals, and the drive off into the sunset). A DOCTOR WHO that was thoroughly enjoyable to re-re-watch, and with the extras more so.

Viewing any DOCTOR WHO re-release with the commentary ‘on’ is essential. Here the balance of technical input and frivolous badinage is consummate from Manning, Barry Letts and Terrance Dicks (the latter two should have been ‘consultants’ on the 2005 New Series).

Manning exorcises that she constantly ribbed Pertwee into thinking that he was getting a larger and larger bald patch. In fact, there was not receding hair but this made him wary and him “proficient with the Carmen Rollers”.

Dicks laments that “the 25 minute episodic drama has all but gone. Dramas are all 50 minutes”. A prophetic statement or one of doom?

The spoof schlockumentary, GLOBAL CONSPIRACY?, written & performed by confessed WHOlic, Mark Gatiss (guess the 2005 New Series episode he’ll be acting in and win…nothing, due the certainty that it will happen) is very good in both content and technical competency. This is expected if Gatiss has his hand it; a perfectionist. However, why oh why did they print a photograph of Gatiss’ alter ego, Terry Scanlon in the DVD’s sleeve I will never know.

Interviews with writer, Robert Sloman (conceding that both maggots and spiders are two of his worst nightmares, and so, cathartically, he included them in the two DOCTOR WHO stories he wrote) and actor, Stuart Bevan (concerned that his off-screen relationship would be detrimental to his acceptance on the show) were standard fare if overly long.

Will Colin Mapson’s demonstration that we all can make one, force stores to increase stocks of foam, rubber bands, cling film and rubber-solution glue? However, a DOCTOR WHO equivalent of the Delia Smith-effect seems a little unlikely. This visual effects DVD extra treat is winner, and should be employed by the DVD compilers for another release. Think, K-9’s innards stripped bare and probed by Matt Irvine.

One aspect of DVD extras that is hardly mentioned are the production Subtitles. Well researched, appropriate, useful and often revealing. Essential content.

With only FRONTIER IN SPACE (the first Delgado on DVD?) and PLANET OF THE DALEKS (a DVD release seems a distance off, following the 2003 VHS release and potential rights problems for the Daleks), the tenth season could be first to all stories re-released on DVD.

THE GREEN DEATH eminently stands the test of time (and memory), rewarding in its adult focus of politics, corporate greed, love and ‘what if…’

Will stories from the forthcoming New Series be regarded as fondly (“…the one with a space goat…”) as this.