One of the most popular of Colin (the sixth Doctor) Baker’s adventures, Vengeance on Varos finds the Doctor and Peri (Nichola Bryant) involved with rebels in a 1984-like world, where televised torture is used to support and enforce an unworkable regime ruling a mining society on the planet Varos. When first broadcast the story aroused condemnation not only over the violence shown–particularly two men falling into a vat of acid–but also over the implied horror and moral corruption. However, these complaints missed the satiric subtext of a world in which the reality TV suffering pacifies the masses while big business carries on exploiting them; and none were more memorably corrupt than the reptilian alien Sil–a love-it-or-hate-it OTT performance from Nabil Shaban. While there is rather too much running about in corridors, the surreal terrors of the Punishment Dome make for good Doctor Who, and the adventure develops ideas from both The Sunmakers (1977) and The Caves of Androzani (1984) with considerable low-budget aplomb. Filled with bizarre touches such as Peri’s transformation into a bird creature, the show also marked Jason Connery’s TV debut as a rebel leader.
On the DVD: There’s 15 minutes worth of deleted and/or extended scenes and four minutes of stage footage, but by far the finest extra is the three way commentary track, with Baker, Bryant and Nabil Shaban. Affectionately sending the show and themselves up, while still demonstrating a great love for Doctor Who, the track sometimes degenerates into trivia, but at its best is simply hilarious. Both original BBC1 trailers and a continuity link are included, as is a photo gallery and the option to listen with the unfinished “production sound”, something which is likely to appeal only to die hard fans. Rather more interesting are the optional on-screen production notes, which offer a wealth of behind-the-scenes information. The extras are completed with a small selection of outtakes. The sound is strong, clear mono, the 4:3 transfer has no sign of compression artefacting and is good enough to reveal the weaknesses in the original studio-bound video production. —Gary S Dalkin
Pleasant Surprise on Varos Surprisingly dark, yet fantastic at the same time, who knew a Colin Baker story could be so good?Actually, I’d been at a loss for a while. I’d been getting what was generally considered the best story (or best two) from each Doctor, on DVD, but I was stuck at one for Colin Baker. No one could settle on one they liked, until a while later I kept hearing ‘Vengeance on Varos’ was a good one to watch. So, I finally picked it up and I personally say it’s up there with all the other greats.Colin Baker’s Doctor isn’t dislikable in this story (for once), and instead is relatable and helps out, even given the dire situation. One of the things I loved about this story was that it was so strong without the Doctor and Peri even needing to land on the planet of Varos, but when they came in, they pulled it in a new direction, saving the life of someone who was going to have their execution broadcast to the world… purely for entertainment. In fact, this premise is somewhat relevant to modern audiences, with the height of reality TV and what does count for entertainment on talent shows, it strangely portrays a twisted version of society, as well as some political corruptness.I was pleasantly surprised by this story.
Vengeance is mine, saith Sil Best remembered for introducing the abhorrent gastropod-esque alien Sil, and for its ‘gratuitous violence’ [sic] getting Mary Whitehouse in a lather, this mid-80s serial saw Colin Baker at his peak as the Sixth Doctor – playing his bombastic and witty version of the Time Lord with aplomb, and even pushing a villain into a vat of acid; superb!The serial also features a pre-Robin of Sherwood Jason Connery as heroic rebel Jondar, and acclaimed thesp and 80s TV stalwart Martin Jarvis as the hapless Governor, constantly undermined by the insidious Sil and treacherous security officer Quillam.The story reminds me in places of a Graham Williams produced late 70s fare such as ], with its satirical undertones and bureaucratic shenanigans, and it is well produced and enjoyable overall.Extras are thin compared to more recent releases but include an enlightening commentary featuring Nabil Shaban – the actor who played Sil, Baker and Nicola Bryant (Peri) although the latter is pretty quiet throughout, plus a behind-the-scenes mini-feature, outtakes, and a photo gallery.