Doctor Who: The Mark Of The Rani
A generally well-received-at-the-time story that has revealed flaws and accumulated critics with the benefit of hindsight, Mark Of The Rani not only introduces a new foe for the Doctor (one who was intended to recur in future stories), but gives us the closest thing the Colin Baker era has to a coherent Master story. It’s actually one of the better shows of the 22nd season.
Taking us along for the ride as they reminisce in the audio commentary are Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant and Kate O’Mara, who guest starred as the Rani (and had previously sparred with Baker in a ’70s soap called The Brothers). Between that commentary and the customary trivia subtitles, one gets a picture of both the backstage politics and the on-set antics involved, covering everything from drama (the late Anthony “The Master” Ainley complaining that he shouldn’t have to share screen time with another enemy of the Doctor’s) to the comedy (Colin Baker surviving numerous instances of performing his own stunts, only to fall victim to a passing dog). (more…)