By Jonathan Dennis

Obverse Books, out now

Obverse Books’ ongoing series of monographs focusing on a Doctor Who serial or story hits 1985’s Season 22 serial Vengeance on Varos.

Author Jonathan Dennis sets out his stall early in his critical look at one of the Sixth Doctor’s most well-regarded serials, describing it as an ambitious story with something to say, and it’s hard to disagree with that assessment. Airing in early 1985, the UK was still under the shadow of George Orwell’s 1984, and Dennis investigates the various threads that permeate this adventure.

Inevitably, any discussion on Sixy must include his Technicolor jacket, its appearance here being incongruous with the dark environs and costumes of Varos and its population, deliberately provoking a response. After a summary of dystopian sci-fi contemporary to release, we dive into a detailed look at 1984 and the devices that writer Philip Martin brings over to his scripts – the ever-present TV screens, the Newspeak-style terms, the nameless head of state and the hollow victory ending.

There’s a well researched and argued chapter on capitalism in its various constructs in Doctor Who – though admittedly not my area of interest – followed by an excellent chapter on violence in the 80s and the scourge of ‘Video Nasties’, reflecting on the moral panic surrounding any new technology. You’ll come away with an even better understanding of the media hysteria and the landscape post-1984 Video Recordings Act

Verdict: It helps that Vengeance on Varos is one of the mid-80s better serials, and Jonathan Dennis does it justice by diving deep with his investigation. It was always more than just a Sil-ly tale of marsh minnows and running round studio tunnels – it’s a time capsule of 1985 Britain. 8/10

Nick Joy

Click here to order Vengeance on Varos from Obverse Books