The Greatest Show in the Galaxy: Part One

Start off with a circus, trot out the tired old trope of 'something evil', cue killer clowns and set it in a quarry.

Add a lacklustre couldn't be bothered script, poor direction and terrible acting.

The doctor has a very limited range but does even less than usual in this story, Ace is the usual mid-twenties thespian 'acting' the role of a teenager. It doesn't work, the character comes across as a bit of an idiot.

Another example of why the programme (in this form) was cancelled, and rightly so.

Yes, I accept that some see currency in the 'it could have been more', "could have been a better programme with better funding" etc. Sadly, we have what we have, and it's crap.

I love the opening episode, it has such a rich content, it's an episode that plays on a fear many people have, clowns. Why create a new alien race, when we have clowns, when used to good effect, they make the most terrifying menace of all. Not a huge deal of threat in this one, it's mainly implied, this episode gives you a taster for what's to come, it introduces some terrific characters. I absolutely love The Captain played by T.P. McKenna and Peggy Mounts stall keeper, two marvellous actors.

It's typical eighties sci fi horror, the monster shooting rays, and the terrific bus conductor. Some really nice special effects, and a definite energy, all make for a terrific opening episode.

It's not a full house though, Nord and Adrian Mole are both very irritating, and the music is maybe a little cumbersome. All in all though, I really enjoyed it. 8/10

Review of all 4 episodes:

There are interesting ideas in this story as well as dark, macabre content which is a real strength. Sadly the budget, lack of technology, time constraints, production problems and the bad taste of the era lead to the potential not being reached in my opinion.

The first 2 parts of the story, especially the first part, are reminiscent of the previous season's horrible pantomime feel mixed with a surreal nightmare. The production is like a farcical, weird stage play with odd, anachronistic characters and settings, bizarre situations, embarrassing scenes of action, some zany dialogue and dodgy effects. There is a slight Neil Gaiman feel with a dark, gloominess merged with crazy surrealism and it holds enough fascination and potential to stop it sliding to the low levels of Season 24. Once it gets to Part 3 things pick up and Part 4 is much much better. To some extent the weirdness of the story is explained away by the psychic elements and the suggestion that at least some of the odd goings on are perceptions projected by the villains who turn out to be the 'Gods of Ragnarok'. These later episodes lift the whole story but do not totally wipe away some of the inadequate scenes, silly characters and rather lame acting.

The final part especially is ghoulish fun with creepiness and humour mixed together. McCoy does his full vaudeville style clown/W.C. Fields act while strange, scary clowns and gothic villains threaten imminent death.

You could not accuse this of being boring or ordinary, it is striking and different and has ideas which with more care and budget could have been a twisted classic. As it is, this is a reasonable effort but not as successful as it could have been.

My ratings: Part 1 - 5.5/10, Part 2 - 6/10, Part 3 - 7/10, Part 4 - 8/10. Overall - 6.63/10.

The title of the show came from producer John Nathan-Turner. The Greatest Show in the Galaxy could stand for Doctor Who itself.

Once the best sci-fi show going once but time has not been kind to it. People routinely mutter that it's not as good as it used to be.

With dwindling audiences, it is now frequented by riff raff or nerds. The Doctor and Ace visit the psychic circus on the planet Segonax courtesy of junk mail received by the Tardis.

They encounter galactic traveller Captain Cook (T. P. McKenna) and his companion Mags. Only this traveller might be the selfish kind.

This story by rights should not exist. It was meant to be shot in BBC Studios which had an asbestos scare. Director Alan Wareing looked to book studio space at alternative studios only to find none available.

Finally quickly improvising with time running out. A circus tent was erected at the car park of BBC Elstree studios and there was enough time left to shoot the story.

The tent was a masterstroke, giving it a claustrophobic atmosphere. It also enabled outdoor filming allowing Ian Reddington to stand out as the creepy clown.

An interesting first episode, but like a lot of McCoy stories. It always never gels properly. The creepy clown is balanced out by the shouty, thuggish Nord on a motorbike. Actor Daniel Peacock showing his lack of range once again.

This story is probably my favorite of all the stories for the 7th doctors era. It is imaginative with a world that feels strange and threatening alongside making a surprisingly barren world feel rather lively if that makes sense. The 7th doctor and Ace give great performances in this episode especially for the Doctor. It is a story that sucks you in with a unique atmosphere and embodies some of the best of late 80s who. The villains feel menacing and threatening in a way that helps to push the mystery of the story which hooks you in and gets you excited to learn what the truth is. If you want some good Dr who with a strong 80s feel and a good story this is a pretty good place to look.