Search - Doctor Who: Nightmare of Eden on DVD

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 10/1/2018...

Four episode serial aired in 1979 on the Beeb. An oddly mature script and sobering, sideways take on Paradise Lost. This is an extremely watchable, albeit somewhat flawed allotrope. And indeed, I've lost count how many times I've viewed this one. Nightmare of Eden is one of several I'll throw in the dvd player when I'm in need of relief and well-being in life. Despite the adult subject matter here, some elements of the story, as well as production values, undermine a little of the credibility; but really, if we're being honest here, it just adds to the enjoyment. Here's a few tidbits:

Viewers are presented with the supposition that a race of alien monsters (called Mandrels) will instantly transform into an enslaving drug when electrocuted. A scientist with one of the worst German accents you may ever encounter. In one episode, K-9 (The Doctor's electronic dog) seals up a wall panel with his laser, and a hand emerges to hold the thing in place. A scientist's assistant gets shot in the face and clutches her stomach. Quote: "Galactic went out of business 22 years ago." The Doctor: "I wondered why I hadn't been paid..." "That's not good enough!" Doctor: "That's what I said!"