An Adventure in Space and Time - A RMNT Lookback Review

For the website, I wanted to do something that's a bit more unique than most reviewers who would usually talk about horror movies or anything related to Halloween during the month of October, but then it hit me! As the eleventh season nearly approaches the premiere date, I thought of the golden opportunity to talk about all things related to one of my favorite TV shows of all time, Doctor Who! Over the years of watching it, its given me so much creative inspiration in terms of interesting concepts, related to adventures set on different time periods and off-world planets, how it balances distinct genres aside from science fiction, including comedy, drama, action, and even horror, while also tackling relevant subjects! So during the first six days of October until the season eleven premiere, including today, I'm gonna be posting a review or special related to the series. Why? Because its my website, that's what! So sit back and hold on to your sonic screwdrivers, as Doctor Who Week begins! So let's kick things off with my latest Lookback review on An Adventure in Space and Time, which centers on the creation of the show back in 1963! The television film was directed by Terry McDonough and written by recurring Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss, and premiered on BBC Two on November 21, 2013 as part of the show's 50th anniversary and worldwide later that year. So with all that said, let's take go back in time to the year 1963 and look into the making of one of the most popular sci-fi shows in television history!

The film is set in the year 1963 at BBC Studios where Sydney Newman, the Head of Drama, is asked to create a show that will fill the gap between two other shows, in which he has an idea for a science fiction show that'll entertain the kids, as well as educating them with science and history. Sydney then goes to tell his colleague, Verity Lambert, about the news, but Verity was hesitant about working as his assistant, until he tells her that he wants to produce it. From there, the arduous journey begins, from filming the pilot episode where small but unavoidable difficulties arose, the danger of facing early cancellation, and William Hartnell's fear of losing his role as his condition affects his acting each passing day, giving him the terrifying impression that the show will face cancellation if he leaves the role. Not only is this a very entertaining biographical story, but also an educational one if you're really into the television industry and want to learn the business, and as someone who loves the film and television industry, this is a very appreciative experience. Ultimately, this was a wonderfully fascinating tour of the British television industry, particularly of how it was back done in the early 60's and learning the pivotal moment that led the show to continue going for the many, many years to come.

Of course, you can't have a good show without a good crew handling it, from Sydney Newman's handling of the idea of the show, to Verity Lambert learning and embracing the responsibility of being a first time producer, and how William Hartnell's performance as the Doctor becomes the heart of the show, despite his weakening health. The casting is top notch as you feel like they've captured the essence of the people they've portrayed as, from their personalities, their words, and even their actions. Sure, you take a bit of short time getting to know several of the characters, but as the film progresses you grow to love the group dynamic of the cast and their respective arcs. Interestingly enough, some of the actors all previously appeared in episodes of Doctor Who, including David Bradley, who plays actor William Hartnell, who previously appeared in the season 7 episode "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship" and would go on to play as the actual First Doctor in the 2017 Christmas Special "Twice Upon a Time"! Whoever handled the casting choices, I simply have to say this: "Kudos"!

As for the production, its truly outstanding of how the production crew was able to capture the aura of the 1960's! It's as it we've truly stepped back in time to when it all happened, from the decor, the clothes, the props, the technology, and even the warehouse studio where the magic happened. It's no wonder since who better to do a television film set in the BBC studio of the 1960's than the BBC themselves!

No matter how many times I watch this film, I can never get tired of re-experiencing the story of how Doctor Who came to be, from the execution of Mark Gatiss's script, the smart direction, the genuine performances of the cast, and the impressive production that captured the setting of the 1960's, I highly recommend checking out the film if you're a fan of the show or as a way of learning and understanding the television industry. An Adventure in Space and Time, for me, will always be an true adventure in television history!

Story: 5 / 5

Characters: 4.5 / 5

Production: 5 / 5

Final rating: 5 / 5