The Black Guardian Trilogy

[Mr Light]

I just saw this for the first time ever. It's a trilogy of serials (Mawdryn Undead, Terminus, Enlightenment) from Peter Davidson featuring the return of the Black Guardian. It also sees the introduction of Turlough and the departure of Nyssa.

I'm generally not a fan of the 5th Doctor but admittedly I haven't seen many of his episodes.

Mawdryn was probably my favorite of the three. It had a really clever concept that was incredibly intricate for that period involving two different timelines constantly jumping back and forth. Turlough had an interesting introduction, loved seeing the Black Guardian again, and of course the highlight was the return of the Brigadier.

Terminus was pretty forgettable on the whole.

Enlightenment I had high hopes for but it was pretty disappointing. It was alright. I remember reading about the Eteranals a long time ago but I found them to be pretty boring and uninteresting. I was hoping for more from all powerful beings. And the ending was so abrupt and anti-climactic! I was really hoping for more of a big confrontation with the Guardians. And the Doctor basically gives no reaction to Turlough's betrayal at all. That was disappointing too.

I would really love to see the new series do the Black and White Guardians. Just think about incredible they could make the Black Guardian today. Maybe he's the "silence will fall" guy

Hmm, who could they get to play the Black Guardian?

 

[Captain Pike]

Whoever you choose, imo, you need a classically trained actor with a deep voice as thick as molasses. Valentine Dyall absolutely owned this role and set the standard.

 

[Stevil2001]

No one else could look so dignified with a dead bird on his head.

Mawdryn Undead is really only saved by the Brig. Enlightenment is good for a strong cliffhanger, some great lines ("Are there lords in such a small domain?"), and a strong ending.

 

[Mr Light]

Oh that reminds me what the %&#$ was up with the birds on their heads?! Whose idea was that?! My god.

 

[Bones2]

Mawdryn's pretty decent, but let down by a copout of almost RTD proportions. Enlightenment's alright, and scores marks for doing so well at evoking ships and that. Terminus I've not seen for a long time, but I remember it being pretty dull on the whole. Turlough's a great companion though, easily Davo's best (though that depends to an extent on whether we count Peri as his or Colin's; she's been a longtime favourite).

 

[The]

Whoever you choose, imo, you need a classically trained actor with a deep voice as thick as molasses.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

^That would be brilliant. David Troughton did a wonderful, if different take on The Black Guardian in Big Finish's Key 2 Time trilogy.

As for this trilogy, I love Mawdryn Undead and it remains my second favorite 5th Doctor serial, while Enlightment is a lot of fun even if the Eternals were a bit boring. Terminus is complete rubbish which has the odd enhancement of Nyssa's mysteriously random stripping throughout the whole serial.

 

[OmahaStar]

Terminus is complete rubbish which has the odd enhancement of Nyssa's mysteriously random stripping throughout the whole serial.

If that's the story I'm thinking of, it wasn't odd at all. The actress had been complaining about her costume since day one, saying it was too hot and stuffy. The letters they received from (male) viewers also complained that they weren't getting ... well, more Leela type costumes, and since this was her last story they let her run around in barely anything.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Terminus is complete rubbish which has the odd enhancement of Nyssa's mysteriously random stripping throughout the whole serial.

If that's the story I'm thinking of, it wasn't odd at all. The actress had been complaining about her costume since day one, saying it was too hot and stuffy. The letters they received from (male) viewers also complained that they weren't getting ... well, more Leela type costumes, and since this was her last story they let her run around in barely anything.

I meant in the story itself. There was no reason for Nyssa to do it and the manner she did it was quite amusing. From memory, I think she did it all as an afterthought.

 

[Starkers]

Oh yeah Rickman as the black guardian would have been great. Timothy Dalton would have been a good choice too (but probably be a bit odd to cast him now!)

I found Mawdryn a clever story that kind of petered (ha ha) out a bit at the end. I loved the notion of the companions assuming the Doctor has regenerated though, and the use of two time periods is clever...it just sort of tails off...plus Turlough doesn't get cool until you take him away from all the other public schoolboys so you're less aware that hes about 10 years too old!

Enlightenment I love to bits, did their imagination outstretch their effects budget? Probably. Do I care? Not one jot! Love the notion of the race, love the bored eternals (although Wrack/Rack doesnt seem remotely bored!) and of course we get Tegan in that dress as well.

Terminus I haven't seen in years so I don't feel I can comment on it.

 

[Cutter John]

No offense to anyone, but the trilogy, and season 20 in general just bored me to tears. It just seemed like the series was taking itself too seriously at the time, and didn't really get back on track until after Kings Demons.

And good God did I hate the whole 'The Doctor caused the Big Bang' thing in Terminus. That was just waaaay OTT for me.

Still, I loved Valentine Dyall's performance, and while I know everyones assuming that its Omega who'll be the big baddie next series, I'm still pulling for the Black Guardian.

 

[Mr Light]

I got it! Ian McKellan as the Black Guardian.

And who for the White Guardian? Maybe Alan Rickman, playing against type.

 

[Captain Dago]

All good suggestions for the Black Guardian but how about James Earl Jones (no pun intended)?

And, yes, Nyssa's disappearing clothes were definitely the highlight of Terminus. It sure as heck wasn't that rat thing which was only second in ridiculousness to the birdheads on the Guardians. The Black Guardian in particular looked as though he'd been raiding Miss Havisham's wardrobe from Great Expectations. His bird was molting...

 

[Bones2]

No offense to anyone, but the trilogy, and season 20 in general just bored me to tears. It just seemed like the series was taking itself too seriously at the time, and didn't really get back on track until after Kings Demons.

Yeah, I think season 20's Davo's worst and pretty mediocre overall. Snakedance is great though. 21 was a step up, as that was when Saward got a lot more control and upped the violence and that (always good), but the stories were generally better for season 22. 19's a mix of one complete gem (Kinda) and a mixed bag. Actually, I'd say mixed bag is a pretty good description of Davison's seasons overall.

 

[Stevil2001]

I actually really like the birds on the Guardians' heads. And not even ironically. I genuinely think they look cool.

I have no explanation for this fact.

 

[Captain Pike]

All good suggestions for the Black Guardian but how about James Earl Jones (no pun intended)?

Magnificent tonal qualities, but his voice is too well known as Vader.

And yes, I'll admit to only watching Terminus to see Nyssa's striptease act..

 

[Captain Dago]

It's not as though Vader is the only thing Jones ever did, for heaven's sake. He's had a wonderful career and is an amazing actor. That's like saying they shouldn't have cast Timothy Dalton as Rassilon because he's too well known as Bond.