City of Death [Doctor Who, Story 105]

City of Death by Douglas Adams, Graham Williams, and David Fisher

29 September - 20 October 1979

"Is no one interested in history?!"​

Everyone loves this, right? I'm sure that rare species who doesn't like City of Death exists, but I have never encountered him in his natural setting. Perish the thought, though; this is one of the most charming stories in the show's entire run.

This is yet another of that motley collection of Classic Who stories which I've already watched previously. In its own context, I found considerably more to appreciate about it, particularly by contrast with the dull serial before it. Lighthearted, clever, and endlessly nice to listen to and look at, it has basically all the makings of a classic. Don't expect me to suddenly bust out any contrarianism here; it really is that good.

Tom and Lalla have an obvious and immediate chemistry that adds to the charm of their Parisian vacation in Part One. After several seasons where we've spent most of our time in space, it is a little curious to see a contemporary Earth setting, with more Seventies haircuts and outfits than you can shake a stick at. It gifts the story with an air of authenticity. I enjoy the touch of the poster with a prehistoric human we see in passing, which dovetails neatly into the story's subplot of the origins of life on Earth.

Julian Glover couldn't be more perfect as Scaroth, and effortlessly transitions from the urbane Scarlioni to moments of abject madness, both in and out of a mask. The Countess and (especially) Duggan are memorable, playing marvelously caricatured takes on their respective archetypes that are just perfect for this sort of heist pastiche.

I was impressed by the transitions between sets and location filming; the sets look fairly genuine for what they're supposed to be, and everything feels visually cohesive. The music is also immaculate, definitely Dudley's best score for the program.

Among other bits and bobs, I was amused by the Doctor's remark about the fractured timepiece being a good likeness of a Time Lady, lest we forget that, at least by the reckonings of some stories and some expanded universe material, Time Lords are a bit more uncanny and eldritch than their human-ish faces imply. The Doctor's chinwag with the Borgia guard and the scene where the multiple Mona Lisas are uncovered behind the brick wall were some of my favorites.

I wish they could all be this fun, entertaining, and witty. But if they were, then sadly City of Death would no longer be as special! This must stand as one of the highlights of Tom's run. On to The Creature from the Pit next.

(Modified from the original posted at Gallifrey Base on 4 October 2021.)