Doctor Who, Season Eighteen

As far as a statement of intent from a new production team goes, Season Eighteen is a pretty good example of one that went right. Although I will happily defend the Williams era from the worst of its detractors, it is hard to deny the whiff of fresh air that wafts through with JNT's first season. Courtesy of the writers involved with this stellar season, it feels like there is a common thematic thread through all these episodes, something which is still rare in the show at this point. Although there were a couple of rough patches, it was a very solid year of Doctor Who.

That is where it rests as a prologue to the remainder of the Eighties, but what about as a coda for Tom? It does feel like he's working his notice at times, and everyone knows he was not particularly happy by the end. Still, although this feels very much apart from the seasons before it, it seems like this feeling of renewal is appropriate for the end of such a long reign.

Here's the score breakdown:​

The Leisure Hive - 8.00
Part One - 9.00
Part Two - 8.00
Part Three - 8.00
Part Four - 7.00

Meglos - 5.00
Part One - 5.00
Part Two - 5.00
Part Three - 5.00
Part Four - 5.00

Full Circle - 9.00
Part One - 9.00
Part Two - 9.00
Part Three - 9.00
Part Four - 9.00

State of Decay - 9.25
Part One - 9.00
Part Two - 9.00
Part Three - 10.00
Part Four - 9.00

Warriors' Gate - 10.00
Part One - 10.00
Part Two - 10.00
Part Three - 10.00
Part Four - 10.00

The Keeper of Traken - 6.75
Part One - 7.00
Part Two - 7.00
Part Three - 7.00
Part Four - 6.00

Logopolis - 9.00
Part One - 10.00
Part Two - 9.00
Part Three - 8.00
Part Four - 9.00

Best episode: Warriors' Gate, Part Four - 10.00
Runner-up: Warriors' Gate, Part One - 10.00
Worst episode: Meglos, Part Three - 5.00

Season Eighteen average: 8.14

Best guest appearance: Jacqueline Hill as Lexa (Meglos)
Best special effect: The Doctor is disassembled (The Leisure Hive)
Best musical score: Logopolis (Paddy Kingsland)

And now, to tip my hat to Tom. I will be along with that post shortly.

(Modified from the original posted at Gallifrey Base on 14 December 2021.)