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Doctor Who FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Most Famous Time Lord in the Universe
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360 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Dave Thompson
268 books41 followersEnglish author Dave Thompson has spent his entire working life writing biographies of other people, but is notoriously reluctant to write one for himself. Unlike the subjects of some of his best known books, he was neither raised by ferrets nor stolen from gypsies. He has never appeared on reality TV (although he did reach the semi finals of a UK pop quiz when he was sixteen), plays no musical instruments and he can’t dance, either.
However, he has written well over one hundred books in a career that is almost as old as U2’s… whom he saw in a club when they first moved to London, and memorably described as “okay, but they’ll never get any place.” Similar pronouncements published on the future prospects of Simply Red, Pearl Jam and Wang Chung (oh, and Curiosity Killed The Cat as well) probably explain why he has never been anointed a Pop Culture Nostradamus. Although the fact that he was around to pronounce gloomily on them in the first place might determine why he was recently described as “a veteran music journalist.”
Raised on rock, powered by punk, and still convinced that “American Pie” was written by Fanny Farmer and is best played with Meatloaf, Thompson lists his five favorite artists as old and obscure; his favorite album is whispered quietly and he would like to see Richard and Linda Thompson’s “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight” installed as the go-to song for the sad, sappy ending for every medical drama on TV.
Kurt Cobain, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, David Bowie, John Travolta, Eric Clapton, Jackson Browne, Bob Marley, Roger Waters and the guy who sang that song in the jelly commercial are numbered among the myriad artists about whom Thompson has written books; he has contributed to the magazines Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Mojo and Melody Maker; and he makes regular guest appearances on WXPN’s Highs in the Seventies show.
However, he has written well over one hundred books in a career that is almost as old as U2’s… whom he saw in a club when they first moved to London, and memorably described as “okay, but they’ll never get any place.” Similar pronouncements published on the future prospects of Simply Red, Pearl Jam and Wang Chung (oh, and Curiosity Killed The Cat as well) probably explain why he has never been anointed a Pop Culture Nostradamus. Although the fact that he was around to pronounce gloomily on them in the first place might determine why he was recently described as “a veteran music journalist.”
Raised on rock, powered by punk, and still convinced that “American Pie” was written by Fanny Farmer and is best played with Meatloaf, Thompson lists his five favorite artists as old and obscure; his favorite album is whispered quietly and he would like to see Richard and Linda Thompson’s “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight” installed as the go-to song for the sad, sappy ending for every medical drama on TV.
Kurt Cobain, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, David Bowie, John Travolta, Eric Clapton, Jackson Browne, Bob Marley, Roger Waters and the guy who sang that song in the jelly commercial are numbered among the myriad artists about whom Thompson has written books; he has contributed to the magazines Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Mojo and Melody Maker; and he makes regular guest appearances on WXPN’s Highs in the Seventies show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 26, 2013
The author so clearly has a chip on his shoulder about Matt Smith to the point of it being obnoxious. I really wanted to learn about Doctor Who, I've loved 9, 10, and 11, and I'm getting back into 4 and some of the others. Reading constantly how much the author is disgusted by Matt Smith doesn't do me any good at all and makes me not want to read it. At all.
May 14, 2013
I LOVE LOVE LOVE DOCTOR WHO!! One of the all time best television shows since the invention of television! When I got this book, I couldn't wait to read it, matter of fact I started reading it as soon as I got to my car I was that excited about it! To say the least the more I read, the more disappointed I was. I thought this was suppose to be a book about the most FAQs about the show, not a man's "I hate Doctor Who, so I'm going to pick it apart then bitch about EVERY LITTLE THING" journal!! Dave Thompson, just let me say on behalf of all Whovians, you sir, are a DUMBASS!! The whole time I'm reading this, I just want to reach through the book and smack the hell out of the writer! I mean come on, we loyal DW followers all have our favorites and our not so favorites when it comes to the Doctors, companions, and episodes but it doesn't mean that we're going to write a book about it! So as much as I love all things Doctor Who, I feel that this book...this complete waste of paper...is not worth reading. As a matter of fact, it is not even worthy of having Doctor Who in the title!! Long live The Doctor....oh and Dave Thompson can suck it!!
May 29, 2013
Um, what about the frequently asked questions? Why the hate for Matt Smith, Adric, any red-headed companions, Moffat? I know it is okay to have an opinion...but is a 'reference book' really a place to vent?
June 11, 2014
Firstly, this is not a FAQ. It reads more like an encyclopedia/analysis of various aspects of Doctor Who, all very colored by the author's biases. However, it can be really hard to get through without an extensive knowledge of the classic series, simply because 90% of the book is about the classic series. I found myself skipping over quite a few of the classic series' companions and monsters, partly because I couldn't bring myself to care and it was hard to keep track of, and partly because I'm currently watching the classic series and don't want everything spoiled for me. Also, there were a couple inaccuracies, like calling Martha a nurse and saying that the Time Lords had already ascended to a higher plane of existence at the start of "The End of Time." I took off 1 star for this.
Now on to the author's opinions, which he makes abundantly clear throughout the book, to the point where every Doctor and companions' profiles are highly colored by it. The First, Second, and especially Third Doctor seem to be his favorites, and he adores Jo Grant, calling her "flawless" an saying the Doctor "adored the ground she walked on." This certainly doesn't fit with what I have seen of her. In all the (admittedly only 3) serials I've seen her in, she was basically fairly brave and kind, but by no means the sharpest knife in the drawer. He acknowledges that, but doesn't seem to mind. And I don't think the Doctor has ever adored the ground anyone walked on.
Now, I have no problem with the author stating his opinions. But his bias pervades the book to the point of making some of the descriptions questionable as far as their factuality, and it is more than a little annoying, especially if you disagree with him. But I could live with that if he would at least back up his opinions well. But even when he gives his opinions support, it is often insubstantial and/or not very well reasoned.
When he praises something, he describes it in a vivid, flowery way with lots of adjectives, (he seems to have a gift for descriptions) but he rarely shows what make those adjectives describe it. For just one example, when he said the Doctor worshipped the ground she walked on, he did not cite any examples of the Doctor's supposed admiration for her, nor did he adequately explain her abundance of virtues.
He seems to have a great hatred for most of the new series, but especially Steven Moffat, saying that all of the 11th Doctor's (and the 6th Doctor's) stories' "sole purpose is to likewise devour the viewer's own joy and will to live." Now that's just harsh. The only 11th Doctor episode he actually likes is "The Doctor's Wife." And he hates the 11th Doctor, mostly because his childish mannerisms irritate the author (which is a just a matter of personal taste and doesn't bother me) and because he thinks that, with everything the Doctor's experienced, he shouldn't be behaving like a child. This is where his reasoning fails. The 11th Doctor, as it has been shown multiple times (such as in the 50th and "The Doctor's Wife"), acts like a child with his silly antics, horrible metaphors, and his generally childlike attitude most of the time because it is a coping mechanism. He is the Doctor who forgets because he cannot bear to remember the Time War, in contrast to the 10th Doctor, who couldn't bear to forget. The most ironic thing about the author's failure to see this is that the 9th Doctor, who is the author's favorite new series Doctor, employs a similar strategy, only his mask is much thinner.
There are many more examples of the author's opinions throughout the book, and are too numerous to fully list. I have merely stated a few of the more irritating ones. While it had great information, the biases prevalent throughout the book made it a lot less enjoyable. I kind of wish I had just borrowed it from the library instead of buying it.
There are a couple of good things, however. His information on the classic series it complete, and as far as I can tell, accurate. It will be very helpful as I watch the classic series. The other great thing about it is that it has a complete list of episodes in the back, as well as a large list of Doctor Who audio plays and books, and in order by Doctor, no less, which I'm sure I will find immensely helpful. Overall: read it, but be prepared for the author's bias and get it from your local library so you can decide afterwards whether it's worth adding to your shelf.
Now on to the author's opinions, which he makes abundantly clear throughout the book, to the point where every Doctor and companions' profiles are highly colored by it. The First, Second, and especially Third Doctor seem to be his favorites, and he adores Jo Grant, calling her "flawless" an saying the Doctor "adored the ground she walked on." This certainly doesn't fit with what I have seen of her. In all the (admittedly only 3) serials I've seen her in, she was basically fairly brave and kind, but by no means the sharpest knife in the drawer. He acknowledges that, but doesn't seem to mind. And I don't think the Doctor has ever adored the ground anyone walked on.
Now, I have no problem with the author stating his opinions. But his bias pervades the book to the point of making some of the descriptions questionable as far as their factuality, and it is more than a little annoying, especially if you disagree with him. But I could live with that if he would at least back up his opinions well. But even when he gives his opinions support, it is often insubstantial and/or not very well reasoned.
When he praises something, he describes it in a vivid, flowery way with lots of adjectives, (he seems to have a gift for descriptions) but he rarely shows what make those adjectives describe it. For just one example, when he said the Doctor worshipped the ground she walked on, he did not cite any examples of the Doctor's supposed admiration for her, nor did he adequately explain her abundance of virtues.
He seems to have a great hatred for most of the new series, but especially Steven Moffat, saying that all of the 11th Doctor's (and the 6th Doctor's) stories' "sole purpose is to likewise devour the viewer's own joy and will to live." Now that's just harsh. The only 11th Doctor episode he actually likes is "The Doctor's Wife." And he hates the 11th Doctor, mostly because his childish mannerisms irritate the author (which is a just a matter of personal taste and doesn't bother me) and because he thinks that, with everything the Doctor's experienced, he shouldn't be behaving like a child. This is where his reasoning fails. The 11th Doctor, as it has been shown multiple times (such as in the 50th and "The Doctor's Wife"), acts like a child with his silly antics, horrible metaphors, and his generally childlike attitude most of the time because it is a coping mechanism. He is the Doctor who forgets because he cannot bear to remember the Time War, in contrast to the 10th Doctor, who couldn't bear to forget. The most ironic thing about the author's failure to see this is that the 9th Doctor, who is the author's favorite new series Doctor, employs a similar strategy, only his mask is much thinner.
There are many more examples of the author's opinions throughout the book, and are too numerous to fully list. I have merely stated a few of the more irritating ones. While it had great information, the biases prevalent throughout the book made it a lot less enjoyable. I kind of wish I had just borrowed it from the library instead of buying it.
There are a couple of good things, however. His information on the classic series it complete, and as far as I can tell, accurate. It will be very helpful as I watch the classic series. The other great thing about it is that it has a complete list of episodes in the back, as well as a large list of Doctor Who audio plays and books, and in order by Doctor, no less, which I'm sure I will find immensely helpful. Overall: read it, but be prepared for the author's bias and get it from your local library so you can decide afterwards whether it's worth adding to your shelf.
May 21, 2015
Imagine, if you will, walking down the street and seeing someone wearing a Doctor Who t-shirt. Now, being the genuinely friendly person you are, you say, "Hey I've seen that show, it's pretty good," or perhaps, given your time of reference you might say, "Bow ties are cool," "Bananas are good!","Allons-y!", or even "Reverse the polarity of the neutron flow!" to show some empathy with the fan.
Now imagine this person takes it as a sign that you are "one of us," and proceeds to dump his entire critical assessment of the series from 1963 to the 2012 Christmas special with no regard to how much you actually want to hear it, or what opinions you might have yourself. Dave Thompson is that person.
While ostensibly a FAQ, and the book does start promisingly with a brief history of the series' production (though oddly it starts noting when it was brought to the United States) and then lightly touching on the various Doctors, companions, and villains as a way of mentioning the highlights and lowlights of the series, it eventually unravels as Thompson wanders farther afield, exploring lost episodes, gimmick songs, toy licensing, and essays on the role of the London Underground and the sea in various adventures. No one really asks those sorts of questions, certainly not frequently. It's also noticeable that Thompson's a bit of lech, as he continues to obsess over Anneke Wills whenever a story she appeared in is mentioned.
What's missing here is a lot of answers to in-Whoniverse questions. This is a book that analyzes the production and gets meta in its more exploratory essays, but it doesn't even begin to try and explain why characters, races, and civilizations behave the way they do, except when it gives Thompson the opportunity to trash something he hates, like the Sixth or Eleventh doctor periods. A FAQ can be candid, indeed, if it's helpful it must be, but Thompson goes beyond honesty straight to harshness for the sake of being dismissive. If you disagree with him, you're simply wrong.
Ultimately, I can't recommend this book. Thompson is passionate in his effort and truly loves the program. But those looking for an actual FAQ won't be satisfied and those who want critique will find the early sections duplicative to their own memories or other, better, resources.
Now imagine this person takes it as a sign that you are "one of us," and proceeds to dump his entire critical assessment of the series from 1963 to the 2012 Christmas special with no regard to how much you actually want to hear it, or what opinions you might have yourself. Dave Thompson is that person.
While ostensibly a FAQ, and the book does start promisingly with a brief history of the series' production (though oddly it starts noting when it was brought to the United States) and then lightly touching on the various Doctors, companions, and villains as a way of mentioning the highlights and lowlights of the series, it eventually unravels as Thompson wanders farther afield, exploring lost episodes, gimmick songs, toy licensing, and essays on the role of the London Underground and the sea in various adventures. No one really asks those sorts of questions, certainly not frequently. It's also noticeable that Thompson's a bit of lech, as he continues to obsess over Anneke Wills whenever a story she appeared in is mentioned.
What's missing here is a lot of answers to in-Whoniverse questions. This is a book that analyzes the production and gets meta in its more exploratory essays, but it doesn't even begin to try and explain why characters, races, and civilizations behave the way they do, except when it gives Thompson the opportunity to trash something he hates, like the Sixth or Eleventh doctor periods. A FAQ can be candid, indeed, if it's helpful it must be, but Thompson goes beyond honesty straight to harshness for the sake of being dismissive. If you disagree with him, you're simply wrong.
Ultimately, I can't recommend this book. Thompson is passionate in his effort and truly loves the program. But those looking for an actual FAQ won't be satisfied and those who want critique will find the early sections duplicative to their own memories or other, better, resources.
June 5, 2015
oh where to start?
ok things i liked first. the list of tv episodes broken down into the various doctors and doctor/companions. the list of audio recordings, comics, and books all of which were divided by order and doctor. addtionally, i enjoyed the wide range of information on the early episodes as well as some info i did not know about them.
alright, that being said, now for the 'I WANTED TO GOUGE MY EYES OUT WITH A SPORK' parts. first did not care for the doctor/companion break down, waaaay to opinionated for a 'FAQ' book. i know everyone has their opinions, but don't bring them into a fact book and bash almost every doctor and companion being discussed. second, oye, the inconsistancies! if you have an opinion on almost everything, please keep your facts/opinions consistant! i'm only a mild-whovian so Heaven forbid what the diehard whovians had to say.
basically i was not happy with the beginning of the book, due mostly to basic bashing of almost every doctor/companion/character discussed. i did like the show discussions when they were not too heavy on the 'dislike' opinion.
overall, i would NOT recommend this to a diehard whovian. althought, i would recommend it to someone who's interested in doctor who before the 2005 relaunch(but with a very strong caution of it's very opinionated).
ok things i liked first. the list of tv episodes broken down into the various doctors and doctor/companions. the list of audio recordings, comics, and books all of which were divided by order and doctor. addtionally, i enjoyed the wide range of information on the early episodes as well as some info i did not know about them.
alright, that being said, now for the 'I WANTED TO GOUGE MY EYES OUT WITH A SPORK' parts. first did not care for the doctor/companion break down, waaaay to opinionated for a 'FAQ' book. i know everyone has their opinions, but don't bring them into a fact book and bash almost every doctor and companion being discussed. second, oye, the inconsistancies! if you have an opinion on almost everything, please keep your facts/opinions consistant! i'm only a mild-whovian so Heaven forbid what the diehard whovians had to say.
basically i was not happy with the beginning of the book, due mostly to basic bashing of almost every doctor/companion/character discussed. i did like the show discussions when they were not too heavy on the 'dislike' opinion.
overall, i would NOT recommend this to a diehard whovian. althought, i would recommend it to someone who's interested in doctor who before the 2005 relaunch(but with a very strong caution of it's very opinionated).
May 5, 2014
I have some nerd rage about this book. I wanted to like it. Even when I saw the poor rating here, I wanted to give it a chance.
Then I read it and realized, oh my gosh, I should have taken heed and avoided this book.
My biggest issue is the constant belittling that the author does over ever dang detail. He seems to have a certain criteria for what makes a perfect Doctor Who episode, regeneration, or companion and it is obvious he is rarely pleased.
I accept that just because I love certain regenerations, companions, or other characters, doesn't mean others will. But, the fact is, he goes on and on about what he doesn't like to the point that you wonder if he even likes the show. Specifically, it got to the point that I wanted to yell, "I get it, you hate the Eleventh Doctor and you despise Amy, Rory, and River. Please move on!"
It was aggravating by itself, but then it appeared that he wanted to speak for all Whovians. I think he thought he was speaking up for all of us by revealing these truths. NO. That would be like me saying everyone dislikes Clara just because I don't like her. That's just plain wrong and frustrating for everyone.
If you're looking for a fun Doctor Who book with info and history, skip this one.
Also, I know the show has been over for a while, but I am only on Season 2 and he ruined Torchwood for me.
Then I read it and realized, oh my gosh, I should have taken heed and avoided this book.
My biggest issue is the constant belittling that the author does over ever dang detail. He seems to have a certain criteria for what makes a perfect Doctor Who episode, regeneration, or companion and it is obvious he is rarely pleased.
I accept that just because I love certain regenerations, companions, or other characters, doesn't mean others will. But, the fact is, he goes on and on about what he doesn't like to the point that you wonder if he even likes the show. Specifically, it got to the point that I wanted to yell, "I get it, you hate the Eleventh Doctor and you despise Amy, Rory, and River. Please move on!"
It was aggravating by itself, but then it appeared that he wanted to speak for all Whovians. I think he thought he was speaking up for all of us by revealing these truths. NO. That would be like me saying everyone dislikes Clara just because I don't like her. That's just plain wrong and frustrating for everyone.
If you're looking for a fun Doctor Who book with info and history, skip this one.
Also, I know the show has been over for a while, but I am only on Season 2 and he ruined Torchwood for me.
July 8, 2015
Not so much an FAQ as a disgruntled fan's guide to the series as it stood going into the fiftieth anniversary year. Author Dave Thompson's attitude seems to be that, with a few exceptions that "Doctor Who has sucked since about 1977!" and he's especially down on the New Series after Christopher Eccelston's exit. Thompson is so down on the New Series as to make odd comparisons such as comparing Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor with Colin Baker's Sixth (and I'm willing to wager you're as bewildered as I was reading that) or essentially write-off any episode featuring the Ponds (or indeed any redheaded companion from either the New Series or the Old Series). The book is also full of elementary blunders (such as saying that An Unearthly Child originally aired the day JFK was assassinated rather than the day AFTER which is mentioned about three times in the book or confusion about the TV and film versions of Quatermass And The Pit) and some odd laying out of source images (such as a poster for the movie Quatermass And The Pit many pages after it was mentioned in the text). While the sections covering spin-off media are quite good and Thompson makes many references to often neglected pieces of spin-off fiction, it's hard to recommend the book even as a bargain purchase (which is how I got ahold of it). For the die-hard Doctor Who fan only!
September 8, 2016
42 WORD REVIEW:
First and only question: Why the misnomer? This hastily potted history-cum-personal reminiscence is memorable more for its recurrent vitriol against the 6th and 11th Doctors (a non-partisan non-appreciation of both Classic and New Who) than for hammering out mostly non-existent interrogation points.
First and only question: Why the misnomer? This hastily potted history-cum-personal reminiscence is memorable more for its recurrent vitriol against the 6th and 11th Doctors (a non-partisan non-appreciation of both Classic and New Who) than for hammering out mostly non-existent interrogation points.
October 11, 2013
A very biased view on the subject, and it seems like the authors knowledge of the show is not the best. While still a good resource to people watching the show, I would not suggest it to people who know it well.
June 19, 2017
Most of this book read like an overzealous fan rant, complete with wayyy too much hatred of the incarnations the author did not like.
The dalek chapter was great, but was not enough to redeem the book.
The dalek chapter was great, but was not enough to redeem the book.
April 11, 2013
Informative, great sense of humor. Disagreed with many, many opinions. Eleventh Doctor as bad as SIXTH? RORY boring? The Daemons is the best story? Well, so be it. Disagree and be well.
October 26, 2017
Previous reviews have already captured the tenor of my thoughts - I'm reminded of some advice my mother gave me in High School. She always used to warn me that I should form my own opinions of teachers with a reputation, on the off chance I found them inspiring. Mr. Thompson presents what would be a thorough analysis of the frankly overwhelming history of Doctor Who, and colors it with his own opinions to the extent that the casual reader might be scared away from ever pursuing the franchise for themselves. I was left wondering why anyone would feel the need to spend 258 pages lambasting 70% of something they claim to love. Between a general fog of negativity and a lot of simply incorrect information, I struggle to explain how this got published in the first place. I know high schoolers that are better informed and less biased than old Dave "Get off my lawn" Thompson.
July 15, 2018
Reads a bit like a well reasoned Redit post from a knowledgable super-fan. The author has opinions to be sure, but he articulates them well while managing to be both informative and entertaining. It helped that I agreed with many of his views. I've no idea why the book refers to itself as a FAQ.
December 28, 2015
Not a fluffy book, there is good information in here about the beginnings of Dr Who at BBC, its appearance on American TV, all the doctors (up through Matt Smith), companions, and major villains. But there appears to be a lot missing, and, as a reference, there must be better ones out there.
December 7, 2019
A bit disappointing in the end, but hey, I paid $.50 for it. The bias came through strong, you could tell when he didn’t like a character or an idea. On the other hand, how many rants have I made about the seasons of the 12th Doctor? So, on a ‘I’m a fan and this is what I think of the show’ it is okay. But if you are interested in breaking into Doctor Who for the first time, maybe don’t pick this one.
It has a lot of history of the show and breaks down the Doctors and the Companions, but it feels so scattered. Jumping from one topic to another sometimes randomly. So yeah, not a fan of this book.
It has a lot of history of the show and breaks down the Doctors and the Companions, but it feels so scattered. Jumping from one topic to another sometimes randomly. So yeah, not a fan of this book.
June 7, 2019
This book is SOOOOOO biased. I know everyone has their opinions about various doctors and companions but in a supposedly "scholarly" book about Doctor Who, I don't want 200 pages of this one man's opinions. It's mainly focused on Classic Who, which I'm fine with. But even the information can be boring and it isn't the best written book. I'd say give it a pass. There are much better books about Doctor Who than this one.
December 28, 2017
Learned quite a few things tho since MY first Dr was #9 and in the US I wasn't very interested in the earlier Dr's in all that detail. And he was pretty critical of some of the later doctors esp #11 who I thought was great (Matt Smith). Wonder what he thinks of #12? All in all, glad I read it. He sure dug up a lot of facts and information as any true Whovian author should.
February 20, 2019
I should have left this book in the bargain bin where I found it.
The author has strong opinions his Doctor Who likes and dislikes. And, quite frankly, that's the sum of this book. After trying to wade through it several times I ended up getting angrier and angrier at it.
Just watch the show instead. You'll be much happier.
The author has strong opinions his Doctor Who likes and dislikes. And, quite frankly, that's the sum of this book. After trying to wade through it several times I ended up getting angrier and angrier at it.
Just watch the show instead. You'll be much happier.
July 22, 2020
The author obviously dislikes any Doctor after 8. Amy & Rory are dull as dishwater and the only decent companion is Rose..
December 4, 2024
I don’t think the author likes the show very much.
December 12, 2020
Reading this felt like listening to a devoted fan ramble on to a friend about his favorite show. Doctor Who is such a difficult show to make a guide for, because no matter how hard you try, it just doesn’t make sense. I think the title of FAQ does this book a disservice, because it reads more like a collection of essays with a few reference guides glued to the end, and will most likely confuse new fans more than help them. More experienced Who fans should fare much better.
Thompson does not shy away from giving his own opinions with the facts, which he warns you about in the first few pages, but they’re the best part! His sharing his own feelings on this doctor, that companion, those plot lines, and such-and-such a monster make this book stand out from the rest of the plain, impersonal guides to Doctor Who.
He’s set in his opinions. If you don’t like someone telling you they hate your favorite doctor and think that episode you thought was clever was actually stupid, go read a different book. If you’re confident enough in your ability to enjoy things about the show that other people don’t, go ahead and enjoy. Part of the joy I get from fandom is interacting with people who hold different opinions. Sometimes I change my mind. Sometimes I change theirs. Usually, I just have fun interacting with someone who enjoys the same thing I do, even if they do it differently.
I never once felt that the author was being rude when he gave his opinions, just honest. He didn’t hold back his distaste and disappointment when he felt a character was horribly written or acted, and there’s definitely opinions he has that seem to contradict each other. But we’re all human. He never held back his joy when discussing his favorite things, either.
Thompson does not shy away from giving his own opinions with the facts, which he warns you about in the first few pages, but they’re the best part! His sharing his own feelings on this doctor, that companion, those plot lines, and such-and-such a monster make this book stand out from the rest of the plain, impersonal guides to Doctor Who.
He’s set in his opinions. If you don’t like someone telling you they hate your favorite doctor and think that episode you thought was clever was actually stupid, go read a different book. If you’re confident enough in your ability to enjoy things about the show that other people don’t, go ahead and enjoy. Part of the joy I get from fandom is interacting with people who hold different opinions. Sometimes I change my mind. Sometimes I change theirs. Usually, I just have fun interacting with someone who enjoys the same thing I do, even if they do it differently.
I never once felt that the author was being rude when he gave his opinions, just honest. He didn’t hold back his distaste and disappointment when he felt a character was horribly written or acted, and there’s definitely opinions he has that seem to contradict each other. But we’re all human. He never held back his joy when discussing his favorite things, either.
June 5, 2016
Quite honestly, I didn't completely finish this book. It was loaned to me unsolicited by a friend who knew I am a Doctor Who fan, but I had a hard time getting through it. I skimmed through the the chapters that were of the most interest to me before I had to return it. If I had had more time, I might have finished it ... eventually.
It is certainly packed full of information, much of which is already known to most serious Doctor Who fans. But there are some serious gaps in content coverage; the author spends too much time on some subjects, and not enough on others. And you'll have to wade through a lot of insults to get to the good bits. The most troublesome aspect of this book, by far, is the author's clear dislike of and disdain for certain Doctors and certain companions. He clearly dislikes Doctors Six and Eleven, for example, and makes no secret of that fact. As a result, their "biographies" and other parts of their story lines and episode recaps are peppered with not-so-subtle putdowns and insults. Okay, you may not like these Doctors, companions, or actors. But if you're writing what you claim to be the definitive "All you ever need to know about" encyclopedia of such an iconic show, try to keep your emotions in check to some extent, please. Even the Doctors he DID like - including Tom Baker, Sylvester McCoy (who appears to be his favorite) and even dear old William Hartnell - are still not safe from Thompson's snide remarks, if he thinks he can get a sucker-punch in somewhere. Sometimes he's right, of course, but it just feels unnecessarily personal. The companions get similar treatment. In addition, a couple of the character "biographies" are reduced to little more than discussions of their physical appearances and wardrobes. (Poor Mel gets slaughtered in a paragraph - how DARE she be a redhead?) They are also peppered with inaccuracies (Martha Jones is a nurse??!?). At the the other extreme, Sarah Jane gets a good page and a half, without, as I recall, a whole lot ever actually being said about WHY she is so beloved. Jo Grant was apparently the best companion in the show's history, with the Doctor "worshipping the ground she walked on." (Umm, I think that's YOU, Mr. Thompson.) And, Amy and Rory are simply dismissed as "the dullest companions ever." As a result of this uneven and often vitriolic treatment, it was hard to like or sympathize with the author, which in turn makes it difficult to want to pick up the book and keep turning the pages.
If you are a casual Doctor Who fan, or a completist, you will certainly be able to fill in some gaps in your Whovian knowledge with this book. But, borrow it from the library, or from a friend. You can find most of this information, and more, on Wikipedia, or on the Doctor Who TARDIS Wikia (without the personal attacks), and you can fill in much of the rest elsewhere. Also, it was published prior to Peter Capaldi's being cast as the Twelfth Doctor, so certain canonical aspects (particularly how the 12th regeneration would be handled) are either completely omitted, or have been changed drastically as a result of happenings in Seasons 8 and 9. I know the guy couldn't wait forever to publish, but reading this book after seeing all of Season 9 - when it was clearly published post-Season 7 - made it clear that a lot was missing. Of course, the alternative would be writing a complete and thorough documentary only after the show has been cancelled for good - and no Whovian wants to see that. :)
Overall, it's worth a look. You may learn a thing or three. But beware of the author's strong anti-certain-Doctors bias. Sometimes, I'm not even sure whether he's actually a fan of the show, or not. I certainly wouldn't spend my hard-earned money on this book.
It is certainly packed full of information, much of which is already known to most serious Doctor Who fans. But there are some serious gaps in content coverage; the author spends too much time on some subjects, and not enough on others. And you'll have to wade through a lot of insults to get to the good bits. The most troublesome aspect of this book, by far, is the author's clear dislike of and disdain for certain Doctors and certain companions. He clearly dislikes Doctors Six and Eleven, for example, and makes no secret of that fact. As a result, their "biographies" and other parts of their story lines and episode recaps are peppered with not-so-subtle putdowns and insults. Okay, you may not like these Doctors, companions, or actors. But if you're writing what you claim to be the definitive "All you ever need to know about" encyclopedia of such an iconic show, try to keep your emotions in check to some extent, please. Even the Doctors he DID like - including Tom Baker, Sylvester McCoy (who appears to be his favorite) and even dear old William Hartnell - are still not safe from Thompson's snide remarks, if he thinks he can get a sucker-punch in somewhere. Sometimes he's right, of course, but it just feels unnecessarily personal. The companions get similar treatment. In addition, a couple of the character "biographies" are reduced to little more than discussions of their physical appearances and wardrobes. (Poor Mel gets slaughtered in a paragraph - how DARE she be a redhead?) They are also peppered with inaccuracies (Martha Jones is a nurse??!?). At the the other extreme, Sarah Jane gets a good page and a half, without, as I recall, a whole lot ever actually being said about WHY she is so beloved. Jo Grant was apparently the best companion in the show's history, with the Doctor "worshipping the ground she walked on." (Umm, I think that's YOU, Mr. Thompson.) And, Amy and Rory are simply dismissed as "the dullest companions ever." As a result of this uneven and often vitriolic treatment, it was hard to like or sympathize with the author, which in turn makes it difficult to want to pick up the book and keep turning the pages.
If you are a casual Doctor Who fan, or a completist, you will certainly be able to fill in some gaps in your Whovian knowledge with this book. But, borrow it from the library, or from a friend. You can find most of this information, and more, on Wikipedia, or on the Doctor Who TARDIS Wikia (without the personal attacks), and you can fill in much of the rest elsewhere. Also, it was published prior to Peter Capaldi's being cast as the Twelfth Doctor, so certain canonical aspects (particularly how the 12th regeneration would be handled) are either completely omitted, or have been changed drastically as a result of happenings in Seasons 8 and 9. I know the guy couldn't wait forever to publish, but reading this book after seeing all of Season 9 - when it was clearly published post-Season 7 - made it clear that a lot was missing. Of course, the alternative would be writing a complete and thorough documentary only after the show has been cancelled for good - and no Whovian wants to see that. :)
Overall, it's worth a look. You may learn a thing or three. But beware of the author's strong anti-certain-Doctors bias. Sometimes, I'm not even sure whether he's actually a fan of the show, or not. I certainly wouldn't spend my hard-earned money on this book.
March 21, 2013
With so many Doctor Who books either out or imminent, I've started getting very picky about the ones I buy... and I admit my main reason for getting this one was because I've enjoyed the author's music books and wanted to see how he handled TV. Brilliantly! The book is full of humor but not at the expense of solid information - we get a new slant on the old story of the show's creation, some crazy (but crazy-effective) ideas about its development, and an unstintingly honest appraisal of fifty years worth of Doctors, assistants, monsters and storylines.
The author has his favorites - and admits that up front, in the same breath as pointing out that we all do. He also has his doubts, and he speaks freely and amusingly of those too. Even when you think he is being controversial, though - pause and think about what he is saying. He is usually right. And to prove that, I choose just one example. For as long as I have watched Doctor Who, I was terrified by the Cybermen. Until I watched the episode "Closing Time" and discovered they can be killed by the sound of a baby's tears. Thompson is rightfully indignant about that, and so am I. For that alone, this book is worth five stars. But there is more, so much more, here that is worth just as much.
I have a new favorite Doctor Who book!
The author has his favorites - and admits that up front, in the same breath as pointing out that we all do. He also has his doubts, and he speaks freely and amusingly of those too. Even when you think he is being controversial, though - pause and think about what he is saying. He is usually right. And to prove that, I choose just one example. For as long as I have watched Doctor Who, I was terrified by the Cybermen. Until I watched the episode "Closing Time" and discovered they can be killed by the sound of a baby's tears. Thompson is rightfully indignant about that, and so am I. For that alone, this book is worth five stars. But there is more, so much more, here that is worth just as much.
I have a new favorite Doctor Who book!
February 8, 2017
The book Doctor Who FAQ : The Doctor is a Time Lord who travels through time and space. The book tells you about the companions that traveled with the Doctor in his spaceship called the T.A.R.D.I.S. Also tells about alien races , planets he has been to . Background information on the stories and stars that have been on the show. Much more..... A must read for any Whovian
February 8, 2017
anyone that doesn't know that Martha Jones is a doctor, not a nurse should not scribe any book about Doctor Who; Therefore, information in this book is unreliable. The author is full of self-importance. Skip it!
June 11, 2015
I'm torn between appreciating all the useful information (complete episode guides for the series, Big Finish audio, and books up to the time of publication) and being annoyed at the author's snark. Much of that annoyance is due to the fact that he is outspoken in his disapproval of some (old Who) companions and his exaggerated esteem for some very campy OW stories when he has little tolerance of the same sort of silliness in the new series.
In short, he is an opinionated curmudgeon.
An opinionated, very knowledgeable, curmudgeon.
It's a worthwhile read. Not earth shattering, but lots of fun tidbits for fans of the old and new series alike.
In short, he is an opinionated curmudgeon.
An opinionated, very knowledgeable, curmudgeon.
It's a worthwhile read. Not earth shattering, but lots of fun tidbits for fans of the old and new series alike.
August 10, 2014
Being big Dr. Who fans (my daughter and I), I was titillated when I received this book to review. Being that Dr. Who first aired in 1963, and with thousands of episodes to be seen, including branch-offs, it is that it is most recently just now becoming a major phenom in America with books, such as this, quickly becoming part of the fan base collection.
“What do you think of my new face, by the way?”
Read the full review at http://www.musingwithcrayolakym.com/b...
“What do you think of my new face, by the way?”
Read the full review at http://www.musingwithcrayolakym.com/b...
January 6, 2015
Honest opinion?? I would have loved this had the author kept his personal opinions about the doctors and their companions to himself. It has a great section about all the lost Doctor Who episodes, and how they got that way, which is awesome, but after starting the book off bashing one of my favorite doctors, it was hard to keep on reading it. BUT, it does have some very interesting facts and stories that I hadn't heard, so it wasn't a total loss.
April 15, 2019
It was a strange book. I thought it would be interesting facts about Doctor Who. The chapter about the lost episodes was good but the rest of the the writers bias. He bashed Douglas Adams and insulted people who like his writing and hates Star Trek just because it took Doctor Who time slot so of course he wrote about about how much he hated the Doctor Who/Star Trek comic crossover. Would not recommend.
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