KINDA

[Tony]

Here we are discussing Terrance Dicks' novelization of KINDA! If you want to hear your review of or comments on this book read on the air, or you have a specific question about the book, please post it here by no later than 11pm CST on Friday, March 3!

[Michael]

The first time I saw Kinda, I felt like there must be more going on in the story than initially met my eye. So, I turned to the Target novel t get some clarity and came away reading pretty much the same story as I'd seen on screen with little or no embellishments added.

Which disappointed me back in the day and kind of still does today when it comes to this story. I want an Auton Invasion like Target novel for this one and I get one that's good but doesn't add much to the viewing experience.

I give it 2.5 stars.

[Dave]

I like Kinda for precisely the reason many people don't. Not everything is explained so there's plenty of room for the viewer to speculate - and there's room for a sequel too, though don't hold your breath waiting for explanations from that quarter!
There are plusses and minuses when reading the book. The supporting cast is good, particularly Oscar winner Richard Todd, who obviously benefited from the sage advice of Matthew Waterhouse.
The story was shot entirely in the studio and, while the sets are good, it shows. The jungle looks much better in prose.
As an aside, future Sherlock Holmes Jonny Lee Miller made his television debut in this story, at 9 years old.