SLIPBACK

[Tony]

Here we are discussing Eric Saward's novelization of SLIPBACK! 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, October 18!

[Bart]

Why hasn’t Eric Saward written Blake’s 7 fiction?
What do you mean, this space is for reviewing his novelization of a Doctor Who radio play? Why are you quickly escorting me thru the d—

[Dave]

Although Saward had a profound effect on the series in a story in the forthcoming season, this is the last time we have to subject ourselves to his writing. Thankfully.
Considering how much he professes to hate Douglas Adams and all his works, it's astonishing the lengths he goes to in order to copy his style, however ineffectually.
This story, both the original (if such a concept as "original" is even appropriate here) audio and this book, is a prime example.
There's the bad poetry, reminiscent of the Vogons, for example, and the personalities of the android and the ship's computer. Many of the ideas, even the ones not stolen from Adams, wouldn't be out of place in one of his books but where Adams would pare back superfluous words, Saward insists on adding them. The repulsiveness of the Captain is suggested by throwaway lines in the audio, but in the book is hammered home by increasingly grotesque and childish descriptions of the disposition of his disgusting body.
I remember when the radio play was first broadcast and feeling mildly disappointed. I was grateful for new Doctor Who, and it wasn't terrible, especially as it was made with very short notice, but if I were to give it a school report, it would read "could do better". A similar report for the book would read "didn't".
Two stars, but only that much because I'm so happy that I'll never have to read a Saward book again.

[Damon]

It's Eric Saward being Eric Saward I don't mind the radio play and listen to every 5 years or so, but I won't come back to the book a generous 2 stars