From: as010b@uhura.cc.rochester.edu (andrew david simchik)
Subject: Re: McCoys portrayal of the Doctor
Organization: University of Rochester - Rochester, New York
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 92 17:56:14 GMT

In <1992Nov5.142833.3334@analog.com> alex.soto@analog.com (Alex Soto) writes:



>Hi,
>	With all the talk of McCoy and Ace, I'd like to jump in a bit since
>it was only recently (a couple of months ago) that I was able to see some of
>these.
>	First of all, I haven't seen 4 of his episodes.  3 of them are at the
>beginning of his season and one was kind of in the middle (Paradise Towers,
>Time and the Rani, Delta and the Bannerman, Battlefield).
>	I didn't like McCoy in Dragonfire, but fortunately I was warned by
>Steve/UsedToBeIain not to judge him by that story.  In later ones he got 
>better, but I wouldn't say great - mediocre maybe. (Keep in mind these are
>my opinions)  :)  I think the best part of Dragonfire was when the McCoy told
>both Mel and Ace to shut up (in his TARDIS).  Towards the end, he did seem to
>get a little better.  I liked him best in Survival.  One of the things I like
>of McCoy is his accent.  I always like when there's something that 
>distinguishes a Doctors regeneration from one to another.  Perhaps that's why
>Pertwee was my worst - what did he have?  Venusian Karate?  <yawn!>  Sorry
>to all you IWouldDieForJonPertwee fans.

Actually, Jon Pertwee was one of my favorite Doctors.  He was definitely the
most competent of them all, if you want something to distinguish him.  Some
great stories, too, and what an actor!

>	Ace...like another was saying, she doesn't particularly impress me
>like she has so many others.  I think she's okay, but far from my favorite
>companion.  I like the stories to center on the Doctor and not around one of
>his companions who has changed his name now.  She's a little annoying at times
>and although I do not hate her (how can you compare her to Turlough or Adric -
>yuck!!  She's not that bad!), she doesn't appeal to me that much either.  I
>thought McCoy's doctor needed to be explored more, and yet every story focused 
>more on Ace (after Mel) than on him.  That may be be my biggest prejudice 
>against McCoys era.

You know, that's very true...the stories had way too much to do with Ace. 
How can you add mystery to a character who isn't even explored?  You have to
know what questions to ask.

Turlough and Adric were better than Ace, and here's why.  First of all, I
thought they were far less obnoxious, but I know no one agrees with me, so
forget that for now.  But Turlough was the first steady companion who was
selfish, out for his own good, and actually ordered to kill the Doctor. 
Whether you liked him or not as a person, you have to admit that that was
one hell of an original--and highly effective--element.  Adric was a much
more convincing teen than Ace, better-looking (IMHO, although it's an
irrelevant point), and INTELLIGENT.  Sure, he did some pretty dumb things
from time to time, and the characterization was a bit unrealistic, but he
was not only from another planet but from another universe.  You'd be a bit
odd too.

>	The stories...well, they did seem to rise a little towards the end,
>but still seemed to lack a little something.  Perhaps another season might
>have made it a little better.  Like someone mentioned, I didn't like the way
>the Master seems so helpless now.  He hardly seems to be the threat that he
>used to be.  Stories like the Keeper of Traken, were very well written
>(IMHO) for the Master.  The Deadly Assasin was another.  Alot of McCoys
>stories were slightly over an hour.  Perhaps adding more intrigue and plot
>developments and moving slower thru the stories might have added to it.  
>Survival could have been a classic, but IMHO it was rushed a bit.  Of course
>there may have been reasons for many of these being rushed, but nevertheless
>it makes me wonder how it could have turned out otherwise.

I agree, but saw no classic potential in any of the scripts.  They just
could have been better.

>	To summarize, I feel McCoy is a mediocre Doctor, not even close to
>Tom Baker like someone said, but still sufficient for me to enjoy.  I am not
>too critical in terms of stories and enjoyed Happiness Patrol, TGSitGalaxy,
>and others.  They are not classics, but are acceptable.  All in all, I'd take
>McCoy to nobody anyday!!!!

>		Mystic
>(alex.soto@analog.com)

Admittedly, I'd take McCoy to nobody anyday as well.  But then my complaint
was with everyone *except* McCoy, so that makes sense.

Drewcifer
(ADS)