The Doctor's Companion Blog

Having spent much of today setting up this blog in its new format, it is only right that I should relax with a sausage sandwich.  In homage to Professor Emilia Rumford and the aptly named Vivien Fay from fourth doctor story, the Stones of Blood, in the Key to Time series.

Although sadly I don’t think the good professor finished her sandwich in the episode.

I was sorry to hear of the death of Iain Cuthbertson (reported here).  He was absolutely brilliant in the (1978) Ribos Operation (a fourth Doctor story), where he played con man Garron. In fact I would go so far as to say that his performance is one of the best things in this episode (although this is not to say that the rest of it is not brilliant too).  You get the feeling that he really enjoyed playing the part.

The Ribos Operation, you will remember, is the first in the quest for the key to time series, where Garron trys to sell the planet Ribos to the Graff.  The key to time is disguised as a ….   But you will have to watch to find out.

I’ll do proper review when I can get hold of the DVD.  It is sold as part of the (rather expensive now if you can get hold of it) Doctor Who: The Key to Time (Limited Edition Numbered Complete 7 Disc Box set) [DVD] [1978] and so far as I am aware, is not available on its own.