Today we come in admiration, yet again, of the prose stylings of Robert Holmes. In addition to being one of the classic series most prolific authors and a master of tone as the early Baker years surely suggest, he could also use his considerable wit to inject sly pointed comedy into the series when it suited him.
And who better than Holmes, who script-edited the first 3+ Seasons for Tom Baker’s Doctor, to have a considerable hand in the formation in tone and attitude of the new companion Romana. The first of a kind near-peer companion, Romana, through the pen and personal observations of Holmes, could better needle and perhaps puncture the considerable ego of the fourth Doctor/Tom Baker. Especially in episode 1 of The Ribos Operation when the two characters are sizing each other up and before the adventure really begins, there’s a knowing, sarcastic edge to the banter that is meant to put the Doctor off in a slightly mocking way.
And it’s a rare delight.
Mary Tamm and Baker are up to the banter and, although, it never quite reaches those heights again in service to the overall story, there’s seldom a moment through the entirety of The Ribos Operation where a wry smile leaves the viewer.
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Savvy Tour vets have no doubt noticed that a bunch of ‘higher definition’ infrastructure work has been going on behind the scenes in advance for Series 15 later in April, when the Tour shifts to ‘in-season’ mode. This includes The Ribos Operation but literally covers almost every bit of Tour content, including Ncuti Gatwa stories. Gallery updates have been coming out with almost ‘admirable’ frequency. It’s worth a look for your favorite story.
