I am 75% the way through watching K9 as part of my current chronological watch through which includes spin-offs and ephemera. The first 50% is a massive slog, often appalling, but believe it or not it does get better.
The biggest change is when the character of Drake (a bad guy) is phased out halfway through the series. The worst character played by the worst actor. He is replaced by Thorne who is a much better bad guy played by a genuinely good, quite intimidating actor. The entire cast’s performance is lifted by this.
So far Taphony and the Time Loop has proved easily the best episode for me, one of a very small handful that aren’t terrible. I’d even go as far as to say its a genuinely good piece of children’s TV (8/10). Helped by the fact its got more of a time travel element to it.
One small thing in K9’s defense is that one of its tropes is that aliens often end up being goodies which is a nice message for a kids TV show. The production, writing and acting is often horrific though. I suppose setting a show in the UK but filming it in Aus with Australian actors is an uphill battle to begin with.
There is a really great Doctor Who Magazine interview with the team behind the show, from the time. I’d have to fish it out though (I’m reading all the back issues of DWM as part of my current watch-through!!!) RTD is quoted as saying that he admired Bob Baker’s persistence in pushing through and getting this show made. The quote was put to Baker who responded with surprise and delight.
I believe this was the only comment that anyone from the BBC or the main show ever made about K9. The BBC had to negotiate the rights to use K9 in The Sarah Jane Adventures (he could only be in the main spin off every now and then). In return the K9 team was allowed to use a remodeled version of the character, with the same voice actor.
John Leeson did well out of it - lots of voice acting gigs!!
Welcome to the forum. Iam completely with you that is much better at the later episodes. My favorite was Lost Library of Ukko which nearly felt like a premise that would work in SJA or the regular show.
Welcome to the forum @15thDoctor - and it’s good to know it improves. I’m always willing to give things a chance if they’re even tangentially associated with the great Who.
Totally agree! That one is my second fave so far, with a 7/10.
Deborah Parsons as the best writer on this show and this was her third and final script. Because the cast is in much better form at this point in the series, finally they are able to help the script sing to its full potential.
Haha - it is SO tangential though. Feels even less official than the BBV and Reeltime Productions in some ways. The fact it aired at the same time as series 5 and SJA series 4 makes a chronological watch through of the show really busy at this point haha.
Just as long as he doesn’t fly around like in K9, put a magnetic clamp on him or something
I want him low on power and Ncuti having to carry him around
