Doctor Who: Black Orchid (1982) - Review

I have very little to say about 'Black Orchid', so this will be a much shorter review than the rest. It's a much shorter story, with only two parts, but feels like a fluff piece. Very little action happens, and the mystery element is far too predictable. The script never fully indulges in the murder mystery element, and the four leads have very little to actually do. There's a lot of fun to be had here, and it's a nice break from the big alien threats in 'The Visitation' and 'Earthshock' either side of this story.

Peter Davison explains in the behind the scenes documentary that he wasn't a huge fan of 'Black Orchid', and that the lack of science-fiction elements made the story feel a bit "off" to him. Honestly, I have to agree. It's a gentle fluff story, and there's fun to be had here, but it's not particularly engaging. After all, the Doctor spends a lot of time wandering around a house. The production design is very good, as you'd expect from a BBC costume drama, but it all feels a little bit...flat. 'Black Orchid''s conclusion feels like a really bizarre anti-climax in which none of the characters seem to take any kind of action. I don't mind the Doctor fulfilling a more passive role, but none of the other characters take over to become the main protagonist. Instead, the Doctor's just bewildered by everything happening to him.

'Black Orchid' doesn't have much to offer, but I can see why it has its fans. Its just not engaging enough for me, and the lack of narrative and action causes the pace to sag a bit - even with only two parts.

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