The Romans (Doctor Who)

] [cite web
url= http://www.shannonsullivan.com/drwho/serials/m.html
title= The Romans
publisher = A Brief History of Time Travel
last = Sullivan
first = Shannon
date = 2007-12-24
accessdate = 2008-08-30] The story is chiefly notable for its use of humor, a first for the series. The highpoint of the comedy is the third episode. The subplot involving Nero, the Doctor, and Vicki is played as a farce, with the Doctor and Vicki repeatedly missing Barbara in their wanderings through the palace, and accidentally giving Nero the idea to burn down Rome. An attempt to poison Barbara is played humorously, and culminates in Nero intentionally giving the poisoned wine to an annoying slave. In contrast, the subplot involving Barbara and Ian was played straight, with substantial dark elements. Their storyline emphasizes the brutality of Roman slavery and gladiatorial combat.

The BBC's test audience had a strong negative reaction to the story, complaining that it was unrealistic, "so ridiculous that it's a bore", and "suitable only for morons". Despite these criticisms, many later critics have praised the story's use of humor to contrast with the darker elements of the piece.

On the day of episode two's transmission, "The Romans" was praised as "flawless" by "The Times" newspaper's special correspondent on broadcasting, as part of a feature on children's television. "The strongest weapon in the BBC armoury... remains "Dr Who"," wrote the reviewer. "The departure of the Daleks has broken tiny hearts all over the country, but the new series, with Miss Jacqueline Hill and Mr. William Russell in the hands of the slave traders, promises well. Miss Verity Lambert's production is once again flawless." [cite news|title=Notes on Broadcasting - Keeping the Children Happy and Informed|publisher=The Times|date=1965-01-23|page=5|accessdate=2007-01-14]

In contrast to many stories, where the Doctor demonstrates previously unseen skills, a major element of the Nero subplot involves the Doctor's inability to play the lyre. But he does demonstrate a surprising skill in brawling, defeating a would-be assassin so easily that he laughs during the struggle. He reveals to Vicki that he was once a trainer to the Mountain Mauler of Montana.

Doctorwhobook
title=The Romans
series=Target novelisations
number=120
featuring=


writer=Donald Cotton
publisher=Target Books
coverartist=Tony Masero
isbn=
set_between=
pages=
date=16th April 1987 (Hardback)19th September 1987 (Paperback)
preceding=The Reign of Terror
following=The Ambassadors of Death|

Commercial releases

On 1994, this story was released on a double VHS with "The Rescue". On 8 May 2008, its soundtrack was released on Audio CD, with linking narration by William Russell. It has also been anounced by the BBCF website that 'The Romans' along with "The Rescue" will be released on DVD in 2009.

In print

A novelisation of this serial, written by Donald Cotton, was published by Target Books in April 1987. It is unique among "Doctor Who" novelisations in that it is written in the form of transcripts of letters and ancient documents (epistolary novel).

References

External links

*BBCCDW | id=romans | title=The Romans
*Brief |id=m | title=The Romans
*Doctor Who RG | id=who_m | title=The Romans
*OG | id=m | title=The Romans

Reviews

*OG review | id=m | title=The Romans
*DWRG | id=roma | title=The Romans

Target novelisation

*OG review | id=m-book | title=The Romans | description=novelisation
* [http://www.personal.leeds.ac.uk/~ecl6nb/OnTarget/1987/romans/87romans.htm On Target — "The Romans"]