Review of Doctor Who: Dimensions in Time (1993) by Tim L — 09 Feb 2011

On the one hand this Children in Need special has so many inconsistencies, contradictions and plot holes as to make what could have been a fan's dream into a nightmare. Where to begin - the Doctors are much older than they were when they regenerated, they are able to co-exist in the same time-line, companions of different Doctors know each other and, most importantly, what the Hell are they doing in Eastenders?!

But on the other hand most of these issues are present in all the specials, from the '3 Doctors,' to the '5 Doctors' to '2 Doctors' and, more recently in the 'Time Crash' special, also for Children in Need. In all of these cases however, there are certain ways in which this strange nerdy author copes haha. Firstly, keep telling yourself - 'this is a kids' show!' and try not to get too upset by how strictly it sticks to its own canon. If this doesn't work, try telling yourself it's not 'strictly canon' with the rest of the show, but it more a celebration of the show's history and a way to introduce new and old fans alike to the legacy and history of its cast and characters. And lastly, if this doesn't work I opt for the final get-out clause - that this is all part of some alternative line of continuity, through some parrellel dimension or time-line, in which all the inconsistencies work - the Doctor took much longer to 'die' before regenerating each time, in which time he re-met his old companions as his new self and vice versa and so on. As for the Eastender's tie-in....you're on your own haha!

So sit back and try to enjoy it for what it is, a one-off special that has little to do with the series other than to help you appreciate its history - and however poor this special is, this cause is worthy enough. Just don't expect it to be in your top 10 of Who stories!