Here’s to JNT
I’ve been reading a number of articles about the return of the series which not only mention the dreaded word “Whovian”, but also unfairly blame JNT for the demise of the original series in the 1980’s. I say unfairly because I firmly believe the blame rests with BBC (mis)management of the series, chiefly by the deadly combination of Michael Grade and Jonathan Powell.
It’s got me thinking. I didn’t like everything JNT did as Producer - I think Season 24 in particular is the nadir of the original series - but I can’t help but wish that he, perhaps more than any other key figure from the original series that is no longer with us, was still with us to watch the new series. Perhaps he will be able to in that better place that I’m sure he’s in. I say this because he was always concerned, after 1989, that he wasn’t seen as the man that killed Doctor Who. He got his wish in 1996, but I think he would have been happier to see it coming back as a full series again in 2005, proving that Doctor Who wasn’t killed in 1989, despite the best efforts of Grade & Powell to destroy it.
Additionally, we should remember that JNT wanted to leave the show a lot earlier than he did. When Powell became controller in 1988 he told JNT that if he left the show (and his employers, the BBC), the show would stop. JNT stayed for two more years and gave us Season 25 and 26, and with it such great stories as Remembrance, Greatest Show, Curse of Fenric & Survival - almost despite the BBC and their mis-management.
As such, I think JNT deserves a bit more respect than some fans (particularly the ones that continue to hurl abuse and personal insults about him on the internet, even on the eve of a new series where we should all be rejoicing instead) give him. I intend to give him the respect he deserves, and will be thinking about him, along with other key figures from the show’s past who have passed away, such as Graham Williams, Terry Nation, Jacqueline Hill and of course William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee, when the new series begins.
Posted by John on Sunday, March 13 at 7:21 am
7 Comments...
Bravo! Truly moving…
Perhaps the JNT era will go through a similar reassessment enjoyed by Colin Baker (wink, wink). When I first discovered the Internet (shortly after its invention by Al Gore), it was awash with Colin Baker hate mail, and he managed to become top Doctor in some poll a few years ago (which one I’m not sure, but I’m sure someone will tell me).
If I may suggest, part of the JNT rants may have to do with RTD’s public comments on the show. He has said his stories will be more traditional, and did hark back to the 70s as the Golden Age of the show for him. To my knowledge he hasn’t said anything disparaging about the JNT era, but ardent JNT-haters may have “smelled blood”.
As for me, I’m skewed, since most of the episodes I saw as a kid were JNT era episodes!
Posted by Ari on 03/13 at 09:30 AM
This is a very thought provoking and warm hearted piece, Luca. It is worth remembering that ANY long running franchise will have its ups and downs, and the JNT era is actually several “eras” under one umbrella, much like the Tom Baker era (and for the same reasons). Tom, while the star, had different script editors and producers for his run, and the show’s style shifted in tone dramatically. Conversely, JNT oversaw four leading actors and had several script editors, with the same results. I doubt you will find many fans who will argue the Tom Baker era was uniformly flawless from beginning to end (the varied approaches to the subject matter almost ensures that some people will prefer the gothic horror period over the satirical humor that came later, or vice versa… not to mention the “hard” science of Baker’s final season). I think script editors contribute far more to the style of a show than they are given credit for… In fact, I am shocked that Eric Saward (whose scripts and era I generally like, by the way) is not the recipient of more fan criticism, as he has admitted in various interviews that he was not motivated to develop the characters of the Fifth or Sixth Doctors because he felt the actors were miscast! Such ennui can only be detrimental to the show over a long period… At any rate, this was an excellent entry, and bravo to you for writing about it!
Posted by David on 03/13 at 10:31 AM
Bravo Luca! I grew up with JNT-Who and several stories from his era are my personal favourites of the entire classic series.
On a vaguely related note, I wonder if the classic series DVDs are enjoying stronger sales at the moment thanks to a resurgence in interest in all things Doctor Who?
Posted by Richard on 03/13 at 10:43 AM
In his press conference at Visions, Colin Baker said that everyone should thank JNT, because he pushed for the show to be on in the States, and without him it wouldn’t have lasted so long in England.
So, I went over and thanked JNT before I left the con. He seemed rather - stunned.
Posted by Colleen on 03/13 at 02:20 PM
Great post! I also grew up watching the JNT era and feel the whole era is often unfairly tarnished because of the cancellation of the original series. Seasons 18 to 21 contain some of my favourite stories from the whole run of Dr Who and I sometimes wonder how differently JNT would be regarded if he had been replaced during the hiatus of 1986. I will agree that season 24 was the shows weakest season but felt that things greatly improved in the last 2 seasons JNT oversaw. Certain fans should stop blaming the poor guy for the “death” of Dr Who. I don’t think anybody could have saved the show with Grade still in charge. The BBC would have handled things very differently if they had cared half as much about Dr Who as JNT did.
Posted by Louis on 03/14 at 03:10 AM
Good post.. but disagree totally on “Greatest Show” being a good story. IMHO it’s as low as Doctor Who ever went. The last season, however, I agree was majorly improved, and made for good TV.
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