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jennierigg's review
3.0
A perfectly acceptable straight adaptation of the story as shown on TV. Curry doesn't have the verve and flair of Ben Aaronovich, the familiar readability of uncle Terrance, or the mania for adding extras of a Saward; as such if you've watched The Happiness Patrol reading the novelisation is a bit of a letdown. It doesn't add anything, and you miss the amazing performance of Sheila Hancock and the sheer gobsmacking chutzpah of the on screen Kandyman.
A pleasant enough way of passing a couple of hours if you're already a Whovian, but for everyone else? I wouldn't bother.
A pleasant enough way of passing a couple of hours if you're already a Whovian, but for everyone else? I wouldn't bother.
ghastblaster's review
adventurous
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
theyoungestpfaff's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Sylvester McCoy’s tenure as Doctor Who in the late 80s is criminally underrated, and it happens to be one of my favorites. The Happiness Patrol is an equally underrated story that is a wonderfully comedic satire of Margaret Thatcher’s time as Britain’s Prime Minister.
sydsnot71's review against another edition
4.0
This will be short.
The Happiness Patrol is one of my favourite Doctor Who stories. It's the Doctor flexing his antifa muscles by bringing down Helen A's regime of false happiness and real terror in a single day. He arrives armed with suspicions, runs his eye of the land, sizes up his opponent and then destroys her without getting out of breath.
The novelisation sticks pretty straightforwardly to the script of the televised version of the story but there are a few additions. People get slightly more back story and the origins of the Kandy Man and his relationship with Gilbert M are fleshed out a bit. We learn more about Helen A and Fifi. All of which help make the novelisation a nice addition to the TV story.
It's briskly and clearly written, which isn't surprising. This is Target and this was a three part Doctor Who story with a straightforward plot.
I'm happy. And I'm glad you're happy.
The Happiness Patrol is one of my favourite Doctor Who stories. It's the Doctor flexing his antifa muscles by bringing down Helen A's regime of false happiness and real terror in a single day. He arrives armed with suspicions, runs his eye of the land, sizes up his opponent and then destroys her without getting out of breath.
The novelisation sticks pretty straightforwardly to the script of the televised version of the story but there are a few additions. People get slightly more back story and the origins of the Kandy Man and his relationship with Gilbert M are fleshed out a bit. We learn more about Helen A and Fifi. All of which help make the novelisation a nice addition to the TV story.
It's briskly and clearly written, which isn't surprising. This is Target and this was a three part Doctor Who story with a straightforward plot.
I'm happy. And I'm glad you're happy.
justgina93's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Like an episode of the TV serious but a little slower paced as there isn't visuals which is usually the best part.
jacobpark's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nwhyte's review
http://nhw.livejournal.com/1079514.html?#cutid1[return][return]I wasn't overwhelmed by the original TV story, but Curry has produced a novelisation which is passionate and convinced - the rather odd plot holes remain, but liberated from cheap-looking special effects, it turns into rather a good yarn. Definitely one of those where the book is an improvement. Also an easy pass for the Bechdel test, with Helen A and her women warriors running around after Ace.