Downtime [1995]

The lowdown: 'Downtime' is an independently-made spin-off of Doctor Who, featuring a number of original cast
members reprising their roles. Produced by Reeltime Pictures, it is essentially a sequel to the Yeti stories of the
Troughton era ('The Abominable Snowmen' and 'The Web of Fear'). Set in 1995, it begins 15 years earlier, with the
Doctor's former companion Victoria (Deborah Watling) returning to the monastery that featured in 'Snowmen',
summoned by a voice whom she believes is her late father. It is of course the Great Intelligence of the Yeti stories,
still very much alive and inhabiting the body of the Doctor's old friend, Professor Travers, and seeking to conquer
Earth via the astral plane. Victoria becomes an unwitting pawn in its plan. Fast forward to 1995, Victoria is now the
vice-chanceller of New World University, and is looking for the locus, an object that is vital to the Great Intelligence's
plans. Victoria believes that the Brigadier has the locus, but it is in fact in the possession of his daughter, Kate,
whom he has not seen for six years. The Great Intelligence makes contact with the Brigadier in his dreams, while the
Brigadier learns that he has a grandson. Sarah-Jane Smith, meanwhile, has come to the university in her capacity as
a journalist, and helps save the Earth once more (although Elisabeth Sladen is rather underutilised in this production).

'Downtime' is quite enjoyable, especially for nostalgia buffs who love the original series of Doctor Who. Apart from
Nicholas Courtney, Elisabeth Sladen and Deborah Watling, other actors to return include Jack Watling as Professor
Travers, while John Leeson and Geoffrey Beevers (Melkur in 'Keeper of Traken') also have cameos. The plot is rather
convoluted at times, but once you understand what is going on it makes a lot more sense. The production values are
understandably not as good as you would get from a BBC production, although some of the special effects are quite
impressive and are in fact much better than many effects from the original series. Seeing the Yeti in action is also great,
especially as the original Yeti stories are largely non-existent. In short, 'Downtime' is worth seeing if you are a big fan
of the original series. Kudos to Reeltime for putting it together, and it is always good to see the Brigadier and Sarah!