Sofa of Rassilon EXTRA - Doctor in Distress (1985)

Sarah -
I've been looking forward to discussing "Doctor in Distress" for YEARS!


Harry -
First time in the history of the English language that that sentence has been written?


Sarah -
If only there was a behind-the-scenes-making-of video!


Harry -
Not sure if I can watch the music video a third time without rupturing something from laughter.


Sarah -
I've watched it three times and have noticed something new each time.


Harry -
It was a troubled time, back in 1985. Doctor Who was in crisis. Ratings were falling, the quality of the show was questionable at times, and BBC overseers just wanted it to go away. Early in the year, it was announced that the show was being put on hiatus. There would be no more Doctor Who for 18 months. Fans panicked, thinking this might be the end. Eighties superfan Ian Levine took it upon himself to help save the show. In the spirit of the times, the only possible answer could be... a supergroup charity single.

And so "Doctor in Distress" was born.


Sarah -
It was just a few months after Band Aid, so I'm sure it seemed like a good idea at the time. 

In retrospect, Levine has declared "Doctor in Distress" "...an absolute balls-up fiasco. It was pathetic and bad and stupid." I can't disagree with him, but I'm still really glad it exists. "Doctor in Distress" doesn't reach the heights of "it's so bad, it's good," but it is so brilliantly bad that it makes me happy to be a Doctor Who fan.


Harry -
Performing under the awkward moniker "Who Cares?", the assembled supergroup was, well, a list of people:

Colin Baker
Nicola Bryant
Nicholas Courtney
Anthony Ainley
Earlene Bentley
Faith Brown (comedienne)
Miquel Brown
Warren Cann from Ultravox
Hazell Dean
Floid Pearce from Hot Gossip
Bobby G from Bucks Fizz
Jona Lewie
Phyllis Nelson
Richie Pitts from the cast of the stage musical Starlight Express
John Rocca from Freeez
Sally Thomsett (actress)
David Van Day from Dollar
Members of Matt Bianco (Basia Trzetrzelewska and Danny White)
Members of The Moody Blues (Justin Hayward and John Lodge)
Members of Tight Fit (Steven Grant and Julie Harris)
Members of Time UK (Rick Buckler, Ronnie Ball, Fletcher Christian, Jimmy Richards, Ray Simone and Nick Smith)

I love the fact that Jona Lewie was there. I still have his albums! Pretty sure you can spot him at the end of the video.

The music was composed by Hans Zimmer, who went on to mega success composing for Hollywood blockbusters. Here though, it sounds like he was trying out a new synthesizer for the first time.


Sarah -
I imagine this track didn't feature prominently on Zimmer's CV!

Everyone looks vaguely embarrassed to be there, don't you think?


Harry -
It's all summed up by Colin covering his face in the final shot of the video. However some of the performers looked like they are giving it their all as they belted out their one line. On the other hand, Nicholas Courtney and Anthony Ainley seem unaware of what they are supposed to be doing. Another tragic example of "when TV actors sing".


Sarah -
The moment when Anthony Ainley sings -- or whatever we're calling what he does -- "And a canine computer" may just be my favorite moment in the entire piece. I just want to watch it over and over.


Harry -
Ultimately, "Doctor in Distress" had absolutely zero impact on the BBC's decision, and the 18-month hiatus went ahead. The single was poorly received in all corners, and the BBC wouldn't even play it on radio because it didn't meet quality standards. It was a god-awful cock-up from start to finish. Poor Colin!


Sarah -
Poor, poor Colin. He deserved so much better. 

Fortunately, we don't have to wait 18 months for more Doctor Who. It's on to Trial of a Time Lord!


Harry -
Let's do it!