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## Doctor Who: The Happiness Patrol - A Mixed Bag with Dark Humor
Based on the information from [Chakoteya.net] (
http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/25-2.htm),
Doctor Who: The Happiness Patrol seems to be a story
with both strengths and weaknesses. Here's a breakdown:
**Strengths:**
* **Satirical Premise:** The story satirizes forced happiness
and oppressive regimes, offering a dark and humorous commentary
on social control.
* **The Doctor's Rebellion:** The Doctor's fight against
the oppressive Happiness Patrol allows him to showcase
his resourcefulness and opposition to tyranny.
* **The Kandy Man:** This villain, despite potentially
silly visuals, is described as genuinely creepy and unsettling
with his disturbing methods of "enforcing" happiness.
**Weaknesses:**
* **Uneven Pacing:** Reviews suggest the story can feel slow
at times, particularly in the middle section.
* **Limited Scope:** The story might feel confined due to
its setting on a single colony.
* **The Doctor's Performance:** Some viewers might find Sylvester
McCoy's portrayal of the Doctor a bit over-the-top or lacking in nuance.
* **Low-Budget Production:** The special effects and sets might be
noticeably low-budget compared to other entries.
**Overall:**
The Happiness Patrol seems to be an enjoyable story for those who
appreciate dark humor and social commentary. It features a strong
central conflict and some memorable characters, but the pacing
and production limitations could hold it back for some viewers.
**Rating:** Here are two options depending on your viewing preferences:
* **For fans who enjoy dark satire and the Doctor's fight against
injustice:** 7 out of 10 (recognizes the entertainment value for
some viewers despite the flaws)
* **For fans who prioritize a fast-paced narrative and high production quality:** 4.5 out of 10 (highlights the weaknesses in pacing, budget,
and the Doctor's portrayal)
**Additional Notes:**
* This story is considered a significant entry in the Seventh
Doctor era for its exploration of social themes.
* If you're looking for a Doctor Who story with a strong plot
and well-developed characters, The Happiness Patrol might not
be the best choice. However, if you enjoy dark humor
and a unique premise, it could be worth a watch.
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