One last thing about the Battlefield DVD

We listened to the Episode Two commentary track a couple of nights ago. I almost shut it off. I like Andrew Cartmel and his work, but I wouldn't have blamed Sophie Aldred if she had taken her baseball bat to his head. I understand that this is an imperfect story, but his savage critique ruined an otherwise fun commentary. Sophie and Angela Bruce were both noticeably angry at his constant harping about the bad effects and designs.

This is not a new phenomena. In fact, I offer this open letter:

Dear Christopher Hamilton Bidmead, Peter Davison, Janet Fielding, Eric Saward, and Andrew Cartmel,

I understand that Doctor Who was an imperfect show. I know that you rarely had the time and resources to make the show that you dreamed of in your heads. I also understand that John Nathan-Turner was a difficult boss prone to unusual creative decisions.

However, I have just spent my money on a DVD of this story. I could have used that money for a more affordable TV Show. Instead, I spent that money on Doctor Who. Why? BECAUSE I LOVE THE SHOW! Stop trying to convince me that my love is misplaced. Your toxic commentaries are unappreciated. If I didn't like this story, I wouldn't have bought it.

I don't expect you to praise the bad bits (that's the job of the New Series' team), but please don't see these commentaries as an opportunity to trash production choices from two decades ago for 100 minute. I recommend that you all listen to a Colin Baker commentary. He can be honest without making it sound like all of Doctor Who was an embarrassing pile of crap.

Thank you,
Michael D. Thomas