{"id":87907,"date":"2021-03-11T05:02:40","date_gmt":"2021-03-11T10:02:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/religionprof\/?p=87907"},"modified":"2021-03-10T15:03:28","modified_gmt":"2021-03-10T20:03:28","slug":"black-archive-battle-of-ranskoor-av-kolos-now-available","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/religionprof\/2021\/03\/black-archive-battle-of-ranskoor-av-kolos-now-available.html","title":{"rendered":"Black Archive Battle of Ranskoor av Kolos Now Available!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

In an interesting convergence of timelines (to use an appropriate metaphor) I have another book that is now coming out. The topic couldn\u2019t be more different from that of the other one I have been blogging about. This is my contribution to Obverse Books\u2019 series The Black Archive which will eventually offer a single volume on each and every episode of Doctor Who to ever air on television. Mine, as blog readers know from my previous posts about it, is about the finale of the first season featuring the current actor Jodi Whittacre as the Doctor, \u201cThe Battle of Ranskoor av Kolos.\u201d You can order a paperback copy or get the ebook from the Obverse Books website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Nick Joy has published the first review of the book, in which he writes:<\/p>\n

\n

Was ever a Doctor Who episode saddled with a more clumsy title than this? Every time I refer to it I have to check it\u2019s been spelt correctly \u2013 I\u2019ve got more chance of correctly typing out the home planet of the Slitheen. Author James F McGrath takes on the challenge of finding something nice to say about this season finale, and while you may not come away from this book thinking that it\u2019s a misunderstood masterpiece, there\u2019s a number of ideas you\u2019ve probably not considered\u2026<\/p>\n

McGrath hits the nail on the head when he says \u2018It provides pointers and open doors to discussions and possibilities, without forcing a resolution\u2026\u2019, which means that its open-ended narrative leaves room for interpretation. There\u2019s a chapter focusing on the nature of the Ux (there\u2019s only ever two of them \u2013 a master and an apprentice) and their religion, and evidence is offered up to challenge whether they were benevolent and just misled, naive, or plain gullible in following Tzim-Sha. Is he a false god with delusions and how is he so persuasive?<\/p>\n

The Doctor\u2019s flexible creeds go under the microscope \u2013 is she as non-violent as she protests? And is it really OK to destroy something provided it can be rebuilt? A significant section is devoted to Graham\u2019s devotion to Grace and the unfinished business he had with Tzim-Sha. He needs to be the better man and is reminded by the Doctor that if he kills Sha he\u2019ll be as bad as him? But subjecting him to his own form of eternal imprisonments might be poetic justice, but is it morally sound? McGrath again asks the questions, presents the evidence and gives his own steer while accepting that these matters are seldom black or white.<\/p>\n

Verdict: A brave choice for a study, the author here provides some depth that you probably didn\u2019t think existed. Still a dreadful title though. 7\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In other words, enjoyed the book but still not so sure about the episode.<\/p>\n

I assume that Blair Bidmead<\/a> will soon have shirts, mugs, and other items for sale featuring the artwork and\/or logo from the book cover. I\u2019ll definitely be getting something of that. If nothing else it will make for a good conversation starter\u2026<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In an interesting convergence of timelines (to use an appropriate metaphor) I have another book that is now coming out. The topic couldn\u2019t be more different from that of the other one I have been blogging about. 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