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"SCREAM OF THE SHALKA: THE DOCTOR WHO ALMOST WAS"

Scream of the Shalka is a fascinating oddity in Doctor Who history, offering a glimpse of an alternate Ninth Doctor in animated form. The Flash animation has a nostalgic charm, providing surprisingly fluent character movements and crafting some genuinely atmospheric scenes. While the limitations of the format make some sequences feel stiff and choppy, the animation still manages to capture the eerie tone of the story.

The TARDIS interior design is a highlight, brimming with a unique and striking aesthetic. And that opening title sequence? It screams very 90s, complete with a distinct rendition of the theme tune.

RICHARD E. GRANT'S DOCTOR – A DARKER TURN

Richard E. Grant brings a compelling, colder take on the Doctor, feeling like a worn-out middle ground between McGann’s Eight and Eccleston’s Nine. His performance is layered—frustrated, aloof, yet unmistakably the Doctor. It’s a bold interpretation, though one that never got the chance to evolve further.

Paul Cornell’s writing leans into modern sensibilities, crafting a Doctor who blends technobabble with quick thinking, humour, and flashes of deep emotional weight. His approach eerily foreshadows RTD’s Time War backstory—Cornell’s Doctor is also shaped by the destruction of the Time Lords, a theme that would soon become Doctor Who canon.

A STORY WITH A CLASSIC FEEL… AT HIGH SPEED

The plot unfolds like a six-part Classic Who serial told at breakneck speed. It takes a while for all the puzzle pieces to fall into place, and the storytelling can feel rushed at times. Some scenes feel oddly short, leading to abrupt tonal shifts, while others—particularly those involving the companions or the Master—never fully pay off.

Still, there’s an undeniable charm in how it captures a Doctor Who adventure. The UNIT stand-in, led by Major Kennet, is a nice touch, offering a more militaristic but competent force. And when Scream of the Shalka leans into tension and eeriness, it really delivers—especially in its best cliffhanger at the end of Part 4, which is both effective and gross.

THE SHALKA – EFFECTIVE, BUT A LITTLE TOO MUCH

The titular monsters are a standout. The Shalka are visually striking, with a terrifying design and chilling screams that genuinely unsettle. Their invasion plan is clever, their presence ominous, and their method of bringing death to a planet they deem doomed adds weight to the final battle.

However, there is an awful lot of screaming and singing in the last episode. It does add to the bizarre tension, but at times, it verges on overkill.

THE MASTER RETURNS (SORT OF)

Then there’s the Master—except this time, he’s an android trapped inside the TARDIS. Voiced by Derek Jacobi (four years before he’d play the War Master on TV), his portrayal oozes classic Delgado-style charm, but the lack of explanation for his situation leaves a lingering question mark. It’s an intriguing concept that never fully goes anywhere.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES AND ODD CHOICES

While the central plot holds up, the supporting elements often fall flat. The companions are underdeveloped and unmemorable, which is a shame considering Sophie Okonedo (who later played Liz 10 in Doctor Who Series 5) voices Alison. Meanwhile, much of the guest cast’s voice acting feels stiff, and the dialogue can be clunky.

The story also suffers from some unnecessary filler despite its short runtime. Some scenes stretch on with little purpose, while important moments fly by too quickly, making the pacing feel uneven.

LITTLE NODS FOR FANS

For those keeping an eye (or ear) out for familiar voices, Scream of the Shalka has two notable cameos. David Tennant makes a small, uncredited appearance—just two years before being cast as the Tenth Doctor. And Sophie Okonedo holds the distinction of being the only Academy Award-nominated companion actor to date (for Hotel Rwanda).

📝VERDICT: 7/10

Scream of the Shalka is a fascinating relic of an alternate Doctor Who timeline, offering a compelling (if underdeveloped) take on the Doctor, a strong central threat, and eerie atmosphere. Its rushed storytelling, underwhelming supporting cast, and awkward animation hold it back, but there’s still plenty to appreciate—especially as a glimpse of what might have been.