📝8/10

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“The Greatest Show in the Galaxy: A Creepy Circus with a Dark Payoff”

The Greatest Show in the Galaxy is a disturbingly atmospheric and dark tale that fully embraces the show's knack for surreal storytelling. Combining killer clowns, a cursed circus, and a cosmic menace, it brings a nightmarish quality that contrasts starkly with its bright, colourful exterior.

From the very first scene, where we see the Psychic Circus escapees hunted down, the story establishes a creepy and ominous atmosphere. There's a deliberate contrast between the circus's cheerful surface and the lurking menace underneath. This duality—seemingly harmless fun masking horror—is what makes the story so engaging.

The eerie mood is heightened by the slow build-up of dread, punctuated by the unsettling presence of the Chief Clown, played chillingly by Ian Reddington. His piercing stare, unsettling smile, and calm yet terrifying voice make him one of the creepiest villains of the classic series.

The story is tonally bold, veering into dark fantasy and horror while maintaining the quirky charm of Doctor Who. This is strengthened by the music, which is brooding, atmospheric, and supports the undercurrent of danger perfectly.

The script excels at building tension, especially in the first and final episodes. The setup in Part One is intriguing, as the circus seems innocent at first but is soon revealed as a death trap.

However, the middle episodes—particularly Part Two—suffer from slower pacing and feel like filler, with characters running back and forth with little narrative progression. Some twists feel a bit predictable, and the plot doesn’t always take full advantage of its creepy premise during these sections.

The story takes a bizarre yet rewarding turn in the final episode, where the Doctor faces off against the Gods of Ragnarok. This part delivers one of the most epic climaxes in the Seventh Doctor’s era, as the Doctor uses his wit and magician-like skills to defeat these cosmic beings. The explosion and the Doctor’s calm, confident walk away from the destruction is an iconic moment that cements his stature as a true hero.

The finale’s intensity and payoff make up for the slower moments in earlier parts, leaving the viewer satisfied by the end.

Sylvester McCoy delivers a strong performance, showcasing a different side of the Seventh Doctor. He’s less manipulative here than in Remembrance of the Daleks or Silver Nemesis, and at times, he misjudges situations or makes mistakes. This vulnerability adds another layer to his character. The Doctor’s magician-like qualities come to the forefront, particularly in the finale, where his showmanship and cleverness save the day.

Ace continues to prove herself as a fantastic companion. Her bravery shines through, especially when she faces her fear of clowns while being hunted. Sophie Aldred perfectly captures Ace’s mix of fear, determination, and loyalty. Her separation from the Doctor for much of the story allows her to stand on her own, strengthening her character.

The supporting characters are well-acted and add depth to the story.

Ian Reddington as the Chief Clown is a standout. He’s sinister and deeply unsettling, embodying the story’s creeping menace. He’s arguably one of the scariest villains in Doctor Who history, rivalling Sharaz Jek in The Caves of Androzani (1984).

Jessica Martin as Mags is a fascinating addition. Her character, with her mysterious werewolf-like nature, makes her a memorable companion of sorts to the Doctor. Mags proved popular enough to return later in Big Finish audios, a testament to her character’s appeal.

T. P. McKenna and Ricco Ross give strong performances as part of the Psychic Circus staff, particularly as they begin to argue and unravel under pressure.

On the other hand, Gian Sammarco as the annoying “fanboy kid” is one of the story’s weaker elements. His character feels irrelevant to the plot and detracts from the tension.

The production design is simple yet highly effective, making excellent use of the show’s budget. The quarry setting for the planet Segonax works surprisingly well, providing a barren, Mad Max-like desert landscape. The Psychic Circus tent, while colourful, exudes an ominous vibe, especially with the sinister audience and creepy clowns.

The costume design is a highlight, particularly for the clowns, whose exaggerated and unsettling designs add to the story’s nightmarish feel. The visual effects, especially during the final confrontation with the Gods of Ragnarok, are impressive for the time and help deliver a sense of scale.

Final Thoughts:

The Greatest Show in the Galaxy succeeds in returning the creepy factor to Doctor Who, combining a surreal, unsettling atmosphere with a rewarding finale. Despite its slower middle episodes, the story’s unique concept, haunting tone, and iconic villain make it a standout entry in the Seventh Doctor’s era.

The final confrontation with the Gods of Ragnarok, coupled with the Doctor’s magician-like flair, delivers one of the most epic and memorable climaxes in the classic series. The story is not as polished as Remembrance of the Daleks but remains a fascinating and entertaining serial that fans will enjoy revisiting.

While not the strongest story of Season 25, The Greatest Show in the Galaxy proves that Doctor Who had rediscovered its creative energy—unfortunately, just as the classic series was drawing to a close.

Random Observations:

• It took 25 years for Doctor Who to depict a story with creepy killer clowns. Creepy killer dolls show up in one of the creepier episodes in the new series, Night Terrors (2011).
• The Seventh Doctor makes for a pretty fascinating magician. I'd watch him perform live anytime.