Downtime

Downtime, a classic from 1995, is a unique Doctor Who spin-off film that serves as a mid-90s bridge between old school British sci-fi and the modern version of the franchise. It explores new facets of the Doctor Who universe, letting some beloved characters from the series step into the spotlight and weave a new intriguing tale that engages fans and newcomers equally.

Nicholas Courtney stars as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, a longtime character from the Doctor Who series. He is now retired and working as a Mathematics teacher at a Boy's preparatory school, brushing off any odd goings-on in the world. However, his denial of strange events starts to erode when he finds himself surrounded by mysterious incidents, leading him back into the thick of things.

Elisabeth Sladen brilliantly reprises her role as Sarah Jane Smith, an investigative journalist and former companion of the Doctor. Her character returns to the screen with renewed vigor, trying to unravel a conspiracy that hints at the return of an old and powerful enemy thought to be extinct long ago. She bravely explores the intricate web of baffling events, using her tenacity and sharp mind to solve the puzzle.

The film also marks an extraordinary reunion of Deborah Watling and her real-life father, Jack Watling. They return to their roles as Victoria Waterfield and Professor Edward Travers, respectively. Victoria, an orphaned Victorian who spent time traveling with the Doctor, is now the head of the suspicious New World University, a mysterious, fully accredited educational institute with a dark secret. Prof. Travers' story arc, on the other hand, revolves around his ordeals with the enemy from the 1960s who has returned, and his endeavor to halt their sinister plots.

Downtime beautifully captures these characters suspended in their routine lives until they are once again summoned to fight against the looming dark forces. The story is set during the Doctor's absence, compelling these allies to steer the narrative on their own, fighting the enemy with their understanding and resourcefulness. It cleverly bridges the gap between these characters' past journeys with the Doctor and their present lives, thereby deepening the connection of viewers with these iconic figures.

Staging Downtime without the Doctor was indeed a bold move, but it manages to subvert expectations with its intense plot, complete with dramatic revelations and moments of suspense. It gives us an insight into the intricate Doctor Who universe through the eyes of ordinary human beings who once stepped beyond the common perception of reality, offering a less omniscient but more eerie, suspenseful horror story.

Shot exclusively on video, and intended for direct-to-video release, Downtime is an intriguing, unique project, following rather different production norms from the main franchise. Despite low-budget restraints, it successfully delivers an engaging story and narratively rich content with the help of clever storytelling techniques, outstanding performances of the cast, and some creative editing.

Narratively, it teases the over-arching plotline that would be welcomed by those who know their Doctor Who lore. The script gracefully weaves character-driven drama and haunting resurrections from the past; it rests heavily on the excellent performances of the returning cast, with Courtney, Sladen, and Watling proving that their enduring characters can carry a production.

Coupled with the chilling ambiance, Downtime fortifies the atmosphere with an eerie, suspenseful soundtrack evoking both nostalgia and the high stakes at play. Overall, Downtime succeeds in crafting a story that is both an homage to the series' history and an exciting stand-alone narrative.

In conclusion, Downtime is a welcome addition to the extended Doctor Who universe. Its clever departure from traditional norms and focus on heralded side characters make it a must-watch for Doctor Who devotees, nostalgic and new audiences alike. While it isn't a traditional Doctor Who story with the Doctor himself leading it, Downtime expands upon the universe's captivating lore – and leaves you wanting to dive right back in. This film is a testament to why Doctor Who is more than just a show; it's a vast, expansive universe with multiple stories and saga to explore.