Back in 1984, I purchased the TARGET novelization of the the serial DOCTOR WHO AND THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN. Target Books had released a multitude of novelizations of DOCTOR WHO episodes and some of these books were really tremendous. Then, you would actually see the episode that was novelized and it often did not live up to the fine prose of the book. (Conversely, there were several books that truly paled in comparison to the actual episode) Regarding DWATASM, the novel was a tremendous read as the tale of the Doctor running afoul of the Yeti (robots) and their evil master The Great Intelligence was a really fun ride. I think I rad that novelization a dozen times.

Sadly, I never could actually see the episodes as the serial was "junked" by the BBC circa the 1970's. Well, 5/6's of it was as episode two did remain in the archives having survived the junking process. I never did see this episode until yesterday when I reviewed the LOST IN TIME DVD release that provided remaining episodes of partial series releases. All I can say is this....

This episode is tremendous and the writing is brilliant. It is a terrible shame that so many episodes of the Troughton era are lost because the program was absolutely brilliant during his time period. What a shame so many episodes are lost. (One a side side: in 1993, the lost serial TOMB OF THE CYBERMEN was found in Hong Kong and it was restored a few years ago for DVD release....and it is one of the worst DOCTOR WHO episodes I have ever seen)

The tale of Doctor Who meeting the Yeti is very gripping and well crafted. There is a sense of mystery and foreboding that permeates the proceedings that truly leave you wanting to see more. Sadly, more is not to be found as episode two is the only surviving footage of the six part serial. However, the BBC did issue an audio recording of the serial on CD and it can be purchased for under $20.

When it comes to the look of the Yeti, well, let us just say that they don't look as good as Andre the Giant or Td Cassidy did when they donned the gruesome Sasquatch outfir for the Six Million Dollar Man. (And, BTW, the SMDM did NOT jump the shark when Bigfoot debuted.) Then again, it is understandable why the costume looked so hokey. A large bulk of the audience for DOCTOR WHO was children and the program was not looking to frighten them with the creatures as much as the were looking to present a adventure program.But, the costumes still remain somewhat detracting from what is an othrwise tremendous episode.