Doctor Who (TV Series) The Horns of Nimon: Part Four (1980) User Reviews

Shock, horror, I liked the last part.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 7/10 · 21 January 2019]

If you read my comments for the previous episodes, you can gather I wasn't a fan, but this forth part did pretty much win me over. The silliness of previous episodes is still present, but at least the story is cohesive, Graham Crowden's Soldeed is a scene stealer, and seems to have gone completely insane. The Nimon have become much more interesting, I like the idea of them being an invading race, using power as a bargaining chip.

Romana plays a very strong role, she is essentially The Doctor, with Tom playing the role of the hapless companion. Lalla was great, Graham Crowden was terrific, in particular when he discovers how he's been used, and the episode benefited hugely from the appearance of John Bailey, Sezom, he was excellent.

It's far from perfect, but compared to previous episodes, it's a rather good watch. 7/10

Sweeping Across the Plain...

[Xstal · 5/10 · 15 July 2022]

Reminiscent of Planet of the Dead, although that one is a sometime ahead, but the parasites approach, is a similar kind of poach, but the stilted ones are nothing to cause dread.

S17: Horns of Nimon: Memorable for its silly elements, but unmemorable otherwise

[bob the moo · 12 November 2017]

A mixed season comes to a close, and it is a shame that it does so in some a clunky manner. The plot is based around the story of the minotaur and labyrinth, except put into space, and the minotaur are wearing costume castoffs from the film Slade in Flame. I mention this because the sight of these weird bull creatures, with their massive heads, and odd flare/platform shoe outfits, is one of the few things that really sticks in the mind – a reflection on the rest of the serial.

Outside of the absurd bull characters, the drama is surprisingly dull, and feels dragged out for the sake of filling time. It is hard to describe but even as I was watching it I was struggling to keep track of what was going on – not so much because I am dumb, but rather because I didn't engage at all with what was going on. The elements of the plot that are dropped in are clear, but there is little done with them apart from some place holding, and the search for the usual cliffhangers. It isn't that the serial is awful though, it is just continually silly and uninteresting – with the daft elements actually doing the weaker elements a favor by at least drawing a reaction. The cast are a mix of hammy and disinterested, although at least Baker and Ward seem like they care a bit.

A disappointing end to the season; with it being so mixed I would have liked something stronger to go out on, but it was weak on the page, and not helped by some laughable production design.