The Twin Dilemma (novelisation)

Novelisation

 * This novelisation is based on the original television serial (DW):  The Twin Dilemma  which was written by Anthony Steven and shown from 22nd March 1984.
 * The cover and information shown on the right is for the original Target novel. It features the artwork of Andrew Skilleter. (See below for information on other UK and international editions published with a different cover).

1986 edition
The Doctor has regenerated, having sacrificed his fifth persona to save Peri’s life. But things are not going well … On this occasion the process of regeneration is by no means smooth, for the even-tempered, good-humoured fifth Doctor has given way to a rather disturbed and unsettled successor. In a particularly irascible moment the new Doctor comes dangerously close to committing a shocking crime. Overwhelmed with guilt for his violent behaviour, the repentant Time Lord decides to become a hermit …

Illustrations

 * None

Deviations from televised story

 * Saward adds a detailed description of how regeneration works, with detail not necessarily supported by other novels or televised stories.
 * Azmael is said to have gunned down the High Council before leaving Gallifrey. There is no mention of this in the televised story.
 * Azmael also expresses regrets about leaving Gallifrey and becoming a renegade. In the televised story, his only regret is not being able to stay on Jaconda.
 * The Doctor reminisces about his times with Jo Grant, Tegan, Leela, Zoe, Jamie, Turlough, Nyssa, Romana, Liz Shaw and more prominantly Adric. The novelisation goes further and says that the memory of Adric was the most painful of all, with the boy going to his death without the Doctor being able to fully praise or even ultimately like him.
 * The acid in the vials are referred to as Mosten acid, which doesn't burn or corrode, but ages whatever is immersed in it by a unique process of dehydration.

Writing and publishing notes

 * When the Sixth Doctor, (Colin Baker)'s agent, questioned the payment arrangement for using the actor’s likeness on the cover, it was (wrongly) assumed by the publishers that the usual fee was being questioned. Rather than get into another complicated discussion regarding payments for using likenesses, the decision was taken NOT to feature the Sixth Doctor on the cover novelisation of his debut story, instead commisioning another piece of artwork.
 * Dedication: For Katia, with fondest love
 * Included inside the back cover are details of Fantastic Doctor Who Posters Offer.

British publication history
To be added

First Publication:
 * Hardback
 * W.H. Allen & Co. Ltd. UK


 * Paperback
 * Target

Re-issues:

Editions published outside Britain
To be added