You Good Dog!
No one was more excited than me to learn that not only was Sarah Jane Smith making a return visit to the new updated Doctor Who series, but so was the beloved K-9. Thankfully, neither Sarah nor K-9 were “updated” for the 21st century as each was marvelously preserved (save for a few spots of painted-on rust – on K-9 that is). Even better news was the announcement that Character Options were releasing several new K-9 toys. The most eagerly anticipated was the large ¼ (or so) scale K-9 radio control action figure.
K-9 arrived in a HUGE box sporting the standard orange/gold/black color scheme that most of CO's Doctor Who figures have. It's getting a little stale, but does have immediate brand recognition. Much to the aggrivation of many are four tiny screws that hold K-9 in place on the bottom of the box. All but one of the screws in my K-9 popped out easily. I spent a good 10 minutes on the last screw. Needless to say, K-9 will NEVER be reattached to the box. I don't know what's worse 50 twist ties or 4 mini screws.
SCULPT – It should be a no-brainer to sculpt K-9 as he is mostly squares and right angles. However, the head seems to be the hardest for most toy manufacturers to get right. Both Mego and Palitoy in the 1970’s managed to screw up the head design on their toys making the K-9s a bit off. Character Options had no such problem and has created a gorgeous K-9 toy in perfect proportion. There is even a removable side panel just as on the real prop. Inside is a switch, some glowing orb-like lights, and simulated futuristic detailing. The only real detractor is minor or major depending upon your point of view. K-9’s left side (both body and head) are covered with screw holes that have been plugged up with plastic pieces. I hate this look on any action figure. Character Options had the same issue with the Doctor/Slitheen walkie-talkies; although, this time, they had the foresight to at least plug up K-9’s holes. To a certain degree the plugs on K-9 are distracting and rather ugly. I find it hard to believe this was the only way to design this toy. In an ironic twist of fate, CO did include fake screws sculpted into the top nose panel to simulate the real ones on the actual prop. And a nice touch they are too!
PAINT – K-9 is molded in a light grey plastic with a few spots of painted details on the eyes, dog tag, and side panel letters. The dog tag has no markings on it, just like the real prop. The paint is mostly clean with only a tiny spot or two of black paint dripping into one eye panel. However, it’s not noticeable. The traditional tartan collar is actually two stickers. The color is a bit washed out on the stickers, but it looks passable.
ARTICULATION/ACTION FEATURES – Little K-9 (or Junior as he prefers to be called) does almost as much as his real-life big brother. Via the remote control he moves forward, backward, and turns. The eye section and top control panel's buttons lights up when he is switched on (and there are also the aforementioned inside panel lights). Best of all his nose laser extends and retracts via a remote control button – just like on TV! His ears wiggle happily whenever he rolls along the floor. The only things he can’t do that the real prop can is extend his eye probe and wiggle his tail. As with most remote control toys, he runs best on bare floors and not on carpets, but he’s a fast mover. The speaker is on the bottom of the toy, so when on carpet it’s hard to hear him speak. On a table or non-carpeted floor, though, he speaks quite clearly.
 
By pushing buttons on the remote you can get K-9 to speak 7 different phrases from “School Reunion.”
“The Master rebuilt me…”
Confirmation of analysis…”
“Affirmative Master”
“Master?”
“Maximum defense mode!” (my favorite line – he says it with gusto)
“Power supply failing”
“Capacity for only one shot, Master…”
There is an 8th phrase too when you turn him on, but I’ll leave that as a surprise.
There is also a laser blast sound effect. That’s 9 – count’em 9 – sound effects. Interestingly enough, K-9 will not move when the nose blaster is extended. This is the way he was designed as the instruction booklet clearly states this. Must be some internal design thing. Designers, go figure!
ACCESSORIES – There are none unless you count the removable side panel and remote control device. He does come with four AA batteries, but a 9 volt one (sold separately) is also needed for the remote control. Go ahead and buy new AA batteries as mine died early on.
RATING - 9.5 out of 10. Those ugly screw holes on his left side really, really irritate me, so I have to drop a half point off. Other than that, he’s pretty perfect. Woof! Now...where's our 1/4 scale Sarah Jane Smith!!??
A word to the wise...many purchasers of the large K-9 have reported mechanical faults in their dogs after they get him; everything from lights not flashing to dead remote control units. My K-9 stopped working suddenly and it was only dead batteries. Others have stated that K-9 wears down batteries quickly as a general rule. CO does, sadly, have issues with many of their electronic toys. You may want to ask a dealer about their return policy before buying. There's nothing worse than ordering a toy online only to get it in non-working condition - especially when you can't just take it back for an exchange.
Where to Buy - There is finally a company distributing the new Character Options Doctor Who toys in North America and all sorts of online retailers are getting loads of new toys in.
Who North America is where I got mine and they always have exceptional service. If they are currently sold out, check back often as they always get new stock in.
Amok Time has K-9 in now for $59.99
Alien Entertainment also has him in stock for $59.99
K-9 and Comapny (left to right - Character Options, Mego, Palitoy)
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