BBC Sounds, May 8 2022

A voice from the past spells danger…

Spoilers

We definitely get more of an idea as to what’s going on courtesy of this latest episode of Doctor Who Redacted, the first to be penned by someone other than head writer, Juno Dawson. Catherine Brinkworth’s script dials up the scare factor – which isn’t too surprising given the nature of the girls’ investigation. (It’s not a spoiler to say which monster is involved, given the title of the episode!)

Starting with an evocation of what it would be like inside Wester Drumlins, this very much turns the show’s focus back on Doctor Who’s past, with – for the first time – a guest character from the series reprised by the original actor. It’s great to hear Finlay Robertson return to the role, particularly given what happens to Larry (and there are a few very large questions raised by some of what he claims to do that I assume will be dealt with down the line – otherwise, yet again, the rules regarding the Angels are being rewritten).

It’s also a wise decision to finally get the three podcasters together, and while Cleo’s understandably concerned about her brother’s disappearance, she’s the only one who remembers the Doctor, courtesy of her encounter with Rani Chandra. What they learn this episode, though, seems just to reinforce the surprising suggestion that Rani made.

Once again, the sound design and score help to create the very unsettling mood of the series, and director Ella Watts ratchets up tension as the episode builds toward its climax.

Verdict: The Zodiac Killer, Mr Tumble and an old recorder – three elements in another strong episode. 8/10

Paul Simpson