dwmr221_thestarmen_1417The Fifth Doctor and his friends arrive at a critical point in human interstellar history…

After the special Fifth Doctor Box Set a few months back, we now have a full trilogy of adventures featuring the early Season 19 crew, with Adric’s creator Andrew Smith returning to pen a science fiction tale that would fit well within the requirements of the series at the time. You may be a little worried in the opener that things are hewing a little too close to the original episodes – Tegan is whinging about getting to Heathrow; Adric is hungry – but this is deliberate, reminding us of how we saw these characters on television before giving each of them (in this story, notably Adric) far more to do than they’d have had in those far-off days.

Smith’s story provides each of the companions, as well as the Doctor, a chance to use their own particular attributes – Adric’s mathematical abilities are vital to the story, for example – against the background of a new and very interesting threat. At times the plot threatens to wander into horror territory but director Barnaby Edwards maintains the atmosphere, with great help from Steve Foxon’s music and soundscape, and allows the character moments (for regulars and guest stars) to shine through.

All of the regulars are on top form – there are several very strong moments between Janet Fielding, Matthew Waterhouse and Sarah Sutton, while Peter Davison recaptures the early energy of the Fifth Doctor. Sue Holderness and Sophie Wu make a credible mother and daughter, and Peter Guinness is suitably malevolent as the leader of the Star Men, never letting Rovus become melodramatic.

Verdict: A strong start to the new trilogy. 9/10

Paul Simpson