The Doctor, Jamie and Zoe are caught up in the visions of a young medieval girl…

John Pritchard’s story for Patrick Troughton’s final TARDIS team is an interesting blend of narrated tale and full-cast drama, with some portions featuring Frazer Hines as the Doctor and Jamie, and others seeing their comments relayed by Wendy Padbury in character as Zoe. The first time it happens is a slight speedbump – you catch yourself wondering if you imagined Hines’ involvement at the start of the story – but as it progresses, the mix works well. That’s in part because Pritchard’s script is a fascinating melange of medieval and more modern (involving a time period that the Third Doctor might describe as synchronous serendipity given the most recent BBC Audio release!).

There’s a neat ambiguity to the title – as with the previous story’s Dumb Waiter – which sends your thoughts in a certain direction, but there’s intriguing echoes of a much more recent metallic female in there as well. Jo Woodcock gives a measured performance as Marie – as director Lisa Bowerman notes in the extras, it’s a role that requires someone who can take things up to a higher level when needed, but knows when to rein it in.

Verdict: A strong script brought to life well. 9/10

Paul Simpson