Missy goes back to school…

Roy Gill’s script brings together two separate spin-offs from the Steven Moffat era of Doctor Who, with Dan Starkey’s Strax making a guest starring appearance alongside Michelle Gomez’s Missy. The confrontation between the pair is laugh aloud funny, with Gill not forgetting that Strax may overlook things, but fundamentally he’s a good ally to have on your side. (Just don’t give him a list of things to do and put the important one at number 2!)

The story also sees the return of Oliver and Lucy Davis (Oliver Clement and Bonnie Kingston) from the first set, who have learned the hard way about Missy’s capriciousness and it’s good to see this series creating its own internal mythology. There’s an element of Dotheboys Hall about Missy’s latest campaign headquarters – into which “Mr Strachie” fits very well, particularly when he’s doubling as a PE teacher. That’s not the only doubling Dan Starkey has to do – he has fun with a number of different characters, and ends up arguing with himself more than once.

Joe Kraemer has fun with the score, incorporating his theme for the Paternoster Gang where appropriate, and Ken Bentley keeps the tone veering between comic and dramatic as appropriate, particularly when characters face important decisions.

Verdict: Another highly enjoyable outing for Missy. 9/10

Paul Simpson

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