dwst0610_rulebook_1417The Doctor and Peri die saving a civilisation – so who is it who’s returned, looking for their TARDIS?

Occasional SFB contributor Tony Jones makes his Big Finish debut with this solid Short Trip that takes an intriguing idea and runs with it well. The Fifth Doctor and Peri haven’t realised that their method of dealing with the opposition leaves them dead in the eyes of the all important rulebook, which has all sorts of ramifications when they actually do return. The assorted logical arguments that you might expect are dealt with in a courtroom, but, as is key to many good Doctor Who stories, it’s the effect that the time travellers have on those around them that is key to the resolution.

Jones obviously loves this period of Doctor Who, getting the relationship between Peri and the Doctor right, helped by a strong performance from Nicola Bryant. As ever, she doesn’t try to slavishly imitate the Doctor she’s portraying, but instead gives a rendition that captures the essence of his delivery.

Lisa Bowerman’s direction and Steve Foxon’s sound design are noticeable for the sound effects preceding or accompanying the description in the dialogue, something that I’ve always thought made more sense, helping to give this a far more dramatic feel.

Verdict: A neat idea dealt with well. 8/10

Paul Simpson