Maid Ruby is rather bemused by the lifestyle of her employer, the Gledhills – and even more so by their reaction to a visit from one of Mr Gledhill’s junior colleagues, and his doctor…

This is a lovely end of year treat from Una McCormack for the first Doctor and Steven, brought to life by Peter Purves. Quite a lot is told from the perspective of Ruby Watkins, who’s the only servant – and therefore the considerably overworked servant – of the Gledhills. She knows something is wrong with her employers: they have some intriguing tics, and don’t seem to know the right way of doing things. So she’s happy to help the Doctor and Steven investigate, particularly when she realises that her country may be in peril.

McCormack nicely ratchets up the tension as the story progresses, with the revelations of both the aliens and their scheme neatly done. There’s some social commentary along the way, and an understanding not just of the geopolitical status quo, but also that of those living within it (which can occasionally be overlooked by some writers).

Verdict: A clever tale that makes good use of the period in which it’s set. 9/10

Paul Simpson

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