The Master needs to steal an object from the Repository. That shouldn’t be a problem for a Time Lord with his gifts…

Sophie Iles’ very cleverly titled debut for Big Finish also marks the debut of Jon Culshaw’s portrayal of the original Master, as played on screen opposite Jon Pertwee by Roger Delgado. Both script and actor capture the urbane suavity of the Doctor’s nemesis, who can rely as much on his natural charm working its magic on the people he encounters as he can on his hypnotic gifts… and when they don’t work out, he’s always got his weapons, including a particularly unpleasant addition. The visuals for that are neatly described – although on screen they’d probably be more suited to the Eric Saward era – with suitable gory effects from sound designer Richard Fox.

The links to Time Lord Victorious aren’t immediately obvious – as with a number of these early releases, things are being put in place that will come into play later – and the story takes a sharp turn that makes you put away any ideas that Iles has somehow mischaracterised the villain of the piece. It’s an interesting concept and there’s some clever paralleling with elements of the Doctor’s life, but, of course, seen through a very different prism.

Verdict: Culshaw delivers a strong rendition in a well-executed piece. 9/10

Paul Simpson

Click here to order from Big Finish

and here to read our review of the accompanying Short Trip, Lesser Evils