If there’s something strange in the Chiswick neighbourhood, who are you going to call?

James Goss’ opener for this new box set of Series 4 adventures is the much publicised reunion for the Noble family with Jacqueline King and Bernard Cribbins appearing alongside David Tennant and Catherine Tate. Goss recaptures the family dynamic, aided by strong performances from the guest stars, with Sylvia’s innate distrust of the Doctor still very much informing her actions, and Wilf showing his faith in the Time Lord. The idea of putting them in a reality TV show feels very much of its era, and director Ken Bentley and sound designer/composer Howard Carter use the format to allow for some unusual audio breaks.

In years to come, though, the novelty of the quartet’s reunion will fade, but the story’s own strengths won’t. This feels very much a homage to Nigel Kneale’s approach to the genre, with elements drawn from both his Quatermass tales and his one-off plays, including The Stone Tape. Doctor Who has a long history of borrowing from Kneale’s concepts – not always successfully when done outside the TV show itself – but this is one of the best, with Joel Fry delivering a powerful performance as Justin.

Verdict: With some moments that raised goosebumps on a warm early summer’s day, this is one of Big Finish’s best stories of 2019. 10/10

Paul Simpson