dw4d0601_thebeastofkravenos_1417The Doctor, Romana and K9 join Jago and Litefoot when weird readings seem to emanate from the New Regency Theatre…

The novelty of pairing Jago and Litefoot with the Doctor has worn off a bit now, particularly after the appearances of Old Sixy over in the infernal investigators’ own range, but it’s always fun to hear Christopher Benjamin and Trevor Baxter sparring with the Time Lord, and them getting to know a new assistant (particularly as in this case, it’s someone who shares a name with another travelling companion). Add K9 into the mix and it’s one of those stories that you know will bring a smile to your face.

Justin Richards throws in another familiar Victorian story idea (as well as an Edwardian one – there’s something of the Anthony Valentines about one of the characters) and provides quite a large role for Conrad Asquith’s Inspector Quick. Nick Briggs keeps everything moving along at a rapidfire pace (except for one intriguing moment when there’s a rather long pause for someone to answer the door!) and sound designer/composer Jamie Robertson cheekily drops in some bars of the Jago & Litefoot theme to remind us that nowadays this is almost the equivalent of a crossover episode than the return of guest stars from the past!

Verdict: A fun opener for the new season. 8/10

Paul Simpson