The Doctor returns to the French Revolution – but this time brings his companions to the heart of the reign of terror…

We know from the first season of the television show that the French Revolution was a favourite period of the first Doctor, so it’s perhaps a little surprising that we’ve not had multiple adventures set during that period (and no, I don’t count The Ultimate Adventure!). John Pritchard’s dark story fills the gap, taking the travellers to the Vendee, scenes of some of the worst excesses of the revolution – and everything that the Doctor says about the time period is historically accurate.

Maureen O’Brien narrates and plays most parts other than LeGrange, a soldier who appears to have set aside any scruples in the service of the glorious revolution, portrayed with an almost visible sneer by Robert Hands. There are some interesting discussions between LeGrange and the Doctor regarding the morality of the soldiers’ actions, as the soldier’s determination to rid France of its enemies comes up against the Doctor’s love of all life.

The story features Steven as well as Vicki, but you’d be hard pressed to recall precisely what the astronaut contributes to proceedings; he feels a bit like an adjunct to Vicki, who, on the other hand, is characterised well.

Verdict: A tale of the darker side of history brought to life well. 8/10

Paul Simpson