Liz is having a lovely time in Fetter Bailey – until her old friend Doris arrives…

James Kettle picks up the baton for this second story, which touches on vaguely similar territory to the recently released Ashenden series from Torchwood Soho, in that it’s dealing with a place where questions really aren’t welcomed and life should be perfect. Kettle takes this in a different direction from Goss’ tale, with lots of clues on the surface as to what’s not quite on kilter about Fetter Bailey, and Liz starting to pick them up with River (aka Doris’) help.

The rapport the pair built up in the first set is put to the test by the situation in Fetter Bailey, and Kettle neatly balances River’s assumptions based on her future knowledge with Liz’s more down to earth approach. Fitting this into season 7, it’s hard not to imagine a certain guest character having to appear on film while the others are on videotape interacting with them. Holly Jackson Walters and Claire Wyatt make a rather different set of allies for our heroes that add to the ITC vibe that’s also present.

Verdict: Has Liz been made a Prisoner? A clever tale. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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