The Doctor, Leela and Margaret find themselves on a lost world…

Phil Mulryne’s new four-parter picks up pretty much where Guy Adams’ reintroduction for Margaret Hopwood left off, with various elements required of a TARDIS new traveller ticked off as we go. Margaret started off with some faith already in the Doctor, following events on Earth, and that’s tested and strengthened by her experiences here.

There’s quite a strong 1970s feel to this which comes primarily from the way that it emulates some of the big screen adventures of the time – mainly things like At the Earth’s Core, with civilisations set in contrast with each other, against a background of high adventure. Mulryne throws various elements into the mix as the Doctor and those he and his friends meet try to sort out the secrets that Antillia has been hiding for half a century – and then get away with their lives.

This may be one of the few occasions in recent time where keeping to the 25-ish minutes an episode formula may not have worked to the story’s advantage – I suspect a 2 x 45-minute version might have allowed the pacing to be adjusted a little to its benefit. There’s good performances from all the cast, and Toby Hrycek-Robinson’s sound design and Jamie Robertson’s score once again blend well together.

Verdict: A solid tale for this new TARDIS crew. 7/10

Paul Simpson

Click here to order from Big Finish