Crashlanding to Earth, the Doctor encounters two key explorers…

Robert Valentine gives us a celebrity historical for the middle story of the Pioneers box set, although, as with Hidden Depths’ Lay Down Your Arms, they’re celebrities that most people might struggle to recognise – which is a shame, given what we learn in this about what they achieved. It’s an interesting story to contrast with the currently running Sixth Doctor adventures, for which Valentine is script editor, particularly in the last track of this, comparing the role the Doctor plays in the men’s lives with a certain “fairy godmother”, although it has to be said that the Doctor’s motives are purer.

There’s some fantastic sound design courtesy of Iain Meadows, helping to clarify the nature of the aliens, and Valentine pulls the rug out from under characters and listener on more than one occasion – making assumptions about motivation and plans is not a good idea at the best of times but here especially. The Doctor’s a little looser than normal about giving away future history but it works in the context of the story, and allows for an ending that’s unambiguously upbeat – not something that we necessarily associate with this incarnation.

Verdict: The Ninth Doctor’s enthusiasm is infectious in this, which makes for a strong tale. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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