The Doctor assists an old friend who is running for office…

Robert Valentine’s concluding tale for this set starring Christopher Eccleston sees Jane Goddard reprise her role as Alpha Centauri – although at a much earlier point in the hexapod’s life than we’ve met them before. This is an “AC” who is just embarking on their career which will eventually see them meet the Doctor on Peladon, and so there’s a little bit of handwavium required to ensure that at no point does Alpha Centauri hear our favourite Time Lord called by name – although others use it as the story progresses – nor does he ever use it in situations where you might expect. You have to wonder quite why he doesn’t just dig out the John Smith alias…

It’s a tale of dirty tricks, attempted assassinations and political skulduggery and Jane Asher makes a suitably skilful and manipulative opponent for Alpha as Bellatrix Vega with David Langham and Philip Pope multitasking as assorted allies and enemies. Nick Briggs’ Zzargol feels like the sort of Martian that we met in the New Adventures – more complex than first appears. Iain Meadows’ sound design once again gives a strong sense of place, while Helen Goldwyn’s direction leans into The Conversation elements of the script.

Verdict: Another change of pace and mood that works well to tide us over for new 9th Doctor adventures till next Spring. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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