dwtwd0401_prettylies_1417“It’s all in the editing…”

Sometimes even those usually furthest removed from the field of battle have to get their hands dirty in times of war, and Guy Adams’ script ensures that Jacqueline Pearce’s Cardinal Ollistra very definitely is at the sharp end of things as she and the Doctor find themselves having to help the inhabitants of a small town defend themselves against a Dalek assault force. This is, according to time travelling journalist Schandel, the site of a great victory by that hero of the Time Lords, the Doctor… a description that the man himself fails to recognise.

Adams captures the Dalek mindset brilliantly – particularly in the scene where a commander requests reinforcements, and then again at the end of the episode – as well as the conflicting impulses in anyone covering war who’s supposed to remain objective. Joseph Kloska gives a terrific performance as the reporter Schandel as does Julia Hills as Sera, thrown into a situation where she has to try to lead with no real idea what to do, while Jacqueline Pearce is strong as an Ollistra for once showing her pragmatic rather than her manipulative side. John Hurt’s Doctor is as torn as ever, his interplay with Schandel one of the highlights of the episode.

Verdict: A powerful piece of drama to kick off the final box set. 9/10

Paul Simpson

dwtwd04_casualtiesofwar_1417sqCasualties of War is available now from Big Finish