Narvin sends the Master on a mission – but first he needs to get off Redemption…

David Llewellyn kicks off this latest set of adventures for Derek Jacobi’s War Master with a story that hints at much to come while also telling a satisfying tale in its own right. Narvin sets the Master off on the Doctor’s trail – for reasons we are as yet not privy to – but can’t actually get him where he needs to be, which means the Master (or Mr Seta, as he calls himself in a nice callback to some earlier Big Finish adventures) has to find a pilot willing to take him there (shades of Bones McCoy in Star Trek III). This he achieves, but needs to help said pilot retrieve his ship, which requires more outside help…

On one level, this is a fun caper with the Master drawing howls of anguish from his companions (perhaps not for the reason you expect), and some interesting traps along the way. It’s also a look at what he’s willing to do to achieve his aims, and the way in which this particular incarnation prefers to manipulate than coerce, but is perfectly capable of both.

Scott Handcock and sound designer Joe Meiners keep the story flowing while allowing for some character development and Colin McFarlane’s Morski is the sort of pragmatist who has a chance of surviving the Master’s plans.

Verdict: An unusual but effective start to the set. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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