Attacks from across time unite two UNIT leaders…

Lizzie Hopley’s clever script for this continuation of the Vulpreen saga finds a good way for Angela Bruce’s Brigadier Bambera to work with Jemma Redgrave’s Kate Stewart without it feeling like a forced “team-up”. The fact it’s done mid-saga – not to mention, mid-boxset – makes it feel like just another day at the office (although perhaps Kate’s reaction to the possibility of speaking to her father is a tad understated). It’s always fun to hear Bruce, particularly outside her own UNIT series (which of course hadn’t launched when this was released), and I like the way that her character’s more forceful speaking voice isn’t toned down, no matter the company.

There’s a lot going on in multiple different timeframes, with the Eleven continuing his plan, the Vulpreen preparing to make their move, and Jacqui McGee’s loyalties being swiftly called into question. I had half expected that particular plot thread to be kept bubbling under for a bit longer and Tracey Wiles gives a bravura performance as things come to a head. Yasmin Mwanza continues to provide strong support in another role at Big Finish, and Hopley ensures that all regulars from the 21st century Taskforce get a moment.

Howard Carter’s score and sound design add to the mishmash feel of the time periods crossing (particularly as weapons fire from one time zone arrives in another!) and Ken Bentley keeps a brisk pace throughout, leading to the cliffhanger that kickstarts a new phase of this saga.

Verdict: An exciting continuation of UNIT’s adventures. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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