Cally and Dayna find a planet where the System’s control appears not to have fully faded…

Sophia McDougall’s script for this third story in the set puts the spotlight firmly on Cally and Dayna, and the two women’s similarities and differences – and how those can help each survive in a situation where the System is trying to take over their minds. That’s paralleled with the two Altas they encounter on the planet whose arc is very nicely plotted and played by Sophie Bleasdale and Ruth Sillers. Alta or “person” – which is the right course to choose?

Jan Chappell and Yasmin Bannerman give strong performances as Cally and Dayna, in a script that really goes to the heart of each of their character’s attitudes to life and the universe around them. John Ainsworth’s direction, coupled with Nigel Fairs’ sound design and music, gives each thread of this tale time to develop without ever losing sight of the ticking clock and the threat that a revived System might pose to the Liberator and the future of the crew.

Verdict: A powerful tale that shines a light on the female crewmembers of Series C. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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