Del Tarrant is convinced he can capture Avalon and her rebels…

Trevor Baxendale rounds off this box set with a story that uses its extended running time (compared with a standard Blake’s 7 episode) to give us some insight into the thoughts of the ordinary people in this second calendar. Argo Madison is something of a pain in the neck and a wet blanket, but the conversations between him and Weston are the sort of thing that would normally be first to be chopped from a script if it was overrunning, as they provide colour but do not always advance the plot.

There’s plenty going on in this episode, as Avalon decides to make a bold move, and will do what is required to do so. Equate this with the French Resistance during the Second World War and you wouldn’t be surprised by the way Avalon treats, uses and misdirects people and the way that the scene plays out between Avalon and the prime subject of her actions makes clear that some people find it hard to differentiate between the person and what they’re required to do as leader.

Listen out for some fun Easter eggs in this – some of the character names tip their hat to other Nation creations than just Tarrant, and there’s a fast and furious alias along the way. David Roocroft’s sound design and score propel the story along, and John Ainsworth ramps up the pace as required.

Verdict: A strong end to Avalon’s current adventures on Earth. 8/10

Paul Simpson  

Click here to order from Big Finish

And here for our interview with Olivia Poulet and John Ainsworth