The International Space Police Force return, and so does the terrorist organization Mother Earth. Commander Nathan Spring and his officers find themselves beset on all sides by the monetization of the Moon, space tourism, literal moonshine, police corruption and a review that could cost the organization their future.

This second set of stories not only gleefully subverts the show’s original premise but does some absolutely top notch worldbuilding and exploration of the consequences of near future, near space settlement.

That’s especially true of ‘Dead and Buried’ the Guy Adams script that opens the box. It’s a fascinating, and plausible, use of the Moon and also the perfect breeding ground for crime and Adams has immense fun exploring the consequences of his villain’s actions. He has even more fun giving Trevor Cooper’s Colin Devis a lot to do. The dogged, hangdog Star Cop would be the patron saint of Laconic Asides if he could be bothered and Cooper clearly loves playing him. He’s certainly fun to listen to and this is a tight, plot heavy and character facing opener that sets up everything that follows very well.

John Dorney’s ‘The Killing Jar’ up next is another great exploration of this idea. Entrepreneur Martin Thane runs the Charlie Chaplin, a tourist station. But Thane has been cutting corners and the Star Cops are called in to investigate. What follows is some welcome background for Linda Newton’s Pal Kenzy and a gloriously oily turn from Will Chitty as Thane. Again, the collision between human greed and the realities of space provides both the seed of the story and the impetus, and this one finishes on an epic scale which Dorney keeps human, and, as a result, unbearably tense.

‘Moonshine’ by Roland Moore takes the idea of alcohol abuse in two very different directions. The first sees Kenzy and Devis turned into the world’s best Earthbound unlikely duo as they investigate the apparent suicide of an old friend of Kenzy’s. The second sees Rakhee Thakrar’s Priya Basu investigate what seems to be a cut and dried case of alcohol abuse. The result is anything but, as Kenzy and Devis run into corruption. Priya discovers a medical mystery that would make House happy and the Star Cops come under a serious professional microscope. This is a gear shift for the series and the serialized elements introduced here work really well, especially in conjunction with the standalone plot.

Finally, Andrew Smith’s ‘Hostage’ has the entire team on edge. Mother Earth attacks have begun again and a terrified construction worker has taken a hostage. But as Priya and Pal deal with the situation, it becomes clear that there’s much more going on than any of them know. William Gaminara’s Godfrey Miller steals much of the show here, by turns feverish and calculated in a manner that’s a perfect foil for Nathan. But it’s Priya and Pal who stay with you on this one, the two polar opposite cops proving a surprisingly fun and effective duo. I hope they get more of a chance to work together on Mars.

Verdict: This is a tight, urgent set of stories whose tone and pace fit the ISPF’s increasing sense of staying just ahead of events. The acting is top notch, the direction is great and the scripts are fantastic. If you’re a fan, this is going to be for you. If you aren’t, this and the first set may well make you one. 9/10

Alasdair Stuart

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