In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who: Deathworld

Synopsis: In Deathworld, The Doctor was dead to begin with. He was killed alongside his beloved Jo Grant in an explosion in the UNIT labs. However, Time Lords are notoriously hard to kill.

With UNIT under siege, the Brigadier is rescued by two familiar faces. The Doctor he first encountered, fighting the Yeti, and Jamie McCrimmon. Indeed, there’s one more waiting in the wings.

They are all pawns in a deadly game of chess played by a being more powerful than any they’ve ever encountered before. When you battle Death himself, can anyone even win?

Review: Doctor Who: Deathworld was a “Lost Story.” John Dorney adapted the script from an original treatment by Bob Baker and Dave Martin.

Story

Their original “Deathworld” pitch later became the TV episode “The Three Doctors.” Additionally, some of their ideas were slightly changed and added to “The Five Doctors.” 

I’ve enjoyed both of those classic tales. However, I’m sorry the Pertwee era production team didn’t have the resources to produce this idea.

If they had, “Deathworld” would’ve overtaken “The Time Monster” as my favorite Third Doctor adventure. Epic metaphysical and mythological yarns are my absolute favorites.

Moreover, “Deathworld” offered a more poignant character showcase than any of the other anniversary specials. I include the modern specials in that assessment.

I was especially impressed with the First Doctor’s expanded role in the story. He got the subplot that ill health prevented William Hartnell from playing. 

The dynamic between the First Doctor and his unexpected companion was worth the price alone. I wouldn’t mind some Unbound adventures with those two.

Acting

The entire cast was superbly pitch perfect. Stephen Noonan, Michael Troughton, and Tim Treloar inhabited their Doctors with tender panache. For their parts, Jon Culshaw, Frazer Hines, and Katy Manning made the companions’ light indispensably bright.

Overall

Thank you, Big Finish. Doctor Who: Deathworld was an immensely satisfying addition to the Lost Stories range. I can’t wait for the next release.

You can purchase Doctor Who: Deathworld here.