In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 15: The Ministry of Death

Synopsis: Summoned back to Earth by the Space-Time telegraph, the Doctor and Sarah Jane find themselves assisting their old friends at UNIT not once but twice. But exactly how willing will a Time Lord be to be stuck in a single place once more?

Review: Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 15: The Ministry of Death was a delightful return to Season 13. Listeners got everything they expected and more.

The Story

Writers Robert Valentine and Phil Mulryne lovingly embraced the tone and the relationships at the heart the Hinchcliffe era. Along the way, they found new variations on fan favorites.

“The Ministry of Death” by Robert Valentine was a superb blend of science fiction and horror. Indeed, Valentine mined The Abominable Dr. Phibes and Theater of Blood for inspiration.

With that, though, he put the Doctor, the Brigadier, Sarah, and Harry at the center of the storytelling. The depth of decades came through every syllable and action.

“The Inhuman Empire” by Phil Mulryne put a dark spin on Night at the Museum. He highlighted the duty of care to human history.

In this installment, the Doctor and his friends encountered an old foe and unexpected heroism. By the end, friendships, explosions, and fraught radio exchanges filled the soundscape.

Acting

As ever, Tom Baker brought the Fourth Doctor to life with chaotic joy. For his part, Jon Culshaw continued to portray the Brigadier with conviction.

Additionally, Sadie Miller maintained her mother’s legacy, while also adding her own layers to Sarah. Of course, I must also mention Christopher Naylor‘s superb take on Harry.

The leads were supported by an outstanding guest cast. That said, I have to acknowledge a standout performance.

Carolyn Seymour owned every scene as mad scientist Diana Stravius. Vincent Price would’ve been proud.

Overall

Thank you, Big Finish. Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 15: The Ministry of Death left me wanting more.

You can purchase Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 15: The Ministry of Death here. 

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