In the Galactic Census, idyllic Strellin is recorded as a grade three planet – its inhabitants possessing neither advanced technology nor knowledge of other worlds. Accordingly, Strellin is protected: landings by off-worlders are strictly prohibited. Unless, of course, those off-worlders are officials of the Galactic Census itself, come to investigate the origin of a mysterious subspace signal – a signal no native of Strellin should be able to send…
Breaking all local by-laws, the Doctor and his companion Mrs Constance Clarke have also just arrived. But they and the Census officials aren’t the only off-worlders to have come here. Inside a nearby monastery, the monks of the reclusive Brotherhood of the Black Petal are guarding a strange and terrible secret. Something that might bring disaster not just to Strellin, but to every civilised world in the galaxy.
Mike Tucker Returns
Hats off to long-time-absentee Big Finish writer, Mike Tucker (perhaps better known for his expertise and experience in visual effects) for crafting a well structured, paced and characterised, original Dalek story. With the huge cannon Doctor Who has today, this is no small feat. The imagery (which is brought to life on the album cover) of a Dalek made from wrought iron and stained glass is a sight to behold and the pepper-pot’s villainous scheme is original and engaging.
Dream Cast
The assembled cast is a dream. Colin Baker and Miranda Raison are on top form as the current TARDIS team, joined here by Olivia Hallinan (Lark Rise To Candleford, and Torchwood) as Probationary Census Official, Astra. The off-world group is completed by the fantastically cast John Savident as Astra’s superior, Pendle. The chemistry and witty repartee between Baker and Savident is palpable. The cast is wonderfully rounded off by Robbie Stevens, Sam Fletcher and Joseph Kloska as Strelin’s brotherhood of monks. Not forgetting Nicholas Briggs with a particularly spooky interpretation of the Daleks.
Consistent Doctor
Listening to this story and reflecting on his now massive tenure, it reminds one just how fantastic is Colin Baker’s Doctor on audio. After a bumpy time in the role on television, with often poor writing and visual design outside his control, it is so wonderful that Baker has risen so well to his second chance and become, for this reviewer at least, the most consistent Doctor in the Big Finish roster.
Order of the Daleks ticks all the boxes. It’s well worth a listen.
BLOGTOR RATING 9/10
Written By: Mike Tucker
Directed By: Jamie Anderson
Official Synopsis
In the Galactic Census, idyllic Strellin is recorded as a Grade Three planet – its inhabitants possessing neither advanced technology, nor knowledge of other worlds. Accordingly, Strellin is protected: landings by off-worlders are strictly prohibited. Unless, of course, those off-worlders are officials of the Galactic Census itself, come to investigate the origin of a mysterious sub-space signal – a signal no native of Strellin should be able to send…
Breaking all local by-laws, the time-travelling Doctor and his companion L/Wren Mrs Constance Clarke (AWOL) have only just landed on Strellin, too. But they and the Census officials aren’t the only off-worlders to have come here. Inside a nearby monastery, the monks of the reclusive Brotherhood of the Black Petal are guarding a strange and terrible secret. Something that might bring disaster not just to Strellin, but to every civilised world in the galaxy!
Cast
Colin Baker (The Doctor), Miranda Raison (Constance Clarke), John Savident (Pendle), Olivia Hallinan (Asta), Robbie Stevens (Boswyck/Raspak), Sam Fletcher (Rosco/Gabber), Joseph Kloska (Habrild), and Nicholas Briggs (Tanapal and The Daleks). Other parts portrayed by members of the cast.
Producer: David Richardson
Script Editor: Alan Barnes
Executive Producers: Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs
Order of the Daleks is now available on audio CD and Download direct from the Big Finish website.
