Big Finish provides us with a fun and explosive new release featuring the fifth doctor, Nyssa, Tegan and Adric. It’s a good one so strap in for a bumpy ride!
‘Zaltys’, a brand new title for the main Doctor Who range, begins with the companions dotted around the TARDIS following a previous adventure. But before long Adric (Matthew Waterhouse) finds himself zapped out of the time machine soon followed by Tegan (Janet Fielding) to the mysterious ‘dead’ planet of Zaltys.
This is where the adventure really begins. Writer Matthew J Elliot sets the scene perfectly as the listener soon discovers the villain of the piece. Why this strange planet is lacking in population and that Tegan is probably in more danger than originally thought.
To some this could sound like a typical Who story, Doctor and companion separated, Doctor looks for companion. Doctor saves the universe. But it really isn’t. There’s a mysterious secret from the Doctors past and we learn that what has happened on Zaltys is not unlike the Silurian’s on Earth.
This release also has something not really seen in other releases, Elliot brings out a more mature and clever side to Tegan. Some of the dialogue between Tegan and Adric proves appealing and although not really relevant to this story it acts as a good link between this and other sets in this era.
Throughout this title, all the characters stay true to their individual traits (Adric is as annoying as ever) and once again all the actors including Peter Davison’s fifth Doctor and Sarah Sutton (Nyssa) reprise their roles as if we have been returned to the 1980’s. New cast members Rebecca Root (Boy Meets Girl) and TV regular Niamh Cusack only add for the better.
Production is excellent, from sound effects to the music from Steve Foxon. It sounds very much like something which could be a part of “new who” as far as values go!
Overall a well-written and directed story with plenty of plot twists and action. A tale that succeeds in being both interesting and entertaining and could be one of the best main range releases for a while. A very enjoyable listen with a well thought out plot that doesn’t waste a line.
Blogtor Rating: 9/10
ZALTYS is available to buy on CD and download now direct from Big Finish.
Synopsis
In the Vortex, the TARDIS comes under a form of psychic attack – resulting in the abductions of first Adric, then Tegan. Following their trail, the Doctor and Nyssa arrive under the lurid skies of the planet Zaltys, whose entire population has vanished in strange circumstances. Soon, they discover that Zaltys is now the target of treasure seekers, come to scavenge this so-called Planet of the Dead…
Meanwhile, deep below the planet’s surface, Adric learns the earth-shattering reason why the people of Zaltys disappeared… and why they were wise to do so. And Tegan is, quite literally, in the dark – enduring interrogation by the mysterious Clarimonde. Any friend of the Doctor’s is Clarimonde’s enemy… because theirs is a blood feud!
Written By: Matthew J Elliott
Directed By: Barnaby Edwards
Cast
Peter Davison (The Doctor), Matthew Waterhouse (Adric), Sarah Sutton (Nyssa), Janet Fielding (Tegan), Sean Barrett (Perrault), Niamh Cusack (Clarimonde), Philip Franks (Gevaudan), Rebecca Root (Sable), Alix Wilton Regan (Lusca/Siobhan), Carol Sloman (Talia/Computer). Other parts played by members of the cast.
Producer David Richardson
Script Editor Alan Barnes
Executive Producers Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs
