The Movellan Grave Review

THREE MONTHS AFTER THEY RETURNED TO YOUR TELEVISION SCREENS (for all of two minutes, but oh, did we squee!), THE ROBOTIC FOES OF THE DALEKS RETURN AND.... By JOVE, THEY'VE DONE SOMETHING ORIGINAL WITH THEM!

DOCTOR WHO FOURTH DOCTOR ADVENTURES REVIEW

6.07: THE MOVELLAN GRAVE

By Jack Ryan

BEWARE: THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

SYNOPSIS:

Having a nice rest in their Baker Street abode, The Doctor and Romana come across an archeological dig on the television. But while there's no Dr Indiana Jones at this site, something altogether more interesting is found, which has baffled all who examined it. Alas, the Doctor knows precisely what the artefact is, and what it means. Arriving at the dig, they discover that the Movellans have crashed back into their lives. And that's when trouble really starts...

WRITING:

Whilst Andrew Smith might have only written one script for the programme proper back in 1980, his work in the annals of Big Finish is something to be utterly treasured. And this is no different, giving us a new and unique look at a classic Who concept that was only ever looked at with a quick glance on the screen, and throwing in a belter of a story into the mix as well.

CAST:

Tom Baker and Lalla Ward slip straight back into the thick of it, especially given the returning foe, and are as brilliant as always. Alongside, we are given the talents of Camilla Power as the head of the dig, and Polly Walker and Chris Jarman as the Movellans, delivering Smith's new takes of the robots with ease and authenticity. Alongside the returning Banks and Slavin bringing their all as always, returning director Nicholas Briggs gives the cast all the room they need to bring all they can to their performances.

SOUND WORK:

Jamie Robertson. 

Yep, I've ran out of ways to praise Jamie Robertson. I told you it would happen. HE'S TOO GOOD!!!

CONCLUSION:

It always pleases me when Big Finish breath new life into something we already know. And they have certainly done that with the Movellans. With Smith's corker of a story, Brigg's perfect directing, the cast's astounding performances, and Robertson's indescribably brilliant music and sound work, the Fourth Doctor Adventures are just going from strength to strength. Here's hoping the finale is as good!

VERDICT: 10/10 A fresh new take on an often forgotten foe. ;D

Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures: The Movellan Grave is available to purchase on CD and Download from the Big Finish Website here, or from all good stockists.