Blogtor Who: AUDIO REVIEW: THE EXXILONS

Planet E9874 supports a developing civilisation known as the Tarl. The peaceful, technologically advanced Locoyuns are helping the Tarl develop rudimentary technology. When the Doctor, Leela and K9 arrive, they find the balance in the relationship between the two cultures reaching an unexpected crisis point.

This story makes a great prequel to writer Nick Briggs favourite classic story Death To The Daleks. Briggs expertly plays with the listeners and fans expectations whilst simultaneously creating a well paced and exciting adventure. The story cleverly adds to the mythology of the city of the Exxilons and it is clear that the writer has extensively “researched” his prequel.

The cast here couldn’t be stronger, Baker’s Doctor is written and performed beautifully. Briggs has really tapped in to a quality that fits right in to a classic Who style. It’s wonderful having Tom Baker, Louise Jameson and John Leeson together as the Doctor, Leela and K9 respectively, this is the first time this trio has ever been reunited for audio. The supporting guest cast are also great, particularly Hugh Ross (who listeners will recognise as the voice of Sir Toby Kinsella in spin off audio series Counter Measures) as Gethal and Jon Pertwee voice impressionist and Big Finish regular Tim Treloar as Ergu.

If you’re a fan of Death to the Daleks this story comes highly recommended - it adds a wonderfully satisfactory extra layer to the little known about the City of the Exxilons. Perhaps a follow-up could uncover even more about this fascinating race.