The Trial of the Valeyard

    Big Finish - Special Release

 

All of the THE’s in this story equal one big ouchie in the form of a Valeyard plan. I would love to see the 7th Doctor pitted against the Valeyard as they’re both devious planners. And is the Doctor indicating to the Inquisitor at the end that he knows that she was the one helping him or is he just hinting at things or is this even really what’s going on? For a short tale, this thing has a few more twists and turns than expected. It’s pretty slick though it’s a bit predictable towards the end. And I love that Michael Jayston is back as the Valeyard, too. Quite the menacing voice he has! This is a fun one and if you can get your hands on it, it’s definitely worth a listen. Though I do wonder why he doesn’t feature in stories more often as he seems an enemy on par with the Master — as clever as the Doctor (as he IS the Doctor) but without the humane aspects. Nice!


Colin Baker (The Doctor), Michael Jayston (The Valeyard), Lynda Bellingham (The Inquisitor)

Writers: Alan Barnes and Mike Maddox

Director: Barnaby Edwards

Release: December 2013

© Laura Vilensky 2019