Doctor Who: The Third Doctor Adventures, Volume 3

This release follows the usual format of two hour-long episodes, one featuring UNIT, and one set in space. Both give a good imitation of the relevant TV era, with Treloar getting better at imitating Pertwee (though not perfect, obviously) and the incidental music being done in the style of the original without being intrusive.

The Conquest of Far – Set immediately after The Planet of the Daleks, this sees the Doctor and Jo arrive on a remote human colony world shortly after it has been conquered by, once again, the Daleks. In fact, the Daleks' plan here turns out to be remarkably similar to that of the TV episode it is said to follow, although the secret weapon they are devising is a different one. Indeed, the whole story very much comes across as something that could be part of the relevant season, albeit with more space battles than a ‘70s TV budget would likely allow. About the only other difference is that Jo doesn't scream at anything, although she does at least get captured and held hostage (a trope cleverly subverted in one of the earlier 3rd Doctor releases, but not here).

Another feature this story has in common with much of the Pertwee years on TV is its relatively militaristic tone. Here, an Earth Alliance armada (the date is, unsurprisingly, never specified, but we're presumably post the fall of the original Earth Empire) and a squad of alien marines take the place of UNIT, but their role is much the same. It's a very typical Dalek story and, beyond the fact that the Daleks here can fly, modern series style, one that fits right in with the era it's emulating. If you want a typical Pertwee Dalek story that doesn't stretch any boundaries but is well made and has that ‘70s ambience, this is a good place to look. 3 stars.

Storm of the Horofax - As in the previous release, the UNIT story deals with the absence of the other regulars by placing Jo and the Doctor well away from headquarters. It also introduces a new character, in the form of a UNIT major (well, it always seemed odd that the organisation didn't seem to have anyone between the ranks of brigadier and captain).

The story starts on a naval ship in the North Sea, which has just picked up a damaged alien spacecraft. The pilot seems harmless enough, but the Doctor is suspicious that there's more going on than meets the eye, and soon the Earth is, indeed, under threat. There's a twist on the usual theme in that the hostile aliens don't actually want to invade, and have a different objective in mind - and one that fits right in with the '70s setting. The nature of their abilities is also interesting, tied in with a background that's unusual, at least for the classic series.

Combine this with a story that gives Jo quite a bit to do and has a poignant ending and we've got something that's rather better than the regular Dalek story that precedes it in the collection. 4 stars.