Doctor Who: Time Reaver

The second in this initial set of three audio adventures for the Tenth Doctor is as good as the first. This time the setting is a futuristic one, an interstellar transit hub with a reputation for lawlessness. The story concerns smugglers importing a particularly nasty weapon (more accurately, a torture device that can be attached to a weapon) with an octopus-like alien as the main villain. It would be expensive to do well on TV, taking advantage of the fact it only has to be realised on audio.

Colgan also seems to have a better handle on Donna than Fitton did, making her less of an interchangeable companion here than in the previous story. In particular, some of the banter we often saw between the two leads on TV is reproduced here, allowing more of Donna's distinctive personality to come across, as well as showing off her softer side. Tennant, of course, is superb, and there's a good turn from the supporting actors as well (three of whom also appeared in other roles in the TV series).

The story is something of a change of pace from the usual monster fare, with a good mix of action and character-oriented moments, as well as some of the humour of the RTD era. As with the prior episode, the plot isn't particularly deep, not least because of the 60-minute run time, but it's a good evocation of the fourth season of the new series without feeling as if it's just retreading old ground.