The first part of Planet of Fire could not look more distinct than typical Doctor Who. It is great to see them go further afield when shooting this one and provide some visual treats due to the Lanzerotti setting. Whilst I’m not sure we needed to be introduced to a new companion through scenes where she almost drowns in a bikini, there is no doubt the sea, sand and villas used across episode one majorly level up the production. It's a small shame that they were not able to capture anything for episodes 2-4 whilst they were out there, I especially liked the villa setting which lifted the scenes with the superstitious locals - everywhere else they inhabit looks more like a cave!

Peri is a daring new companion - quite different from anyone who has gone before. She is charming but has a bit more bite to her than most. Less interesting is her uncle Howard who I’m delighted will not be joining The Doctor full time (he is quickly relegated to in the story to some aspect of Kamelion). Turlough is straight back to being the mistrusted companion again, sneaking behind The Doctor’s back - has there ever been a time with more unique companions?

If there is a unique recurring character that I was not looking forward to it would have to be Kamelion who is just as embarrassing a lump of metal here as he was in The King’s Demons. Thankfully he spends most of the running time transformed into Howard and The Master, who want to take over and steal the TARDIS. Kamelion seemingly turning evil was a wonderful surprise and a great use of this character.

The “planet of fire” plot is not quite as interesting as the character development that sits around it with our regulars. Early on, the way the ancient priests and unbelieving citizens interact and hold a power struggle isn’t a million miles away from the cave man exchanges from An Unearthly Child, though I’ll accept the dialogue and performances are a million times more polished and they do improve considerably over parts 3 and 4.

It's great seeing how Turlough’s planet and father link up with what is happening on Sarn. The genius move Grimwade makes with his character is expertly explaining how he, an alien, ended up at English public school with naturalistic and exciting dialogue. You feel for Turlough and his family of punished prisoners, and get a strong understanding of why he is the way he is. Peri, who has also unwittingly been transported to Sarn is an absolute treasure - a fizzing and engaging new part of the show. Whilst this iteration of the Master is never going to be my flavour, I am at least used to him by now and enjoy his performance being decked out with a cool tissue compression eliminator and amazing black clad TARDIS (reflecting The Doctor’s TARDIS neatly).

Davison is on blistering form here. He is so much more confident and exciting in season 21. It’s a shame it all has to end so soon!