This is part of a series of reviews of Doctor Who in chronological timeline order.

Previous Story: The Darkness of Glass

I was concerned that this story, in a so far underwhelming series, would forget why the Rocket Men are so good.

It's not because they are particularly interesting villains on their own, the part about them that's interesting is how other characters react to dealing with them. They are useful to develop the characters, this is why they are entertaining. In both of their companion chronicles, they are used to explore the characters of both Ian and Steven. In the first, it's Ian's love for Barbara. In the second, it's Steven's decision to leave the TARDIS.

While I don't think this story is as strong in the same way as the other two, that's not to say it's a bad story either. The exploration of the characters is a lot looser and more subtle (possibly due to the format). This story explores what happens when the Doctor has a plan, when he isn't bumbling through time and space and getting out of situations through mainly luck. It shows that the Doctor can be just as cunning and clever as the Master can if he really wants to.

It also vaguely explores Leela's growing desire to leave and be a part of something more important, though this is mainly at the end and pretty much only to set up the twist.

Despite not quite living up to the other two Rocket Men stories, this story is still engaging for it's own reasons, and Geoffrey Beevers as the Master is absolutely brilliant, he really sells the almost playful rivalry between him and the Doctor.

Next Story: Death Match