Add this to the line of bonkers Doctor Who stories. And a story that has musical numbers. And they say Doctor Who can’t be a musical.

One of the thing that really works about this story is that despite the out there concept of “Doctor Who and the Puppets of Death,” it plays it just straight enough to still see these comical puppets as an actual threat. And the Scorchies are little menaces to the universe indeed.

Also is one of the few Companion Chronicles that can technically be full cast. While yes there’s still narration from the legend herself, Katy Manning, it’s told within the story rather than have an older Jo recount the events. We even get a little cameo of 3, imitated by Katy. Not exactly the most accurate impression but it’s still distinct enough to know that that’s supposed to be the Doctor.

And having it be technically full cast, Jo gets a lot of great moments throughout. Her trust in the Doctor and UNIT, her anger and sadness of the Doctor’s supposed death, the nervous awkwardness of her predicament.

And the songs. So goofy and yet so catchy. Might just be the best implementation of musical numbers in Who.

I highly recommend this story. This is how you do bonkers, out there Who stories.