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

Previous Story: Image of the Fendahl

I didn't expect to like this one as much as I did, I hadn't heard much about this story and the little I did know made me think it was going to be fairly annoying. Luckily, I was wrong.

It starts off quite bleak, a man forced to pay taxes for the death of his father. Since he can't afford it, he tries to kill himself in a place where he would be fined if he was caught. It immediately tells you what kind of story this is, Robert Holmes was clearly upset about his taxes, and this is the story that came out of it.

This is a brilliant story to show people who believe classic Doctor Who was subtler in its political messages, the Collector and the Gatherer at times almost feel like caricatures, especially the former, but they are both played really well.

Politics aside, this is a fun serial in general, it's got plenty of memorable lines and each character feels like they get enough time to shine. K9 now has his voice again and therefore is able to participate in the story, Leela is in her element inciting a revolution and the Doctor similarly feels quite comfortable toppling a government.

"Oh, the taxes. My dear old thing, all you need is a wiley accountant."

Next Story: The Exxilons