MASTER! 1.1 - Faustian

The resurrection of Eric Roberts' Master needs to be just right in order to set up this new series and show everyone what we missed in not getting to see more of Roberts' black hearted Time Lord on screen. It's a big ask, then, for incoming scriptwriter, Rob Valentine. Fortunately, it is a task that he is well suited for. Valentine’s script knows exactly what it wants to be and sticks to the brief throughout. It’s a wonderfully ‘honest’ script. By that, I mean that it doesn’t get carried away with itself and doesn’t try to be something it’s not. I really respect scriptwriters who are able to do this. As a result, it feels slick, tightly plotted and like a precision instrument in its execution.

I never had a problem with Eric Roberts’ portrayal in the TVM, though he got relatively little to really work with there. Here, though, we really get to find out what a truly chilling Master he is. I love the sense of simmering violence he portrays. It’s refreshingly different to most other incarnations, and really adds something unique to the character.

As for the supporting cast? They are fantastic. The cast is small, allowing us to get to know them well. Laura Aikman is extremely good as Dr Lila Kreeg. The remaining characters are all well drawn and ably realised as well. This all adds to the verisimilitude of the story. It's fantastical, yes, but it's a sci fi fantastical that I can believe in. In part due to the excellent script, but also due to the supporting cast.

Overall, this release shows exactly what Big Finish can bring to the table when at their best. For me, the mark of a truly great audio is when I can ‘see’ the story playing out, as if televised, in HD clarity in my mind. This is exactly what Faustian achieves, and I can visualise the settings so well, especially the climax in Drake’s office suite. Compelling.

I have to say, the choice to do a Faust-like story with this Master in particular was tonally quite perfect. Eric Roberts elevates what could be a pretty normal and bog-standard audio adventure into something I just found delightful. Only really knowing this Master from the TV Movie (which I would consider a solid prerequisite for Faustian so you know what's going on), I am very eager to get more of this iteration of the villain as I find Roberts just outstanding.

Of course, this audio really is Lila Kreeg's story, and Laura Aikman fills it well. Faustian isn't a huge story but as a return tale for Roberts I think it is a pretty perfect choice to demonstrate his return. I think things get a little weaker around the secondary characters and the ending, but given that is kind of setting up future events, I give it a pass by and large. I had fun and was entertained, that's the most important part, so it's easy to overlook a few flaws.