This is a definite improvement over the previous two stories, but again, very formula - if you like bland, basic Who, try this trilogy out - it's absolutely nothing special, just filler, but some people prefer that.

It's odd that, on the cover, the Doctor's going for a period costume - it just feels strange that he's not wearing his normal costume for once. Anyway, the Fifth Doctor is in standard territory - fearless, determined, heroic. There's never anything overly standout about Davison's performance - it's strong, sufficient, realistic. Nyssa is tormented throughout this story, her mind wiped, transformed, nearly killed off multiple times - is it a surprise that she wants to leave so hurriedly? I feel like it's a bit out of character for her to so easily abandon Hannah and all the other crewmates, but to be honest I didn't care about her much, so it's not too hard to believe she didn't either. Hannah had absolutely no role in this episode, I'm not sure why she was even in this, to be honest. She was a rubbish character in her first story, barely in it for the second one and insignificant in the third. Good riddance, I say.

The Steamroller Man is a really creepy villain, and I love the sound design. It's a unique monster and it's just so intimidating. However, he's only really a secondary antagonist to the main fight - the Maschera were far more generic, even though their backstory was developed and interesting, I just couldn't engage with the characters themselves, unfortunately.

I enjoyed the historical setting of late 18th Century France - the location and the way it revolves around the house reminded me of the novel I'm studying for A Level English (which I won't name because it's fairly adult), and I love the conflict between the Home Dimension and the house. It also harkens sort of back to the Girl in the Fireplace, with a unique twist. Both settings are used pretty well and it keeps the audience engaged.

The side characters aren't anything special, but the performers are brilliant, really flexing their creative muscles as they show two very different personas in the story, with bold French aristocrats taking up half of the story and the stripped back scientists filling the other half. The refreshing change of pace works in making sure that the audience doesn't lose interest, and the actors really sell that performance.

The music wasn't amazing. It felt authentic and nostalgic of the 80s, but there was something just a little off about it, not really suiting the story okay. However, it is much more different than the bland scores I've been getting used to recently (aside from Fanfare for the Common Men).

Favourite Line: "Here I come... Hear my drum..."

This is a strong end to a fairly weak trilogy, and the performers are pretty good, but it's still very basic, very filler. However, it was enjoyable and it's a nice way to spend a few hours. If only this didn't feature Hannah Bartholomew, and it could've worked as a standalone story - especially considering she doesn't actually contribute anything and is wasted. I miss Thomas Brewster...

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

Previous Story: Tomb Ship

A definite improvement over the last two but still nothing remarkable. The beginning to this was very interesting and I enjoy the mystery that comes from stories set in simulated or fictional realities. It does get boring fairly quickly and I'm not really sure what the "Steamroller Man" is supposed to be, it's just silly in a way that distracts from the story in my opinion.

The new companion, so forgettable I've already forgot her name was unsurprisingly fairly forgettable for most of this, although she did get a fascinating ending that almost made me care about her. Still, this story would not have been very different without her. It really is saying something when a character can seem bland and uninteresting next to Nyssa of all people.

Not bad like the last two but still fairly boring, this whole little trilogy can be skipped without any great loss.

Next Story: Alien Heart

Five and Nyssa go to 18th Century France, maybe.

This is definitely the best one of the trilogy, with a cracking first part, tension throughout and some really lovely science fiction concepts and worldbuilding. It's never in your face, but every twist presented seems logical and the conclusion has some real weight behind it, also due to the trilogy guest character.

On the downside, the music was downright weak and apart from the conclusion this was the guest character's weakest performance in the trilogy.