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

Previous Story: The Auton Infinity

Well the good story streak had to end at some point didn't it? That was awful, I thought the days of needlessly padding out stories were over but apparently not. The plot could have been resolved in one 20-minute part not two 40-minute ones. Davros was the highlight here, but it hurts that he was wasted on a story like this.

After some great writing for Peter Davison's Fifth Doctor in the first half of Season 21, we're back to the stiff, unnatural and boring dialogue. Davison really tries his best but there's nothing even the most charismatic of actors could do to save this script. The Doctor attempting to kill Davros was a pathetic attempt to bring an moral dilemma into this story, like Genesis of the Daleks. Only with Genesis of the Daleks, it was actually interesting. Here, the Doctor kills countless Daleks without remorse only to suddenly stop at Davros and leave him be for no apparent reason.

It's a shame because I was hooked on this story at the start, there was a solid mystery for a bit and the grimy London streets were very reminscent of The Dalek Invasion of Earth. The only thing that I think was handled well here was Tegan's departure, a brilliant bit of acting from Janet Fielding but it's a shame that it had to cap off such a horrific story.

Next Story: Phantasmagoria

It’s amazing what the production team are capable of producing with their limited time and budget sometimes. Having never seen this incredible adventure before I wasn’t prepared for quite how good it would be - one of the pure joys of doing a marathon of the show, hoovering up any bits of content I might have missed. It’s shocking that a show that looks this epic with big gliding sets, huge action sequences and dramatic interplay between several groups of well drawn characters you can invest in - sits in the same season as Warriors of the Deep.

If the last few stories have been like Survivors, then perhaps this one is a little more in the mould of Blake’s 7. It’s a genius move having the mercenaries trying to break Davros out of the prison in episode one. Finally this amazing character gets the action packed sequel he deserves (lets ignore Destiny of the Daleks). It is far less cerebral than Genesis of the Daleks, but it’s hard to care when you get to see, what is often quite a mild adventure show, turn it up to 11 like this, with The Doctor in constant swirling action as doomed characters are one by one built up before being dispensed with. You wouldn’t want the show to be like this every week, but here it is perfect.

The one off two parts, 46 minute episodes format comes as a revelation. Something tells me it would have originally been intended to be a 4 parter, but these more movie length episodes do a wonderful job of building up the tension and delivering a more exciting eventual cliffhanger. It’s a superb way of refreshing the show and reminding you that the show can be presented in any way at all.

The relationship between Lytton, Davros and the Daleks is so finely balanced. They all have their own interests and motives which slot together into the story beautifully. I love the way Eric Saward writes, even though it is as bleak as hell. He wants to jolt the teatime audience out of their seats and make sure the show does not fall into a lull. It’s not just the main villains, companions and The Doctor that get incredible character moments in this, but also all the side characters, to the point where you are involved in everyone - despite having no idea who within the diverse cast will make it to the next scene.

It’s a shame to have Tegan leave the TARDIS in shock and not on perfect terms, but simultaneously she is treated to the most wonderfully dramatic exit. It’s amongst the most potent and memorable exits we’ve had on the show.

Following three high quality stories it feels as if the series is in a bit of a renaissance period. Things are suddenly looking and feeling much better. It’s a relief as I hadn’t enjoyed Davison’s first two seasons as much as I’d hoped - despite their many good qualities. I now get what all the fuss is about with The 5th Doctor, there is some cracking stuff here. And of course I’ve seen his finale so know he sticks the landing!!