Another entry in the 'Dark Eyes is fine to good but not great' category. Everything careens toward a big 'ol finale, which feels a bit underdeveloped. If everyone on Earth gets possessed by the Eminence and all starts worshipping the Master, let's dig into that a little longer. Liv is still a bit too sullen in this story, though maybe now that she knows she's not actually dying she'll get a bit more interesting. The strongest stuff, as usual, was the Doctor and the Master which are good fun and of course our favorite CIA co-ordinator Narvin. Molly is also not in it as much as I'd like, and her farewell to the Doctor feels like it could've happened last boxset. This story is still plenty listenable, I've complained a lot but it's a good classic Doctor Who big villain showdown. Though seriously Eminence, did you really believe the Master? The remaining thread clearly is: if the Eminence is defeated the Daleks are back to the biggest threat, and then where did the Eminence spring from anyway?

Finally, I did enjoy the silly newscaster. "Earth is open for business, and the business is death. All hail the Master." Love that.

Like I mentioned earlier, a lot of these Dark Eyes stories can be good, even great, but it's often not a vibe that I'm super into. This is another one. Pretty great story, but I'm not as into it as I should be.

B. Maybe A.

Dark Eyes 3 starts very well - until the final quarter it feels like a fresh take on the series. The final quarter is frustrating though, whilst it does not spoil the box set, it easily makes it the worst instalment in the range so far.

Part 1 is the best story here - MacQueen's Master vs The Eminence works very well, with The Doctor reduced to a mere spectator and Molly drugged and used as a pawn in the master's game. It's a great opportunity to build this intriguing Master's character. MacQueen offsets the loud and brash Eminence (who are far, far more intimidating in this episode than the second box set). You get to see him take the go getting, problem solving role that the doctor usually inhabits.

Whilst parts 2 and 3 do have enjoyable plots, the key feature is the growing relationship between these incarnations of the doctor and master. In part 3 they get stuck with a ticking time bomb and end up getting inside each other's heads. Part 4 though ends like the worst kind of new series finale. Everything goes from apocalyptic to fixed with the click of a finger - whilst the dialogue suggests grand emotions, the inelegant writing makes these emotions feel a bit shallow. The Eminence are once again reduced to a boring, growling menace. Molly has so little to do I wonder why they even bothered having her in the set (In fairness understand the actor had other commitments).

Regardless, there's enough to enjoy here and I'm tentatively hyped for the final box set.

really strong ending to this set, dark eyes 2-3 arent my faves but the latter half of 3 definitely got a lot stronger. really great character work, and whilst it was sad to hear molly leave i didn't form a huge attachment to her during her run. really intrigued as to what the 4th set will be about!