Son of the Dragon

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

Previous Story: The Gathering

Another excellent historical with 5, Peri, and Erimem. This might be the best, most consistent run I've listened to ever. This story in particular is fantastic, it's a very traditional pure historical in the vein of something like Marco Polo. It takes place over a large span of time and you really get to know the characters. James Purefoy as Prince Vlad/Dracula is absolutely the highlight of this adventure. I love this idea of taking historical figures deemed to be evil and showing a different side of them. This story presents Dracula as misunderstood but it never outright says he is a good person or condemns him as a bad one. It reminds me of the way The Kingmaker handled Richard III.

This is another excellent outing for Caroline Morris as Erimem. Her seeming to fall in love with Dracula was one of the most compelling parts of this story. I love how these stories are letting Erimem be more independent that the usual companion. Nicola Bryant is great here as Peri. Her desperation to save Erimem despite not necessarily wanting to be saved was a great example of their friendship. Peter Davison is on top-form, he's every bit the wise, unwavering hero here and every scene with him is a delight.

This is a great story and a deeply interesting take on a historical figure who's usually viewed in a very one-dimensional way, it's a genuinely touching piece at times and an excellent pure historical very much reminiscent of the historicals with the First Doctor.

Next Story: The Mind's Eye