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.