Plot • Hit and miss. There's some interest in the overall idea of the computer being used to restrict free will, but the rather obvious potential downside to that is never explored, or even discussed. Each individual episode tends to have something going for it, but it doesn't hang together very well. But Marinus is a world that you believe does extend beyond the edge of the sets, and one you think might be worth returning to one day. 5/10
Characters • I'm not sure any of the regulars cover themselves in glory here, except perhaps Barbara in The Velvet Web. Hartnell isn't even in it for a large portion. And the less said about new additions Altos and Sabetha the better. She's completely devoid of personality, and he's meant to be her love interest but is apparently as gay as a goose—and seems much more interested in Ian. "The feeling's beginning to come back" he says as Ian rubs his thighs. Indeed. 2/10
Entertainment • Not bad. Given its unusual structure it's reasonably pacy, although for me there's no getting around the fact that all of the laughs are unintended. Tip-toeing around tiny sets and "suddenly" noticing things that must have been in clear view; fluttering cut-outs representing plummeting Voords; and Susan, who in one of her worst appearances looks so bored tied up that you wonder why they're bothering to rescue her at all. Oh, and Yartek trying to hide is gigantic head (or helmet? Even worse if so) beneath a hood. Magnificent. 6/10
Legacy • First female villain (Kala)...and I reckon that's about it. It's irrelevant that Big Finish deemed the Voord worth reviving—they'll use anything, and do. We feel no better off by the end of this story compared to the start, and there's no avoiding the fact that this is the series' first major mis-step. 2/10
Fan consensus • People used to modern Who will probably find its structure familiar and therefore warm to it more. I've seen some people describe it as a favourite, but I think generally they just over-rate it a little. 6/10
