Doctor Who: Vampire of the Mind

The second part of the “Master trilogy” sees the Sixth Doctor facing off against the audio-only version of the Master previously used in stories featuring the Seventh and Eighth Doctors. (And, yes, they do come up with an explanation as to why Seven doesn't recognise him on their first meeting, and one that fits perfectly in the context of the larger story).

The story is rather slow to get going, with quite a lot of chasing around after clues as the Doctor teams up with the daughter of a scientist trying to trace some of his colleagues who have mysteriously gone missing. It does pick up in the second half, with a story that, as in the previous instalment, makes much use of the Master's hypnotic powers.

MacQueen is good as the Master, and his interactions with Six are really the best thing about the story. There are also some nice touches close to the end, when some of the reasons behind his latest (and typically over-elaborate) scheme come to light. On the other hand, while the companion stand-in does a decent job, she isn't particularly memorable or distinctive. Likewise, while the plot does at least make sense, it's rather predictable in places, and doesn't stand out from other, similar stories.

Unlike the previous instalment, this one does end on a cliffhanger, and perhaps suffers from the “middle episode syndrome” that affects many trilogies, being more notable as part of something larger than it is on its own merits.