There is palpable chemistry too between Jo and Sam Stafford’s honourable but nervy Lt Ruji. Aurora Burghart’s supercilious Emerald feels permanently on the edge, while Barnaby Edwards’ general is a blustery delight.

In the guest cast, Issy Van Randwyck’s Grand Widow and Imogen Church’s Lady Zinn are hilarious they circle each throughout the story, purring insults. It is fun to hear Malcolm Hulke’s ideas expanded and, naturally, everything smartly fits within established continuity. Familiar formal phrases such as “my life at your command” reoccur, but there is also plenty of skulduggery the perception of honourable conduct always being more important than actually acting with any. Writer Alan Barnes digs gamely into the highly stylised aristocracy of Draconia. When an Earth ship approaches Draconia, the tale expands into a planet-hopping space opera, filled with pleasing pop culture references. However, her political rival the Grand Widow, appears to be having none of it her imperial offspring has chosen a love match.ĭropped amid this spat by the TARDIS, Jo and the Doctor find themselves two decades before the Earth-Draconian conflict. The noble Lady Zinn is much put out, as her daughter has been overlooked by the young emperor.

As suspicious of Earthmen as the humans are of them, their codes of honour and deference make them fascinating adversaries.Ĭonspiracy in Space begins with the intricacies of an arranged marriage on Draconia. Despite only appearing onscreen for one story, they are visually striking and oft-mentioned as one of Jon Pertwee’s favourites. Meanwhile, The Devil’s Hoofprints finds the Doctor and Sarah back in the 19 th century for a monstrous encounter.Įight volumes into these Third Doctor tales, it is surprising that thoughts have not turned to the Draconians before. Conspiracy in Space sees a return for the Draconians in a follow-up to the 1973 tale Frontier in Space. The Third Doctor Adventures Volume 8 sees two new four-parters for Tim Treloar as the Doctor.

Tomb raider dual pistols