121. Enemy of the Daleks

There have been a lot of Dalek stories. The worst of them devolve into, "Let's doing something flashy with the Daleks," or clumsy retellings of the original Dalek stories. This one actually works. In many ways, it starts off like the typical Doctor Who story with the Doctor and Companions captured and quickly they're inside a scientific station that is about to be attacked by the Daleks. Yet, the story doesn't go strictly base under siege.

The story does have a clever twist on the Dalek invasion and the Doctor's warning that we were about to witness one the great atrocities of the Dalek war gives the proceedings a certain weight. The emotional arc of the characters at the base is believable and interesting. Hex's presence in the midst of the slaughter as a nurse really adds something. Hex's reaction to death and war humanizes the story and helps the listener feel the weight of what's going on. This stops the story from becoming one dimensional or repetitive. Overall, a clever, enjoyable story with plenty to offer.

'Enemy of the Daleks' written by David Bishop and directed by Ken Bentley is often compared to James Cameroon's Aliens, and I can see why; however, I personally thought there was a greater resemblance to 'The Mutant Phase'. Whichever way you cut it, 'Enemy of the Daleks' is not very original, but it is action packed, well-acted with great dialogue and a great rock orientated soundtrack that chugs away in the background like a steam train. The music kind of typifies this audio drama, it sets it out with no allusions to being anything other than a ripping good action-fest. Basically, a group of soldiers have retreated from a fight with the Daleks to a mostly uninhabited planet that is home to the research facility of Prof. Toshio Shimura, who is conducting genetic experiments on the local wildlife. The soldiers arrive asking for assistance from the reluctant and reclusive Professor at the same time that the Doctor, Ace and Hex turn up - trouble ensues.

Ken Bentley's direction is the usual kind of fantastic, and Sylvester's later additions to the main range really show how good he can be, especially compared to his earlier Big Finish performances. Philip Oliver and Sophie Aldred also put in some fine performances. It's generally well written, despite being a generic base under siege story. Even so, some characterisation isn't as good as it could be. For example, Hex betrays the Doctor's presence to the Daleks and this is never dealt with later one, just quietly forgotten. Also, Lieutenant Beth Stokes' motivation and history is revealed near the end, but before that we are just asked to accept that this hardened officer has gone soft. OK, she could have had PTSD or something similar, but I just can't see the justification for this coming at the end. In terms of a revelation, it was too little too late. Sylvester's Doctor is acting mysterious again, is there any reason for that? Or, is he just like that for the sake of it now? The characterisation is probably the only weak point of the play, for me.

This is loud and gritty, a real must for action fans, but others may find a bit lightweight. I personally thought it was above average. Then again, I am a sucker for lines like, "Here they come, writing history with lightning."

Okay Big Finish should be talking to their lawyers, as this story which came out in 2009 it is far in away a blue print for a little old SY FY channel production of Helix. That said I make these comparatives due to the fact we have a mad Japanese scientist meddling with the creation of new life, through, the manifestation of genetic engineering. Then throw in to this that he is on a remote outpost, with, alleged people whom have died from infection, and then, inject a crew of soldiers who need somewhere to hold up to recover after engaging with the Daleks.

However a difference emerges here with the Doctor in order to keep the web of time in order, needs the Daleks to actually win, otherwise everything will become a much bigger mess.

McCoy is shifted a gear here massively over the first 100 releases that he has participated in, and, he truly is winning my loyalty. A believable commanding subtly in his performance is present through out, and with out doubt the character of HEX is coming very much into his own here. The rest of the cast here are excellent as well, and the part of the mad Japanese scientist Toshio Shimura played with a real bang by Eiji Kusuhara is stand out. This is the draw that makes him a direct comparative to Dr Hakate (Hiroyuji Sanada)

A tight, gripping first episode leads to a gritty tough story which unfortunately becomes a little too straightforward and predicable as it goes on. Another negative is that, despite a good build-up, when the new monsters of the piece arrive their menace is sorely undercut by having them talk in a terribly B-movie fashion. But great character work and a distinctive electric-guitar driven score make this a good listen overall.