2.1 - The Invention of Death

This story made me really feel like these new versions of the first companions were a team. David Bradley seemed more energetic than in his first box set. Some of his lines seemed to channel an aged Tennant or a more aristocratic Capaldi. We really get a sense that this Doctor hasn't been saving worlds for very long, he sometimes finds himself at a loss. Claudia Grant's performance as Susan feels very true to Carol Ann Ford in the early days and Jemma Powell as Barbara is eerily accurate as always. Jamie Glover projects emotional honesty and a fierce protectiveness as Ian. The writing is quite fun, although it can sometimes get a bit repetitive, and it still feels weird to hear actors today speaking dialogue in the style of a 60s sci-fi series. Still, this story sold me on the recast box sets after feeling apathetic towards the first one.

The Doctor, Ian, Barbara, and Susan arrive on a world where death is unknown and science is just beginning. They meet the world's first two scientists.

The story definitely stretches the limits of alien species as we're given true aliens, a group of asexual androgynous transparent creatures. Yet, the story definitely makes the characters feel real and brings out some key dilemmas for the Doctor and his crew. The story manages to provide some very light moments while also telling a story in which they end up playing a role in a tragedy.

The cast remains great with Bradley getting some great moments as the Doctor, particularly in the way he ribs Chesterton. Overall, a very solid lead-off to the second box-set.

This story has a very simple yet nifty idea , what if by meeting a race we introduce to them mortality. As they like some jellyfish are pretty much a undying race.
They have no concept of mortality and are innocent in its understanding and many of its implications on life.
Love , hate , pain and pleasure so on.

It’s a good idea with very sixties sort of high sci fi style.
It doesn’t actually feel like it could be easy to do in that era though as the ashtalins are rather visually difficult. See through and gelatinous.

Still as a audio of this consistent range it maintains the steady quality of the last set. It’s no masterpiece but a good story be a easy listen. Overall 8/10