The Paradise of Death [AUDIO/1993.8.27 ~ 9.24]

 

★★★☆☆

  In a way, The Paradise of Death is a best-of highlight run of the Jon Pertwee era of Doctor Who: environmentalist roots, corrupt corporations with possible alien origins, Venusian aikido and lullabies, and the ever-trusty Brigadier. The audio format allows the story to be even more ambitious, including aerial attacks from people riding giant bats (the aforementioned Brig leading the raid), which really must be heard to be believed. It's an enjoyable adventure, as Jon Pertwee is always fantastic as his Doctor and so are Elisabeth Sladen and Nicholas Courtney; their talents lift the consistently entertaining script into something special in scenes here and there. 

  I don't harbor any ill will against this story, and indeed any Doctor Who adventure that tries to evoke a specific era of the show, because I'm willing to like anything as long as it's enjoyable. The Paradise of Death is indeed a fun to listen to, with the usual alien schemes and sci-fi allegories rooted on injustices happening in the real world (the effects of capitalism on nature, control of the public through violent entertainment à la Vengeance on Varos). Pulling inspirations from specific eras of the franchise isn't an inherently bad thing, and this is living proof. Is it a particularly remarkable installment? I wouldn't say that; there are dragging spots here and there, and a particular character named Jeremy Fitzoliver proves to be a horrendous addition to the TARDIS crew. If you're a fan of the Pertwee era, however, this is a very worthy treat indeed.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ  

  If you're hungry for something truly ambitious and groundbreaking, I wouldn't turn to The Paradise of Death. However, if you're willing to settle for comfortable ground with the usual revolutions against corrupt corporate empires and alien invasions, there's nothing quite like this. Plus, Jon Pertwee on audio is a rare thing indeed and I'd much rather count my blessings that we have these precious installments at all.