The Trouble with Drax

Fourth Doctor Adventures #5.6

Released: 14 June 2016

Listened: 6/29/22

This one is a John Dorney story, so you can expect twists…and more twists…and some more on top of those. The story brings back Drax, Time Lord, friend of the Doctor’s, and general reprobate, last seen in “The Armageddon Factor.” He was played there by Barry Jackson, who had agreed to reprise the role, but sadly passed away shortly before recording. He was replaced by Ray Brooks, also with a thick Cockney accent. While the previous version of Drax was a troublemaker, this one is a bit more nefarious. He needs something stolen, and has no problem forcing the Doctor to do it. He also carries a “Blinovitch Limitation Effect Limiter,” which is the sort of nonsense Douglas Adams would make up. Other cast members are particularly notable, including John Challis, Hugh Fraser, and Miranda Raison, all of whom have some history with the show. Eventually, the plot becomes so convoluted that it passes the point of absurdity, but by that time, you probably won’t care anymore. It has just the right lightness of touch that you can’t really blame anybody.