Invasion of the Body Stealers

Classic Doctors New Monsters #4.1

Released: 14 March 2024

Listened: 3/24/26

This is another "Classic Doctors, New Monsters" story, and this time it features Sadie Miller as Sarah along with Tom Baker. Unfortunately, I wish the story was a bit stronger. The "new monster" actually is a monster this time, instead of simply an alien like the Hoxx or the Tivolians. Except that the story clearly wants to keep it a mystery, from both the characters and the listener. Which I think may be wasted effort, because even once I heard who it was, I didn't really remember them. The Doctor keeps it a secret from Sarah as well, for no story purpose that I can determine other than drawing out the suspense. There's a slightly clever twist in that the baddies have encountered the Doctor before, but only in a much later incarnation. That doesn't really affect the plot, though, so it's just kinda interesting. The Doctor seems reactive rather than proactive; in fact, he barely saves anyone, and doesn't seem too put out about it. In the end, not a great story.