Dumb Waiter

Companion Chronicles #12.2

Released: 20 June 2018

Listened: 10/1/20

This story is a big deal, because it features a crossover with Leela, played by Louise Jameson. The Fourth Doctor uses a time ring to send Leela back to the Second Doctor’s time, because he remembers some, but not all, of an adventure he had then. There’s a lot of illusion and things that aren’t what they seem, but the main point is to put Leela and Jamie together...and have them fight, of course. Leela is kind of contemptuous of Jamie, calling him “Little Knife,” and it’s to Jamie’s credit that he doesn’t take the bait on that one. Louise Jameson is excellent as always, taking part of the narration and playing a fairly ridiculous side character with obvious relish. Frazer Hines plays the Doctor with his usual skill. Sadly, this was recorded shortly after Deborah Watling’s death, so she’s not available. Interestingly, Victoria is pathetic throughout most of this story, much more than in previous stories, and it’s suggested that she may want to leave off traveling. However, she finds her courage to a level that impresses even Leela. The crossover is the main draw, and it works effectively. It’s nice to see two of Big Finish’s most dedicated actors working together.