It's true that the previous few episodes have been similar in content, with The Doctor and Co. going two steps forward and three back, but Part Seven finally sees the introduction of The War Lord. Philip Madoc is brilliant in the role, adding the much needed catalyst that's lacked in the last few episodes, he is calm, cool, polite, yet incredibly sinister, his intervention in the squabble between the Security Chief and The War Chief is excellent, he was incredibly menacing. I enjoyed the battle of words between The Security and War Chiefs, plenty of irritation shown, and you could argue it was more of the same, but with the arrival of The War Lord you can understand their reluctance to submit.
The plot is certainly deepening, it had previously felt as if The War Games were exactly that, a group of power crazed individuals simply using the Soldiers as pawns for fun, now it seems as though the games have a much more sinister significance.
Production values in this episode seemed to be a better standard, the control room looked rather impressive, less kitsch. Also, I detect a real French speaker, the recent crew would have put Renee Artois to shame.
The plot is certainly deepening, it had previously felt as if The War Games were exactly that, a group of power crazed individuals simply using the Soldiers as pawns for fun, now it seems as though the games have a much more sinister significance.
Production values in this episode seemed to be a better standard, the control room looked rather impressive, less kitsch. Also, I detect a real French speaker, the recent crew would have put Renee Artois to shame.
