This was one of the real chillers of the McCoy era of the classic Doctor Who series. Vampires, code breaking, norse myths and long games of chess… it was a real pity that this was the last season of the classic series because this stands as one of the best IMO of the original run.

It's a crying shame that the series got cancelled when it did. The Sylvester McCoy era is probably noted as containing the most confusing stories ever – (but that's nothing that can't be helped by watching the special features). It was heading in the right direction.

Over the second and third seasons of the McCoy era, (this particular story is the third of Season 3), the writers and producers had clearly in mind the direction they wanted to take the show in, and knew how the characters should be developed. In many ways, they restored the program to it's original premise, and brought it back to where it should have been. In this serial, the Doctor must finally and permanently defeat a force of evil he battled with centuries ago. All the while, his companion Ace's story of growth and healing continues. Two brilliant performances by the two lead actors, linked with a great story that is well directed, makes this another great adventure. I loved it.