First broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in August 1993, The Paradise of Death marked the long-awaited return of Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor, alongside Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane Smith and Nicholas Courtney’s Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. Written by Barry Letts and directed by Phil Clarke, this five-part radio drama was a rare gift to Doctor Who fans during the wilderness years, offering a nostalgic reunion of the beloved UNIT era cast in a brand-new adventure.
The story follows the Doctor, Sarah Jane, and the Brigadier as they investigate Parakon, a mysterious and seemingly utopian planet tied to a sinister theme park on Earth. The park’s creator, Freeth, promises visitors thrilling otherworldly experiences, but as the Doctor soon discovers, Parakon’s prosperity comes at a horrifying cost. The adventure takes the TARDIS team across different worlds, encountering deadly creatures, a totalitarian regime, and a moral conflict that forces the Doctor to make a difficult stand.
Jon Pertwee’s return to the role is a joy to hear, bringing his signature mix of authority, charm, and wit. His vocal performance retains all the energy and gravitas of his television tenure, reaffirming why his Doctor remains one of the most beloved incarnations. Despite being recorded two decades after his final TV appearance, Pertwee effortlessly slips back into character, delivering both commanding speeches and playful asides with his trademark warmth.
Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane is as sharp as ever, her journalistic instincts driving much of the story’s investigation. Sladen’s chemistry with Pertwee is as strong as it was in the 1970s, with their banter and mutual respect shining through in every scene. Nicholas Courtney’s Brigadier also remains a delight, his world-weary pragmatism providing a perfect counterpoint to the Doctor’s boundless enthusiasm.
The supporting cast is a mix of memorable and underdeveloped characters. Richard Pearce as Jeremy Fitzoliver, a naive and often bumbling assistant, fills the comedic relief role but lacks the depth of previous UNIT-era supporting characters. Harold Innocent’s Freeth is a suitably slimy villain, embodying corporate greed and unchecked power, while Peter Miles (best known for playing Nyder in Genesis of the Daleks) delivers an engaging performance as the Parakonian leader, Shem.
Being an audio drama, The Paradise of Death relies heavily on sound design and narration to bring its world to life. The BBC Radiophonic Workshop’s contributions help maintain a sense of authenticity, recreating the classic Doctor Who atmosphere through music and effects. The alien landscapes, spaceship interiors, and action sequences are all effectively realized, though the pacing occasionally drags due to the need for more descriptive dialogue.
Thematically, The Paradise of Death explores colonialism, corporate exploitation, and the moral responsibilities of technological advancement. The Parakonian system, which thrives on the suffering of its lesser inhabitants, serves as a scathing critique of unchecked capitalism and ethical complacency. The Doctor’s outrage at the revelation of Parakon’s dark secret is a highlight, showcasing Pertwee’s commanding presence as a moral force against injustice.
Revisiting The Paradise of Death in 2025, it remains a fascinating entry in Doctor Who history. While its episodic structure occasionally slows down the narrative, the sheer joy of hearing Pertwee, Sladen, and Courtney together again makes it an invaluable listen. For fans of the Third Doctor’s era, it offers a compelling and nostalgic return to one of Doctor Who’s most celebrated periods.
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