Doctor Who - 024 - The Eye of the Scorpion
Big Finish Productions Audio Book

The TARDIS traverses the sands of time and lends the Doctor his first encounter with ancient Egypt in this epic MP3 audiobook. Here the fourth Doctor, Peter Davison and companion Peri (Nicola Bryant) travel back through time to join the throngs of mourners following the recent death of their god-like Pharaoh.

Young Erimem is first in line to be the next Pharaoh, but as a woman she is seen as unworthy to take up the position and is being conspired against by the male high priest, warlords and other figures of power who disagree with having a female leader. Why can’t the Doctor remember her name on the list of pharaohs...?

Listeners are submerged into the historical setting of ancient Egypt by the excellent sound design on this audiobook for CD, with blustering sandstorms, hidden catacombs and racing chariots, accompanied by haunting pipe music.

There are some strong supporting performances too. Nicola Bryant is given room to flex the character of Peri when the doctor is absent in the second of four episodes, and it’s wonderful to witness her humour and good spirits in this triumphant performance. Caroline Morris’s Erimem is an enthusiastic and likeable character too.

Overall, The Eye of the Scorpion is an easy to follow, well-acted and fast-paced adventure.