There is political intrigue as Frederico attempts to wrest the dukedom from its rightful heir Giuliano.
At the height of a masquerade, the Demnos cult attacks the court.
The ambience of the village adds an authenticity to the tale.
It would become a popular stand-in for Italy over time, being used a few years later inCitizen Smith.
A young Tim Pigott-Smith puts in a faultless performance in a story heavy on dialogue and Machiavellian political intrigue.
Just how do the companions understand any alien or foreign tongue?
The Doctor, whilst hardly elaborating, describes it as a Time Lord gift he allows Sarah to share.
This story features some notable innovations.
Extras
Audio Commentary: Tom Baker (on top form and as mischeviously eccentric as ever!
Gareth Armstrong makes a brief voice cameo.
Spirit Of The Labyrinth: Candid and colourful making of documentary.
Bigger On The Inside: An overdue documentary on the ever-evolving TARDIS interior.
Barry Newberry explains his vision for the TARDIS new look (both inside and out!)
Beneath The Masque:Mandragora-related whimsy andWhoin-jokes aplenty from Clayton Hickman and Gareth Roberts.
TheBlue PeterRENaissance or ReNAISsance?
All in all, a confident, stylish and much underrated Tom Baker adventure.
Feature:
Rating:
4 out of 5
