For decades, Doctor Who has introduced a parade of unforgettable adversaries, from the weeping angels to the Daleks. Yet none have matched the personal, almost intimate menace of The Master, the Doctor's fellow Time Lord turned arch-nemesis. Now, fans are celebrating a long-awaited return: Derek Jacobi, who played the character in a single 2007 episode, is back in the role for a brand-new audio adventure.
Jacobi's original portrayal came in the episode "Utopia," where his character, Professor Yana, was revealed to be the Master in the final moments. That brief but powerful performance left audiences wanting more, and now, 19 years later, Big Finish Productions has delivered. The new release, The War Master: Deeds Without Name, is a four-part audio drama that explores the Master's cunning and cruelty in a setting far removed from the TARDIS.
A New Chapter for the Master
The box set features four distinct stories: "The Unstately Home" by Alison Winter, "Dead Man's Pulse" by Mark Bowsher, "The Devil in the Detail" by David K Barnes, and "In His Anecdotage" by Matthew Sweet. Each tale promises to delve into the Master's psyche, offering a mix of psychological horror and dark wit. Jacobi, now 88, brings a lifetime of theatrical gravitas to the role, and his enthusiasm is palpable.
In a statement, Jacobi shared his love for playing the villain: "The villains are always the best parts, absolutely. Being nasty and evil has somehow more depth than being good and heroic. And there's a heroic aspect, certainly, to the Master. He's got all the answers, all the exits and entrances. He's the powerful one, he's strong and assured and he knows he's a winner."
What's the Story About?
The synopsis for The War Master: Deeds Without Name sets the stage: "The super-rich elite residents of Aurora Mansions, a high-tech luxury retirement village and nursing home, have every imaginable comfort and amenity in their golden years. But the Master, posing as a cognitive hypnotherapist, is keen to demonstrate that no amount of money can provide sanctuary from the troubled mind... especially when he's inside it."
Joining Jacobi is a stellar voice cast, including Carolyn Seymour, Sorcha Cusack, Sarah Hadland, Josh Finan, and Ben Whitehead, with guest appearances from Kieran Hodgson, Cassie Bradley, Kathryn Drysdale, Chizzy Akudolu, and Will Keen. The audio drama is available now, offering fans a fresh chance to hear one of the Doctor's most iconic foes in action.
For those who appreciate a well-crafted villain, this release is a must-listen. It also serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of Doctor Who's rogues' gallery, a topic that has inspired countless discussions and even listicles celebrating the best of the genre. While the Master's return is a highlight, it's also a testament to the creativity that keeps the franchise alive across multiple mediums.
As Doctor Who continues to evolve, with new series and spin-offs on the horizon, this audio drama stands as a love letter to its rich history. For those who missed Jacobi's original performance, or who simply want to revisit the Master's malevolent charm, The War Master: Deeds Without Name is an essential addition to any fan's collection.
