Doctor Who: Survival (1989)

So, as one of Sylvetser McCoy's most popular stories, and Classic Doctor Who's last, how does 'Survival' hold up? Not well, anyway.
The story is simple: people are being snatched away by the Cheetah People to a remote and desolate planet, where the Master is trying to avoid being possessed by the planet. With this simple(ish) premise, you'd think we'd get a really good and fascinating episode, but no. This story is very much modern Doctor. Ace returning home to the 'Present Day' and dealing with the effects of her travels with the Doctor, and with a good percentage of the story being set in 'Present Day' Earth.
Ace is a very interesting companion in this story, and her character clearly evolves after her experiences with Karra. She doesn't even scream in this story, showing a less 'stereotypical' Doctor Who companion, and is a compelling character to watch.
The Seventh Doctor is great and at his best. He has a clear darker side and at points you're not too sure whether you can really trust him. Oh, and the Master. Anthony Ainley is my favourite Master but feels very undermined in his final story, although his performance as a possessed Master is truly brilliant.
The supporting cast are OK, but no one stands out at all. Even Karra is a bit dull to watch.
The direction and visuals are great, the planet looks very alien and there are some great moments. The Cheetah People look very terrifying at first, but when they begin to show emotion, all realism falls out of the window. For me, the greatest moments are Midge and the Doctor's fight, the Master and the Doctor's fight and the cliffhanger to part two, where Ace is revealed to be possessed. It's sad that this is the final story, as it feels very closely edited, and doesn't get to breathe. Personally, I think part one should have ended with Ace being captured, part two where the Doctor meets the Master and part three where Ace is revealed to be possessed. The story has a very bad structure in this way, although the cliffhangers are great.
Overall, a story that disappoints, but has some great moments. Overall:

7/10

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