COMMENT  Spoliers ahead

Digesting Don Siegal's INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS the production team coughed up the 'lost' six-part Troughton semiprecious gem, THE FACELESS ONES.

This is an indefensible undervalued classic twist-and-turn adventure and while the release may seem belated under the circumstances better late than never. What is the selection criteria used for audio release for these 'lost' productions? THE MACRA TERROR and THE EVIL OF THE DALEKS were both released as BBC audios nearly ten years ago, and whilst THE FACELESS ONES lacks the presence of memorable Troughton baddies it has less 'bum notes' than THE MACRA TERROR.

Troughton is on erudite form (there is always the expectation for the unmistakable line, "When I say run. Run" and we are not disappointed) and his chemistry with Hines has a developing hint of alchemy. When Jamie stands firm, prepared to die for the Doctor, his conviction is sincere.

For this 'lost story, Hines serves as narrator, providing an appropriate level of urgency and intrigue, but his commentary only highlights the fact that the onscreen visualisations were key to the plot. Big surprise: this is the soundtrack to the TV series, so what would we expect! Expect the indicative title alone sets up a potentially striking visual premise. Nevertheless, the sound-only version means that the low budget debate is a non-starter.

Gatwick Airport was an inspired choice of location. TIME-FLIGHT tried the same tactic and failed, presumably due to its budget limitations (and lame script, let not forget that). Even without the benefit of visuals the DOCTOR WHO team have created an environment with constant activity, of impetus, giving the ensuing action an edge, despite the nagging doubt that it feels overextended at six episodes length.

The plotline itself (despite the rotund padding) cracks along and each episode offers excelling cliff-hangers, enhanced by effective music - low key and ominous. The aliens have numerous 'humanising' moments, the most significant being when they experience taste and smell for the first time in their human forms. The supporting players offer workmanlike performances; veteran comedy actor Colin Gordon offer a stock stuffed shirt shtick, however Pauline Collins grates as cartoon scouse Samantha.

There are other minor missteps elements theoughout but the only one that bugged me was opting to call the tour firm, controlled by the aliens, Chameleon Tours. Spot the clue, human scum.

Thankfully, Ben and Polly leave. Bye-bye stereotypes.