A chance for some exciting cricket, and to indulge in a splendid masquerade ball held at the magnificent stately home of the Cranleigh family. It's an arrival within 'Roaring Twenties' England that our time/space travellers enjoy to the fullest. Until, of course, there's a murder (of which the Doctor is soon presumed guilty until proved innocent!), numerous attempted kidnaps by a masked guest/intruder (beware the Harlequin!), and a mystery/revelation linked to the Cranleighs' that brings Terence Dudley's charming two-parter Black Orchid to a tragic and fiery close, all of which is competently directed by newcomer Ron Jones, whose work would improve further by later stories.
The Doctor's cricketing skills come to the fore!
Tegan and Nyssa enjoy some time with Ann Talbot.
Tegan enjoys the Charleston!
A sad time for Ann Talbot (Sarah Sutton) and Lord and Lady Cranleigh (Michael Cochrane and Barbara Murray).
A sombre but memorable ending involving our time travellers, the kind not often seen in the series.
A lively period showcase that doesn't outstay its welcome, Black Orchid proves just right for generic audiences to enjoy - nice scenery, a great cricket showcase for Davison to savour as the Doctor (the character's last example for a while), a doppelganger scenario perfect for a prior underused Sarah Sutton, and a fine guest cast (especially Barbara Murray and Michael Cochrane), before the oncoming storm that is Earthshock...
All dressed up for a masquerade to remember, in this location publicity session.
Colourful image eventually used on the Issue 69, October 1982 issue of Doctor Who Monthly.
American DVD release sleeve composition,
Composition from the Doctor Who - The Complete History partwork series.
The 2014 BBC Audio cover sleeve featuring adjusted art from the original Target novel's cover art by Tony Masero.
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