A tight and entertaining political thriller with some aliens thrown in. The pacing and characters are excellent. While part of the story's goal is to help set up the new Counter Measures series from Big Finish, it doesn't suffer from the requirement. On the contrary, the performances of the actors portraying their characters from Counter Measures enhance the story's quality, even if they have little to do plot-wise. Some predictable plot turns (due to everyone needing something to do) and an overly abrupt ending are the only real letdowns here. ( )

The Seventh Doctor meets (the original) House of Cards! But during the height of the Cold War! But really a conspiracy did it. Sigh. Good thing this has Ace or it would lose a star. ( )