This is another enhanced dramatization that finds a way to break up the monotony by turning it into a dialogue between narrator Maureen O'Brien and Alix Dunmore, who also provides other voices in side scenes. Through using this structure, writer Ian Potter avoids the way some of these tales feel like dry readings...and also manages to make O'Brien's performance as Vicki so, so much more than in other stories I heard her read. In this segment the things I really liked about Vicki as a character comes through to the point that I never felt I was listening to the actress. This is a problem I find with this line as a whole--Katy Manning, Carol Ann Ford and Louise Jameson aside, I find it difficult to not be aware of the inevitable changes aging brings to a person's voice--but the framing works to O'Brien's strengths and avoids all of her weaknesses. I particularly like how this script captures Vicki's impish playfulness; hell, I love how the cliffhanger takes full advantage of deflating Vicki intellectually.
This is a pretty good first part, and a definite uptick from the disappointment of that first story in this box set. It's a good snapshot of a time which is about to be at an end (but we'll get to that shortly).
