The problem in the release strategy — if there even is one — of The Minister of Chance is quite plainly revealed in Paludin Fields. It’s been seven months since I listened to the prologue and first two episodes of The Minister of Chance. Now, finally, Episode Three has been released. Unfortunately, though each episode has a somewhat distinct identity, they definitely fit into a larger whole, and I don’t remember what that larger whole is.

The Minister of Chance is as beautiful as any other instalment of this series so far, though just between three episodes of this and Death Comes to Time, one is beginning to pick up certain Dan Freeman tropes. Some of them are probably overused because they work, however. I loved the scenes with Jenny Agutter’s character explaining the idea of causation, but that might be because it’s straight out of John Stuart Mill and all I do these days is read about Victorian science.

There’s a plot of some sort, about the Minister and Kitty trying to find a woman who can help them defeat the Horseman, a rogue Time Lord. Meanwhile, political shenanigans are proceeding apace back on the planet were Kitty came from, between the characters played by Paul McGann, Paul Darrow, and Sylvester McCoy. This is all well and good, but my memory isn’t so great, and neither are this story’s reminders. Also, the political “intrigue” is about as subtle as my foot. If anyone’s surprised by any of the “twists” here, they should go and watch any television show ever.

Paludin Fields is fine for what it is: another instalment in the very slowly unfolding saga of The Minster of Chance. The sound is great, and the performances are of course top-notch. I suspect that when I relisten to the entire series in one go when it’s finished, I’ll like it much more. For now, I’m going to find it frustrating and difficult to stay interested in.

Paludin Fields (by Dan Freeman) was released by Radio Static in September 2012.