The Fearmonger

"Isn't this the point where you usually arrive in the midst of chaos and sidle into the good graces of the authority figures when they're not paying attention?"

Writer: Jonathan Blum
Format: Audio
Released: February 2000
Series: Main Range 05

Featuring: Seventh Doctor, Ace

Synopsis

One would-be assassin is in a mental ward. Another's on the run. Their intended victim is stirring up the mobs. Terrorists are planning a strike of their own. A talk-show host is loving every minute of it. A Whitehall insider whispers about a mysterious UN operative, with a hidden agenda. Everyone's got someone they want you to be afraid of. It'll only take a little push for the situation to erupt - and something is doing the pushing. But you can trust the Doctor to put things. Can't you?

Verdict

The Fearmonger is a simply sensational audio story and one that I enjoyed from start to finish. Immediately starting with an assassination attempt on New Britannia Party leader Sherilyn Harper. Immediately I loved the story and the fact that the Doctor was bound dive into the world of British politics. But there was a lot more to this audio adventure than politics and assassination attempts! The Fearmonger was an incredible enemy, and the traits it had were just outstanding. Feeding off fear and hate, where better than in British politics and a link to a mental asylum? I adored the added bonus of Mick Thompson as a radio host and the way it helped tag the story along, perfectly. It was just genius. Ace was excellent in this and trust me, that's a massive compliment from myself as I've never been a fan of the companion. I've never thought she's been more than average, maybe with the exception of Remembrance of the Daleks, but here she really shone. Maybe it's the format? I am not too sure. I liked how she met an old friend from Perivale also. Roderick was a brilliant character and his dealings as part of the New Britannia Party were great. Alexsandr was a callous character which just added to the story's excellence. The cliffhangers in this were great, as was the plot of course and the resoling climax was very good. Good to have the Seventh Doctor back in a full performed story, even if it is in a story home to one of my least favourite TARDIS pairings, but if they have stories that continue in this standard, then my opinions will undoubtedly change and I'll have no complaints!

Rating: 10/10