The Scream of Ghosts

"A television begging for its life."

Writer: Guy Adams

Format: Audio

Released: May 2019

Series: Third Doctor Adventures 5.02

Featuring: Third Doctor, Jo, Brigadier

Synopsis 

When the Brigadier and Jo are called in to look into a breakthrough in the field of portable communication, the Doctor has to stay behind with communications problems of his own – a strange signal coming through the TARDIS console that's burned out its circuits. 

When Benton approaches the Doctor with an odd story about an old friend, the Time Lord realises his troubles and the Brigadier's investigations may be connected, and hot-foots it in pursuit.

Soon they discover that terrifying sounds are walking in the woods of the English countryside... but what lurks behind these sounds may be even more dangerous...

Verdict

The Scream of Ghosts was a tremendous story to conclude the fifth series of the Third Doctor Adventures! I thought this was a really great way to finish another stellar release for the third incarnation. I liked the continuity from the opener with Jo mentioning Liz and how she was feeling that there were a lot of scientific women around with the Professor. The idea of telephony technology being developed so wonderfully 1970s and that really did give it an authentic feel. This felt like it could easily have fitted in with any series from 8-10 and that’s a huge compliment. I think this series might be the best in capturing the era in which its stories are set and whilst that does help when the Doctor is grounded, it really is impressive. I thought the focus on telecommunications was great and with all of the mentions of television, I was almost thinking that we were going to be getting the Wire! That thought was sparked further when it was mentioned how a number of people watching their televisions were all taken away, but alas what we got what was even better! I absolutely love the Vardans so the reveal that they were behind the telecommunications invasion was a delight. They have so much potential and I think Big Finish has utilised them brilliantly in the audio format. They work so well and getting an encounter with the Third Doctor is brilliant. I loved that the Doctor recalled losing Oliver in The First Wave as a way to show how much he knew of the Vardan threat. That continuity was most welcomed and I think it’s important to remember an old companion that perished, even if they weren’t around for too long. I also loved the importance the Doctor placed on Jo throughout the story with him even claiming she was the most important human at one point. No pressure on her then! The relationship between the pair was delightful throughout and I really loved how she was instructed to act as the Scientific Advisor’s assistant. She played that role wonderfully well and Jo just oozed fun in embellishing a bit of power that would ordinarily lay at the Doctor’s hand. She was less than impressed with the demonstration provided, but the Brigadier knew that if even a little of what she claimed possible was on show or evidence there about then she would get her funding. I thought Jon Clushaw was excellent again as the Brigadier and he’s arguably the best recast that Big Finish have ever done. The scene where the Doctor was essentially ignoring the Brigadier over the screaming sounds of bustling people was hilarious because as soon as Jo arrived on the scene he was all ears! That was the Third Doctor at his best. The Bulbury setting worked well and I loved also having Benton there played again by the terrific John Levene! It really added to the authentic feel and gave a lot to UNIT playing a big role. Armitage was a fun character to interact with the Professor and their protecting of the telephone prototypes was great stuff. The title is a little misleading and it was fun for the Doctor to dismiss the idea of ghosts right from the off. The threat of static to wipe out the Doctor and all of those captured was superb stuff and I thought the cliffhangers were really impressive. Hearing the Doctor become static with his voice at first was really well done, but when they were literally made of sound waves the threat of white noise was brilliant. I liked Jo’s role in the conclusion and highlighting her importance again was something I was really on board with. I thought the eery ending in hearing the Vardans say they will be free one day within the Doctor Who theme was outstanding. They will always survive in that theme! A wonderful concept. Overall, an excellent story to conclude the series! I already can’t wait for the next one.

Rating: 9/10