Whisper

"It's camouflaged as a killer."

Writer: Matt Fitton

Format: Audio

Released: October 2019

Series: Eighth Doctor Adventures: Ravenous 4.01

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Liv, Helen

Synopsis

Seeking respite after their battle with the Ravenous and hoping to find a quiet place where the Eleven can recuperate, the TARDIS crew visit the Still Foundation. But all they find is a small band of survivors under siege from a terrifying predator. A predator that hunts by sound.

Verdict

Whisper was an excellent episode to kick off the fourth and final Ravenous series of Eighth Doctor Adventures! This was such a strong format and if it went a little longer or perhaps was expanded upon in a Monthly Adventures type story, then it could have even got a perfect rating! It’s just a fantastic idea for the audio format and the execution was superb. I was worried when I realised the significance of the title that things might get a little annoying hearing whispers for much of the audio, but it actually turned into something quite special. The actors all deserve kudos for still maintaining their true voices whilst keeping that quiet tone. Naturally, an episode that was made up a lot of whispers had a very eery tone and atmosphere which fitted perfectly. The Still Foundation made for a strong setting and it was quite ironic that this was somewhere the Doctor intended to take the Eleven for something of a calm experience. I was a little disappointed that the revelation that he hadn’t actually been cured of his regenerative disorder was revealed so early on after that being a superb cliffhanger at the end of the previous box set, but at the same time that provided a scintillating dynamic between the Eleven and Liv. This relationship is honestly spectacular and I could listen to an entire episode of them just locked in a room. The disdain she has is so different compared to Helen thanks to the time she spent with him thinking she was providing therapy. I am fascinated by his endgame here and whilst the Ravenous were barely even mentioned, we know they’re still around and the Eleven has them in his back pocket to produce and reveal his endgame. I’m looking forward to that but for now he genuinely did save the Doctor’s life. Even Liv was startled and admitted she might have been wrong about him which did honestly surprise me. I like how the Doctor does want to help the Eleven despite everything he’s put him through and I hope we do hear a ruthless streak from this incarnation once it blows up in his face. The mystery of the creature that hunted by sound was really good and I was even more fascinated by the fact the others had been present on the planet for two years before they appeared. The death of Vonn was quite a shocking moment and she died quite early as it felt like she was going to be an important character. It was a startling reminder of how ruthless he could be and he quickly calmed Liv by asking if she’d rather it be Helen who was sacrificed instead. That was brutal! I thought the Eleven in particular struggling with his past selves when it came to the whispering was superb because it was so hard for him to control and even more so when he was feigning being cured! The lack of sympathy Liv had was just tremendous. I thought the tiptoeing in the story was really good and the journey through the Foundation was just thrilling. I was actually listening quite early in the morning and in hindsight I wish I had actually listened to this one in the dark at night. It felt superb. I liked how things finished with the Eleven having a request on where to be dropped off as he could sense he had outstayed his welcome in the current TARDIS dynamic. I smell a plan! I can’t wait to hear the next instalment. A wonderful series and another excellent episode!

Rating: 9/10