"Death to the Daleks!"

"You don't have power over the Daleks. You just have power over the rest of us."

Writer: Nicholas Briggs 

Format: Audio

Released: October 2001

Series: Dalek Empire 1.03

Featuring: Suz, Alby, Kalendorf

Synopsis 

Yeses have passed. The war goes on.

For every Dalek defeat, the Earth Alliance has suffered ten. Could it be that the Daleks are finally on the brink of victory?

Suz and Kalendorf have devised a secret plan to defeat the Daleks. But is it too late?

The Dalek Emperor seems to have its own hidden agenda...

Verdict 

"Death to the Daleks!" was a very good audio adventure to continue the advancement of this first series of the Dalek Empire range. I was intrigued in The Human Factor by how long these stories were covering and that's certainly continued to be the case here. I loved the relationship between Suz and Kalendorf here and I just love the audacity by Nicholas Briggs to give us the assumption that our main character actually somewhat enjoys working for the Daleks now, rousing up the slaves of the worlds they continue to conquer. I thought it was incredible that the Daleks credited Suz with the Dalek Empire because of how well she increased the slave morality. How horrific must that be! After reluctantly volunteering for the Dalek cause in Invasion of the Daleks, she was now accredited with being responsible for the Dalek Empire. I can't imagine how that must have felt for her. I was further intrigued by the fact she would only answer to the Dalek Emperor or the Dalek Supreme, it seemed she'd accepted her position now and would only listen to those in charge. The way she understood the Dalek hierarchy in such depth was also a surprise! She'd really gotten at home with her new life, much to her disgust. Her reaction to the extermination of the people she ordered to rid her room of cameras and recording equipment was very surprising! She didn't really flinch, she just reluctantly did as she was told to prevent further death. I think it's just wonderful to do that to your main character, almost put them on the side of the enemy. A very bold move! I really liked the continuation from the cliffhanger of the previous story with Pellan the one being killed, not Alby. The revelation of Pellan was a big surprise but one I thought was very good. He'd been planted by the Daleks to gather information about Alby because of his connection to Suz. She was losing her hope that she used to inspire the Dalek slaves, and amazingly using human emotion, the Daleks wanted Alby to rekindle the flame of hope in Suz. The women they relied on to increase slave efficiency. The women indirectly responsible for the Dalek Empire. I liked how the Daleks subtly found out about Kalendorf's telepathic communication by making Suz pick between the man she loved and the man she had a great deal of animosity for. She chose the illogical option so the Daleks knew something was up. I liked how despite seemingly being on the side of the Daleks, our Angel of Mercy was still planning on when to strike a revolt. But she had to be incredibly careful to avoid her biggest fear - death. The Daleks themselves were fantastic in this story and at their ruthless best. I mean, Earth had fallen and now the galaxy was the Daleks in its entirety. They'd conquered everything of significance. An incredibly frightening thought! Was Suz and Kalendorf's tour of Dalek occupied planets over? I'll guess we'll find out in the finale. The references to the Project Infinity were good and I look forward to seeing what exactly that is. Tanlee was very good in this story and it seems like he'll play a great and important part in the final story of the series. The revelation provided about Pellan really was a game changer - as was the moment the Dalek Emperor spoke to Suz for the first time. She almost seemed honoured to be talked to by the leading commander of the Dalek race which was another shock! The climax was very good and after hope being in abundance for Alby and Suz that they might be reunited, the cliffhanger told us something that was impossible to believe. Suz was dead. I doubt that'll be the case but it's certainly keeping me in suspense! Overall, a brilliant story to continue what has been a very consistent series thus far.

Rating: 8/10

The Human Factor

"Gurian rebels are attempting sabotage, but they can never defeat the Daleks!"

Writer: Nicholas Briggs

Format: Audio

Released: August 2001

Series: Dalek Empire 1.02

Featuring: Suz, Alby, Kalendorf

Synopsis 

The Earth Alliance seems powerless to stop the Dalek invasion of the galaxy. 

Enslaved by the Daleks, along with billions of others, Susan Mendes and Kalendorf must find a way to turn the tide against these metallic monsters...

...or the galaxy will be lost forever!

Verdict 

The Human Factor was another great audio adventure to continue along the first series of the Dalek Empire range very nicely. I was intrigued by how far after the previous story, Invasion of the Daleks, this was set. Six months is a long time but it advanced the overall story of the series very well in my opinion. I thought the relationship between Suz and Kalendorf was very intriguing throughout the story and I loved how he challenged her about 'volunteering' to help the Daleks in order to get food and sleep. It was great how unhappy Suz was at being given the credit for the shift pattern that had been in operation since her rousing speech in the previous episode, which was nicely flashbacked to. She hated to be associated with the Daleks but she couldn't lose the tag because she feared death more than anything, which is completely understandable. I was surprised by how little Alby appeared in the audio after having a good introduction and background in the first story but here he didn't really do anything other than fly around in a ship but if the ending is anything to go by however, then it seems like he'll be the main focus of the next story! I'm loving the snippets of the Dalek Emperor in the early days of these audios - the voice gets me every time! It's just outstanding. Morebi was a good character and I enjoyed the story behind him very much and despite the pseudonym, I couldn't believe that Nicholas Briggs voiced him! As if he wasn't doing enough on this range. He only wrote, directed, voiced the Daleks and came up with all the music! And then he gives himself a guest character! Brilliant. The Gurians were depicted interestingly and I liked how they were planning on staging a revolt. Elsewhere, the death of the fifty Robomen was a bit of a shock. After The Dalek Invasion of Earth, I really do love the simplistic horror behind the converted Dalek servants. They're frighteningly good. The way a Dalek was toyed with after a group of humans defeated was interesting as it somehow made me feel sorry for a Dalek! Kalendorf describing just how bad these Daleks were was excellent and really gave them an added fear factor. Suz having the nickname of 'The Angel of Mercy' was fantastic and I liked how she disliked it. She'd given hope to all of the Dalek slaves, and for what? So they could continue to work for their conquerors. Some reward. A thought crossed my mind as to how the Daleks were getting away with a galaxy-wide invasion and takeover. Surely the Doctor would usually show up? I'm intrigued find out if he'll at least be referenced at some point - I do hope so. The Drudger was typically funny but effective as in The Sirens of Time and Destination: Nerva, which weren't directly referenced. The latter would kind of be impossible seeing as it was released a decade after this story was! The ending of this one was emotionally heartfelt. Suz and Alby had finally found each other again, albeit via a tele display but they knew each were alive. And they'd both fallen in love. Will we have a couple leading the range? I'm not sure, as it seemed Alby was shot dead in a brilliant and ambiguous cliffhanger. 

Rating: 8/10

Invasion of the Daleks

"It is the order of the Emperor. Obey without question!"

Writer: Nicholas Briggs

Format: Audio

Released: August 2001

Series: Dalek Empire 1.01

Featuring: Suz, Alby, Kalendorf

Synopsis 

The Milky Way is at peace. 

After centuries of struggle, the Earth Alliance has been created and all is well

Then, without warning, the Daleks launch their invasion. 

An invasion which threatens to tear apart the fabric of our entire galaxy...

Verdict 

Invasion of the Daleks was a very good introduction to kick off the first series of the Dalek Empire range! So here we are, just under four decades since Terry Nation attempted to give his coveted creation a spinoff on television in the States, the Daleks get to go it alone now in the audios and they were definitely the highlight of this series and range opener! I thought the story did well to introduce the main three characters who seem like they'll be centre stage for this series at least. Suz was lovely and I like the fact that it seems she's going to be the lead of trio we'll soon become acquainted with. She was just brilliant and I can tell already that I'm going to really like her. The way she stood up to the Daleks was outstanding and despite them not liking it, they soon gave in to her demands! She won an argument with the Daleks. Not too shabby for your first story. She explained that the humans needed sleep and food to be productive and carry out the Dalek orders. And after some persuasion and analysis, Suz got her way. The introduction of Alby was good to with him in his ship and things not all going to plan. I liked how he'd fallen for Suz and would later risk everything to just see if she was still alive. Alive from the Dalek invasion that is. I loved the scenes of the invasion, as the story is of course titled, and the story showed as a whole why the Daleks are the number one Doctor Who enemies. They were very monstrous here and their authoritative and ruthless threats immediately gave them a fear factor, one that of course isn't really needed. I loved the throwback to The Dalek Invasion of Earth, one of my all time favourite stories, and I thought this audio was actually pretty similar. The Daleks had came and conquered Vega VI pretty effortlessly for their standards but now they needed the humans to accomplish their aims. They were at their mining antics again but this time it was far from Bedfordshire and they weren't after a core of a planet. They wanted the Veganite for reasons not yet known but I'm sure we'll get to that during the series and I look forward to it very much. The references to The Genocide Machine and The Apocalypse Element were wonderfully thrown in and I loved how the Dalek Empire loose connection of the main range audios is finally having some significance. The reintroduction of Kalendorf was brilliant and I liked the reference to The Sirens of Time in which he previously appeared as a highlight. The reference to war between the humans and the Knights of Velyshaa was tremendous. I loved Kalendorf and Suz's relationship whilst they were being slaves and I was intrigued why someone of such rank and calibre had been thrown into Dalek slavery. The climax was good and eventful which is always a bonus. The appearance of the Dalek Emperor is always a fantastic thing in my opinion as I just love the character. The voice is so good and monstrous and just screams aggressive authority! The Dalek Supreme's appearance was good too but he didn't really do too much which was a slight surprise due to the inclusion to begin with. The lead in to the next story was good with Alby heading through the Daleks and the mothership to see the women he's fallen in love with, whilst Pellan tagged along! Overall, an intriguing 72 minutes of Dalek audio! A beautiful reference to The Evil of the Daleks and I'm just looking forward to seeing what the Daleks are up to! Do they want the human factor once more? I'm not convinced. Suz, Alby and Kalendorf look set to be a good trip to base the series around anyway! All in all, a very decent opener. 

Rating: 8/10

The Curse of the Black Spot

"What kind of rubbish pirates are you?"

Writer: Steve Thompson

Format: TV 

Broadcast: 7th May 2013

Series: 6.03

Synopsis 

The Doctor, Amy and Rory stumble aboard a 16th century pirate ship. But there's a mystery occurring as the enigmatic Siren hunts the wounded and diseased, the crew are getting smaller and it's not long before the Doctor has to walk the plank..

Verdict 

The Curse of the Black Spot is a very good episode to continue along series six nicely after an incredibly spectacular opening double episode. The setting is terrific on paper with a 17th century pirate ship stranded at sea. I liked the minimal similarities to The Pirate Planet at the start with the Doctor being forced to walk the plank after a humorous introduction. I really loved the prequel to this episode and I think it set up the suspense immediately! The Doctor noticing the small crew compared with the size of the ship was wonderful - it's little things like that and the way Smith delivers them that makes him my favourite Doctor by quite a way to be honest. Amy's attire for this episode was sensational. She really did look staggering! The sword scenes were excellent and I loved how the touch of a sword was feared considerably more than a bullet from a gun. The first appearance of the Siren was intriguing as she looked so beautiful and elegant in the green limelight only to then blast the holder of the black spot into nothingness, or so we thought. Her numerous arrivals though were tremendous. Captain Avery was the standout guest character by quite some distance and I love how this story is the take on his mysterious disappearance after his treasure quest in India. The fact that the story acts as a somewhat loose prequel to The Smugglers is just stunning! The fact that its inadvertent somehow makes it better I think! From 1966 to 2011, the much earlier produced serial now acts as a loose sequel to an a Eleventh Doctor serial. Wondrrful. Just wonderful. The plot itself was good and despite it being patchy in places I thought it largely worked well. The fear of the Siren was magnificent and it was almost confusing that someone so bright and beautiful could be the villain, but of course that was eventually disproved when the truth was revealed. The toeing of the TARDIS was quite funny and the idea of the Doctor, Amy and Rory being trapped on a pirate ship in the 16th century was great! Of course, we knew the TARDIS was going to come back but now we had something extra to aim towards which was good. The discovery of Toby was good and I really liked his character. Being the son of Avery, I loved his shock and disgust at the fact his father was sailing under the black flag. I was intrigued by him even more when it was discovered he had the cursed black spot too. The revelation that the Siren used reflections, not water, as a portal was terrific and I loved how once the TARDIS was gone and then Rory was drowning that the Doctor, Amy and Avery took a huge risk. They too cut their hands slightly so the Siren would come for them. And that risk paid off. They'd been transported across planes. Same place but a different universe right on the point of collision with the one as we know it. I loved how the Siren turned out to be a doctor rather than a killer. She tended for the sick. The abandoned spaceship was intriguing and I loved how she was like the TARDIS team - lost but couldn't help but help. (That's a mouthful!). After the excellent scenes in the TARDIS with Avery, I loved how he would stay in this universe with his dying son who would be protected under the help of the Siren. But it wasn't just his son he'd stay with, it was also the rest of the crew! Nobody died! The climax with Amy saving Rory was emotional excellence and I think this was certainly one of Rory's better episodes. He was at the centre after getting the black spot and then being saved. The series arcs of the Amy pregnancy and Eye-Patch Lady were nicely implanted too. Overall, very good with some flaws in places - the main one being the sonic working on wood! But all in all, brilliant.

Rating: 8/10

Death in Heaven

"The dead are returning to life as Cybermen."

Writer: Steven Moffat 

Format: TV 

Broadcast: 8th November 2014

Series: 8.12

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Clara

Synopsis 

With Cybermen on the streets of London, old friends unite against old enemies and the Doctor takes to the air in a startling new role as President of Earth. With Missy pushing the Doctor to his limits, what will be the fate of the dead as an unprecedented Cyberman conversion begins...

Verdict

Death in Heaven was an action and emotional packed season finale! Continuing immediately from Dark Water, I was surprised by the Cybermen's actions of just standing still after the infamous march on St Paul's Cathedral. They just gathered together and didn't even object to selfies! And then UNIT made an emphatic return which I thought was magnificent. It was lovely to see Osgood and Kate Stewart back, not seen since The Day of the Doctor, and the roles in the story for both of them brought two very big shocks which I'll get to shortly. I absolutely adored Michelle Gomez in this episode, she was utterly wonderful. I bloody love the Scottish accent on a women and when we've got a villain of such significance as Missy who, as the big cliffhanger revealed last week, is the Master, then the voice is definitely important and I just sat in adoration for every scene. I'm not sure how Missy got control over the Cybermen but whatever her methods I like the alliance a lot! I'm guessing her aiding the conversion of the dead with the Gallifreyan hard drive was why they were a team. And what an alliance. It's about time the Master teamed up with a famous foe of the Doctor's! I'm not counting The Oseidon Adventure in that category at all, neither the short lived power trip seen in Frontier in Space. This alliance was far more effective and the idea of the Cybermen harvesting the dead is just astounding. As the Doctor said, how can you defeat an enemy who has control over the dead? The chemistry between Capaldi and Gomez was magnificent and I loved her glee of the city of Glasgow. A typical Scot! I'd have liked an explanation as to how Missy escaped the events of The End of Time but as seen historically for this Time Lord renegade, explanations for returns aren't always warranted. The idea of Clara pretending to be the Doctor was an intriguing one though I'm not sure they needed to do what they did with the opening credits. Although seeing the beautiful Jenna in the titles wasn't bad at all! Her big speech when trying to prove to the Cybermen that she was the Doctor was utterly sublime. It was almost a kind of comical mockery of her best friend. I was surprised how much she knew or had been told about the Doctor! I particularly liked the The Doctor's Daughter reference. Osgood working out that Missy was a regenerated female version of the Master was terrific and I loved the shock factor in how she was killed off. The way Missy told her she was going to kill her was beautiful. Heartless divinity. It was a nice throwback to the classic series Master who would murder those in his way. Now, it seems a gender change has brought those roots back. I felt so sorry for the Doctor when he was recalling how the Master was once a good friend when the pair grew up on Gallifrey, now look at her. The presentation of The Invasion type Cyberman head that was destroyed was marvellous and I enjoyed the recognition by the Cybermen themselves. However they'd changed a lot since then! The flying ability was interesting and I'm not usually in favour of mass change but I think the Cybermen needed a new ability. The Doctor being President of Earth was intriguing and I loved his reaction to discovering he was the man in charge of the human race and its safety. The way Missy was revealed as the mysterious woman in the shop wasn't exactly a surprise but nevertheless I enjoyed it! And I thought the way she was doing everything as a gift to the Doctor was quite disturbing. She'd raised the Doctor an army. A Cyberman army. And he had a choice - conquer the universe or see the murder of the human race. I'm sure the Doctor liked that one. He of course found a way around that thanks to Danny, who was now dead and a Cyberman at the same time. I wasn't overly keen on the Danny Cyberman to be honest but the emotion it brought was fantastic. I really do hope that's Danny written out of the series now because if it is then that's a brilliant sendoff! He rescued the human race after the Doctor gave him the commanding bracelet. The scene near the end with Kate being rescued was stunning. Absolutely incredible. The Brigadier had been brought back from the dead and converted, not just as a Cyberman but fittingly as the Cyber Leader. And he got his salute from the Doctor in a heart-wrenching scene. Danny allowing the boy he killed at war to live and return to life was an interesting decision but a courageous one. And then we had the emotional ending at the coffee table. Missy gave the Doctor the coordinates to Gallifrey's location and after the tragedy he had to go through from bodies 9-11 living with the guilt of destroying his planet, the Doctor was going to go home. But once again, the Master got the upper hand. Gallifrey was still lost. The way Missy exited the story was rather ambiguous which I like and I really hope we get a return from the incredible Michelle Gomez! As much as I like Clara, I do hope that this was her sendoff as it will be so memorable! Both the Doctor and Clara lying to each other. Danny stayed dead and Gallifrey remained lost. Both things would have detrimental effects on the other. If this is the end for Clara, then she's been majestic. But judging by the mid closing-titles scene, I'm not convinced we've seen the last of her. The Santa appearance at the TARDIS was not a favourable lead in at all  and I think it tarnished the episode a bit. But overall, a stunning and emotional finale! Some questionable elements, but the two parter as a whole was superb. Hopefully this has seen a fabulous companion sendoff! 

Rating: 9/10 

Ringpullworld

"That's what we call a cliffhanger. It's about narrative suspense."

Writer: Paul Magrs

Format: Audio

Released: November 2009

Series: Companion Chronicles 4.05

Featuring: Fifth Doctor, Tegan, Turlough

Synopsis 

Vislor Turlough is in trouble again: piloting a stolen ship through a pocket universe on a mission that is strictly forbidden by the Doctor. He would be going it alone, but there is unwelcome company in the form of Huxley one of the legendary novelisors of Verbatim Six, who is narrating and recording Turlough’s life.

As they hurtle towards unknown peril, Turlough recalls his arrival in the TARDIS, and the circumstances that propelled himself, the Doctor and Tegan into the Ringpull universe. He has a story to tell. But only Huxley knows how it might end…

Verdict 

Ringpullworld was sadly a bit of a mixed bag of an audio story. I must admit that prior to listening to the adventure, I wasn't expecting much in terms of quality due to the character who would be the focal point of the story. Turlough is way down near the bottom in terms of my favourite companions and this just highlighted why. Usually in this range you can see how good a companion is as here they're on their own. In the main range or any type of full cast story of you dislike a companion usually the presence of the Doctor or possible other companions can make up for the poor character but here there was no such luck. I don't think it was narrated badly but the character of Turlough is just so boring. He even managed to be quite boring in print during Lords of the Storm! I really disliked the presentation of Tegan in this story. They've basically just said she was a whining, moaning Australian bitch. And despite her having a bitchy element with the Fifth Doctor, she does have her qualities. But I think we were told to forget that here which was something I refused to accept. I've always pretty liked Tegan and I remember my shock when first watching Time-Flight with her apparent displacement. It left a huge gap in terms of Fifth Doctor and Nyssa audios and novels but I was hoping a good companion would get a sendoff that was worthy. Of course, I'd later get that in Resurrection of the Daleks. The story itself wasn't massively great. Not much of a plot or danger, just a Ringpull that was a gateway between universes. The concept is good and I did like what came of it. But the tolerance levels of mine had to be pretty high here! I wasn't impressed at all. I shared Turlough's annoyance at Huxley. I just couldn't bare a novelist talking next to me describing everything that was happening to me in my life! How frustrating that would be. The reference to The Five Doctors was nicely put in and accounted for some elements of the story but the reference I favoured most was that of Earthshock with the death of Adric. Despite the indifferent relationship, Turlough always expected the Doctor to come and save him whilst in danger. But then a reference was made to Adric's death that was just beautiful. The realisation soon came that the Doctor doesn't always save those close to him. We only have to look at The Daleks' Master Plan for that! The bickering between the TARDIS trio was poor and despite the reputation I really don't think the Fifth Doctor era was all that bad inside the control room. The climax here wasn't too bad but I really disliked the loose ending. Why did the events shown have to be a dream? I wasn't a fan of that. And I'm guessing that we just have to assume the third future possibility was the one that occurred because that's what we were shown in detail? Overall, a good idea but average execution. A poor ending and just all in all a poor lead character. 

Rating: 6/10

Day of the Moon

"You've just raised an army against yourselves and now for a thousand generations you're going to be ordering them to destroy you every day."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 30th April 2011

Series: 6.02

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Amy, Rory, River

Synopsis 

The day of the moon landing has come. After a 3 month undercover mission to find out all they can about the Silence, the attempts to launch a world wide revolution are put into action. Along with President Nixon's help, can the TARDIS crew defeat beings they can't remember, and who've been on Earth since the time of the wheel?

Verdict 

Day of the Moon is just an outstanding conclusion to the story already started in The Impossible Astronaut and I just love the contrast between the two episodes despite them joining as one story. In the previous episode, despite the Doctor dying, it was kind of a happy reunion set in the basking sunshine of Utah. But here there was a complete contrast. Canton was out hunting for the Doctor's three companions whilst he was maintained in a straight jacket. I loved the subtle reference to The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang with the Doctor mocking the fact a perfect prison was being built for him, and even that wouldn't be enough to hold him. The use of markings on the skin when encountering the Silence was terrific and really showed just how dangerous they are, and their mass numbers too! River's plunge off the building was a shock but then of course, "she does that" so the Doctor would just open the doors and catch her. I loved the idea of a cover up investigation to get the TARDIS team and Canton alone, after three months of investigation over the States. It advanced the story on excellently with the emotional and shocking cliffhanger not being resolved immediately. I liked how Amy's pregnancy was made a mystery at the end which thankfully made the resolution of Amy thinking she was but wasn't much better. The appearance of Kovarian was nicely placed and I loved Amy's reaction to seeing a picture of herself with the astronaut girl as a baby in the creepy child's home. Speaking of reactions, the Doctor's to discovering he'd finally met the Silence was outstanding and massively reflective of why Matt Smith is my favourite Doctor. He's just incredible. The reference to The Romans was lovely and I really liked the conversation between the Doctor and Rory about him remembering the two thousands years of waiting and guarding Amy. The method of defeating the Silence was just too clever. It really was. The moon landing is such a significant moment and there's not one person with an ounce of intelligence who couldn't quote you the words of Armstrong. And smack bang in the middle of that infamous phrase the Silence gave their execution orders. Just amazing. People would be defeating the Silence without even knowing it. Captured on a video phone and I wonder, with the Silence being in 1969, did they even know what one was? It didn't seem so. Watching back, I adore and applaud Steven Moffat for how this ties in with The Name of the Doctor and The Time of the Doctor with the question which must never be answered. They wanted silence, of course meaning they didn't want the Time Lords to return. So here they are, attempting to prevent the Doctor from reaching Trenzalore, and failing. The chemistry between Smith and Kingston was at a peak here and the flirting between the Doctor and River when shooting the Silence dead was wonderful. Perfect, almost. I really wished Amy hadn't intervened! I loved how the Doctor referenced Aickman Road from The Lodger with the Doctor recalling an abandoned similarity of an attempted TARDIS. And I loved how he said he was going to provide it. After frightening moments with hand messages and Amy being alone, the Silence were finally defeated. People everywhere were killing them without even knowing. Just amazing! The ending was quite sad with River fearing her days were up as the Doctor always seemed to be getting younger for her. The reference to what was to come in Let's Kill Hitler was beautifully added in also. Overall, a quite staggering of a series opener and it's set up quite a series arc hasn't it? Joining with The Impossible Astronaut, this is one of my favourite revival stories. 

Rating: 10/10

The Impossible Astronaut

"A Time Lord's body is a miracle, even a dead one."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV 

Broadcast: 23rd April 2011

Series: 6.01

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Amy, Rory, River

Synopsis 

Space 1969. The moon landing. And the Doctor is up to something. Sending four envelopes to those he holds closest, the receivers meet up in America. An impossible astronaut looms and the moment the universe has been avoiding occurs. The Doctor dies. Could it be possible? 

Verdict 

The Impossible Astronaut is an outstanding season opener and just proved straight away that after a debut season, Matt Smith is perfect for the role of the Doctor and Steven Moffat has the series safe at hand by giving us a season finale quality episode to kickstart the sixth series! The opening is just incredible. It really is and rewatching on the boxset brought back all my memories of watching on broadcast with the utter shock and excitement at what was just getting started. The Doctor's attempts of gaining the attention of Amy and Rory through history is brilliant, although I'm not sure why he can't just run on to their house. The envelopes were intriguing and I liked how Doctor Who was having a fully set story in the States. America has so much opportunity for a great story, even more so in 1969 for obvious reasons, and after watching the prequel I was looking forward to this one. My anticipation was high to say the least, with a little girl calling direct to the President! Something doesn't add up there at all. And speaking of things that don't add up, the Doctor died. What an incredible opening ten minutes. An Apollo astronaut rose from the lake, the Doctor walked over and just accepted his death. He was shot twice and then again during regeneration. His body was already dead and the Time Lord died instantly. At the time I remember just how huge a shock this was to me and now looking back I just sat and admired. The fact the body was set in flames made the death much more believe. After 1103 years, the Doctor's song had ended. But then the Doctor of 194 years previous shows up having also received an invite. A typical confusing but wonderful scenario from Moffat, which would of course be explained or hinted at over the series as it went on. The shock on the faces of the companions when the younger Eleventh Doctor walked out in front of them was outstanding. And I loved the Doctor in the TARDIS when he could see he knew his companions knew who'd sent the invite. I admired how much trust he had in Amy, after referencing The Eleventh Hour beautifully, but wouldn't trust River, because she was still in prison. The sad reference to Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead was emotional and River's days were drawing nearer now. She knew that. And of course, she was right. When she'd meet the Doctor and he knew nothing about it, she'd die. The arrival into the White House was fantastic and I loved how the Doctor knew River was messing with the TARDIS controls. It was hilarious when he referred to her as Mrs Robinson too, just fantastic. Canton Dellaware III was a brilliant character, both old and young and I loved how he told Nixon he was his second choice for president. His voice is just perfect for Doctor Who and I loved his reaction to the TARDIS. Him giving the Doctor his time to take on the case was superb and I just loved how the Doctor found the one place in the USA where the girl could be calling from. Once near NASA, the return of the Silence TARDIS attempt was terrific with obvious continuation from The Lodger. The Silence themselves had a scary debut, frightening is an understatement! They're monsters in suits for crying out loud! The concept of forgetting them after you've seen them is magnificent, arguably an even better quality than that of the Weeping Angels. Everything would come full circle by The Time of the Doctor but for now it's all about introduction. They murdered Joy for no apparent reason, they know who Amy is and there's herds of them crawling through an unknown tunnel line that spans the entire planet. Not too shabby. The arrival of the astronaut being the little girl was unexpected to say the least. Was she the one who killed the Doctor? The cliffhanger itself was marvellous with Amy revealing she's pregnant and then shooting the astronaut point blank. A paradox could be created. Overall, an outstanding season opener and I look forward to the concluding part which is where the rating for the overall story will appear.

The House of Lights

"They're made of anti-photons, which only exist physically in the dark..."

Writer: Kieran Grant

Format: Comic Strip

Released: September 2011

Printed in: Doctor Who Annual 2012

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Amy, Rory

Synopsis 

Amy and Rory investigate a man who's Christmas lights are still up and blaring in July, but the Doctor suspects there's something more than just a man who loves Christmas so much, and he's right...

Verdict 

The House of Lights was a great little comic strip story absolutely typical of the post-revival Annuals. The artwork is somewhat questionable when compared with the likes seen in DWM, the Storybooks or any American publishing company such as IDW or Titan. The story itself was your simple Christmassy feel and accounted for both times where the popularity of the Annuals is at its peak - when they first come out shortly after July (the setting of the story) and Christmas (when the books are usually down to a £1 or so and are perfect for stocking stuffers). The idea of an alien hiding out amongst Christmas lights is hardly a way to go unnoticed which came to my humour. The Prin alien looked very much like at home in the DWA range but it somehow seemed suited alongside this TARDIS trip of the Eleventh Doctor, Amy and Rory. It was nice that Rory actually got a word or two into this story which hasn't been the case in some previous comic strips featuring this threesome. Amy, somehow, once again looked tremendous in the artwork! It's the hair I think. Redheads are just amazing, are they not? The Sceadu were intriguing villains and their appearance was depicted as monstrous despite the childlike appeal in the artwork. I loved the idea of them having wiped out the Prin home world and despite just one survivor fleeing all the way to Earth, they weren't satisfied. They wanted genocide. The whole race wiped out. However the comical fact that the Christmas lights were for the Prin's protection was excellent! The Sceadu were made of anti-photons which I thought was outstanding meaning they could only be seen in the dark so they couldn't get near the Prin beyond the vast Christmas lights! The climax was good with an escape door and fireworks defeating the Sceadu and the Doctor offering a lift to an illuminated planet for the Prin. Overall, despite the shortness, lots of fun and a decent story!

Rating: 8/10

Opera of Doom

"It's a machine that composes and performs concertos! It's supposed to make the most beautiful music in the universe..."

Writer: Jonathan Morris

Format: Comic Strip

Released: July 2006

Printed in: Doctor Who Storybook 2007

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Rose

Synopsis 

The Tenth Doctor and Rose visit Vanezia, home to the most beautiful music in the cosmos, but there's something strange about the new opera house

Verdict 

Opera of Doom was a very good comic strip adventure featuring the terrific pairing of the Tenth Doctor and Rose. I do like the comic stories from the Storybooks and I do wish that perhaps the book featured at least one more comic strip instead of short text annuals. I think it's a kind of substitute for the content from within the classic Annuals. The visit to Vanezia was an intriguing one and I liked how the Doctor was continuing to show Rose just about anything and everything in the universe! The resemblances to Venice were canny and I loved the immediate mystery surrounding the grand opera house. The Doctor was reading the official tour guide and there was no mention of the overwhelming and giant opera house. That was somewhat unbelievable and the Doctor obviously suspected outside interference. The concept of the opera house playing something different and new every single night was intriguing and I was interested by its aim. And then the horror was revealed afterwards when the Doctor and Rose went in search of the automatic's autograph. They found out what was powering the opera organism - living people who were literally being fried and the power used to work the musical beauty. The Doctor's happiness and glee at seeing the lurker Mangrillo was a surprise, why was it so pleasant? But then of course he recognised the species and knew exactly how to defeat it. Now, I've not hidden the fact that I think Jonathan Morris could do a better job with comic strips, namely my reading through the The Child of Time graphic novel, and here again I thought the climax could have been handled better. We had Fred Goddo, a man earning his living on the street singing, beating the grand opera organism because of his complete lack of musical ability. Well that was pretty poor in my eyes because I doubt the Doctor or Rose were any better yet they remained recognise! Anyway, at just 7 pages (a tad shorter than a DWM one part comic), there isn't too much more to say about the story, other than the fact I didn't recognise the song Rose was singing at all which I found comical! Overall, very good though and an enjoyable read. Just make them longer! 

Rating: 8/10

The Weapon

"Different evils and weapons, but the same battle going on..."

Writer: Paul Crompton

Format: Comic Strip

Released: September 1980

Printed in: Doctor Who Annual 1980

Featuring: Fourth Doctor, Romana I, K9

Synopsis 

The Doctor, Romana and K9 unknowingly get thrown through a time loop and end up in medieval times, believing they're in the 20th century. They got caught in a deadly war between Black and White, and a horrific weapon is in use...

Verdict 

The Weapon was a pretty entertaining and unique comic strip adventure as part of the 1980 Annual, which as I mentioned in my previous blog of Terror on Xaboi I was thrilled to purchase. The trio (ish) of the Fourth Doctor, Romana I and K9 is one we didn't see an awful lot of on screen so to see it getting more stories is a very good thing in my eyes. The more you get of a combination, or even a singular character, the better. Just look at what the Big Finish audios have done for Colin Baker's much criticised Sixth Doctor! For me, he's by a country mile the best Doctor on audio and now with these comics, despite them being primary stories (ie released at the time of the trio being on screen), they're certainly different to what we saw on air. The illustration of the comic strip was like nothing I've ever read before! It really was uniquely spectacular. Such was the quality of the artwork, I think anyway, it seemed that this story was a picture one rather than comic strip. That was something new and I adored it. The story itself did a good job for the Annuals, which never grasp too much when it comes to quality. The idea was clever with the TARDIS being caught in a time loop and the Doctor walking straight into a medieval castle expecting a tour guide and instead being welcomed to a sword! That was the comic strip's highlight. A typical funny Fourth Doctor moment. Romana and K9 being separated from the Doctor almost immediately was good as needs to be the case with the comics and their short format, something I don't think I'll ever understand! The altercations between the Black Knight and White Knight armies were terrific and I liked how the story didn't reference any historical battle by name and kept it vague, which should be the case for a story of this length. I found the narration an interesting take on the comic strip style, usually we have a little but there was massive amounts here which gave the story a different edge. Overall, a decent story and despite the story being named what it is, the weapon itself made minimal appearance. I disliked how the Doctor admitted there was evil at work but just left. That's certainly not the Time Lord we all love! I just wish the Annuals gave us longer comic strips!

Rating: 7/10

Dark Water

"Do you think I care for you so little that betraying me would make a difference?"

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 1st November 2014

Series: 8.11

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Clara

Synopsis 

In the mysterious Nethersphere, plans have been drawn. Missy is about to come face to face with the Doctor, and an impossible choice is looming.

Verdict 

Dark Water was an absolutely incredible episode to make up the first half of this season's finale! And what a finale we've got on our hands in next week's conclusion, Death in Heaven. But I'm just going to delve straight into the massive, humongous talking points of the episode rather than lead up to it! Thanks to travelling up to North Wales for my beloved local football team, I was a bit late watching this episode and I'm extremely thankful that I avoided all spoilers as to the true identity of Missy. Michelle Gomez gave an incredibly raunchy performance as the Gatekeeper of the Nethersphere but never had her true identity even crossed my mind throughout the series as a whole. "Missy. Short for Mistress. Well, I could hardly keep calling myself the Master, now, could I." An absolutely jaw dropping moment and that's not a figure of speech. When Missy revealed she was the Master I just sat in awe with my mouth wide open in extremely pleasant shock. Rather sensational. Steven Moffat once again pulled an incredible cat out of the bag with this one. Throughout the series, we'd been given subtle hints but I just couldn't come up with a stable theory as to who Missy was. My money was absolutely banked on her being someone new, possibly a Time Lady. After the 'boyfriend' reference at the beginning of the series, I thought that she might be River Song but I was never confident. And even during the episode, when Missy said she was a Time Lady, the one who'd been abandoned by the Doctor, well my head headed straight to Romana. But then I thought to the audios and gave up on that. Then the end scene from The Dalek Invasion of Earth sprang to mind. Could Missy be Susan? It's not like she had much choice in departing the TARDIS. That wasn't stabilised for me. An obvious assumption was then the Rani, which I'd have very much welcomed but the end result hadn't even crossed my mind so the reveal was just stunning. I've heard mixed reviews to the gender change of the Master but in The Doctor's Wife and The Night of the Doctor, and I believe in Harvest of Time specifically for the Master, it was referenced that Time Lords/Ladies could change gender during regeneration. The reaction of the Doctor to the news that his arch nemesis was back, in female form, was outstanding by Peter Capaldi. I'm intrigued to see the continuation from The End of Time in discovering how the Mistress once again escaped, and also what triggered regeneration. I think my thoughts so far sum up how huge a pipebomb this cliffhanger is as I seem to have totally bypassed the rest of the episode's major talking points. Danny Pink died in an emotional turn of events after getting struck by a car just as Clara gave herself to him forever. She told him she loved him and it was abundantly clear she meant it. She claimed the words "I love you" by her were Danny's. That's quite a commitment and what an incredibly lucky guy Mr. Pink is! Jenna Coleman looked stunning as always and she gave a sublime performance here. The lengths Clara was prepared to go to were shocking to say the least! She found all the hidden TARDIS keys and was prepared to destroy each one if the Doctor didn't go back in time and save her boyfriend. It was sort of similar to Father's Day but the reaction of the Doctor once she'd thrown the final key in was terrific. With a nice throwback to Gridlock, the whole thing was a dream state. But it was still mightily shocking and that made it clear just how much Clara means to the Doctor, as you can see from my opening quote, after betraying him he was going to help her go to the afterlife. Has the Doctor ever done anything to that length for a companion before? I struggle to be convinced that he has. The emotions behind Danny going to the Nethersphere and being greeted by Seb were fantastic, I really loved Chris Addison's performance and he seems perfect for the character. Danny meeting a youngster who he killed must have been hard and now he's on the brink of deleting himself. Oh yeah, the Cybermen are back. I might have forgotten to mention that. The concept of the dark water was terrific and I just wish the return of the Cybermen hadn't been so publicised by the BBC because the revelation that they were sitting in the water tanks would have been even more amazing than it was. The reference to Listen was very good, the obvious throwback to The Invasion was tremendous seeing it modernised but for me the main thing is all about that cliffhanger. I still can't quite believe it! The Master is now known as the Mistress whilst in a female incarnation and I can't wait to see what she and her Cyberman army have got in store. Overall, incredibly outstanding! The rating will come after the story's conclusion next week but my word what a first part! Quite possibly the best cliffhanger of all time. 

Terrorformer Part 1

"Things just seem to happen whenever I'm around. I'm a magnet for adventure."

Writer: Robbie Morrison

Format: Comic Strip

Released: October 2014

Series: DW12 #1

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Clara

Synopsis 

After a thousand years of war on the planet Trenzalore, the Doctor regenerated into a brand-new incarnation! Clara struggled at first to reconcile the Doctor's new face with that of her closest friend, but the pair are now back in the saddle of cosmic adventure, even if this new Doctor is a brusquer and more unpredictable - the kind of Doctor who wishes people would just get out of his way and let him get on with the business of saving them.

Verdict 

This first part of Terrorformer was both an excellent start to not only this brand new adventure for the Twelfth Doctor and Clara, but to the brand new US range of Twelfth Doctor comics by Titan as well. The story started off interestingly with Zaxx and the pre-programmed Clive. The disaster that occurred so early on really set the tone for the rest of the issue and I was mightily intrigued by Clive's reasoning for abandoning his programmer to death. Just who is Hyperios and why this sudden rise? As the cliffhanger at the end of the comic revealed, we'll go some way to finding out next month. The scenes with the Doctor and Clara were terrific and I think this is clearly set prior to Kill the Moon. Clara doesn't seem to be at an advanced stage in her relationship with Danny and she still seems to be clinging on to any last hope of the Eleventh Doctor returning after her referencing of the previous Doctor. Doing my best impression of Peter Capaldi in my head, reading the Twelfth Doctor's response was just utterly magical. The essence of Capaldi was instantly captured and I think the speech would be perfect to appear on television if ever there was a multi-Doctor episode featuring the current and previous incarnations. "The me who thought bow ties were cool. The me who used the word 'cool'." Just wondrrful. I love how each incarnation of the Doctor seems to mock the others when they're all the same person in the end. That's the beauty of Doctor Who. We now have 13 different faces to the Doctor and all are massively different and technically different characters playing the same character, if that makes sense. The humour with Clara walking out ready to ski but opening the TARDIS doors to a tropical world was great. The Doctor didn't care how ridiculous he looked and just like in Into the Dalek he didn't understand the use of makeup and what have you. I loved how the Doctor mentioned that he hated outside interference. We hadn't noticed, had we? The reference to The Caretaker was cleverly placed, as that was The Day of the Doctor's mention. As the story went on I became mightily shocked that it seemed planet's were being converted and then sold! In only the 25th century. Will technology rapidly advance that much in the next four hundred years? I guess I won't be around to see it but if anyone is scouring over the depths of the internet, or what remains of it, in 2414 and discovers this blog then please answer the question in the comments below. It'll be like we're talking through time. Speaking of time, I was shocked that the leaves were copyrighted. I mean was there really much time and relevance in putting a little © on each leaf? I mean, if visitors weren't welcome then what's the point? The ending with Eric and Scrofolus being saved in the TARDIS and joining up with the Doctor and Clara was a great lead in to the next part where I think they'll take on the role of lite companions for the story. The revelation that the signal the Doctor received was Gallifreyan in origin was staggering. I mean, wow! Judging by his reaction to the ancient markings, it wasn't one of the good ones. Hyperios was coming. Rising. And I can't wait to see what that means in the next issue! Whilst the story continues, there'll be no rating but I thought this was outstanding!

The Sontaran Games

"They're warriors from the planet Sontar... They live only for battle, and it's almost impossible to defeat them in combat."

Writer: Jacqueline Raynor

Format: Novel

Released: February 2009

Series: Quick Reads 04

Featuring: Tenth Doctor

Synopsis 

Every time the lights go out, someone dies...

The TARDIS lands at an academy for top athletes, all hoping to be chosen for the Globe Games. But is one of them driven enough to resort to murder? The Doctor discovers that the students have been hushing up unexplained deaths. 

Teaming up with a young swimmer called Emma, the Doctor begins to investigate - but he doesn't expect to find a squad of Sontarans invading the academy!

As the Sontarans begin their own lethal version of the Globe Games, the Doctor and Emma must find out what's really going on. But the Doctor is captured and forced to take part in the Sontaran Games. Can even a Time Lord survive this deadly contest?

Verdict 

The Sontaran Games was a brilliant little novel! At just 98 pages, there was always the danger that this range brings with the story being rushed or not detailed enough but this adventure didn't fail in those regards at all. I liked the plot from the get go and I thought the sealed off BASE provided a very good setting. The quick introduction of the characters who'd play prominent roles in the story was expertly done by Jacqueline Raymor, a writer who I so very much love and admire. For the second day in a row now I've done a Raynor story and on both occasions I've been far from being left disappointed. She really does know how to tell a story in any format from any era with any Doctor. In the quite recent story of The Sontaran Strategem/The Poison Sky, despite its magnificence I thought the Sontarans that I held so dear from the classic series were portrayed as quite weak by their own standards. Instead of battling for war across the cosmos against the Rutan, they were trying to make Earth into a clone converter. That's not the war raging, honour adhering, Gallifrey invading Sontarans I knew! Here, the Sontarans were certainly at their brutal best. They murdered for fun, literally, and the way the Doctor reacted to them was just magnificent. The Sontarans were utterly ruthless which I adored and despite it not sounding pleasant, it was terrific to see the amount of death that came in their wake. I liked how they had sealed off the BASE as they were hunting for a Rutan Host. What else is new? The description of the Rutan was great and very similar to that of Lords of the Storm and The Infinity Doctors which I thought was good continuity between novels. The mystery surrounding the murder of Laura was good and I was actually quite disappointed in myself for not working out that the Rutan was the one responsible for the power outages in which someone was killed. In that case my credit must go out to Jacqueline Raynor for keeping it cleverly subtle. The revelation at the end surrounding Emma was spectacular. She was a brilliant character throughout the novel and she was the lite companion of the story in my eyes (as Astrid was in Voyage of the Damned for example). The way her special abilities of staying underwater for over three minutes and surviving the electric blast during the Games was terrifically revealed. The portrayal of the Sontaran Games was excellent and I loved the idea of their take of what seemed to be Sontar Olympics! Ha! Sontar-Ha! The description of these Sontarans being of the twelfth battle fleet was splendid. I liked Captain Stenx even if I could have done without the silly mockery by the Doctor. Speaking of the Tenth Doctor, he was fantastically portrayed and described and with this being set in the lead up to The End of Time I liked the angrier side we saw. I was surprised there was no mention of a song being up as in Revolutions of Terror but that's not a bad thing in the slightest. The high paced ending with gravity problems overcoming the Sontarans was tremendous. Overall, a brilliant little novel 

with a great revelation and classic enemy!

Rating: 9/10 

Starborn

"We are the last people to understand ourselves."

Writer: Jacqueline Raynor

Format: Audio

Released: April 2014

Series: Companion Chronicles 8.09

Featuring: First Doctor, Vicki

Synopsis 

On a visit to early 20th century Earth, Vicki receives a warning - if she leaves in the TARDIS, then she will die. Unable to join her friends, Vicki is given an audience by a psychic called Violet, who contacts voices beyond this mortal plain. And one of those voices is Vicki herself, who reveals what will happen at the ship's next landing place- and what terrible fate awaits...

Verdict 

Starborn was a wonderful audio adventure! I was always confident that would be the case with Jacqueline Raynor writing, she's a favourite of mine as I'm sure I've mentioned in a past entry and here she got to give us an excellent little adventure with the First Doctor and Vicki. Now it's true that Ian and Barbara were referenced but I don't think they actually appeared hence the lack of them in the 'featuring' bracket. During the TV run I always loved the relationship between the Doctor and Vicki and here I liked how it was still set in the early days of Vicki's arrival on the TARDIS. That meant she was still getting to grips with her new surroundings and friends and that dynamic is fantastic. After Susan's departure in The Dalek Invasion of Earth the Doctor really made an effort to make Vicki comfortable and that's seen here. But the story was also about Vicki, as the range depicts, and her encounter with the nameless Waneshe spirit claiming to be her from the death. That concept is quite frightening and I loved how the dead spirit tried to prevent an event to stop her own death. An ambitious attempt of survival to say the least! Violet was a good character played by Jacqueline Hill, who I know as Sylvia Noble from the Tenth Doctor era, and I liked the ambiance essence surrounding her. The numerous references to The Romans were much welcomed and at first it seemed this was going to be a kind of loose sequel set immediately after the TARDIS departed the burning city but that wasn't the case which I think is a good thing. But the Waneshe knowing about Maximus was tremendous! Vicki being from the 25th century is good because she's more on the Doctor's level than Ian and Barbara and that can provide humour as was seen here with Vicki not seeing too much difference between Nero's Rome and 1963's London. The reference to The Rescue was nicely put but that soon turned evil as Vicki realised that when you're a time traveller and you visit the far future, everyone you know is dead. A horrific concept but a factual one. Just think what the Doctor has to go through! That scary thought would of course catch up to him in The Name of the Doctor. The way the Waneshe gave away that she wasn't really the dead Vicki was good but perhaps it came a little too early and was a tad obvious. But the idea was clever so it didn't really hurt the quality of anything. The cliffhanger was fantastic, not that I think they're necessary in this range, and Vicki's continued disbelief that she was talking to her dead self was wonderful. She ridiculed the whole seance occasion and I think I'd do exactly the same. The supernatural is a load of baloney in my eyes so I loved how Vicki mocked it all! The climax was very good with the story's tellings coming full circle and the Waneshe revealing how she'd hoped to prevent Vicki from ever going to her planet so she wouldn't die, which probably would have happened anyway with the invasion that came. It was rather selfish! I did like the concept of the starborns and the emotional climax made a great end to a brilliant story. Splendid! 

Rating: 9/10

The Evil One

"Run all you like, Doctor. You cannot escape the Evil One."

Writer: Nicholas Briggs

Format: Audio

Released: April 2014

Series: FDA 3.04

Featuring: Fourth Doctor, Leela

Synopsis 

The TARDIS lands in the cargo hold of luxury space cruiser the Moray Rose. The crew and passengers are missing. The agents of Inter-Galaxy Insurance are determined to find out what's happened and the shadowy Interplanetary Police Inspector Efendi is showing a very particular interest. 

Caught up in all this, the Doctor and Leela find themselves facing a horde of metal mantis-like aliens. But throughout it all, Leela is haunted by terrible nightmares and the dawning realisation that everything she knows about her life is a lie. 

Verdict 

The Evil One was a brilliant audio story to continue along the Fourth Doctor Adventures very nicely. With my love of Romana II, I still eagerly await the fourth season of stories with Lalla Ward returning alongside Tom Baker for what I think is my all time favourite TARDIS pairing, but if there's a companion to the Fourth Doctor that challenges my opinion on that then it's the wonderful savage Leela. The humour that comes with the Fourth Doctor and Leela is just incredibly good and that was seen in abundance in the first series within this range but I think it's been a bit lessened this time around and the focus has solely been on storytelling which is probably the right move. And from it we got a great adventure here. It was intriguing seeing the journey Leela went on throughout the hour with her really being tormented by what turned out to be the returning emaciated Master. It wasn't the strongest of performances from Geoffrey Beevers and to be honest the villain I love so much was only just above average here. I think the form of the Master that is present during the Tom Baker era should have stayed where it was after the first series of this range. I really liked Geoffrey Beevers strange, eery and calm take on the Master in Trail of the White Worm and The Oseidon Adventure, as well as Dust Breeding with the Seventh Doctor, but now here it's clear this incarnation can only go so far I'm afraid. Despite my disappointment at a slightly lacklustre performance from the infamous lead villain, the Salonu made up for it a bit. I liked them. They didn't do mass amounts but the creepiness of them and they just seemed to have something about them that made me think they were fantastic! Leela's disapproval of them might be the reason. I loved how she disliked their voices. The role of the Salonu was decent throughout but despite the mediocre performance the plot inspired by the plan of the Master was the obvious highlight. I liked the continuation from the last time the Fourth Doctor and Leela met the Master at the end of the first series of FDAs in the already mentioned stories, and now the Master really was going to target the primitive savage mind of Leela and turn it against the Doctor, and it was done rather beautifully. She was questioning who she was. She came to believe that she revelled in the death of her own father but as seen and referenced in The Face of Evil, that certainly was not the case. Leela took great pride in her heritage and family and the recollection of her first kill was a touching moment. It really was lovely. The way Leela described her inspired and inaccurate hatred towards the Doctor was superb and I thought her taunting of his life was shocking and horrifying. The way the Master lost his hold upon the women at the subject of his latest scheme was tremendous! I don't need much to make me like a story, simple logic does it for me and because these stories are Doctor Who, I rarely rate below a 6 and here I was always on the 8/9 border, I get a feeling throughout where it's going to lie and then we had that stunning final scene in the TARDIS with the Doctor explaining just how much he valued Leela and cherished their friendship. He explained just how remarkable she was and that really was such a good scene. I liked how the Master escaped once more but Leela was the highlight for me, believing she was the evil one but ending up as the remarkable one. Great audio!

Rating: 9/10

In the Forest of the Night

"I'm a Time Lord not a child minder!"

Writer: Frank Cottrell-Boyce

Format: TV 

Broadcast: 25th October 2014

Series: 8.10

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Clara

Synopsis 

The human race wakes up to face the most surprising invasion yet, and the Doctor discovers that the final days of humanity have arrived.

Verdict 

In the Forest of the Night was an absolutely beautiful episode. It really was right up my street and I just adored it from start to finish! The concept itself is just staggering to even imagine - a forest growing overnight across the entire planet! I was confident that this episode was always going to be a good one based on the DWM preview and the name of the writer. Boyce of course wrote the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony which received plaudits in abundance so for the series I love so much to have someone of such calibre writing an episode was magnificent, and the result was just astounding. Enchanting even. The story surrounding Maebh was superb throughout and I liked the humour in the opening scene with her knocking on the TARDIS door. Peter Capaldi has had a spectacular opening series and I really am just loving his incarnation of the Doctor. His persona is perfect. And here was just more of the same brilliance. The idea of a school trip gone wrong was a very good one. Clara and Danny taking the 'gifted and talented' pupils on an overnight stay in the zoological museum was tremendous and it was actually nice to see Clara and Danny advancing their relationship in a form other than a date as we've seen previously in the series. The Doctor joining the crew of teachers and pupils was humorous as this weird and wonderful incarnation brings in masses, and he was just as fascinated about the forest growth as the pupils. I loved how the TARDIS being bigger on the inside wasn't fazing the pupils thanks to the sudden flora takeover. That really did take the Doctor by surprise! I liked his relationship with Maebh very much during the episode and the moment she had him stumped for words was spectacular. Clara leaving her homework marking in the TARDIS was hilarious and I was quite surprised how despite her accepting the end of the world, still lied to her boyfriend. Speaking of Clara, once again Jenna Coleman just looked absolutely amazing. Truly gorgeous! This was by a country mile the best episode for Danny and it was clear to see a reason for Clara's loving of him other than whatever she finds physically attractive. There's a difference between attraction and love and his driving attitude in putting the children first was fantastic to see. The Doctor continuing his thoughts on from The Caretaker with him being a PE teacher was terrific. I thought the way Clara sent the Doctor off on his way was a shock but stunning. She'd accepted that the futures she saw were to be erased and instead of the Doctor staying and trying to find away to rid the planet of a fire-proof forest she wanted the human race to save him rather than vice versa. That scene was magical and I was really shocked that Clara declined being saved because she didn't want to be the last of her species. Did she see loneliness in the Doctor? That was a fantastic moment. I was on literally on edge during the forest track scenes with the Doctor and Clara being chased by wolves whilst searching for Maebh. The arrival of the tiger was quite frightening I must say! I can't imagine how anyone would react to coming face to face with a tiger in a forest and only a mere barred fence blocking the path. I loved the realisation moment from "Doctor idiot" when he realised what was going on. There wasn't a Tree Age or an invasion, the trees were protection. As in Maebh's homework, she'd foresaw from the thoughts that a solar attack was on its way, and now the Doctor knew that the trees would protect its planet's inhabitants. Missy's reactions to events was intriguing I must say, and that was of course who "miss" was in sending Maebh to search for the Doctor. I have no doubt about that. The trees being ridded from the planet after the solar danger had passed was a beautiful sight. It really was. Overall, a stunning episode with a magnificent plot, tense atmosphere, majestic ideas, relationship advancement, humour, a lovely global phone call and a brilliant ending! Outstanding.

Rating: 10/10

The Sentinels of the New Dawn

"I opened my eyes and saw the Doctor. He said, "welcome to 2014".'

Writer: Paul Finch

Format: Audio

Released: April 2011

Series: Companion Chronicles 5.10

Featuring: Third Doctor, Liz

Synopsis 

Some time after leaving UNIT, Liz Shaw calls the Doctor to Cambridge University, where scientists are experimenting with time dilation. The device hurls them to the year 2014 and a meeting with Richard Beauregard, heir to the Beauregard estate.

Yet there's something rotten at the core of this family… The seeds of a political movement that believes in a new world order.

The Sentinels of the New Dawn are stirring and its malign influence will be felt for centuries to come...

Verdict 

The Sentinels of the New Dawn was a fantastic Companion Chronicle, one of my favourites of the entire range that I'm slowly but surely getting through. The pairing of the Third Doctor and Liz from season 7 is an all time favourite of mine and although she doesn't actually get to travel in the TARDIS, one of the great tragedies of the classic era, she works so well alongside Pertwee's third incarnation. I liked the reminiscing of her departure that we never got to see and I think there was quite a lot of the thoughts of Caroline John seeping through as well which was nice. It's never nice for a main character to not get an official farewell and I think because I loved Liz so much, having her time cut after just four serials without a goodbye is a worse end to a companion's association in the series than that of Dodo in The War Machines. The story here was particularly intriguing and having listened to Leviathan last weekend, I think it made sense to listen to the prequel that was released after the Lost Story, and the connections were wonderful and now we know where and when the Doctor previously encountered the Sentinels of the New Dawn as referenced in the aforementioned story. Speaking of story references, I really loved how Liz remembered her great times with the Doctor making particular earmarks to Doctor Who and the Silurians, Shadow of the Past and The Ambassadors of Death. All completely different stories and it's nice to see how each had a different effect on Elizabeth Shaw. The character of Richard Beauregard was brilliant in both aspects, and time zones. The revelation surrounding him that concluded the audio was a good lead in to the already released Sixth Doctor and Peri adventure and his 'interview' with Liz was splendid. She really is lovely and I just love Caroline John! She performed this beautifully and since her first Chronicle of The Blue Tooth, she's massively improved. I loved the concept of time travel being almost realised in Cambridge university in the 1970s! With Liz's help, after departing UNIT, had led to her boss of sorts conjuring up what seemed to be the formula for a time window. Realising this, I love how Liz needed some expert help so she called upon the Doctor. The moment the two met for the first time in what must've been over a year was lovely. I loved how the Doctor was so glad to see her. Throughout the classic era, I'm not sure there's a companion the Doctor has liked more than Liz. And that really is warming to me, considering how badly this incarnation and Jo immediately got off. The time jump to 2014 was unexpected and the mystery surrounding the New Dawn was suspiciously excellent! The figurehead was intriguing and the way the Doctor played along was fantastic too. Liz preventing herself from being gassed was wonderful! The revelation of the now ironic plot was frightening! Released three years ago, the main aim of this audio was for the New Dawn to cause an ebola pandemic across the world, which in real life has actually occurred! That's some freaky stuff by there. I'm not superstitious in the slightest but I love coincidences and this is a magnificent one. The plan was cunning and I was intrigued how these people were using time travel for political benefit rather than exploration! The use of the modificied bionic creature as the Doctor would of course later encounter was fascinating and I enjoyed Liz's inkling of its presence. The way the Sentinels' plan was thwarted by the Doctor, for now at least, was very good and logical and despite this sounding obvious, that's a great thing! Overall, a good prequel, brilliant plot and wonderful to see the Third Doctor and Liz have another adventure after the latter's departure.

Rating: 9/10

Terror on Xaboi

"There appears to be a malfunction of the site-location console, and damage to the X sensor. In short, no idea at all..."

Writer: Paul Crompton

Format: Comic Strip

Released: September 1979

Printed in: Doctor Who Annual 1980

Featuring: Fourth Doctor, Romana I, K9

Synopsis 

After some flight problems with the TARDIS, the Fourth Doctor and Romana arrive on the snow stricken planet of Xaboi, home to extremely primitive life forms and a monstrous beast.

Verdict 

Terror on Xaboi was a terrific little comic strip adventure with a pairing that I'm increasingly having an improved opinion on. During the Key to Time season 16, have to admit I struggled to get to grips with Romana's first incarnation played by Mary Tamm. I liked the idea of the Doctor travelling with a Time Lord to search for the Key to Time segments but after Leela's brilliance I struggled to warm to the new companion over the six inter-linked serials. And I think my opinion on Romana I is pretty poor because her replacement is my favourite companion of all time in Romana II played so beautifully by Lalla Ward. The pairing of her and the Fourth Doctor was just perfect from the word go, as we saw in Destiny of the Daleks and would see later in pretty much every serial that followed with the pair. City of Death being a major highlight! But now, after delving into other formats as is the case here and with my relatively recent listen of The Auntie Matter, I'm getting to like Romana I more. This comic strip was your typical Annual story but the classic ones are presented so much better than the revived series yearly releases which are horribly targeted towards the much younger fans. There really should be some give and take. I blog this story having been incredibly lucky in purchasing the 1980 Annual for a mere £3.50. It's an absolute gem in my collection and I can't thank Savannah Moon enough, such a brilliant shop! The Annual itself is instantly better than any of the revived ones with it just being a little collection of short stories and small comic strips which is exactly what I think they should all be. I can't tell you how happy I was to purchase my first classic annual! The Scribd app has been helpful to me in the past but redding one in proper paper format right there in front of you is splendid. A lucky and pleasing purchase in which I also picked up the Doctor Who and the Deadly Assassin Target novel! Anyway, as usual these comic strips are pretty short at six pages, so my general talking has made the blog look longer than it would have been! The relationship between the Doctor and Romana was good here and I liked the similarities to An Unearthly Child with the extreme primitives. However, I found it intriguing that these people seemed to be even less evolved than Za and co as these people were still grunting having not come up with even a basic language. So communication was hard for the Doctor and Romana as you can imagine! The description of the planet was pretty good and I liked the use of K9 for his brief scenes! I loved the quality of the artwork illustrations, I really was impressed and adored the style! The story behind the beast creature was pretty minimal but that's always going to be the case in the length of a story like this but a shocking moment occurred! Despite the fact Romana was fearing for her life, I was very surprised that the Doctor killed the creature stone dead! Literally destroying it. The way the Doctor loathed his actions was outstanding. He really wasn't himself and wasn't happy or sure about what he'd done. A tremendous aim to a great little story!

Rating: 8/10