Bret Vyon Lives!: The Sky is for Sale

"Death will feel like a relief."

Writer: James Kettle

Format: Audio

Released: July 2026

Series: Space Security Service 2.03

Featuring: Anya, Mark

Synopsis

A huge satellite mines the atmosphere of Saturn. Following a number of threats, agent Sola Akinyemi of the Space Security Service is on board, tasked with keeping the workers and their families safe.

Meanwhile, Anya Kingdom is at Triple-S headquarters, working to expose and eradicate corruption in the service. But just as she's making progress, HQ is attacked. And then the mining satellite is invaded – by a different hostile force! 

In the desperate battle that follows, Anya and Sola will have to make impossible choices. Who can they really trust? And what horrors are they willing to sanction if it means defeating the Daleks?

Verdict

The Sky is for Sale was a great episode to conclude the Bret Vyon Lives! second series of the Space Security Service! This was more like it and was definitely the best story of the boxset in my opinion. I thought this was a prime example of what things should be for this range in just having the SSS in a war against the Daleks. That just feels like what they should be doing and Anya and Mark heading that at the helm was really nicely done. I thought both were presented really and it was just great to involve the SSS into a sneaky little mission. Except this wasn't entirely the Daleks as the enemy but more so their nature and their past actions causing strong issues. I'm an absolute sucker for The Dalek Invasion of Earth so anytime we get the Robomen back I'm all for it. They had such an impact on me when I first saw this serial as my first black and white story and also my first impression of the First Doctor. The imagery presented for them here was really good but I wasn't wholly sold on their voices which was my main qualm with the episode. Given this is an audio format that is a bit of a shame, but it was still wonderful for them to be present. They had evolved a lot and the concept of the Robomen evolving beyond their Dalek conditioning was excellent! There was a lot of potential there but a tad more explanation would have been good as I think it's pretty well established that their lifespan post-conversion wasn't very long at all. We had a number of different Robomen present here and hearing one apologise for their actions and blaming them on the Daleks for making them this way was pretty startling in the best way. As if they weren't creepy enough! Now they had something close to a conscience. I thought the rebels from the future element of the adventure was really good and Anya wasn't exactly surprised by people coming from a different time. As she mentioned, she certainly has experience! I think Anya is a really underrated character and whilst I haven't seen much hype around this series, I would very much like it to continue. It's really unique and the futuristic space setting really gives it a unique feel. The mystery surrounding Kozimek was great and it turning out that he was the one being targeted from the future was fascinating. Anya was quick to think that he was the replacement that was a good guy, but he was actually the culprit! The rebels from the future not fully knowing their history was intriguing and I loved the description of them still trying to piece it all back together. That shows just how much trouble they were in and the roles of Kozimek and the Robomen there were fantastic. There was a lot riding on this story and the Daleks being in the background was good stuff. I think a little more impact on the way the rebels were dealt with would have been beneficial, but Anya acknowledging that they were at war with the Daleks as things concluded was a nice touch. It left things rather ambiguous on if there will be another series and I think that's fine as it also serves as a good conclusion if there isn't because that feels right for the SSS. Mark Seven being flirtatious wasn't exactly something I expected here and it was nice to hear another side of him. Given his nature he can be quite one dimensional but his character was far from that here! Overall, a really good finale to what has been a solid little series. A unique little spinoff and I understand why this one is download only, but hopefully it's not the last. But if it is, it's been a fun little ride! 

Rating: 8/10

Bret Vyon Lives!: The Wages of Death

"Your use to us has expired."

Writer: David Llewellyn

Format: Audio

Released: July 2026

Series: Space Security Service 2.02

Featuring: Anya, Mark

Synopsis

Furiosa 237 is a remote world in the hinterlands of the galaxy. Anya and Mark teleport in and quickly take jobs on a cargo ship. They're undercover – on an urgent, secret mission. 

Their task is to locate a device called a Progenitor, then drop it into the nearest black hole – and quickly, before it can hatch.

But at least one person on board is determined to save the Progenitor and unleash its deadly contents: a whole army of Daleks.

Verdict

The Wages of Death was a good episode to continue my way through the Bret Vyon Lives! second series of Space Security Service. This was a pretty solid story and was very much par for the course in terms of standard quality, but I worry that this particular boxset has started with the main event. The appeal of Bret Vyon returning is obvious given his importance in The Daleks' Master Plan and the familial connection he would have hear to Anya, but now that seems to all be over in The Man Inside and unless anything happens in the finale, Bret's story seems to be over. I suspect that will be the case given the finality of the previous episode. I think we need more of the Daleks and whilst they did feature well here, it was more their potential infiltration. I think we need an all out battle between the SSS and the Daleks, especially in the finale! I suspect there won't be a third series of this particular spinoff so I do hope it goes out with a bang. I really like the pairing of Anya and Mark Seven and they worked well together again here. It was good that Anya was suspicious of the Mark duplicate almost right from the off and with him being an android I imagine that wasn't so easy to detect. I thought the pair trying to blend in on the mission was amusing because they were very far from being believable in their descriptions of their past jobs and just their lives up to this point. I always enjoy stories that play around with black holes because the science behind them is so incomprehensibly fascinating. I love it. It's difficult to wrap your head around the potential and the giant pull that they have. What would be on the other side, if anything? It's fun to ponder on. The Dalek Progenitor as the cargo that was to be deposited within the black hole was really good and I like how the story was utilising elements we are familiar with from on screen episodes. It ties in continuity very nicely and also blends eras. I liked that a lot and it certainly makes sense why they would want to throw it into a black hole when it contained everything possible to create new Daleks! The mystery of who the Daleks' man on the inside was worked well, especially with such a small cast because that left only a couple of options. Ballad initially being thought of in that position because he was the medical officer and the codes to thwart the technology could only be used by someone in his position seemed to explain everything. So the dark twist of Mark Seven was handled very well and for a moment it seemed he was in the thrall of the Daleks once again. That's always a fun story to tell. Of course, the teleport was actually intercepted for the true article. Melville was a strong character as the other one that could potentially be the wrongdoer and I was impressed with the assembled crew of the ship. I just think the story was missing a little something to push it to the next level. The characters were great and I enjoyed the plot and setting for the most part, but I think it needed a bit of action and impact. Dmitry being killed by the Dalek self destructing may have happened a little too early in the episode as I'm not sure we ever got back to those heights which was a shame. Still, Anya being on hand to send the fake Mark packing was great and I liked that the SSS were able to complete their mission. Overall, a good listen! 

Rating: 7/10

Bret Vyon Lives!: The Man Inside

"I take it I'm destined to die."

Writer: Simon Guerrier

Format: Audio

Released: July 2026

Series: Space Security Service 2.01

Featuring: Anya, Mark Seven

Synopsis

Anya Kingdom is a prisoner of the Daleks on a very peculiar space station orbiting a very peculiar star. The Daleks don't want to kill Anya; they want to break her down psychologically. 

One way to do that is to lock her in a cell with someone Anya knows is a fake. Whoever, whatever, this man really is, he cannot be her beloved uncle. Bret Vyon is dead, end of story.

But if Anya is to survive, she will need his help...

Verdict

The Man Inside was a great start to the Bret Vyon Lives! second series of Space Security Service! It doesn't really feel like it's been a year since The Voord in London opening series but I was very happy to get back into the swing of things here after the series was delayed four months. That was quite frustrating after pre-ordering the download but it's better late than never! I do think there may have been some early rumours that reached Big Finish regarding the finding of The Nightmare Begins and Devil's Planet as part of The Daleks' Master Plan missing episodes because this obviously ties into that with Bret Vyon featuring! The concept of his return seems almost impossible but where Big Finish are concerned I think just about anything is on the table. If there's even a chance of it being plausible then they might just find a way to do it! The way Bret was reunited with his niece Anya here was pretty simple in the end with the pair being taken out of time. I liked that and it feels right within the world and futuristic setting of the Space Security Service. The form of narration was intriguing here as we heard differing perspectives of both Anya and Mark Seven which did become quite emotional. Hearing Anya as a child on the phone to her uncle Bret was rather sombre knowing his fate and at whose hands that was done. Anya was practically begging to tell Bret even when she wasn't convinced that he was the true article. It was just easier to accept that he was a Dalek duplicate and I mean I could see that given their track record. Especially at this point in Dalek chronology going alongside the First Doctor era. Anya mistaking her memories of her uncle from when she was a child was really done well as she claimed he was the wrong height and just wasn't quite the man she remembered. But now she was an adult, how could he be? I enjoyed that and the emotional tug really was quite strong. I liked how Anya was only providing her name and rank when she was being subjected to the psychological trauma. She dealt with it well and understood that Bret was part of that, or so she thought. Mark Seven played an interesting role in this story and he was primarily concerned with protecting Anya and history itself. It was obvious from the way Anya looked at Bret that as far as she was concerned, he was dead. That must be something difficult to accept and recognise. Mark being challenged by Sola regarding what he told Bret and how history might be changed was good stuff but I liked how he stood firm. The history books weren't altered but it was emotional to think that Bret knew he was destined for something bad and went back to his own time willingly despite it. All to defeat the Daleks. Anya bemoaning the chance to save him was understandable but imagine history changed and the Daleks utilising the Time Destructor how they intended? The concept behind the Kraken or Omni-Dalek was really intriguing and painted quite the picture! An amalgamation of Daleks out of their shells with the tendrils literally being a route to a different point in time. That was certainly something unique and I rather liked it! It was also fun for Anya to utilise how it must answer when questioned. I thought Mark covering the truth and explaining to Anya how the Bret they encountered was actually a Dalek duplicate despite him being the real article was poignant and I can understand him looking out for her, but I don't think we're done on that story element. I think she's going to find out and I can't imagine she'll be all that happy! Overall though, a really strong start to the series! A great listen.

Rating: 8/10

Sound the Siren and I'll Come To You Comrade

"It seems the Revolution passed them by."

Writer: John Pritchard

Format: Audio

Released: September 2016

Series: Short Trips: Rarities 1.05

Featuring: Fourth Doctor, Leela

Synopsis

The Doctor and Leela arrive on a barren plain in the Soviet Union of the 1950s. Twisted wreckage and remains speak of the tests of a destructive new power. The scientists responsible live in terror of their political masters.

But now they all have something else to be scared of...

Verdict

Sound the Siren and I'll Come To You Comrade was a great little Rarity amongst the Short Trips range! I don't really know what to expect from this series because it was hidden to even me until recently but it's such a delight to be delving into these adventures. I must say Stephen Critchlow absolutely nails it once again with his narration as his take on the Fourth Doctor is a fantastic impersonation! He honestly should have been doing any and all Short Trips with this incarnation of the Doctor. He captures all of the tones and mannerisms of Tom Baker which is no easy feat! It really does bring an authentic feeling to the episode and in this range in particular I think that's very important indeed. I thought the setting here was tremendous and that is because Russian history in particular is one of my favourites to study and delve into. I really love learning about the twentieth century in particular and the period from just prior to the 1917 Revolutions up to just after the Second World War is so fascinating. Rasputin is an incredible historical figure and I don't think I'll ever forget the Master impersonating him in The Power of the Doctor, and then The Death of Stalin is one of my all time favourite movies. So visiting the Soviet Union in the 1950s was good fun. It wasn't exactly the Tsar that the Doctor intended on taking Leela to meet with, but it was history nonetheless. Just why and how Leela came to be expecting to be meeting the Tsar of all Russias is beyond me but that's definitely a conversation I would love to hear. I thought splitting the Doctor and Leela up here was good as the narrator's strengths were obviously focused on portraying the Doctor, but he didn't even try with a Leela impression and that's the right move in my opinion. I liked the use of a mock town because that's something that feels perfect for the secrecy of the Soviet Union so of course they would be testing their weaponry and beyond on something that felt authentic but wouldn't actually cause real damage to people. I think having an energy parasite inserted into this kind of story was a good move even if it's far from being unique. The circumstances and setting were very different and that makes this feel pretty new so that works for me. Especially in this range. This perhaps isn't the place for continuity-busting and hugely imagined ideas because with one actor and a short time frame, there's just not a huge amount of room to play around with. I thought the characters of Genyeva and Semyonov were really strong and they were certainly different too! The Doctor getting to showcase the mobile nature of the TARDIS was fun stuff and the fact he was speaking Russian thanks to the TARDIS translation circuits working as they should was lovely. Simple stuff but it's good to highlight why people of different countries are receptive to the Doctor. It made sense to finish with the bomb on the mock town and the mushroom cloud descriptions was excellent. I can't imagine being that close in proximity to something of that nature but I imagine the effect is profound. Overall, a really strong setting that served as a fine place for a good story. A very enjoyable listen! 

Rating: 8/10

Sleeper Agents

"You're being left with dreams of the infinite."

Writer: Paul Magrs

Format: Audio

Released: March 2022

Series: Beyond the Doctor 04

Featuring: Polly, Ben

Synopsis

It's July 1966, and Ben & Polly have just said goodbye to the Doctor at Gatwick Airport. Now they must return to their old lives – but things at home aren't quite right. Polly's cat is behaving oddly, and both she and Ben soon realise they are under close scrutiny. To complicate matters further, the pair must acknowledge their true feelings for each other. 

When they find themselves transported against their will to a far-flung destination, what matters most is their loyalty to each other – and to the Doctor. 

Who are the mysterious Mr Harmer and Ms Leamann, and what can they possibly want with Polly & Ben?

Verdict

Sleeper Agents was another great episode to continue the fascinating mini-series that is Beyond the Doctor. I really do think we should have more of this kind of stuff from BBC Audio as whilst it is wonderful to have the singular releases that basically define this range, there's nothing quite like a story arc that gets me going. I'm really enjoying this series and I like the premise of companions being targeted once their adventures with the Doctor are over. It really highlights how that once you have travelled in the TARDIS, you're never really the same again. Even after departing. I find it quite fun to think about just how much is going on in London around the date of this story in 1966 because not only does this almost immediately follow on from The Faceless Ones where Polly and Ben said their goodbyes to the Doctor, but that also turned out to be the same day they initially joined the First Doctor in The War Machines! But it doesn't end there as for the Second Doctor and Jamie they're thrust straight into the events of The Evil of the Daleks, and now Polly and Ben are dealing with things here! No wonder artron readings are off the scale. I really thought Anneke Wills did a marvellous job with the narration here and she really did bring Polly back to life. I was thrust back into the past and it felt nostalgic because she is one of my all time favourite companions. I have a fascinating attachment to the First Doctor also so this felt like a great moment of reflection. Polly and Ben are clearly made for each other and I think it's sad that they might not end up together. I've always been left disturbed by Mondas Passing and the premise of the pair not being a couple because they really are synonymous together! They just have to end up and Ben felt the same, but he wasn't giving Polly much of a chance to come out of her shell and just settle after leaving the TARDIS behind. She wanted it too and that was nice to acknowledge, even if Ben didn't quite know it. With them returning on the same day they departed, the idea of Polly and Ben just settling back into their jobs was bonkers but that's the mundane nature of normal life. From travelling the stars to back in the office and at shore. Talk about a come down! I thought Harmer and Leamann were really strong characters and I must admit I didn't see the android twist coming at the end. That was nicely done and they weren't hiding the fact that these weren't the first former companions of the Doctor they had targeted. They wanted their knowledge of future and otherworldly technology and the method of taking the memories was pretty brutal. This tied in nicely with London, 1965 when it came to the timeline and Polly working for the Penumbra magazine was a nice touch as that's a word that's been threaded throughout this miniseries and is in the title of the finale. I can't wait to hear how things conclude there! It's been a really exciting series and the ambiguity at the end for Polly in not knowing if she could trust Ben after it seemed he had been subjected to the sleeper agents was poignant and a little sad. I was hoping for a happy ending but I don't think we quite got it. Sometimes it's good to go that route though. Talk about making cats scary too! Overall, a really strong episode to continue the series! 

Rating: 8/10

The Deadliest Weapon

"Snatches of a future already lived."

Writer: Steve Lyons

Format: Audio

Released: July 2026

Series: Circuit Breaker #4

Featuring: Fugitive Doctor

Synopsis

Masquerading as a resident in a luxurious space hotel, the Doctor is in fact on a dangerous mission to eliminate Kashan Akravar, a rogue weapons dealer who's attempting to auction blueprints for the deadliest weapon ever invented. 

The Division – that shadowy Time Lord organisation – have briefed the Doctor to prevent the blueprints' sale at all costs. But they're not the only ones who realise the weapon's potential. When the hotel is attacked by Cybermen, intent on seizing the blueprints, the Doctor must use every ounce of her courage and ingenuity to hold them off. 

Working with husband and wife Kel and Jinni, the Doctor finds puzzles and obstacles in her way. Whose disembodied voice is calling out to her? What is its connection with UNIT's Black Archive? And can anything prevent a cruel stroke of fate that will have unimaginable consequences for them all...?

Verdict

The Deadliest Weapon was a great audio adventure to continue the ongoing Circuit Breaker multimedia story! This was a fine contribution from BBC Audio and it was a nice change of pace to get into the performed elements of the story. We've had a short online story and two comic strips so far which have all been terrific, but it was nice to get Jo Martin for a full adventure instead of those promo videos appearing across Doctor Who social media. Promo videos in which I must say it's incredibly obvious that she's just reading her lines from a teleprompter! That's not her fault though and I thought she did a really strong job in her role as narrator and Fugitive Doctor here. I thought this was an intriguing take on the format and whilst it is clear that the memory worm is the artefact that needed returning this time around, the episode actually focused on memories of the Fugitive Doctor instead of the actual return of the worm. That was really good and it allowed us a glimpse into life within Division for the Doctor. I thought pairing the Fugitive Doctor against the Cybermen was a really good idea and I loved that we had David Banks back in his iconic role as the 1980s era Cyber Leader. Excellent! He was fantastic and I liked the dynamic that was sprung between the two characters. I just wish we had more of the Leader in the story! Especially with Banks on board. I thought the setting of a luxury space hotel was good and the Doctor being a regular there was interesting given her life during this incarnation. I didn't really imagine her having free time to frequent bars so that was fascinating indeed. The weapons dealer of Kashan Akravar never felt like too much of a threat but his creation certainly was. It's something tricky to state that a weapon would be the deadliest one ever created but at this point in Time Lord history for the Doctor, you really could believe that something with a dematerialisation potential would be. You didn't just kill who you shot with it, they were completely erased from time. The idea of the Time Lords obtaining this weapon for themselves is pretty dark but shows just how shady and different Division are as an organisation on Gallifrey. It makes sense that the Cybermen would want it as I mean, who wouldn't? The potential there is endless. I thought Kel and Jinni were good characters and developed a decent little relationship with the Doctor. That made the way the story ended all the more emotional with the Doctor utilising the demat gun but some of the crossfire causing Kel and Jinni to perish. Their son surviving but not remembering his parents was powerful stuff and incredibly sad. I thought the whispers from Osgood were okay in linking the story back to the ongoing arc, but they did feel like a little bit of an intrusion. The Doctor being angered that Osgood saw into her mind when she was suffering the effects of the memory worm was strong stuff and I could certainly understand her feelings, but it also showed Osgood that this Doctor wasn't all that far removed from the hero she knows from this incarnation's future. I thought that was a nice touch as despite everything, this Doctor still cared when she didn't have to and that's a defining feature of the character we all know and love. A really good listen and now I'm excited for the next release! Back to the comics we go.

Rating: 8/10

Run Fast, Be Kind: The Beautiful and the Damned

"What's the point of an auction when everyone knows you're selling fakes?"

Writer: Katherine White

Format: Audio

Released: July 2026

Series: Twelfth Doctor Adventures 1.03

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Ash

Synopsis

Are you looking to build your audience? Create content that'll be the envy of all your followers? Have people anticipating your next post? Then we know where you need to be this Summer. 

Best Life Inc. is proud to announce Mentior City, a paradise for content creators where everything is beautiful, including the visitors. 

Don't think that's you? Don't worry, with our proprietary Refiner system, everyone can look their very best. Arrive ugly, live your Best Life, and leave beautiful. That's a Best Life guarantee.

Verdict

The Beautiful and the Damned was an excellent episode to continue the Run Fast, Be Kind ongoing weekly Twelfth Doctor Adventures! This has been a really strong series to date and it's crazy that we're already at the halfway point of the current six episode release schedule, but thanks to this series being the topic on the brilliant Power of 3 podcast, it's been confirmed that it is a full twelve episode run which is very exciting! This has been essentially branded as Series 9.5 of then modern era or what could have been the 2016 series on screen which is really good and I like that it has its place in the timeline. It fits seamlessly and that's important. Jon Culshaw continues to shine in his take on Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor and I just love how much authenticity he provides to the series. It's thoroughly enjoyable and after a little bit of a shaky start at the beginning of the episode with a huge crowd, Ash is very much feeling settled as the companion now. I like that we harkened back to The Second Death a little with the link of the company which created the Desolates and it's good to just have that subtle story arc running through the series. We know we're headed back there because Ash encountered two versions of the Doctor on the worst day of his life, it's just a matter of when. I like that a lot. I thought the Mentior City here was very strong and there's no doubt the episode took inspiration from Dot and Bubble. It had a similar sort of vibe with the focus on social media and the continuous hash tags and pinging going on in the background. That was a subtle element of the episode but one I think really paid dividends. Sky was a very strong character and the mystery that came from her sister going missing turned into something really disturbing indeed. Monty as the man running the place was a sinister character and that was evident right from the start which was good. He was presenting himself as helpful and genuinely interested in Sky's plight but we all knew he was just putting on a show. That's often a delicious combination. Sky being shown footage of her sister leaving and then Georgia showing her a supposed draft message in her account that was never posted regarding her getting off the Best Life app seemed to show that there was no wrongdoing or cause for concern. The truth was much darker when all was revealed about the Refiner. The idea of basically a cosmetic upgrade in the extreme isn't unique but in this situation and with such a focus on social media it felt different. It was incredibly emotional when Georgia turned out to be Misty. Sky's sister was very different on both the inside and outside and that was pretty horrifying. Monty being even disgusting towards her was a shock though and the subtle sexual intonations for this episode took things to another level on the creep factor. That worked well in establishing a strong villain indeed. The Refiner being the downfall and resonating everything that had it was a neat way to finish things, or so it seemed. Ash inviting Sky to travel with he and the Doctor was a nice touch and she'd certainly gone through a lot. The Doctor was open to the idea but before they'd barely had a chance to welcome her aboard, she was taken from inside the TARDIS! That was an intriguing and exciting cliffhanger! I'm already looking forward to next week. Overall, a superb story! 

Rating: 9/10

The Hallamshire Incident

"How do I tell my sister she can't date an Ice Warrior?"

Writer: Rochana Patel

Format: Audio

Released: July 2026

Series: Thirteenth Doctor Adventures 1.07

Featuring: Thirteenth Doctor, Yaz

Synopsis

A huge UFO has crashed in Hallamshire Forest. Are there survivors? Is the site safe? There are a lot of questions to answer. With UNIT and Torchwood gone, the police must step up, while keeping the incident under wraps...

Fortunately, they have officers with extensive experience of otherworldly threats... Patricia Menzies is on her way. Yasmin Khan is being recalled. But Yaz's sister, Sonya, believes the world has the right to know the truth about aliens...

Verdict

The Hallamshire Incident was an excellent episode to continue the ongoing Thirteenth Doctor Adventures! This really was a terrific story to kickstart the second half of the series and after an ongoing story arc surrounding the Tourist, this really served as a fine example of just going back to basics and giving us a stellar adventure. This developed and advanced the relationship between the Doctor and Yaz massively, even if it does contradict quite important elements of Eve of the Daleks. If Yaz was going to confide in anyone about her feelings for the Doctor, how could it not be her sister? Sonya returning here was really well done and I thought she served a very strong purpose. I liked how she was initially arrested and her connections from her surname didn't get her very far when it came to trying to convince the officer to not go through with his decision. But she was withholding evidence when it came to the crashed Ice Warrior ship which was amusing and even Yaz basically dobbed her in about her claiming to not have a phone by admitting she's never off it! I thought Sonya was really clever though as she realised that whenever strange things were happening, Yaz would be back around. Namedropping the events of Fugitive of the Judoon and Revolution of the Daleks as examples made a lot of sense and I also liked how Sonya harkened back to Arachnids in the UK as well when it came to Yaz's feelings for the Doctor. The way Sonya threw those events back at Yaz as examples of a liar when she claimed to be able to spot one was brilliant stuff and a really powerful moment. I also love the series continuity in having Sonya mention Vampire Weekend with her attending Gina's funeral and also getting to showcase history with her Lionesses of Winter celebrity figure mention. Reunions weren't limited to just Yaz and her sister though as PC Khan was given a call by a returning Patricia Menzies! I thought that was a brilliant idea when it comes to Yaz's employment and she was owed a favour from the Doctor. The Thirteenth Doctor wasn't quite the Doctor she had in mind though! I thought their reunion was wonderful and the dynamic was just perfect with this female incarnation of the Doctor alongside an older Menzies who had been promoted. The threat of the Ice Warriors was really strong and I love that the Thirteenth Doctor has now had an encounter with them. There aren't many incarnations yet to face them now across some sort of format! The contrast between Lord Vaznyr and Ssorl was strong and the revelation that the ship was actually decommissioned and reconstituted as a prison ship worked perfectly. Sonya knew the Ice Lord was lying and having her on hand to detect that was marvellous. I thought the threat of the anti-matter reactor exploding was pretty darn severe and the action that came in preventing it from exploding with Ssorl using his own armour remote control wise to save the Doctor as she stepped in was tremendous. I wonder if we'll get more of the supposed Earth Division that is in place of UNIT and Torchwood at this time headed by Menzies? It seems perfect for more appearances down the line or even their own spinoff! Overall, a fantastic episode to continue the series. More please! 

Rating: 9/10

Ghost Station

"I take photos of old places."

Writer: Jacqueline Rayner

Format: Short Story

Released: July 2026

Printed in: DWM 632

Featuring: Victoria, Sally

Synopsis

When two people looking to capture the perfect photograph of an abandoned London Underground station below the British Museum, a mummy with a certain kind of intelligence is awoken.

Verdict

Ghost Station was a great little short story! This was a surprise in the latest edition of Doctor Who Magazine but I can't speak highly enough of how wonderful a surprise it was. I had no idea that the Brief Encounters tagline for this short story was actually something revived from some issues of the magazine in 1990s and with it being included in the 'Regular Features' section in the contents, I am delighted by the prospect of further encounters. It's such a fun concept and it just absolutely works. Even at just two pages long, this had a lot going for it and that actually sounds a little smaller than it really is because the text fills the bulk of two A4 magazine-style pages. There's a lot going on and I really like that. It's also really beneficial to get the illustration which helps bring the story to life. I must admit, on a first glance I thought we were getting a repeat of The Wonderful Doctor of Oz as I thought this was an encounter between the Thirteenth Doctor and Missy! Upon closer inspection, the combination was very different indeed! This is a kind of loose sequel to The Web of Fear and also follows on slightly from Blink in the timeline as we incredibly get a meeting between Victoria Waterfield and Sally Sparrow! Now that really is a duo I would never have imagined would meet and lead a story together! But it was great fun. Unbeknownst to the pair of them they had both had very different encounters with the same man albeit he was in very different bodies and got to know one of them very well whilst the other he barely met at all yet made a huge impact and shaped her life massively. I like the idea of Sally Sparrow wanting to visit an abandoned London Underground station for photography and almost just the thrill of it all whereas it appears that Victoria has matured a lot since we saw her departure in Fury from the Deep. Addressing the UNIT dating controversy felt a little forced here as it usually does in not knowing if it was then 1960s or '70s, but surely you'd know based on a tad of research and finding out when the London Underground was impacted in the way it was by the Yeti and the Great Intelligence? That felt a little off but I really am nitpicking there. It would have been nice if there was some time for them to really touch upon their encounters with the Doctor, but the remnant of the Great Intelligence needed stopping so there wasn't exactly time for a lot of chitchat! I liked how Victoria took the initiative and let's face it, she is more experienced than Sally when it comes to this sort of thing. It may have only been a few years since the Weeping Angel incident for Sally, but despite it being decades since Victoria gave up her TARDIS travels she went through quite a lot! I liked that she was appealing to the inner nature of what the Intelligence possessed rather than trying to reason with that itself. I wonder if anything here would lead into the events of The Bells of Saint John and the Great Intelligence's return as the timeline would pretty much add up. Did Sally finding her way down to the abandoned station actually cause a whole lot more ruckus than she was already experiencing and helping prevent? A fun thought for sure. Overall, just a delightful little read. A huge bonus and I'm so excited by the potential for this series. Text stories always appeal to me in the latest edition of DWM, regular or special, so to have this every month would be a joy. Keep them coming! 

Rating: 8/10

The Honourable Society

"Your death will teach these wretched scum the true meaning of fear!"

Writer: Jason Quinn

Format: Comic Strip

Released: July 2026

Printed in: DWM 632

Featuring: Fugitive Doctor

Synopsis

The Fugitive Doctor, accompanied by UNIT archivist Andrew Turner, is on a mission to return corrupted Sontaran artefacts. The mission takes them to Calabria, Italy in 1894, where they soon cross paths with a secret society with a taste for extortion and human sacrifice...

Verdict

The Honourable Society was a good little story to continue the ongoing Circuit Breaker multimedia adventure! I was always looking forward to the contribution from Doctor Who Magazine because getting an extended comic strip is always welcomed. I think it's wonderful that we continue to expand the adventures of the Fugitive Doctor and this had strong continuity with Adversary of the Daleks in the form of the debrief. This particular story was not going to be quite as long and it's clear the comic strip budget was not the same, but it was still a solid offering. Amazingly though, this isn't the comic strip adventure as part of this issue of DWM that I'm most excited by as it appears we're getting an interlude during The Daleks' Master Plan which is just incredible! I'll blog that one when it completes and whilst the absence of the TV show is disappointing, it provides an opportunity to the ongoing comic strip to really reach out there and try some things. I'd be delighted if they continued the adventures of the Fifteenth Doctor but it appears that won't be the direction and to be honest I can understand why. The Fugitive Doctor has filled that gap on a temporary basis with this saga which I really like and also the weekly releases of the Twelfth Doctor Adventures at Big Finish feels like it's helping fill the gap also. I'm a big fan of where things are in the expanded media so let's keep it going! The prospect of the Fugitive Doctor encountering the Sontarans was exciting and whilst she didn't know what a Dalek was in the previous story, she knew about the clone race bred for war and I hope that's an intentional reference to Betrayal at the House of Sontar. Seeing a Sontaran in the religious Italian garb of the late nineteenth century was quite something though! It was probably the highlight of the story in all honesty and I like how it did seem to be a larger Sontaran. Maybe that was the artwork or an illusion of the robes, but it just worked. I think the returning of the Sontaran devices and Andrew using the Resistor on them basically as soon as they left the TARDIS felt a bit quick and random for me considering that's the overall story arc basis, but it did allow for some character development for the Fugitive incarnation. She's not the Doctor we know and love just yet which is really being made clear but there are signs that those likeable traits are buried deep within her and potentially starting to scratch the surface. I thought the very fact she agreed, albeit reluctantly, to have Andrew travel with her was a sign of that as he filled a companion role for the story. He would do the UNIT debrief and even use the Resistor. It almost felt like the Doctor was redundant! That was a tad disappointing, but I did like that she was showing concern if she wasn't admitting it. She saved the mayor's daughter and brought down the Honourable Society in a pretty quick swoop. Andrew aiding her with the Sontaran back of the neck was great and I liked the mystery of the Sontaran just transporting away. I'm not sure where the honour in that move is, but the epilogue certainly keeps me intrigued with the cloaked figure watching on. Who is behind all this and for what purpose? It all feels very Adam in Prisoners of Time so it's safe to say I am invested! Overall, a good little story to continue the overlapping story arc. I'm already excited for the next one! 

Rating: 7/10

Run Fast, Be Kind: The Broken Man

"Let there be heroes."

Writer: Rochana Potel

Format: Audio

Released: July 2026

Series: Twelfth Doctor Adventures 1.02

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Ash

Synopsis

The Doctor has a new friend. All of time and space awaits. Where to begin?

Scotland, obviously! The Doctor has unfinished business there. An archaeological mystery which he needs to solve, so he can start laying the past to rest.

Verdict

The Broken Man was another really good episode to continue the ongoing Run Fast, Be Kind first series of the weekly Twelfth Doctor Adventures! After a strong start with The Second Death, this served as a great follow up as we now hear Ash firmly on board as the new companion. He's still a little shaky after recent events and who can blame him, but that feeling and sentiment was also shared by the Doctor as he's still reeling from losing River Song all over again following the wonderful conclusion to The Husbands of River Song. He was actually trying to finish their story together here as he came to test one of her theories that they never got around to doing. I thought that was quite poetic and it's nice to hear this softer side of the Twelfth Doctor coming out. I'm not sure we have ever heard him this vulnerable and that's a good dynamic moving forward with Ash. I really like how with him as a musician also, the pair can just jam together and using music as a kind of dual therapy is really nice. I'm not sure the Doctor has ever had a companion like that before! A shared love and activity can work wonders and I suspect that will happen here. I look forward to hear their chemistry building as despite a mutual respect and understanding, their relationship is still being tested. Ash was starting to get to know about the Doctor's life and his position as a Time Lord. There were rules and laws that must be followed and having the Doctor explain those was fantastic. It's always a big moment and a stark reminder that the Doctor is the last stalwart in enforcing those laws, even though admittedly he has tried to break and defeat them on numerous times. By this point in his life, he has accepted that they cannot be toppled. I thought the concept behind the Amber Giant here was excellent and I love the idea of dealing with something from the Dawn of Time. I would honestly adore a continuous series set during this era because the very fabric of reality is almost incomprehensibly different. Who knows what anything was like eleven billion years ago? It's an unimaginable timescale so the Doctor rebuilding the Amber Giant after parts of it were found by archaeologist Maddy. She was a fun character and it's nice that after having a long goodbye with River that the Doctor appreciates the importance of her profession. It's important to learn and discover history and I like that he sees things that way now. Learning about the Amber Giant and it being an android of over thirty feet was quite impressive but crikey they missed the boat on not putting him on the artwork! That feels like a massively missed opportunity. Xeron-C as a species that the Giant was involved with the protection of was intriguing and I liked that there was a huge ark. Not all of the eggs (so to say) were in one basket either and that helped advance the species into a huge civilisation that would span hundreds of thousands of years. Ash seeing the scale of what he helped influence was really powerful stuff and a fine way to end things. Overall, a great listen to continue the series!

Rating: 8/10

A Matter of Conscience

"The human mind cannot cope outside of the body."

Writer: Lisa McMullin

Format: Audio

Released: December 2020

Series: The Robots 3.03

Featuring: Liv, Tula

Synopsis

The Sons of Kaldor are stepping up their anti-robot campaign as Liv and Tula are stepping up their search. But even as they get closer to the survivors of Storm Mine four, their understanding of events on Kaldor is about to change irrevocably.

Verdict

A Matter of Conscience was a very strong episode to conclude the third series of The Robots! I have now reached the halfway mark in this very well renowned spinoff range and at this point it really is easy to see why this is such a well regarded series. I'm so excited to keep moving forward with it now as I do own the next three boxsets thanks to some recent sales and clearances, so it shouldn't take me long at all to get cracking with this one and finish it This felt like a full on detective episode and that was great with Liv leading the guard whilst Tula was still clearly learning the ropes. I thought that was nicely done and their relationship just continues to be wonderful. Tula has accepted that with her travels in the TARDIS off world, Liv has become a little more inquisitive and had her horizons broadened which I think is great. She has experience in this kind of thing and that works out well here. After travelling all the way to Poul's residence, Tula is just accepting that they will have to leave empty handed because he wasn't in! Liv wasn't having any of that which was good. I thought the initiation of Shala into the Sons of Kaldor was fascinating and worked really well. Hearing of the toll of her past and the impact the 'invasion' of the Dums had on jobs and her family. It was scarily reminiscent of feelings today in numerous workplaces and spaces when it comes to AI. The computers are taking our jobs and that sentiment was similar on Kaldor where the Robots were concerned. That's an understandable fear so having the Sons of Kaldor rise up against that was really good. I thought the presentation worked and having communication with them was now potentially seen as an act of terrorism. That was quite the development! The explosion that resulted in the deaths of seventeen people was quite impressive and even members of the Sons of Kaldor already were taken by surprise when it came to Shala's involvement and the extent of her initiation there. It certainly wasn't typical! Finding out that Vash Sorkov was actually Kiy Uvanov was something I didn't see coming but it did explain how Sorkov wasn't anyone who existed on official record! It seems that all things are tying together slowly when it comes to the survivors of the events of The Robots of Death which is an exciting prospect. I do feel like this boxset was good setup again for things to come, and I do hope we get the meetings between the trio and the Chenka sisters in the next one. Uvanov toying with the idea of conscience transfer is a hugely exciting concept, especially on a place like Kaldor! There's so much potential there with conscience into robots and Uvanov achieving it here was pretty darn impressive. He'd been erased from the record but was then an edutech which was good and felt right for his character. I do hope we explore more of his past that led him to this point but the little flashbacks here worked well. The world building for Kaldor City is shaping up brilliantly and I just love how the mystery deepens with each volume. There's still so much to come and I'm hugely excited for it! Overall, a strong finale to another terrific boxset.

Rating: 8/10

Circuit Breaker

"He just sat there dreaming of metal."

Writer: Guy Adams

Format: Audio

Released: December 2020

Series: The Robots 3.02

Featuring: Toos, Poul

Synopsis

Poul has returned to Kaldor City... and Toos is doing her best to help his recovery. After troubling events in a local hotel, he finds himself with another crime to investigate. But are there some mysteries that shouldn't be solved?

Verdict

Circuit Breaker was another excellent episode to continue my way through the third volume of The Robots! This follows a format that worked well in the previous volume as we move away from the overarching story between Liv and Tula to focus on the nostalgia and hallmarks of The Robots of Death in the form of Toos and Poul. Their relationship was brilliant to continue exploring here and I like how they're clearly elderly statesmen on Kaldor. Their names mean something and that really does go a long way. I really enjoyed the exploration of robophobia and Poul in particular admitting freely that he had it was incredible. He didn't just admit to it but he then described how he felt when he saw a Robot and that was a powerful moment. He was almost ravaged and gushing at the mouth with his what felt like hatred. Toos seemed to think there was a distinction between hate and fear but I think the former is caused by the latter. Either way, his character development here was fantastic and just added to the politics of this spinoff range. It has so much going for it. Ullmann was a really good character and I enjoyed the service she was providing when it came to the Robots. She offered a place where people could fulfil their fantasies and with Robots involved, that does sound like it would be sexual. She was quick to point out that she offered nothing dirty but you would be surprised by how many non-sexual fantasies there were when it came to her facility! Tell your boss where to go? Say something to your partner you've been putting off? It was all available here and unbeknownst to himself, Poul was a frequent attendee! That was a fantastic revelation and just the very idea of Poul investigating the murdering of Robots and a couple of actual people also frequenting at the hotel when he was the culprit was magnificent! That hatred and fear really was enormously strong. New memories were created that were so insufferable to him that they just weren't retained. That feels almost impossible to comprehend but here we were! Ullmann's reaction when he explained the situation and said of course it was him was superb. She was pretty dumbfounded and given the revelations and flashback sequences that followed, how could you blame her? She was just running a business. I thought the moments towards the end where Ullmann was convincing Poul of what he needed to do and that involved removing Toos, he was sinister beyond belief. It was clear that she was actually going to be the target of his attack and the 'her' that would be removed, but just waiting for that moment was a delight. It was almost akin to the War Master in how devilish it felt! I look forward to hearing more of his descent into madness and just how Toos will try and control that waits to be seen. It's all very exciting as we head into the finale now and I'm awfully looking forward to when all of these elements join together. Poul claiming self defence in the least genuine way possible was magnificent to continue his breakdown. Overall, an excellent listen! 

Rating: 9/10

The Mystery of Sector 13

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."

Writer: Robert Whitelock

Format: Audio

Released: December 2020

Series: The Robots 3.01

Featuring: Liv, Tula

Synopsis

Liv is investigating the Sons of Kaldor – looking out for any unusual activity on Kaldor. But when her hunt leads her to an abandoned warehouse, she may have bitten off more than she can chew... And while she's away, Tula is finding that some problems lie a little closer to home.

Verdict

The Mystery of Sector 13 was an excellent episode to kick off my listening of the third series of The Robots! I am delighted to get stuck back into this acclaimed spinoff range during Liv's year back home away from the TARDIS amidst the Ravenous series of Eighth Doctor Adventures and she's very much settled in that position now. There's a lot going on as she investigates the Sons of Kaldor and I like the continuity that has from Do No Harm with her still following the trail. It's an exciting prospect to have her in full investigative mode because she really is rather good at it! There was a lot going on here and hearing the familiar voice of Jon Culshaw was a welcomed treat because he's a very solid actor that since this release has gone on to bring both the Brigadier and the Twelfth Doctor to a whole new lease of life at Big Finish. But here he plays a very intriguing character in the form of Vash Sorkov. I don't often make notes about the stories I'm blogging but I knew I would be writing this entry over half a day later from listening to it and my description of him was simply 'the mysterious one'. Given how the episode ended with the cliffhanger finish on him not existing on Kaldor by either name or appearance, I think that's is pretty darn accurate! I think he's an exciting character because just how is he on Kaldor and what is he up to? He clearly has significant control and the threat in the episode surrounding Sector 13 was really strong. Heightened emotions and potential robophobia came from the supersonic protection in the vicinity. That was good stuff and I liked how for Tula everything tied together in a logical explanation. I'm a huge fan of hers as Liv's sister and she really is the co-lead for this series which is tremendous. I liked how she was digging deep to find that history was literally being deleted from public record. That scale of revisionism was exciting and I'm very excited to hear that continue. The link to Toos and the events of The Robots of Death still linger strong and I'm excited for another inevitable appearance from her. She's told the records that she's off world but Tula thinks she is hiding on the planet in plain sight. She's not far wrong! Tula has more problems though in the form of Skellen who is a really shady character. I'll be stunned if he's not part of the Sons of Kaldor because he wasn't exactly encouraging towards Tula and her investigation. He certainly didn't want her findings made public! He was pushing for everything to keep them on the down low for the time being. I'm a big fan of all of the politics that is playing out in the episode and keeping Liv and Tula right at the heart of it is exciting stuff. There's a lot of intriguing and scheming going about and that keeps me very interested as the series rolls on. Overall, a fantastic start to the series that has instantly got me reinvested in the series and what's to come! The cliffhanger was fantastic and I can't wait to listen to the next episode tomorrow. A brilliant start!

Rating: 9/10

Peace at Last

"There are many lies in war."

Writer: Tim Foley

Format: Audio

Released: July 2026

Series: Rutans vs Sontarans 1.04

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Charley, C'rizz

Synopsis

On the precipice of peace it stands...

After the destruction of a major stronghold, the Sontarans propose something extraordinary. More extraordinary still, the Rutans say yes. The Doctor, Charley and C'rizz are on hand to watch history being made. 

Yet history has other ideas. A plan that has taken centuries is about to come to fruition. The Melmoth is returning.

Verdict

Peace at Last was an excellent episode to conclude the first series of Rutans vs Sontarans! This has been a terrific quartet of stories that has really done a fine job of exploring the eternal war between the Rutans and the Sontarans. I mean, the names were just switched around so this is the second series of the same premise in my opinion but I really hope we get another! There's so much potential and a huge playground of war to play around with when it comes to these two foes. This gave us a strong explanation of why the Eighth Doctor was popping up in Rendition and Grave Moon that actually made sense as instead of aiding Melmoth as she thought, he was actually tampering with her bomb that would see all of the Rutan Host separated from the collective. Her scheme was dastardly and I must admit I didn't see the reveal of her being Selina Carr coming! That was a really strong moment as she was a fun character throughout in the form of a news reporter. I really liked that we returned to an old faithful trio of the Eighth Doctor, Charley and C'rizz and even though I have been playing catch up for over a decade, this felt like a nice bit of nostalgia. I thought C'rizz was utilised really well with his nature being comparable to that of the Rutan but he was the only one of his kind in the universe and that really did mean something here. He was able to be reasoned with slightly with the Rutan and that made him a strong companion for this series. The very idea of a peace treaty between the Sontarans and Rutans is pretty much unfathomable so hearing that play out in the pre-credits was quite spectacular. It was clear the Sontarans in particular were never going to see a ceasefire as honourable, but just the fact they were using it as a plan was excellent. General Greff was an intriguing character in the Sontaran chain of command and him being the driving force behind a massacre of over 200,000 Rutan force with his codename was terrific. He was the driving force behind not actually seeking peace and I'm actually surprised any of the Sontaran kind would entertain the idea, especially considering some had been cloned specifically for the peace talks! That really is a change from the norm. The Doctor having memories of his involvement in Rutan poetry was great and a fun callback and I really liked how Melmoth was almost confused and angered by his lack of memory of his involvement in her life. Of course, it had yet to happen for the Eighth Doctor at this point in his life but we soon heard all that play out very nicely. I loved that he reminisced on seeing some old friends in the form of Zoe and Peri too. A really nice touch. The idea of Melmoth getting the perfect death and reuniting her with the collective to go into peace was quite something, but that would prove problematic as her memories returned. Memories in particular of the events of Betrayal at the House of Sontar where Division kickstarted the war and caused her so much harm. Hearing Melmoth actually mutter the word division but the Doctor not recognising that she was saying it capitalised was fantastic! He obviously thought she meant the division between herself and the Rutan collective but that was far from the case. She blamed him and it's staggering to think of the scale of her very existence. She really has had an eternity of suffering and she didn't exactly get a happy ending! Overall, a really strong finale to what has been a brilliant series. I hope we get more with these two races because they're just terrific! A tremendous listen.

Rating: 9/10

Run Fast, Be Kind: The Second Death

"I knew it was my last goodbye."

Writer: Alfie Shaw

Format: Audio

Released: July 2026

Series: Twelfth Doctor Adventures 1.01

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Ash

Synopsis

During the last days of history, a lone wanderer crosses the wastes of Kersarin. Everywhere he goes, he delights those he finds with stories and songs. He provides a little hope in the dark. 

His name is Ash Wilton, and there's one thing that Ash knows for certain. You don't get time travellers at the end of the universe. 

Verdict

The Second Death was a great episode to kickstart the Twelfth Doctor Adventures! Unfortunately, we haven't yet got Peter Capaldi portraying the Twelfth Doctor at Big Finish but Jon Culshaw does a really solid job stepping into his place. I'm hopeful that one day we will get Capaldi bringing the role back to life but for now this is the next best thing and it's really good. It is a little difficult to try and separate Culshaw's take on this Doctor from his excellent portrayal of the Brigadier, but one man can only sound so different! He's an excellent performer and I'm a big fan of what we have here. I think this premise of this series is really exciting as it starts to exploit what is a potentially huge gap between The Husbands of River Song and The Return of Doctor Mysterio. So much can potentially happen between those two Christmas Specials so this is the perfect place for a brand new companion. I love the idea of a weekly release for the series too and whilst it is a shame that it is download only, I like the excitement of building each week across six episodes. That's a good length for an audio series and we already know that the finale is essentially a part two to this episode. That's certainly a unique way to go about making a series but I'm intrigued to hear how it all plays out. I think it's clear that Ash has met the Doctor before and the TARDIS building a reputation across three hundred years shows the scale of things. It seems Ash will interfere in his own past which is fun as a prospect but I'm getting way ahead of myself here! It also though does appear that he's been in the TARDIS before which was strange as he didn't really react to the whole bigger on the inside thing at all. That feels like a big talking point! I thought the Kersarin setting was strong and I liked the world building that occurred there. Obviously there's a lot going on and the Doctor joins in the middle of conflict. It felt futuristic which I liked and the dynamic that's going to come from Ash being companion as someone from hundreds of years ahead of us is fascinating. He's a very strong character already and it feels like he's going to be a challenge for the Doctor which is always fun. He's going through a lot emotionally here as Harry became a Desolate and was then brutally shot in cold blood. That was a powerful moment as it was already enough that the synthesiser transferred him. The threat of the Krondat plague was good and I do like problems that are on something of a natural scale. Disease is difficult to beat so having a cure from the synthesiser was good even if Ash and Harry weren't exactly welcomed because of the latter's change of body. The Doctor touching upon his recent goodbye to River Song was a rare show of real emotion for the Twelfth Doctor and it was powerful stuff. He really did seem solemn and downbeat but I love that in their final goodbye from his perspective that River pushed him to travel like he used to. How could he be the Doctor otherwise? I like that River is the one to convince him to be himself even if he had to experience her death all over again. As if Forest of the Dead wasn't bad enough, he's now had to go through it all over again but with a lifetime of building a relationship and marrying the woman! So he could relate to Ash here and I thought that was good with them having a shared feeling to build on. I don't think the Doctor would have invited him to stay on as a companion if he wasn't going through what he was at this time. I'm looking forward to revisiting events here in the series finale but now we have four exciting episodes with a new companion every week! Who says we're in the Wilderness Years again? Great stuff. Overall, a very good listen.

Rating: 8/10

Masters of Time: True Nemesis

"You can't run a universe on your own."

Writer: Andrew Smith

Format: Audio

Released: July 2023

Series: UNIT: Nemesis 4.04

Featuring: Kate, Osgood, Harry, Naomi

Synopsis

Under Missy's guiding hand, the Vulpreen are ready to strike out, to establish themselves as the new Masters of Time. 

UNIT's confrontation with Missy in the depths of Portugal's Douro Valley will decide the fate of not just the Earth but the whole Universe.

Verdict

True Nemesis was a very good episode to conclude the Masters of Time fourth series of UNIT: Nemesis! This spinoff range, or at least this section of UNIT as a spinoff range of its own, concluded in strong style with the long awaited and much drawn out return of Missy! It wasn't quite as impactful as I would have hoped given the trouble she caused in Dark Water/Death in Heaven alongside the Cybermen in killing Osgood and terrorising the entire planet, dead and alive. But it was good to acknowledge those events and Missy's reaction to seeing Osgood still alive was delicious. She was quite surprised as she was convinced she had already killed her and yet here she was! Confirmed as human too. That was a really interesting detail because I'm not sure if it is ever revealed which version survived? That feels pretty revolutionary and yet Osgood tried to brush over it. I understand from her point of view why but as a listener my ears perked up immediately! Michelle Gomez is always delightful and hearing her voice in my ears makes me happy. She's a staggeringly good and refreshing incarnation of the Master as Missy and her claim to be trying to save the universe was initially something that sounded like it could be brushed off, but here she was. I always knew that she was going to betray Lord Varliss at some point and he even expected it too because he was also using her, but she was genuinely doing it for the good of the universe. She was almost  doing her Time Lord duty in continuing the work of her race after they had trapped them in the Void dimension. She needed to put them back because their very presence was causing problems with time and reality. They were something that didn't belong and Missy was utilising the arches to actually send them packing. Kate didn't seem too hesitant in making an uneasy partnership with the Time Lady which was terrific and certainly a formidable duo! I thought Missy's interactions with Varliss were just as expected as well as she was almost mocking their supposed partnership. She had given Vulpreen some orders and that certainly didn't go down well. It was a little difficult to take Varliss seriously around Missy because there was only ever going to be one winner! Missy has a sublime quality of somehow not feeling threatening but at the same time being to switch from comedy to ruthless evil in a split second. It was a little bit predictable and scientific mumbo jumbo in the way the Vulpreen were sent packing with Osgood doing some good jiggery pokery and their relationship with time being almost like a sickness. Varliss survived and he accepted defeat by the end and saw that Missy was his true enemy. He garnered respect for Kate and didn't kill her when he could have which was something reciprocated back. That was certainly unexpected but I liked that amongst the two opposing commanders! Missy being within the super arch to see her sent packing seemed pretty final too which was a nice touch, but we know she always survives no matter the incarnation. Overall, a fitting finale for what has been a really consistent series and four boxsets! I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey. A great listen. 

Rating: 8/10

Masters of Time: The Destiny Labyrinth

"You have to go through and stop her."

Writer: Alison Winter

Format: Audio

Released: July 2023

Series: UNIT: Nemesis 4.03

Featuring: Kate, Osgood

Synopsis

The UNIT team find themselves travelling through various epochs in Earth's history. The only guide they have is working for the enemy, and the Vulpreen are hot on their heels. Help comes from a new friend, a young healer who already has a curious relationship with time.

Verdict

The Destiny Labyrinth was another very good episode to continue my way through the Masters of Time fourth and final series of UNIT: Nemesis! I am trying my best to judge the episode in isolation and taking that approach with some generosity allowed me to not drop the extra mark I was going to because I must say this does feel like an awful long way to get to the finale. If we didn't know Missy was coming then I think things would feel different, but we've had three episodes now since the reveal that she was partnering with Lord Varliss and yet she still hasn't appeared! It seems a bit of a strange one but at least the anticipation is built for what is set to be an explosive finale. I liked the round the world feeling of this episode and it almost felt a little like The Chase or the middle of The Daleks' Master Plan on a smaller scale which was good fun. The Arches were utilised in really interesting ways and I enjoyed the difficulty and dilemmas that come from them only going way. Starting off in Niagra Falls but a few thousand years into the past was really intriguing and with that attraction being extremely high on my bucket list, I'd love to have seen how it looked before it was fully formed into its modern day appearance. It really was a round the world and times trip and it was good to have the language acknowledging that with the constant references to both where and when. That really was an important distinction! Michel was a terrific character to basically become a UNIT companion for the episode and his ability to see into the future was fascinating. Right from the off he knew that the UNIT members were not of his time and had seen things he couldn't really comprehend. They were from so far and long away. Finding out that he was actually Nostradamus was incredible and that really was a big revelation for me as I hadn't read the cast list. It was tremendous. Osgood suggesting that his ability to see things potentially being derived from the Arches and the gateways was a fun concept and I love how basically everything has an answer in Doctor Who. It really is uncanny. The hunt for Lorraine was good and I really do admire how far Kate will go to save somebody. This was an extensive and dangerous mission but she was unwavering in her determination to bring her home and free her of Missy's pull. The latter happened but Lorraine had to get shot to be free which wasn't exactly a win! She did manage to help in her final moments by telling Kate which Arch would be the one to get her to Missy, and I have a funny feeling that with his pretty serious injury here, Josh might not make it out alive. Missy has a habit of killing UNIT employees and I somehow don't see it stopping here! I also think it's an interesting setup moving into the finale as well to have Osgood and Jimmy going through a different Arch. I'm excited to hear how everything connects and for Missy to finally make her appearance. It has all the ingredients for a spectacular finale so fingers crosse it doesn't disappoint! Overall, another very decent episode to continue the series. It's nothing if not consistent! 

Rating: 8/10

Masters of Time: Traitor's Gate

"I can take him from the moment of birth to the moment of death."

Writer: Sarah Grochala

Format: Audio

Released: July 2023

Series: UNIT: Nemesis 4.02

Featuring: Kate, Osgood

Synopsis

Osgood is a prisoner in the Tower of London, which is now a Vulpreen base. To rescue her friend, Kate must devise a plan to raid her former headquarters. 

Inside the Tower, the Vulpreen are determined to access the Black Archive and the hugely dangerous alien technology it contains. How long can Osgood keep them out?

Verdict

Traitor's Gate was a great episode to continue my way through the Masters of Time fourth series of UNIT: Nemesis! This felt like an improvement on the opener but still had a feeling of filler with the wait for Missy's arrival continuing, but it was good filler nonetheless. I thought Osgood had a really strong outing here and despite being in the capture of the Vulpreen for six months as a prisoner by now, she was staying firm and strong. I love how she always uses her intelligence and it's no surprise that she has followed in the Doctor's footsteps in becoming Scientific Advisor to UNIT. Hell, by publication date she's head of the Black Archive and that's quite fun given her proximity to it here. Sorgan was a decent character and it was nice to put another name to a member of the Vulpreen, but he wasn't quite as domineering in his presence as Lord Varliss. The way things developed between those two was strong though as Sorgan wasn't exactly impressing in his service considering he had been inside the Black Archive with Osgood some fifty times over the course of ten days yet still believed she had just arrived! That was wonderful and Osgood keeping a straight performance each and every time was impressive. She knew what was happening and ensured that Sorgan just kept on forgetting. That obviously didn't go down well with Varliss and he made it known. He also told of how Sorgan's brother was execute for his own failure and Varliss was there when it happened. This was new information and it seems not all Vulpreen are in his service unto eternity. I thought it was good to suggest strife amongst the Vulpreen camp and I wonder if that is due to Missy's involvement as partner. I'm suggesting a lot here without much evidence but the Vulpreen come across as a race that won't take instructions and orders from a woman too kindly. She has provided them with the technology to have an arch field though which is helpful and I like the concept behind trying to make them genetically coded to just the Vulpreen. If it's only them that can travel from place to place instantaneously around a half time-frozen planet then they really would be unbeatable. It scarcely bares thinking about. I thought Ashley was a really strong character and I liked how he was one of UNIT's members impacted by the time control that the Vulpreen have. The level of that is pretty staggering and I don't think the scale of that has been demonstrated to the full extent yet. No wonder Missy is revelling in the shadows! Lorraine was a fun character too and it was clear she wasn't all she said she was when she was interacting with Kate. Osgood working out she was a traitor was excellent and again showcased her fine qualities. She really led this episode well. I thought the use of a time knife was good and allowed Kate to one up Varliss who was both impressed and shocked by her tenacity. The use of a raven as a cloaked communication device was certainly unique too but Osgood knew right away what it was. She got the knife out and now all roads lead to Missy. It's still a reunion I am very much anticipating but I hope we don't have to wait until the finale! Let's have an episode of Missy in full control. The hunt for Lorraine to fix her is good and they know it's a trap, but they've still got to follow. Overall, a great listen to continue the series!

Rating: 8/10

Masters of Time: One Way or Another

"Up until now, it's been prologue."

Writer: John Dorney

Format: Audio

Released: July 2023

Series: UNIT: Nemesis 4.01

Featuring: Kate, Osgood

Synopsis

Kate leads an attack on a Vulpreen prison camp, unaware that UNIT friends are being held there. As paths converge, Kate and Osgood have different perspectives on the attack and specific dangers to overcome.

Verdict

One Way or Another was a decent episode to kick off my listening of the Masters of Time fourth and final series of UNIT: Nemesis! After a very strong cliffhanger finish to conclude Time of the Vulpreen last time out, I can't help but feel like there was a feeling of being underwhelmed by this story. It wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination and even when a little shorter at forty-five minutes or so it maintained its quality, but it just felt like filler. I don't think that is the best way to start a series, especially the final boxset of an epic saga! Even Kate herself with her narration mentions everything up until this point had been prologue before we move on into the boxset! That felt a tad disrespectful to the listener. Other than the line and reaction of Kate realising that Missy was now partnering with Varliss and not the Eleven, I don't feel like much advanced at all. It was still entertaining action and it was good to basically have two sets of UNIT operatives. They had been split up by everything that had happened with the Vulpreen in control of the planet and that was actually a situation that seemed to have been in place for six months or so now. That's a considerable amount of time! But the Vulpreen with the aid of Missy were in control. The concept behind the super arches was decent and I like how only one was needed at the origin of the journey intend and not the destination, but it was the use of freezing time here that was really exciting. I am very much looking forward to that being utilised moving forward. We've already seen it on screen with Missy in Dark Water and now she's here to cause chaos once again. I really do think given how much she was referenced that she should have featured in this episode, but I guess it does just keep me full of anticipation for her impending arrival. It's going to be a delicious reunion with Kate and Osgood. I thought it was nice to have Harry and Naomi feature a little more in this episode as I think they've been somewhat underutilised in this spinoff range and I'm not entirely sure why! They have a lot to offer as former companions of the Doctor but it just feels like they're relegated to the backbenches for some reason. Granted I'm not quite listening to Naomi's stories in release order, but a recent Seventh Doctor sale at Big Finish will see me catch up somewhat! I still don't know too much about her and that feels a shame as a companion now at UNIT. The way the story ended with a bomb going off was pretty explosive but it never felt possible that any of the UNIT regulars would actually perish. Varliss didn't quite have the same authoritative feeling and that might be testament to Kate for knocking him down a peg. Information was gathered and all sights look set to be headed for the Black Archive which is exciting because pretty much anything could be there and that means almost anything can happen! Kate seems angry and that's rather dangerous as we move forward with the series. Overall, a good little start but now I'm keen to get stuck into business.   

Rating: 7/10