Harvest of the Sycorax

"Why is it taking me so long to die?"

Writer: James Goss
Format: Audio
Released: 22nd July 2016
Series: Classic Doctors, New Monsters 1.03

Featuring: Seventh Doctor

Synopsis

In the far future, humanity has a remedy for everything. Whatever the problem, Pharma Corps has the answer and a designer disease tailored to every human's blood type. Zanzibar Hashtag has no need to be sad. scared, stressed, or depressed ever again.

That is, until vicious aliens arrive on her space station intent on opening its vault. What will it mean for the human race if the Sycorax take control of what's inside?

And when the Seventh Doctor arrives on the scene, can he convince Zanzibar to care about her life long enough to help him?

Verdict

Harvest of the Sycorax was an excellent audio adventure and another great continuation of the Classic Doctors, New Monsters boxset. I've mentioned in my blog entries of the first two stories how much I love the idea behind this collection of stories and this adventure was no different when it came to my excitement. Eleven years since their only televised appearance in The Christmas Invasion, the Sycorax made their audio debut. Of course, in terms of chronology this story took place quite some time before that one but hearing them alongside the Seventh Doctor was just wonderful. I must admit I'm still surprised that this boxset isn't dealing with the Doctor's first encounters with the monsters we wouldn't see on television until the revival era but I have absolutely no problem with that. I am aware that there are those who are not fans of that but with news of a second boxset coming next year, I'm just looking forward for some great monsters to get a return, even if it takes place chronologically before their first appearance on screen. It's doubtful that many monsters like the Sycorax would get a return on television alongside the Twelfth Doctor so having them on audio is a real treat. I loved the arrival of the Doctor into this story and he even commented how after only being in the Sycorax's life for thirty seconds, he'd made it hell. I must say that the portrayal of the Sycorax was superb and their constant referring to the human race as cattle was excellent. I listened to this story on a ridiculously packed train so I found that quite ironic I must say. There were quite a few similarities to their first appearance on screen which I liked, particularly with the moment that their language could be understood. That would of course be down to the Doctor's arrival and a rare example of the TARDIS translation circuit being utilised in a Classic era story. I absolutely loved that the Doctor showed no fear towards the Sycorax and was just loving to mock them. Sylvester McCoy really was magnificent and it's not often that I say that! That's not to say I'm not a fan of him by any means though. Zanzibar was a terrific character and I really liked the futuristic setting with the human race willingly drugging themselves and not being used to some very common emotions. I imagine the Cybermen of this era would be licking their lips at the prospect of converting them, if they had any that is. Her relationship with the Doctor was fantastic and a real highlight of the story and the way they combined to defeat the Sycorax was excellent. The battle between them was done very cleverly and I liked how with the Doctor being the Sycorax champion, he willingly surrendered. The Sycorax would of course refuse that but the plan for defeat was already well under way. It all came down to that familiar method of blood control. The very idea of it is fantastic but it caused the Sycorax downfall here in a very good way. The revelation surrounding Pharma Corps and Cadwallader was a bit of a surprise I must say but I thought it was great. The only downfall was the quickness in which Shadrak died just as she'd agreed on a date with Zanzibar. That did add a lot to the story though so that was good. Overall, an excellent audio adventure and another great story from the boxset!

Rating: 9/10