The Yes Men

"They're conditioned to obey."

Writer: Simon Guerrier

Format: Audio

Released: September 2015

Series: Early Adventures 2.01

Featuring: Second Doctor, Polly, Ben, Jamie

Synopsis 

The Doctor, Jamie, Polly and Ben arrive on New Houston, an Earth colony in the Fourth Sector, which the Doctor previously saved from an alien invasion. He wishes to pay his respects to his late friend Meg Carvossa, but something is not quite right with New Houston's subservient robots...

Verdict 

The Yes Men was an excellent story to kick off the second series of Early Adventures! As irony would have it, this actually completes my listening of the second series of the range that I do hope is restored in the future. Thankfully as standalone stories the order to listen to these doesn’t matter much and this serves as a tremendous introduction for Elliot Chapman taking on the role of companion Ben Jackson. I think it’s probably the best of any recast Big Finish have done if I’m being honest, unless you count Frazer Hines portraying the Second Doctor. He did that wonderfully here and with Anneke Wills taking on the role of the main narrator, we had a magical combination! The quartet of the Second Doctor, Polly, Ben and Jamie is severely underrated and probably under-utilised because a large chunk of their adventures on screen are sadly missing from the archives so expanding on their time together on audio is wonderful. I do hope the Second Doctor Adventures will pick that up at some point. I thought the story started in a fun way with the Doctor not taking too kindly to being challenged on his ability to pilot and direct the TARDIS. Ben and Polly made it clear they did want to get back home to 1966 so the Doctor was on hand to show them he could go somewhere he’d been before. He did just that, but it wasn’t the somewhere Ben and Polly were hoping for. It turned out to be in New Houston instead which was a really fun setting and the political nature of the story was brilliant. I’m always a big fan of political exploration and this was tremendous. The Doctor arriving at the time immediately following the death of Meg Carvossa was really good and I liked the discussion of his previously unheard visit here with Dodo. Just touching on adventures with Dodo as the sole companion is fun as it’s only recently with the First Doctor Adventures reboot that we’ve explored that to any degree. Meg was a brilliant character and whilst the cameo appearance from her in the news bulletin made it a little obvious that she wouldn’t actually be dead, the circumstances surrounding it were fantastic. I liked the political strife and Meg’s rationale for going into hiding was good because her rogue nature was to be revealed. I thought her efforts in lying about the population of New Houston in order to get a surplus of supply and reward herself was superb. It was completely selfish but rather clever! It was easy to fiddle with the data. The Yes Men robots being completely devoted to her was intriguing and I liked the mystery that came from multiple reasons being given for the explanation of Meg’s death. From cancer to a heart attack, there was no consistency and the answer and that would prove important later on. I liked the eery feel of the Yes Men even before Meg was revealed as still very much alive. The claim of there being no crime at all was scarcely believable, especially with the claim that Meg was actually murdered. She would do the murdering herself though in disposing of Nesca Bangate. Whilst it saved his life, the Doctor didn’t approve of her doing that and it was fun to know that he already knew she was still alive. And then of course he would know that she was the culprit behind New Houston’s dodgy dealings. I thought Jamie and Ben were a fun combination and the pair getting involved with the robots was glorious. They were quite mischievous and the cliffhanger to part three with them proclaiming the Scottish battle cry of Creag an tuire! That was pretty marvellous and a really fun moment. It’s not often a cliffhanger is considered fun! I liked how throughout the story we heard the slow decline of Meg and she was moving from being a friend of the Doctor to somebody he needed to stop. He was saddened that things had come to this, especially after he seemed quite chuffed to show her the TARDIS as his proof of being the same person despite his change of appearance. I thought the ending was rather fun as Meg had her true actions revealed with Harriet Quilp to benefit. She was another fine character and her position as Acting Prime was good stuff. The robots now being considered citizens and Meg not being able to show her face was a good way to end things, as she had to face the consequences of her actions. Overall, an excellent story!

Rating: 9/10

The Lions of Trafalgar

"If your friends are important to you, walk away now."

Writer: Jason Arnopp

Format: Audio

Released: August 2011

Series: Short Trips 4.05

Featuring: Fifth Doctor, Nyssa, Tegan

Synopsis 

Panic ensues when stone lions come to life in nineteenth century London... and the Doctor is stuck on the top of Nelson's column.

Verdict 

The Lions of Trafalgar was a really good Short Trips audio adventure! I’m always a little sceptical when it comes to blogging stories from the first four series in particular of this range, but this was a really enjoyable seventeen minutes or so! I think it did help that we had Peter Davison as the narrator and he was certainly on top form. It was really nice to hear him take on the roles of Nyssa and Tegan too, with his accent for the latter particularly amusing. It was decent somehow despite not having much of a good quality Australian accident. It was pretty good as well that Nyssa and Tegan actually got to experience some of the sights of London whilst the Doctor was left to sort out the intriguing problem of the lions on Trafalgar Square. I thought the title was excellent and whilst it was a little strange for aliens to be impersonating the lions before they’d even been built on Trafalgar Square, it was quite fascinating at the same time! I liked that the Doctor was the one taking the initiative as he rightly should, but it wasn’t without warning from his companions. All three were surprised that they could see the lions whereas the locals of London couldn’t see the lions. Perception filters only being effective on those from the time was fun and quite convenient for the TARDIS trio here! Tegan recalling the events of Logopolis was rather humorous as she recalled the last time the Doctor climbed something tall, but he was a little more in control when it came to Nelson’s Column. Just having a specific location in the always familiar London setting was welcomed and exploring Trafalgar Square before the famous lions were installed was great stuff. Samuel and Thomas as those being inhabited by the Sevakrill was good and I really enjoyed how sternly the Doctor warned the alien entity about inhabiting them rather than consuming them. He obviously wasn’t thrilled that they’d done that, but at least they weren’t dead. The indication from the Doctor of what the consequences would be regarding that was excellent and a somewhat rare moment of darkness from the Fifth Doctor. I thought his conversing with the Sevakrill was really good and I liked the sound effects of the alien. They did sound daunting and it’s a shame that the format and length of the story didn’t allow for an extended encounter. What we did get was really strong and as expected very fast paced, and it only felt partially rushed in places. I thought the simplicity of the Doctor appealing to both Samuel and Thomas to build a bridge in their minds and throw out the Sevakrill was terrific and a fine way to expel them out into the open. The fact the Sevakrill talked in unison through them both wasn’t going to be the greatest disguise as it was! That was quite amusing. The humour was taken to another level at the end though with the Doctor setting the perception filter to expire at the time the lions were due to be installed, which would obviously cause some confusion to the architects at the time! But the Doctor was hoping to save them some time and work by just having them unveil the works that were already there! Overall, a really solid listen.

Rating: 8/10

The Seeds of War

"One more victim of the Eminence."

Writers: Matt Fitton & Nicholas Briggs

Format: Audio

Released: March 2013

Series: Monthly Adventures 171

Featuring: Sixth Doctor, Mel

Synopsis 

Humanity is emerging from a long, exhausting war. Against an enemy so powerful, so implacable, it seemed unstoppable – right up until the moment it stopped.

Now, despite its 'victory', the human race is on its knees. The Doctor and Mel join its struggle for survival to try to ensure it has a future.

A race against time takes them from the Great Tower of Kalsos to the Reliquaries of Earth. In an epic journey across the ten systems, their fates are intertwined with one family. The Tevelers are to feel the effects of war more than most...

The Doctor has a plan. Mel is sure he can save the day. But something is lurking. Watching. Waiting. A presence the Doctor knows of old. But just how far does its influence pervade?

The Eminence awaits...

Verdict 

The Seeds of War was an excellent story to continue my way through the Monthly Adventures from Big Finish and conclude a really strong trilogy for the Sixth Doctor and Mel! This pairing really is going from strength to strength and I really liked how they were headed for  Kalsos and its massive freestanding tower. The biggest in all of the colonies. It was a good premise for Mel to experience something resembling an intergalactic tourist site so when they arrived it was typical that it seemed it hadn’t finished being built! Except that wasn’t quite the case as the Earth Alliance were actually tearing it down as the last standing representation of the Eminence. Now, it’s been eight years since I listened to Destroy the Infinite which depicts their first chronological appearance, so I was surprised as the story went on how much I was remembering about the gaseous enemy and their Infinite Warriors. It’s really good to have this one as a sequel to that Fourth Doctor Adventures story even though this was released first which is a fun little quirk. The Doctor obviously knew all about the Eminence from his first encounter and his reaction when he got a sniff of them returning here really sold them as a strong enemy. I’m a big fan of them and there’s definitely more to come from them. The ambiguous ending with them not entirely being defeated was great and leaves things open for another return. The suggestion of them always being in the mind of the Doctor was good too and I loved how he played on that by making them think he was working for them. The opening episode in particular was probably by favourite as it just set the scene so well and the cliffhanger finish of the tower collapsing was superb! There was really strong action and the stakes just instantly felt high, no pun intended. The shock of the likes of Barlow and Trellak to the Doctor and Mel’s lack of local knowledge was excellent. I enjoyed the history lesson about the Eminence and how they were slowly defeated, but the Doctor wasn’t so sure. Their infection of the seeds in a world seemingly at peace but slowly being starved was sublime. That’s such a subtle but brilliant means of destruction! Helgert’s reaction to their apparent demise being intentional was fantastic and it was a shame that all of his and Sisrella’s efforts to clean the soil and irrigate were helpless. The seeds were never going to grow again thanks to the Eminence infection. It was really good that the Eminence didn’t actually feature that much at all and the mere threat or mention of them was enough to make them a strong enemy. That’s the sign of a good monster in my estimation! They worked very well. The relationship between the Doctor and Mel was decent here and whilst it was admirable to hear how much faith the latter had in the former, the Doctor’s annoyance at her constantly making promises on his behalf was certainly understandable. She could also see he wasn’t quite himself when going into cryogenic suspension to get to Earth to the seed bank. That being the saving grace of the crop issues was good and I liked the futuristic setting of just being able to planet hop! But they needed seeds from before the war to ensure that they were not infected. The lack of the TARDIS was important and I always enjoy how vulnerable things are for the Doctor without that safety net being close by. The sacrifice of Kenneth at the seed bank to see off the Eminence was really good and the emotions when it seemed both Sisrella and Barlow had perished in the blast was strong. The heartstrings were also well and truly tugged when Helgert suddenly passed away as his heart just couldn’t take it anymore. Overall though, a really strong audio adventure!

Rating: 9/10

Spaceport Fear

"Trust no one."

Writer: William Gallagher 

Format: Audio

Released: February 2013

Series: Monthly Adventures 170

Featuring: Sixth Doctor, Mel

Synopsis 

Welcome to Tantane Spaceport – where the tribes of Business and Economy have been at war for all of four hundred years...

Welcome to Tantane Spaceport – where a terrible creature called the Wailer prowls the corridors around the Control Tower, looking to eat the unwary...

Welcome to Tantane Spaceport – where there is one Arrival: a battered blue Police Box containing the time-travelling Doctor and his companion, Mel...

Welcome to Tantane Spaceport – where there are no Departures. Ever.

Verdict 

Spaceport Fear was a great story to continue my way through the Monthly Adventures from Big Finish! Whilst the general concept of this adventure is basically a rehash of The Face of Evil and Paradise Towers with the devolved societies and misappropriated terminology and origins, I thought taking it to a spaceport was a very fun setting.  It certainly was based in fear and the very idea of the Doctor and Mel arriving was greeted with great caution. They brought with them the ‘summer’ of simply having the lights turned on and the effect that had on the inhabitants in terms of their eyesight was fascinating. The fact ordinary people lived in darkness was a shock and something I can’t imagine for a long period of time, let alone generations! The scale of captivity for the spaceport was incredible with Elder Bones claiming to be half a millennium old! Nineteen generations had passed through the spaceport which was on its last legs in terms of power supply. The arrival of the TARDIS provided a ten minute listing, but systems went into shutdown and with the TARDIS getting lost amidst the automatic interior reorganisation, getting it back would be very difficult without power to move the walls back around. That formed the basis of a strong opening cliffhanger. I really enjoyed how hands on Mel was in this story and it’s just another example of how well she is handled in her audio adventures. She pairs with the Sixth Doctor so well and her desire to have a window in the TARDIS was brilliant. The scanner that the Doctor offered her wasn’t up to scratch. The two rival forces of the Spaceport being Business and Economy was fun stuff and there seemed genuine distain between two. The Doctor oozed charisma and pompousness when he claimed to be from neither and that he was First Class. That was marvellous. That’s exactly what you’d expect and want from the sixth incarnation in particular. The way he was able to deduce what had happened on the spaceport was good and slowly but surely you could hear that he was working it all out. The truth regarding Elder Bones - or was it Director? - and his position of authority in both Business and Economy was fantastic despite its predictability. The anticipation of it coming was strong and made for an exciting conclusion. The shock and dismay of Naysmith and Pretty when that was revealed was very good. Bones taking the words of firing your employees quite literally added to his credibility as a villain as he didn’t hesitate in shooting Rogers dead and the way he talked Galpan into gaining his trust to obtain the gun from her before shooting her dead was horrifying. The first rule of business was not to trust anyone indeed. That was a stark lesson. The Doctor and Mel communicating on the handhelds through the usernames was good, although would it really be possible to have usernames as long as the messages they were sending? It was a neat idea though. Mel not knowing what wifi is was also great and such a simple way to show she’s out of time but a good use of modern tech. I thought the ending was a little simple but the light switch moment for Mel where she realised she could literally just pull the plug of the computer was decent stuff. It eradicated everything in an instant! The threat of the Wailer throughout was good and I liked that the ship coming was their race to take their child, rather than his own people as Bones expected. The merging of the Business and Economy at the end was nicely done too. Overall, another strong audio adventure! 

Rating: 8/10

Once and Future: A Genius For War

"I will help you defeat the Daleks."

Writer: Jonathan Morris

Format: Audio

Released: July 2023

Series: 60th Anniversary 03

Featuring: Seventh Doctor

Synopsis 

The Time War. The Doctor has been injured and brought to a Time Lord field hospital. His body glows with energy, but this is no regeneration into a future form - instead, the Doctor's past faces begin to appear as he flits haphazardly between incarnations...

Staggering to his TARDIS, the Doctor sets out to solve the mystery of his 'degeneration'. Who has done this to him? How? And why? From the Earth to the stars, across an array of familiar times and places, he follows clues to retrace his steps, encountering old friends and enemies along the way. Tumbling through his lives, the Doctor must stop his degeneration before he loses himself completely...

In the midst of the Time War, the Time Lords have received a communication from Falkus, the prison moon of Skaro. Its sole inmate, Davros, wishes to make them an offer. 

He will help them win the Time War... but only if the Doctor comes to his rescue.

Verdict 

A Genius For War was an excellent audio to continue the Once and Future sixtieth anniversary celebrations from Big Finish! After something of a shaky and convoluted start whilst maintaining good quality, I am hopeful that this episode will really kickstart to the series now. Venturing back to the Time War where the degeneration weapon seemingly originated was unexpected this early on in proceedings, but I certainly wasn’t complaining! I’m a massive fan of the Time War as a setting and it was utilised superbly here. It was good to have the Doctor’s degeneration acknowledged and whilst I think the dwindling between the first three incarnations in particular for brief moments feels like nothing more than a token gesture, I was glad that they weren’t lingering and we got straight into the story. Having the Seventh Doctor in the Time War is fun stuff and something that just shouldn’t happen given the time lock so I thoroughly enjoyed that. His knack for scheming and plotting is well suited to war on this kind of scale so he more than fitted in! I liked the idea of the Doctor once again being forcibly recruited by the Time Lords and the General admitting it wasn’t the face he was expecting was fun stuff. We simply couldn’t have a sixtieth anniversary celebration without Davros and he’s the main focus here, absolutely stealing the show. This is one of the better uses of Davros in my opinion and his position of being relegated to Falkus actually helped him! The very idea of him offering his services to the Time Lords to help bring down his own creations is a sublime concept and a really great basis for a story. It worked well but it was clear that he couldn’t be trusted as the Doctor acknowledged almost immediately. I was surprised the General was so accommodating of the request and he seemed to genuinely believe Davros would revenge on the Daleks. His desire to actually get back in their good books and doing so by flirting with the enemy was terrific. I really enjoyed that. Tapping into the legend of the Hybrid was good as well and I must admit that’s not something I thought we’d come back to following on from The Witch’s Familiar and Hell Bent, but here we are! The discussion between the General and Davros about the legend was excellent and the audacity of Davros to proclaim himself the only scientist capable of creating the super race of Dalek Time Lords was magnificent. The aggression of Daleks combined with the regenerative qualities of the Time Lords. How could they lose? A Time War was not winnable, so creating a mix of the two races to bring peace and rule as gods was what Davros was proposing. But was it really believable that he wanted to bring peace? I certainly didn’t think so. Davros rules in chaos and it would be him that he’d want as the god. I thought Veklin was a really good character and she filled that companion role very nicely. The moment she said the Doctor didn’t have a choice with her accompanying him after he’d agreed to the mission was brilliant. She stood up to him right away but he laid down that it was his TARDIS and his rules which was fun. She worked well with the Seventh Doctor. The General rounded out the trio nicely. I thought Davros requesting the Doctor to save him was delicious and the Time Lord just couldn’t help himself. His curiosity was appealed to and that wouldn’t fail! The fact Falkus was actually a giant Dalek containing a brain was a bit of a surprise but I liked that a lot which fitted in with the absurd nature of the Time War. Its destruction taking the gene pool with it and the Doctor’s Time Lord factor was an emphatic ending, with Davros returning to the Lake of Mutations which was fantastic. Overall, an excellent listen and certainly the best of the series yet!

Rating: 9/10

The Menagerie

"I am quite aware of the evil of science."

Writer: Martin Day

Format: Novel

Released: May 1995

Series: Missing Adventures 10

Featuring: Second Doctor, Jamie, Zoe

Synopsis 

'It is said that this city rests over the great menagerie. Men who felt tempted to meddle in science were cursed and turned into beasts.'

A nameless city on a primitive, rain-sodden planet. The ruling Knights of Kuabris strive to keep order as hideous creatures emerge from the sewers to attack the populace. It seems that there might be some truth in the prophecies after all.

While Jamie languishes in the castle dungeons, the Doctor is forced to lead an expedition beneath the city to search for the fabled Menagerie of Ukkazaal. Meanwhile Zoe has been sold as a slave to a travelling freak show – and one of the exhibits is coming to life.

Verdict 

The Menagerie was a decent Missing Adventures novel! I’m always a fan of the trio of the Second Doctor, Jamie and Zoe and they were utilised very well here. It’s good to have placement with this series of books so I really appreciated the references to The Space Pirates with it being their most recent adventure. Jamie didn’t remember the LIZ 79 too fondly which was fun whilst Zoe was hoping for something a little more traditional and frankly safe. To my surprise in that situation, the Doctor didn’t have the TARDIS end up on Earth! Having a sociological discussion was good and Jamie’s contributions were amusing as that kind of academic know how seemed somewhat beyond him. The theory of societies developing and even twinning each other was fascinating but Jamie was struggling to buy into that idea. He did allude to something similar with the Redcoats which was good, but as a whole he liked to cast doubt on the more scientific nature of the Doctor and Zoe. That’s a fun TARDIS dynamic. I thought the setting was intriguing and initially I had Game of Thrones vibes for the makeup of the city and its differing species almost acting as different houses. We had the likes of the Duqrags and the Rocarbies to compliment the authority of the City Guard with all having differing views on science and the Higher. It was a strong society and world to explore, but I must say it also got slightly stale in some parts. A little more excitement and this could have been great, and whilst not bad it didn’t quite reach the heights. I thought Zaitabor was a strong character and certainly the best of the bunch that featured here. The Knights of Kuabris were very good and I enjoyed the shock of his true feelings. The whole concept of science being a very touchy subject here was portrayed very nicely. This was a society that didn’t approve of technology and talk of science was on the same grounds as blasphemy. The Brotherhood of Revulox were one of the religions and I liked exploring the differing beliefs. I was impressed with how dark the book was and that’s in terms of atmosphere not theme. There was a strong adult theme too with Kaquaan being a prostitute. She was referred to as a whore, had her breasts felt by a guard who simply referred to them as ‘not bad’ and on more than one occasion was said to open her legs easily. That’s probably a bit too mature for a Doctor Who story in my opinion, but I do appreciate the realism it provides. Jamie certainly took to her which was amusing! She even said to make sure he thinks of her when he rescues the other ladies on his travels which was nice. The suggestion at the end that he spent a day or two with her was fun and left a lot to the imagination. I thought the twins of Raitak and Reisak were good characters too and they built a strong relationship with Zoe throughout the book. The fact Jamie had to be warned about his thoughts regarding them as well was very amusing. He’s a dark horse is our Jamie! The characterisation of the Second Doctor was decent and I do enjoy having Zoe be on a similar intellect to him. It’s a good trait in a companion and with this often clumsy incarnation it’s a nice way to level them out. The build of the plot focusing on the reemergence of the Mecrim was good although I do think it was dragged out. Zoe experiencing a rogue one and the death scale it caused was devastating, but then we had three chapters in a row that basically ended with the same semi-cliffhanger of them being near to returning from the ground. The city being built on top of the old one was good and I liked how the Mecrim were doused in legend, but the appearance of them was a little convoluted and I actually struggled to find them frightening in my head. I did like the homunculus being an android which was fun and was a crucial cog in the truth of the city which the Doctor explained to Zaitabor rather emphatically! It made sense and was logical with the microbe threat and the casket containing a creature. It all tied well. I thought the Doctor’s plan of shooting each Mecrim with a bullet without it exploding was good as they only recognised heat signatures so that would confuse them and start civil war. It worked, but unfortunately Cosmae wouldn’t survive the explosion that took out the Mecrim amidst their fighting. His love for Kaquaan was admirable but he was mocked for it given her standing. She was saddened by his death though and it was nice to know she wanted to save him. Overall, a decent read! 

Rating: 7/10

The Wax Princess

"Storytelling is a dying art."

Writer: Justin Richards

Format: Audio

Released: April 2014

Series: Jago & Litefoot 7.04

Featuring: Jago, Litefoot

Synopsis 

The past has come back to haunt former chief inspector Abberline – Jack the Ripper has escaped from custody! 

As the notorious killer strikes again in London, Jago and Litefoot are drawn into a web of intrigue. 

One that will lead to the palace itself...

Verdict 

The Wax Princess was a great episode to conclude the seventh series of Jago and Litefoot! This has been yet another terrific series of infernal investigations and at last Jago and Litefoot have cleared their name thanks a royal pardon. I must admit that I thought they might stay on the run for another series yet, but the way they got their names free was nicely done. I thought the follow on from the cliffhanger at the end of Murder at Moorsey Manor was fun as it turned out Jago and Litefoot weren’t actually under arrest! That was something of a surprise to me but hearing Jago and Litefoot’s reaction was really good as they realised that Abberline had brought them to their famed Red Tavern lodge! Ellie greeting them and then realising she shouldn’t use their names was fun stuff as she tried to quickly backtrack. She played a good role in the episode and the way she gained the strictly confidential information regarding the escape of Jack the Ripper was very amusing! She just simply stood behind Abberline with the beverage as he spilled the beans. The idea of Jack the Ripper being on the loose is brilliant and I do think it should warrant being an entire series arc for Jago and Litefoot. He’s such a historic and almost mythical figure so I enjoyed him featuring here! I wasn’t expecting him to actually be Carlton which was a fun revelation, especially after Litefoot had sent him off with Ellie seemingly thinking she was in safe hands. Jago didn’t have a clue who he was and certainly wasn’t someone in his own employ. The realisation of Litefoot when describing Carlton and it fitting the description of Jack the Ripper himself was excellent. The highlight of the episode for me though was where Litefoot was impersonating Jago at his theatre for Mr Rippon. He was a rather pompous character and took his job of running said theatre a little too seriously. Litefoot revelled in impersonating his old chum though and the writing here was marvellous. He did a great job of being Jago in terms of voice and verbiage. It was a really fun moment and even Ellie was impressed. I do enjoy when Ellie gets involved in the action as she really does offer a lot. The detective theme of the episode here was really good and I liked that Quick was involved in proceedings too. Finding his way to Inspector by the end was a nice touch and some good character development. I thought the build to the conclusion was exciting and that’s exactly what you want really. The threat of Ellie being a Ripper victim was good stuff, but the way he was destroyed was nicely done. The illusion of a melting face was quite the image and the beauty of the audio format really as we could paint the picture ourselves rather than rely on any special effects. The involvement of Queen Victoria wasn’t something I was wholly on board with as she never sounded like I could take her seriously, but the connection with Jack the Ripper’s former fiancé and his crazed desire to recreate her in wax with his numerous victims was gruesome and eery! Exactly what you’d expect from someone with his reputation. That was good whilst being uncomfortable. Jago and Litefoot saving the Queen resulting in their pardon and being exonerated was a nice way to finish the finale. Except it wasn’t all done there! The cliffhanger finish to lead into the next series with Jago being sold on a new act in the form of the Scorchies was terrific. I’m intrigued to hear where things go from here! Overall, a fantastic finale. 

Rating: 8/10

Murder at Moorsey Manor

"An ordinary house this ain't."

Writers: Simon Barnard & Paul Morris

Format: Audio

Released: April 2014

Series: Jago & Litefoot 7.03

Featuring: Jago, Litefoot

Synopsis 

Jago and Litefoot visit Moorsey Manor, hoping to get help from the only man who can help them clear their names. 

They arrive at a gathering of Sherlock Holmes fans, who are mourning the death of their idol at Reichenbach Falls. 

Then death arrives at Moorsey Manor, in the most ingenious of ways...

Verdict 

Murder at Moorsey Manor was another great episode to continue my way through the seventh series of Jago and Litefoot! The old murder mystery adventure is always a fun one and I think Jago and Litefoot are perfect for it with their chemistry and respective skills in deducing who may be the culprit. They were still on the run and I enjoyed the continuity from The Monstrous Menagerie with them heading for Willis as a potential means of clearing their name. I was very surprised to see him as one of the murder victims very early on! Jago’s reaction to that was hilarious as he didn’t actually seem awfully concerned about the fact a man had died but rather that he’d now lost the means of proving his innocence. He really was quite distraught! I thought the Moorsey Manor setting was very good and perfect really for a murder mystery. I thought the humour regarding the gathering being essentially a mourning service for Sherlock Holmes was decent, but perhaps maybe a little overkill in terms of the continuity from the aforementioned series opener. Now, I may just be ignorant here but would a fictional character really have that much of an impact? Hearing Jago try and dance around the fact they had no idea what was going on or who even the ‘great man’ that was being mourned was made for good entertainment. Litefoot was on hand to smooth things out which was good and the pair embraced their guises very well. What they didn’t know was that they weren’t the only ones under a false moniker. I thought the characters that featured and were slowly killed off were very good and complimented the story nicely. The likes of Woolley and Fanshaw didn’t last overly long with the former’s story of historic family death as the clock struck two being quite shocking! The fate of Reginald Peacock was also rather brutal. I thought some more shock from Jago and Litefoot was warranted there but I guess now after seven series they have been through it all so this kind of stuff may not surprise them. I thought Fox was a really strong character and his survival proved crucial and actually very important to the direction of the series. The development of ‘Beatrice’ as the culprit responsible for the murders was very good and I loved the clockwork make up of the manor. It was unpredictable, as was she! Her reveal as Edwina Merridew was nicely done and the background about the clockmaker family and her dad being shunned by the Queen and going missing ever since was decent stuff. Edwina had built the house but she was clearly deranged as her reaction when Litefoot had hold of her father’s urn was psychotic! She even jumped after it off a cliff drop when Litefoot realised it was either him or her, so he had to send the bait. That was a surprising demise for a good villain. The psychotic ones always have the most brutal deaths. The tension building to finding the master clock that would save Jago from literally losing his head. The excitement Edwina had for that and wanting to watch it happen was disturbing. Fox working out that the master clock was the insignificant one to everyone else except Edwina’s father was great and him admitting that it was just an educated guess was fun stuff. Jago got very lucky! The reveal at the end was a huge surprise though as he revealed himself to actually be a chief inspector called Abberline. And he was prompt in arresting both Jago and Litefoot as he obviously knew their disguises were just that. Overall, a great listen and a strong setup for the finale!

Rating: 8/10

The Night of 1000 Stars

"It smothers them in their bad memories."

Writer: James Goss

Format: Audio

Released: April 2014

Series: Jago & Litefoot 7.02

Featuring: Jago, Litefoot, Leela

Synopsis 

Leela is back! 

With a murderous beast on the loose, Jago, Litefoot, Ellie and Leela are trapped in Baker Street.

There is a story to tell, and the four of them put on a show for each other. Their pasts will be unfolded, secrets will be told...

And the last act will be a killer.

Verdict 

The Night of 1000 Stars was an excellent story to continue my way through the seventh series of Jago and Litefoot! This is such a strong spinoff and I liked how the story arc of Jago and Litefoot being on the run wasn’t so prominent here and allowed for a more traditional episode from the range. It was alluded to and there was actually a really helpful summary of their recent events over the last couple of series to lead to them being in hiding, but this just felt pure. The quartet of Jago, Litefoot, Ellie and the returning Leela was an absolute delight and it’s rather brilliant that there weren’t any other characters. It worked fantastically well as a four-hander and just hearing them have those conversations was terrific. It growing into accusations and even a physical fight at one point was superb. I think it’s wonderful that Leela returned and referencing her life on Gallifrey was done in a very emotional way. What could she possibly have to be sad about when her husband was dead and she lived amongst people who regarded her as nothing more than a pet? That was a powerful moment as she appealed to Jago after he said she was the saddest. Her reaction to being referred to as a dog face when Jago announced her act was amusing and I thought that format was wonderful. Jago revelled in his theatre background and put on quite a performance as each of the characters talked through their story of remorse. This obviously provided some strong emotions and all of the stories linking back to the moments that they grew up was poignant. Talking of Leela’s first kill in her tribe was terrific and whilst her dad was proud of the woman she’d become, Leela was sad now about it being the last day of her childhood. Litefoot’s story of Elizabeth and how she died on his operating table was extremely powerful and that was really heightened by his recounting of having to tell her partner. From that point forward Litefoot would only work on the dead which was an important part of his background. I wasn’t expecting that! Jago’s story of how he was rejected was a little less strong which was needed but I did like Ellie reflecting on a bad encounter with a former partner. Leela seeing that as a mate was amusing and Ellie didn’t take too kindly to that description! The lantern showing each of them these encounters in the photo was good and just the concept of it being alive was a lot of fun. The atmosphere in the episode was sublime and really did feel like it was on a cold Victorian night. I was really impressed with that gritty feel. Jago using his theatre knowledge to see what he did in the act of Leela was brilliant and a fine use of his knowledge. He didn’t take too kindly to Ellie’s surprising flurry of magic tricks, but he knew when something was being cranked and that’s what happened with Remorse. She wasn’t Leela at all, it was all an act! I thought that was very good and if one of them was going to be the creature it had to be her given her position out of time and space. The combination of the singing between Jago, Litefoot and Ellie to shun her away was a jovial moment that was really nice to hear. Overall, a fantastic listen!

Rating: 9/10

The Monstrous Menagerie

"I'm not writing any more Sherlock Holmes!"

Writer: Jonathan Morris

Format: Audio

Released: April 2014

Series: Jago & Litefoot 7.01

Featuring: Jago, Litefoot

Synopsis 

Jago and Litefoot are on the run! Framed for a crime they didn't commit, the infernal investigators seek refuge in a house on Baker Street owned by their old friend, Professor Dark.

That's when Doctor Arthur Conan Doyle enters their lives. Tired of his popular creation Sherlock Holmes, Doyle has moved onto other works that he considers more worthy.

And then Laura Lyons comes knocking at the door...

Verdict 

The Monstrous Menagerie was a great way to kick off the seventh series of Jago and Litefoot! This is such a  strong spin-off range that shows no signs of letting up here as we continue on from the shocking events of The Trial of George Litefoot that saw both Jago and Litefoot become wanted people after the former was convinced of murder and the pair were seemingly involved in an assassination attempt on Queen Victoria! The concept of them both being on the run is a brilliant basis for the series and having them lying low and trying to keep a low profile is going to be easier said than done. I suspect we won’t be hearing much from Ellie this series if they can’t go for a pint at their stomping ground of the Red Tavern. That’s a shame but I’m sure we’ll start building towards them clearing their names, as the conclusion suggests with Willis being a potential survivor that could prove as a witness it was not Litefoot the culprit. That’s a good glimpse of hope for the pair, but the emergence of the mysterious detective at the end will prove a strong hinderance. I think Quick’s involvement is fantastic and it’s really nice for Jago and Litefoot to actually have someone in authority on their side for once. I’m sure he’ll do a good job in keeping them hidden as they try to clear their names from the shadows. In the background though they were keen to help with the issue of the beast of Bethnal Green that was viciously going around killing innocent Londoners. The truth of that being grotesque hounds from the 61st century was not something I expected, but a fault line was created in time from the travellers from the future as they tried to pick up samples from the Jurassic period. There was the time equivalent of a storm along the way meaning they were stuck in the nineteenth century and the hounds and even a stegosaurus could slip through! There were strong Invasion of the Dinosaurs vibes there for a minute which was fun. Unfortunately, I’ve never read or watched any kind of fiction by or about Sherlock Holmes so a lot of the finer details in this episode were lost on me. I did really like Arthur Conan Doyle and his efforts to try and distance himself from Holmes as a character in his book, but I didn’t know enough about his creation to fully appreciate some elements of the episode. It was a lot of fun for Jago and Litefoot to jump around the fact they hadn’t read any of his other works but the whole story being an in-universe basis for him penning The Hounds of the Baskerville was completely unexpected! I quite liked that and Laura Lyons being a character because Doyle met her from the future here was very interesting. It was fun as well to think of Litefoot purchasing the book when it was released in his personal future and reading it knowing why it was written and the truth of the message it contained. Baskerville being the enemy was good and his audacity to ask Doyle to autograph some book copies before intending to kill him was a fine villainous quality! I thought his fate being sealed by the law enforcement of the future was decent and set up Doyle nicely to write his new adventure for Holmes despite his insistence that he’d killed off the character. Maybe he would take on that idea of a prequel after all. Overall, a great listen!

Rating: 8/10

The Unzal Incursion

"You don't have the resources for planetary conquest."

Writer: Mark Wright

Format: Audio

Released: May 2021

Series: Third Doctor Adventures 7.01

Featuring: Third Doctor, Liz, Brigadier

Synopsis

Under the supervision of the Doctor, the Brigadier and Dr Liz Shaw, UNIT are getting ready to activate Hotspur: their new, advanced early warning system.

But something goes wrong. Can it be that UNIT has been betrayed from within? Suddenly bases are falling across the globe, and only the Doctor and his friends are able to escape.

Not knowing how far the conspiracy goes, the Doctor, Liza and the Brigadier become fugitives. Their investigations lead them t the Fulcrum military training facility. And something beyond the Earth.

Verdict

The Unzal Incursion was an excellent start to the seventh series of Third Doctor Adventures! I think it’s rather fitting that the seventh series harks back to the era of the seventh season on screen with us revisiting the time of the Third Doctor and Liz. It’s such a shame we only got four on screen adventures with this pairing because they really are tremendous, and with the Brigadier also around in a prominent role we have the basis for a terrific tale. And that’s exactly what we got! I think Tim Treloar and Dasie Ashford did wonderfully well in bringing the Third Doctor and Liz to life and I do hope we can get more and more from this era. Just having the Doctor still fresh from his exile to Earth after the events of The War Games is a fun place to be, especially with the image of the TARDIS console being outside of the interior! That’s still something rather odd but it ties in brilliantly with the on screen continuity and came in handy for the first part cliffhanger resolution as a means of transport. The Brigadier’s reaction to that was very amusing, as was his line about needing to hide the purchase of Bessie in UNIT’s accounts. I’m just glad that the infamous car featured at all. The Brigadier’s reaction to something akin to mutiny was great and he was less than impressed with his own soldiers firing on him! I thought it was really good stuff to have UNIT soldiers falling under a mysterious influence and the Doctor realising that it was some sort of hypnotic factor was great. With the post credits scene, that was confirmed as the Master which is just magnificent. I love that with his debut not coming until Season 8, he was engaged in a stress test here to conjure just how difficult it might be to infiltrate and cause chaos on Earth. The continuity there was tremendous and just hearing Cherilyn Dankworth writing in her journal ‘you will obey me’ repeatedly was a fantastic way to end. The Unzal themselves weren’t much of a threat and I think Dankworth was actually better as the villain than the titular monsters. The Doctor knew that the Unzal weren’t capable of the hypnotic influence they had exerted on UNIT personnel and it was nice for him to acknowledge it and almost try and prepare the Brigadier for a bigger test to come. Of course, the Master’s arrival for that wouldn’t be too long away. I really enjoyed Liz’s remarks in the story about being unhappy with her position in just passing the Doctor equipment. She couldn’t understand when or why people had stopped referring to her as Dr Shaw. She was actually pretty brilliant and wanted some recognition which I thought was fantastic. It’s also good in building on the reasons for why she departed as she could offer so much more. That was clearly evident with her role in the Hotspur development and that device was a strong concept in being an advancement in detecting alien threats and imminent arrivals. The idea of the Unzal trying to access the codes for it to ensure they weren’t detected was quite fun and showed they weren’t a huge threat really, but the scale of their operations being an incursion on the UK rather than a full scale planetary invasion was nicely done. I thought Sergeant Attah was a good character and her annoyance at being subjected to the mind control was really great. The Brigadier was quite forgiving though which was nice to hear. I thought the Unzal being defeated by an overload was decent stuff but the highlight for me was Liz’s defiance in not giving up the codes even when subjected to the immense mental torture. Overall, an excellent adventure that would perfectly fit into Season 7. 

Rating: 9/10

The Wrong Doctors

"Bare with me, it's my first invasion."

Writer: Matt Fitton

Format: Audio

Released: January 2013

Series: Target 126

Featuring: Sixth Doctor, Mel

Synopsis 

With Evelyn gone, the Doctor sets course for his destiny... in the form of his first meeting with Miss Melanie Bush, a computer programmer from the village of Pease Pottage, currently busy rehearsing with the local Amateur Dramatic Society – and blissfully unaware that her future is on its way, in his TARDIS.

Make that two TARDISes. Because at that very moment, a slightly younger Doctor is flying into Pease Pottage, too – returning his future companion Melanie Bush to her rightful place and time, after they were flung together during the course of his Time Lord trial.

Time travel is a complicated business –the iguanodon terrorising Pease Pottage being a case in point. But how much more complicated could things possibly become, if the wrong Doctor were to bump into the wrong Mel?

Verdict 

The Wrong Doctors was a very good story to continue my way through the Monthly Adventures from Big Finish! Slowly but surely I continue my way through the mammoth range and this one started in emotional fashion. The passing of Maggie Stables is obviously a travesty and it really is such a shame that we don’t get a proper departure story for Evelyn Smythe. I was a little sceptical about her as a companion when I listened to her debut almost a decade ago now, but she was a stark departure from the norm of a companion and I really liked that. It was also lovely to see her be a catalyst in bringing out the softer side of the Sixth Doctor that we didn’t get the opportunity to see on his brief television run. It’s nice to finally address the discontinuity that happens during The Trial of a Time Lord with the Doctor and how Mel was introduced as a companion. We just saw her in the future already as a companion, so trying to put that right and give her an origin story is a sublime thing to do. I’m all for plugging gaps! The confusion was rampant though which at times was frustrating without visuals, but at the same time it was part of the fun. The descriptions of each respective Sixth Doctor with the different coats was terrific and I loved that the older version was donning the blue one most associated with Real Time, a story I am still yet to blog! It was also lovely for him at the end to return to his patchwork colours because that’s what Mel preferred. I thought the focus on Mel in part one in particular was brilliant with the muddled versions of meeting the Doctor. Two versions of each led to amusing bedlam with all of the meetings happening in the wrong order and not as remembered. The younger version of the Doctor just dropping Mel off and hoping she’d run into his future self was almost extraordinary! I thought the setting of Peas Pottage was used very well and it was just nice to experience some of Mel’s background as we met her mum and her home. Mr Petherbridge was a strong character and the whole Mardak Home Corp stuff was decent, but I can’t help but say I was just more interested in Mel and her specific story. The idea of her seeing the timelines was good and I thought the concept about compressing causality and shaping it was great, but slightly rushed with everything else going on. It was still thoroughly enjoyable though as my rating suggests! Petherbridge feeding off the Doctor dying out of time was very good and the cliffhanger of part three in particular was fantastic with the eeriness of Mel singing and counting down. Jedediah was a fun character and I couldn’t help but laugh when he just wasn’t wanted anywhere. The valanxium was a strong element of the story, no pun intended, and definitely has potential with it being an alternative for time travel. The time demon seemed to be revealed a little late as a Vortex creature, but as a whole this was a very good and surprisingly emotional tale! Overall, a great listen.

Rating: 8/10

The Time Meddler

"He's only one monk - what possible harm can he do?"

Writer: Nigel Robinson

Format: Target

Released: March 1988

Series: Target 126

Featuring: First Doctor, Vicki, Steven

Synopsis 

"How do you think it would affect galactic history? Think if the tyrants of the Middle Ages; imagine them roaming the universe!"

The TARDIS materialises on a deserted Northumbrian beach. The Doctor says that he and his two companions have arrived in the eleventh century – but Steven finds a modern wristwatch in the nearby forest. 

However, the year is AD 1066 and the Doctor's arrival has been noticed by a mysterious monk who recognises the TARDIS as a time machine and its owner as a threat to his carefully laid plans.

Verdict 

The Time Meddler was an excellent novelisation of the televised serial of the same name! Whilst I don’t quite give this book or its TV counterpart a perfect rating, this story is right up there with one of my favourites. It’s such an important adventure too as we see the Doctor actively trying to stop interference with history. We meet another of his species and the cliffhanger where the Monk also has a TARDIS must have been extraordinary on broadcast! It had such a profound impact even on me when I first watched it as I wasn’t aware of other Time Lords encountering the Doctor prior to the Master. Knowing what I do now, the moment is still as wonderful and was what I was waiting for throughout the book. It’s also easy to forget that this is Steven’s first full adventure as companion which was a lot of fun with how sceptical he was about the TARDIS and its ability to travel in time. That was the perfect attitude for a story where time meddling was occurring and provided some strong humour. I loved how the novelisation went beyond the television story, particularly at the start and conclusion of the book. Depicting Steven’s escape to the TARDIS at the end of The Chase was magnificent but perhaps even more so was the epilogue with the Monk still trying a number of methods to alter the course of history and not have William the Conquerer the victor in the Battle of Hastings. That was tremendous fun and actually quite a treat. Before we got there though, we had a brilliant story! The idea of a meddler in time for the First Doctor era is excellent and it was done so well. The meddling Monk is obviously a historic character and his introduction is just glorious. I love the presentation as a bit of a baboon which gives him a glorious childlike quality. The Doctor being about fifty years earlier than him as far as their home planet is concerned is great because that gives him a good sense of maturity. Having the Monk using the gramophone to provide the noise of the other monks at the monastery was hilarious, but not as much as him using a toaster and non-stick frying pan to make the Doctor breakfast when he had him as a prisoner! Quite the treatment. I’m surprised the Doctor did throw it back at his face, but he wouldn’t be woken until he was good and ready. The characterisation of the First Doctor throughout was impressive and it was a little sad to see him pondering over Ian and Barbara after their departure. The comfort of Vicki was lovely to read too as he still missed his granddaughter Susan. The potential of the Monk’s TARDIS being around was good and the meddler mocking the Doctor for not having an operational chameleon circuit was fantastic. The Doctor also seemed envious of its ability to drift in space and actually have direction. Steven’s comment about the chameleon circuit and using their exact situation on the beach as an example was a bit harsh and made me feel sorry for the Doctor with his pride in the TARDIS, but I certainly understood where he was coming from. I thought Edith and Wulnoth were strong characters and their positions as locals in both geography and history was terrific. The looming threat of the Viking invasion was brilliant and the Monk posing as his profession to try and get those devoted to his religion to light the way for the conquering was tremendous. It’s such fun that seemingly a guide and scheme here has seen the name of the Monk stick. It’s great fun. The Doctor giving the Monk a note and removing his dimensional circuit from the TARDIS is such a fun end, leaving him stranded in 1066! Overall, a magnificent read!

Rating: 9/10

The Winged Coven

"She's been dabbling in the darker arts."

Writer: Paul Magrs

Format: Audio

Released: April 2019

Series: BBC Audio 06

Featuring: Fourth Doctor, Mrs Wibbsey

Synopsis 

When the Doctor returns to Nest Cottage, in the village of Hexford, England, he discovers strange things afoot in the local woods. Together with the redoubtable Mrs Wibbsey he discovers the local postmistress in an almost desiccated state, and witness sinister behaviour at the local mini-mart.

The old team investigate a new shop that has opened in the village, run by the glamorously beguiling Camilla Cookson. Soon they realise that a secret society has formed in Hexford under their very noses. But what role has Mrs Wibbsey herself unwittingly played in all of this? It may be time for a few confessions to be heard.

Recruiting Mike Yates, Tish Made and Deirdre Whatsit to the cause, the Doctor and Mrs Wibbsey set out to penetrate the winged coven – but what they discover at its heart is the greatest horror of all.

Verdict 

The Winged Coven was another strong audio to, at this moment in time, conclude the adventures of the Fourth Doctor at Nest Cottage! It’s been an eventful ride and it’s quite staggering to think that the extended series has lasted for seventeen episodes now, and it’s been quite the run! His relationship with Mrs Wibbsey is tremendous and it was lovely to have her back in the narration role. Susan Jameson is magnificent and once again starred in bringing Wibbsey back to life. I was quite surprised that it had been another two years now since she’d last seen the Doctor and I would assume that would be since the events of The Thing From the Sea, and a lot had happened since then! It was good that in what I assume will be the final story in the series that Mike Yates featured. It was nice to know that he had now retired to Hexford and was potentially in a relationship. The arrangement of his living conditions was fun to discuss and I liked that things stayed ambitious. It was good though to have him here and he played a big part. I thought it was great to have witches involved in events at Hexford and Wibbsey being suspicious of them in the village was brilliant. She’s like a hawk when it comes to protecting her village and when danger was around, she could spot it. I thought the cake shop was a good front for the coven and Wibbsey knew that it couldn’t possibly just be that. It wouldn’t be profitable with the population of Hexford so it was hiding something. Queues were forming to get a cake but I did like how the Doctor even commented on the decoration being there to hide something. It was just too elaborate. I thought the impression of the Doctor was decent if not spectacular but the effort was there so I certainly appreciated that. The makeup of the coven was very strong with Cookson being a strong lead witch. She wasn’t afraid to step up to Wibbsey and even suggesting that she was disliked in the village because of her dedication and loyalty towards the Doctor was brilliant. It was a powerful moment and sent her into a strong defence as she did actually care very much about Hexford. Vera and Wanda completing the coven was very good and together the trio was certainly one to be feared! Having the Doctor dealing with the darker arts is always good stuff, but it seems his bigger issue in this story was actually with his housekeeper. His reaction when he found out that Mrs Wibbsey had been using some of his advanced equipment was tremendous and fantastically in line with the personality of the Fourth Doctor. I thought this incarnation was written very well here. The emergence of the owl was strong and I very much enjoyed the pace and excitement of the conclusion. That’s often missing from the BBC Audio range so that was most welcomed. The fate of Cookson was rather extraordinary as the owl she had worshipped and claimed to be serving ended up eating her! It was a clean consumption in just three bites which was some graphic description, but I was impressed with the imagery presented throughout this audio. It felt visual and matched up nicely with the CD artwork. Overall, a really strong audio! A most enjoyable listen.  

Rating: 8/10

The Thing from the Sea

"We are under a spell."

Writer: Paul Magrs

Format: Audio

Released: March 2018

Series: BBC Audio 01

Featuring: Fourth Doctor, Mrs Wibbsey

Synopsis 

In 18th Century coastal Italy, the local fishermen haul in an extraordinary catch: a gigantic serpent. The Doctor identifies it as an alien, but to the ailing locals this fabled sea creature has the capacity to heal them – if only Count Otto will share it with them. When Mrs Wibbsey comes under the influence of the Count, the Doctor finds himself snared by the wicked power of a seemingly immortal magician, the infamous Cagliostro!

Verdict 

The Thing from the Sea was a very strong BBC Audio adventure! I’m always slightly hesitant when it comes to these stories purely because of their format in being a performed story with just one actor. It’s not quite prose but it’s obviously far from being a full cast audio drama. However, this one felt a little more ‘normal’ in the format and I think that’s because of the narrator and lead character. I’ve listened to this immediately after finishing the Serpent Crest series of stories with the Fourth Doctor and Mrs Wibbsey, so having the latter in that narrator role was great because that’s the kind of style I’m used to with this pairing. Susan Jameson is really good as the almost companion and she jumps back into the role with ease! It felt natural and right back at home around Nest Cottage. That’s a fun home setting and the idea of her always being on call as the Doctor’s housekeeper is rather fun. He certainly would need to be kept in check! It was really lovely though for him to drop in on Mrs Wibbsey because he knew she was about to face danger. It’s good that he’s looking out for her and that’s what you want from the Doctor for his friends and companions. He would always be there to help. Wibbsey recalling that she’s still haunted by the sound of buzzing going back to the Hornet’s Nest and Demon Quest set of stories was excellent and strong continuity, although with the surprise mention of unrelated serpents in this episode I was expecting more mention of the most recent series. I thought the Doctor whisking her off to 19th century Italy was excellent and that was a setting I really enjoyed. They soon got embroiled in some mysterious fishing as the story’s title might suggest and the thing from the sea was not a typical catch! It was described as being large and tentacled which didn’t sound too unordinary, but the Doctor knew it was extraterrestrial as he locked eyes with it through the netting as it was calmly suffocating. That was a bit disturbing. The enigmatic characters of Count Otto and Cagliostro were brilliant and really sparked up the episode. They felt authentically historical and Italian which was important. It was also good to have an established hierarchy between the pair. The revelation about the serpent thing from the sea was great with it being consumed meaning that human life was extended. I’m always a fan of people trying to extend mortality and if it was feasible scientifically then I think I’d be doing the exact same! The early comment from Otto about fishing up these creatures over the centuries was good and showed right away that there was considerably more to what met the eye. The Doctor cottoned onto that right away! Cagliostro being in the mind of Wibbsey when they wanted to use the TARDIS and go back in time to when the serpents were plentiful was good, and she felt quite guilty about being used again for TARDIS access and information. The concept of the shadow form was good and that being shunned out from Wibbsey’s mental power was terrific, and it almost seemed fitting that Otto was eaten by a serpent in the past. That rounded things out nicely! Overall, a really strong audio adventure.

Rating: 8/10

Survivors in Space

"We're all having bad dreams."

Writer: Paul Magrs

Format: Audio

Released: January 2012

Series: Serpent Crest 05

Featuring: Fourth Doctor, Mrs Wibbsey

Synopsis 

It has been three months since the Hexford catastrophe, and Mike Yates is trying to show strength of leadership to the villagers. But with morale low and supplies running out, it is increasingly difficult to keep his own hopes up. Unless somebody finds them soon, the future looks bleak. 

So when the TARDIS materialises on the village green, it seems that help has arrived at last. But with two Doctors apparently at large, there is still the small matter of what was buried under Nest Cottage – not to mention who is clamouring to break through the protective force field. Soon Hexford is under siege once again, and this time an ancient hunger will be sated. Time has run out for the keepers of the Skishtariegg

Verdict 

Survivors in Space was a strong conclusion to the Serpent Crest third anthology of Nest Cottage Chronicles! This has been a fascinating journey through the chronicles of BBC Audios at a time before Tom Baker seriously took on the role of his famed and adored Fourth Doctor for Big Finish. This is a strong finale and rounded out the story arc very nicely. In another time jump in similar vain to The Hexford Invasion, events carried on here three months after they left off with the entire village of Hexford being transported through the wormhole into space. It had been three months of captivity and being stuck in the domed village which just had to be tough. The fact that it was always night must have been incredibly disorientating and it was nice to acknowledge that the village clock was able to help maintain some sort of daily schedule. I can’t imagine living in perpetual darkness and the potential effects psychologically. It was really strong to have Mike Yates in the narration role and it was important to get that perspective from the Hexford side of things. The imposter Second Doctor was fun this episode with us knowing he wasn’t the real article. He did a decent job in convincing Yates that he was the Doctor whilst other villagers remained somewhat sceptical. Yates was actually quite saddened when the truth was revealed. I thought the fake Doctor’s continued messages being sent out to the Skishtari were good and it was fun that it was actually one of these that helped the Fourth Doctor and Wibbsey to find where Hexford had been transported to. Wibbsey’s suggestion that it had taken umpteen months was good because that opens potential for future adventures with her in the TARDIS during events preceding this episode! She’d make a decent full time companion and I was surprised she almost seemed saddened at the end when the Doctor dropped her back to Hexford when it was returned to its rightful place. I thought how that happened was really good as just when the imposter Doctor thought he’d fulfilled his mission, it turned out to be his downfall. The way he was eavesdropping on the Fourth Doctor’s conversation with Yates about the gene egg and it being in the TARDIS was great as that set about a method of getting the key in a very brutish fashion. The imposter physically taking it from Wibbsey’s cardigan pocket was almost uncomfortable as she was pretty much helpless! The imposter obtaining the egg within the TARDIS was good but it starting to hatch after he sent news to the Skishtari was exciting. The Doctor knew of the danger it entailed. I thought the return of Alex some twenty years older and a grown man was excellent and it was nice to know that he was installed as Tsar and had brought peace in the Robotov Empire. The robotic guards arriving on the scene here was great and really helped round out the boxset. The turmoil in the village as rumours of supplies dwindling was good and a big threat, and it was fun for a lot of them to be sceptical of the Doctor’s ability to get them home. But get them home he would. Alex was able to command the Skishtari egg given that it was taken from within him and the connection built meant it acknowledged him rather than the Skishtari as a whole. They were rather shocked by that! Alex was able to command it to eat the Skishtari and do that they did! It was a fitting end and the image of the serpent eating itself was visually presented here. That was cleverly done. Using the trees and the imposter Doctor realising that he was never going to have his wishes adhered to as a clone meant that Hexford would be returned. Overall, a strong conclusion! 

Rating: 8/10

The Hexford Invasion

"The aliens are coming!"

Writer: Paul Magrs

Format: Audio

Released: December 2011

Series: Serpent Crest 04

Featuring: Fourth Doctor, Mrs Wibbsey

Synopsis 

It's been many months since the Doctor was in Hexford, and Mrs Wibbsey keenly feels his absence. As her grave suspicions about her new neighbour grow, she is in danger of becoming ostracised from village life. When Mike Yates turns up at Nest Cottage with a visitor in tow, Mrs Wibbsey's life is turned even further upside down. Why has this strange new fellow appeared – and can he really be who Mike thinks he is?

With UNIT watching the skies, and a strange forest growing daily around the village perimeter, it comes as little surprise when an enormous spaceship slides into view and dominates the skyline. Who is watching Hexford, and what do they want? Never has Mrs Wibbsey needed the Doctor more. But can she cope with two...?

Verdict 

The Hexford Invasion was another great episode to continue my way through the Serpent’s Crest third anthology within the Nest Cottage Chronicles! This was not the follow on I was expecting to how things finished in Aladdin Time with the Doctor leaving Mrs Wibbsey to her own devices in Hexford, because it turned out he’d been gone nine months now! That was a big surprise and whilst it’s no shock that the Doctor got his timings wrong, I felt quite bad for Mrs Wibbsey! I thought it was great to have her as the narrator though and it seemed to add some authenticity to things which might have been missing in the past couple of episodes in this series. This story also saw a welcomed return for Captain Mike Yates! I must admit I wasn’t expecting to hear from him again this series so that was a really nice treat. He came with important business to Wibbsey though as Nest Cottage was being commandeered by UNIT! Wibbsey didn’t really have any time to question that and her reaction to the Doctor being there, but not the one she was expecting, was marvellous. It was such a treat to have the Second Doctor appear on the scene at the door. It was a brilliant surprise and whilst it played out in the episode that he wasn’t necessarily the true article, it was a delight whilst we thought it was. The reaction of the Fourth Doctor when he was told his second self was around was excellent. He even provided a completely valid and feasible explanation for why he might not remember the events from his second incarnation’s perspective because of all of the Time Lord involvement post-The War Games in erasing and altering his memories. I thought that was pretty excellent. It soon became clear the Second Doctor wasn’t who he said he was with his private outburst towards Wibbsey about her only being a housekeeper. That took her aback and it made me do a double take as a listener! I couldn’t believe it and I knew it just couldn’t possibly be the true Second Doctor. The in-story duration lasting over a fortnight was good and a fine use of scale which allowed time for the imposter Second Doctor to be building a perimeter with the planting of trees. I liked the emergence of the spaceship and it bearing the Skishtari crest of the serpent and the entire area was now cut off. No signals were getting in or out and that helped explain why no journalists were coming to report on the situation. That was a good point to make. The arrival of the Skishtari was strong and a fine way to setup the finale. They were looking for something, and it was pretty obvious that this was going to be their egg that was buried 150 years previously. Still, Hexford was essentially being taken and Yates and company were transported with it with the Doctor and Wibbsey left behind to now take the fight. Overall, a strong episode!

Rating: 8/10

Aladdin Time

"How can a tale begin to tell itself?"

Writer: Paul Magrs

Format: Audio

Released: November 2011

Series: Serpent Crest 03

Featuring: Fourth Doctor, Mrs Wibbsey

Synopsis 

Trapped underground, the Doctor and Mrs Wibbsey encounter a small boy who claims to be Aladdin, in search of a fabled lamp. He joins them on their own quest, to find a power source in this weird domain and switch it off. 

Many obstacles lie in their way. Vast rooms stuffed with exotic items give way to torch-lit tunnels and deadly precipices. Creatures of mythical proportions lie in wait. Peculiar atmospheres take their all on them. Perhaps strangest of all, the Doctor's multi-coloured scarf appears to take on a life of its own...

As friends are separated and uneasy alliances are formed, the strange environment attempts to claim them. Will the Doctor and Mrs Wibbsey ever get back to Hexford? And will Aladdin discover who he really is?

Verdict 

Aladdin Time was a great episode to continue my way through the Serpent’s Crest anthology of Nest Cottage Chronicles! This was an intriguing continuation for the story arc and it was fun to play with fiction. I’m always a big fan of tapping into story and I think the Land of Fiction is a severely under-utilised resource in of itself. Unfortunately we weren’t having another visit here, but the premise was much the same. I thought it was rather clever to incorporate the narration into the story as a pretty crucial element. I thought that was very unique. It was fun to have Scheherazade telling the story to the King and he was keen to hear more as peril came and went, but the moment at the end where the Doctor actually caught up with her was excellent. It seemed to be a blend of two worlds within the story. And the story itself had worlds within worlds with itself being contained within the Skishtari egg. We learned a bit more about that in this episode which was welcomed with it containing the gene of the race. I liked how it had powerful defensive capabilities as well as if the egg was even scratched or dented then a spawn of Skishtari seeds would be propelled to ensure the race took charge regardless. It was an impressive defensive mechanism. I thought the inclusion of Aladdin as a character was intriguing and it was done actually quite well. I’m not entirely familiar with the famed story which seems weird but the fact this gave us a sentient version of the Fourth Doctor’s infamous long scarf was brilliant. That’s an incredibly audacious idea and it was done rather well here. It is a bit silly but in a realm of fictionalised stories you can get away with that. The Doctor’s reaction to his scarf being the genie was amusing and everything you would hope for really. Tom Baker played it in tremendous style and the artwork on the CD cover is sensational. It’s clever because this story could only happen with this incarnation of the Doctor so it’s a clever use of the era and its elements. Mrs Wibbsey took to the new realm rather well but after all that’s happened to her in recent days, it was just another occurrence to add to her bundle or irregularities. I thought her recognition once again of Alex and Boolin was terrific and she didn’t waste time in revealing it. Her explanation of the egg and everything it entailed was good, and I thought it was quite fun when they exited the egg that she commented on its size and appearance. Could they really have been inside? Well they were! The resolution to the cliffhanger at the end of the previous episode of The Broken Crown was incredibly poor with the door suddenly appearing and not much being made of it, but the use of Aladdin’s lamp to get out of the egg was superb. The lead into the next episode was unexpected with the Doctor leaving Wibbsey alone in Hexford. I’m intrigued to hear where things go from there in the next episode. But for now, this was a very solid continuation. Overall, a great episode!

Rating: 8/10