Hearts of Stone

"No one ever cares what I want."

Writer: Steve Lyons 

Format: Short Story

Released: April 2003

Printed in: Short Trips: Companions 08

Featuring: Fifth Doctor, Nyssa, Tegan, Adric

Synopsis

Adventures in time and space are no fun if there's no one to share them. the Doctor has taken along many people on his travels – humans, aliens and robots. Did he really care for any of them? What in their previous life fitted them for the role of companion – and how did they cope after they left the TARDIS?

These seventeen stories look at the Doctor's trusty companions, before, during and after their travels with the eccentric Time Lord. Discover the truth about Romana's regeneration, find out what happened when Zoe encountered the Doctor again, and learn which of his companions the Doctor cared for the most...

Verdict

Hearts of Stone was an intriguing little adventure to continue my way through the Companions edition of Short Trips! It was nice to get a story featuring the full TARDIS team including the Doctor whilst keeping the focus firmly on one companion in the form of Adric here. That worked well and it’s quite fun to think that there’s another Adric-focused story in this collection considering his status as a companion amongst fandom. I don’t think he has the most favourable reputation but he is undoubtedly an interesting character. That was evident here even if he was his typically annoying self! I like that he is free to speak his mind and doesn’t have any qualms in challenging the Doctor. He seems to think there is favouritism from the Time Lord towards Tegan and Nyssa rather than himself which is probably a little difficult to argue with! He wanted to see explore a collapsing star and whilst knowing that it wasn’t going to become a black hole for at least three weeks, he was denied because it wouldn’t interest Nyssa and Tegan. And yet here they were lounging about relaxing and playing board games. Adric’s comments towards Nyssa about their games of chess were incredibly harsh and it was sad to hear what he thought of Tegan as a mere human. Sure, they have a pretty testy relationship but he was rather derogatory towards her behind her back which was a shame. I thought having a story on an unnamed planet was good and there was a lot of potential there. It’s the complete unknown and Adric was being sucked in to the charades of statues. Could you make the case that these might be some version of the Weeping Angels given that the planet existed outside of time? It’s a fun thing to ponder on in hindsight and I could see it working. The imagery was strong and I liked how there were descriptions of the people who were trapped within not actually arriving yet whilst those leaving were entrapped for eternity. It was an exciting prospect and it was good to explore the potential! The voice talking to Adric from within was terrific and I thought it was baffling that he wanted to become one of the statues. What benefit would he have there? What science could he explore? Would he really be happy? I’m not sure he could really blame the Doctor for taking that choice away from him and whilst Nyssa understood wanting to decide for himself, she knew he would change his mind once given time to think about it. She knew him, and that was a nice touch. Finishing with her beating him at chess was good too as Adric’s mind was elsewhere. I just thought his desires were a little misplaced and I couldn’t help but think of him as a bit of a brat. His attitude was quite appalling and that is why he’s not the most likeable of companions. I was impressed in how that was presented on the page though as it was strong characterisation for him. This was authentically Adric, even going so far as to say he preferred the Fourth Doctor to the Fifth. The Doctor really did have his hands full with this trio of companions! Overall though, a strong story to continue my way through the collection. 

Rating: 7/10

New Recruit: Rivers of Light

"Why do you have a planet in a box?"

Writer: Lisa McMullin

Format: Audio

Released: October 2021

Series: The Diary of River Song 9.04

Featuring: Third Doctor, Liz, Brigadier, River

Synopsis

In a Yorkshire mining town, strange temporal distortions and rivers of light crossing forests are enough to get the Brigadier's attention, and UNIT is mobilised.

But the Doctor is back, and he wants to know who's been messing around in his laboratory. River's reasons for being on Earth are about to be revealed...

Verdict

Rivers of Light was a really fun story to conclude what has been a thoroughly enjoyable New Recruit ninth series of The Diary of River Song! It's been a sheer delight to hear River as part of the UNIT team of Season 7 and whilst I think a little more of the Brigadier would have been welcomed in the middle two episodes in the series, getting him back here was fantastic. Jon Culshaw is scarily good in his impression and the good impersonations come with Tim Treloar getting to shine in this finale. It makes sense that the final episode will be where River encounters the Third Doctor for the first time chronologically, but his return is not actually something she was anticipating or even wanting! The prospect of the Third Doctor being off on a wild Silurian goose chase was very amusing and I love how absurdly random that is. Unfortunately, we won't be getting a Third Doctor sequel to The Sensorites at this point but perhaps one day it will happen. It's definitely something I'd love to hear! Learning of the truth regarding River's presence was really interesting and it's quite intriguing that she actually wanted the Doctor out of the way. Her reaction when she heard him returning whilst she was fiddling about inside his TARDIS was terrific. I thought her comment about him being harder to deal with and more angry in his younger days was marvellous and it's quite fun to think that the elderly incarnations of the First and Third Doctors are actually some of the youngest despite their frostiness. River claiming to be from the Celestial Intervention Agency was actually a pretty darn good cover story given the Doctor's position in exile as it explained her presence as checking in on him and also helped give credence to her technical knowledge involving the TARDIS. The Doctor's reaction to her actually reinstalling the console was brilliant. He was outraged at what she was doing! I thought Liz was naturally a little quieter in this adventure which was a slight shame but that's always going to happen when the Doctor is around and River fills in that companion role. Her involvement with the rivers of light from the title was not something I was really expecting, nor finding out who she had been employed by! I thought the concept of a planet in a box and a collapsing sun was quite mad and I'm not entirely sure of the science behind it all, but I did understand the threat that was evident if that box collapsed in and the sun was left to consume the Earth. The use of the rivers to control things was decent, but it was all about the Master being the one behind it. He'd employed River for the mission and the image of her alongside the Delgado incarnation of the Master was superb. Another incarnation of the Doctor's arch nemesis for her to add to the list after Series 5 of this very range. I think it's excellent to think that the Master was present and plotting even prior to Terror of the Autons, but River was on hand to double cross him and see him sent to Gallifrey to answer for his many crimes. I really appreciated that there was something of an attempt to explain the UNIT dating controversy as well in this story as it was actually quite pivotal to the plot with the instability. It was really fun to address that in a meaningful way rather than the 'seventies or eighties' throwaway lines we've had in more recent times. Overall, this was a really strong listen and the plot was almost secondary to the interactions between the Third Doctor and River. The use of a memory wiping wine was a unique way to keep intact the timeline of Silence in the Library and beyond, and I liked how it didn't become a big thing. A fantastic little series concludes very well. 

Rating: 8/10

New Recruit: Never Alone

"What are you doing in my dream?"

Writer: Helen Godwyn

Format: Audio

Released: October 2021

Series: The Diary of River Song 9.03

Featuring: River, Liz

Synopsis

River believes Intertraxia is ahead of its time, but it's already shipping innovations in entertainment and computing around the world.

When a dead man is found with alien technology implants, UNIT investigates. Liz and River are about to discover that those connected to the network are never alone...

Verdict

Never Alone was another good episode to continue my way through the New Recruit ninth series of The Diary of River Song! I thought this was another solid outing for River and Liz who have become a terrific little pairing and it's nice to hear them getting on, although I must admit I think the placement of this series is a little off as this definitely should have been swapped with Terror of the Suburbs in my opinion. I mentioned that in my blog entry yesterday and I couldn't help but think it as I was listening here. It would have flowed better, but I did try to think of the episode in isolation and it was still a very enjoyable listen as my rating reflects! I thought the Intertraxia technology company was a good front for taking the minds of promising students, and hearing in the early 1970s how there were prototypes set for global scale that were basically early versions of a portable music player and phone was quite amazing! River knew they were far beyond their time and it is just great having her around with all of her foreknowledge. I thought Pippa was an annoyingly fun character as my goodness didn't she just talk and talk! She was oblivious to some small mockery by River which was harmless and I am honestly astounded after listening to find that she was not voiced by Mina Amwar! I am honestly stunned. The first image that popped into my head when I heard her talking was of Gita in The Sarah Jane Adventures! The likeness was honestly uncanny. Her relationship with Marco was intriguing stuff and I thought it was quite fun for her to proclaim that he was her boyfriend, he just didn't know it yet. River's reaction to that said everything really! I thought the demeanour of Marco was a little strange as he was part of the Higher Power and the focus on technology there was almost reminding me of the Cybermen! I also suspected the Wire was present at some point too which wouldn't be a huge stretch given the setting's proximity to The Idiot's Lantern. Alas, the Higher Power was just that and I was almost disappointed that Professor Allen was working with it. It was just so predictable as it basically followed the same pattern of the previous episode which was a bit of a shame. I thought the death of Ian was a good threat to include in the episode with six others missing from the university, but Marco being another and just working for Intertraxia felt odd. I liked that it was explained Ian resisted the technological fusion we heard Pippa become subjected to, and the after effects of that were quite fun. The invasion of dreams and thinking and conversing via inner thoughts was interesting stuff and River's slow reaction and realising why she had invaded Marco's dream was excellent. It was almost like they were all tripping! So of course it was left to somebody sensible like Liz to set things right from the outside and the brief moment where it was feared River was too far in was a nice bit of trepidation at the end of the episode. She would be too much for the Higher Power to handle in the end. I must admit I wasn't all that fussed by the voicing for the Higher Power as it just felt a bit generic and that overbearing and loud booming type is something I've heard before and almost never enjoyed. It's just not threatening for me. I thought River's comment at the end about not wanting to live her afterlife in a computer was a little sad given her fate in Forest of the Dead, but that's the beauty of these audios and jumping around the timelines. Overall, a good story! Now onto the finale which I cannot wait for.

Rating: 7/10

New Recruit: Terror of the Suburbs

"I hate this town."

Writer: James Kettle

Format: Audio

Released: October 2021

Series: The Diary of River Song 9.02

Featuring: River, Liz

Synopsis

Liz has moved house. It seems she's found a suburban utopia – until River Song arrives.

There is more to Fetter Bailey than manicured lawns and endless soirees. Dangerous creatures prowl the hedgerows, and something lurks in the freezers...

Verdict

Terror of the Suburbs was a decent episode to continue my way through the New Recruit ninth series of The Diary of River Song! This was an intriguing tale and I liked the dystopian feel of things as we jump into the suburban utopia type setting. This was all very Downsizing and WandaVision feeling which was good and that entire concept feels very 1970s. I wouldn't say this quite felt like a sitcom, but it was certainly close! And that's a good thing. I am a little bit confused regarding the placing of this episode as it doesn't feel right that so soon after joining the team on a temporary basis, Liz is taken somewhere where she was no memory of River. I would have liked some more reflection on The Blood Woods and take the pair into another dilemma to solve together. This was more a case of River saving Liz which was good, I just think it may have worked better in the next episode instead. Of course, there could be an underlying reason leading into the finale why that isn't the case and I hope that is the case. As you can see from the rating, this was no bad thing! I think the dynamic between River and Liz is excellent and you would struggle to find two companions of the Doctor's further apart on the spectrum. They're wildly different. Liz is almost posh whereas River just exudes and flaunts living vicariously. But it just absolutely works! River can tease Liz a little and we get to hear her open up. I thought it was good to explore the world of Fetter Bailey because it was far from what it seemed. Where did the petrol come to mow the grass? Why was everything perfect? No frozen aisles in the shop? River being on hand to help break the illusion was good and the pace in which that happened was nicely done. I thought the revelation that the suburb was actually in the Sahara was a tad odd and not entirely significant, and I'd love to know how they made it back to UNIT HQ in London! I thought some of the other inhabitants in the suburb were pretty annoying but I appreciated that because it was very much the intention. I must admit I'm not much of a people person so I couldn't deal with the friendliness and camaraderie that was on show. It just isn't me and I would get so annoyed. Maybe that's why my interest in the episode wained slightly as things went on and I think the reveal of the Presidium perhaps came a little late. I thought the concept behind them was a little predictable but it worked fine with them feeding on the very things their utopia created in its people. Lucy and Yvonne were fine and I think the way the Presidium revealed their plan could have had a tad more impact. For whatever reason they didn't seem all that threatening. I liked how River and Liz came together to help see them off, although I did have something of a feeling of incompleteness at the end. Things seemed to conclude very quickly and suddenly so it certainly had a big impact on me! I think more on how River came to be there would be good and a little more playing with Liz not remembering her would be terrific. I do feel that would have had more of an impact if they'd had more than one adventure together where Liz wasn't all that accommodating of the archaeologist! Regardless, this was still a fun little episode and I look forward to hearing what's next!  

Rating: 7/10

New Recruit: The Blood Woods

"I'm your new assistant!"

Writer: Lizbeth Myles

Format: Audio 

Released: October 2021

Series: Diary of River Song 9.01

Featuring: River, Liz, Brigadier

Synopsis

With the Doctor indisposed, Liz is a little put out to find that the Brigadier has brought in another scientific advisor to take his place.

But when Liz and River investigate otherworldly goings-on in an English village, they soon find themselves relying on each other to survive.

Verdict

The Blood Woods was a very strong start to the New Recruit ninth series of The Diary of River Song! This is a release I have been anticipating for a very long time and listening today on my birthday I was delighted to receive this as a present. It's the Big Finish release I would have picked out of all that I am yet to cover or don't have, and it started very well. I think it's a clever move to start by having River join in as part of UNIT whilst the Doctor is away on unknown business, and the dynamic she has with Liz in particular is essentially what most of the episode covers. I think the concept of just throwing River into the mix during the era of Season 7 is brilliant and the way that time was captured in audio was really impressive. It didn't just feel very 1970s, it felt very 1970 and that's a huge compliment. There's such simplicity in Liz seeing some of the technology River has to hand as being something she can't begin to fathom, and it's lovely to think that she's still very early on in her UNIT journey. I thought River being impressed with Liz and mentioning the events of Spearhead from Space as an achievement during her first week and I also liked how recognised Benny. The prospect of the Doctor's famed yellow car being named after Liz as a nickname for Elizabeth has never crossed my mind but it's something I'm all here for! River's knowledge of the Doctor is uncanny and I like how she has a little private moment with the TARDIS as she actually feels sorry for it with the Doctor currently undergoing exile on Earth. She knew that it would just want to travel, and she'd return to that one day. Liz didn't seem too complimentary of the TARDIS though which was a little surprising. I thought Jon Culshaw was extraordinarily good as the Brigadier see and it's fun to hear the dynamic he has with Liz. She wants more independence and confidence in her abilities from the Brig so she feels a little threatened by River's presence, even if she was recommended by the Doctor. That's something that really interests me for when the Third Doctor does show up in the boxset. For now though, it was up to River and Liz to head up to Shropshire and investigate a mysterious death with a 22-year-old dying of severe old age. That was fun stuff and whilst it was quite predictable that the culprit was going to be Beatrice Gray once we were introduced to her, getting there was entertaining stuff. I liked the setting and particularly the exploration in the woods with Beatrice also being in the field of archaeology. Her dig site was focused on a millennia old energy source for which she wanted to use to become powerful and that was certainly something more than Sir Edward  was bargaining for when it came to land boundaries. His demise was quite the impactful shock but it worked well. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the forests and it was great to have River and Liz work together to come up with the resolution. I was less keen on the dogs that were a part of the episode though but that may just be my severe dislike of the pets! Although they'd be a lot scarier in the wild. The Brigadier being impressed with River's work and ensuring that she would be sticking around was a fun premise to set up the rest of the boxset, and it's certainly something I am really looking forward to hearing moving forward! Overall, a strong start to what looks set to be a terrific little series! 

Rating: 8/10

Coda – The Final Act

"I'm not your Doctor."

Writer: Tim Foley

Format: Audio

Released: November 2024

Series: Once and Future 08

Featuring: Fugitive Doctor, War Doctor, Benny, Vienna

Synopsis

The Time War.

Dealing with the repercussions of degeneration, the Doctor has a limited window of time to evade capture, recruit old allies, wage a war, and find out what's really going on.

A warrior is being hunted by a mysterious stranger in a TARDIS. A rogue agent has been assigned a mission to eliminate a dangerous foe. This is a fight between a war criminal and a fugitive. A fight between Doctors.

Verdict

Coda – The Final Act was a really good story to conclude the Once and Future series, a whole year later! Well this final episode in the rather whacky series was a long time coming, but it was certainly worth the wait because we found out that we would be hearing the Big Finish debut of the Fugitive Doctor! It's a big shame that this mysterious and hidden incarnation of the Doctor didn't get the chance to really shine on television after the monumental reveal in Fugitive of the Judoon, but I think the pandemic may have had something to do with that. If that hadn't have happened, the series that became Flux would surely have been longer and allowed a little more time to delve into the lore of her incarnation. Thankfully, this is where Big Finish steps in and begins to fill the gaps. This certainly serves as a delightful little addition to the adventures of the Fugitive Doctor before we get into her own new series next year which I cannot wait for! I was intrigued by the comments of the Fugitive Doctor here as she seems to be post-Division which is exciting and it's fun that even prior to the First Doctor she was running away. It's ingrained in her DNA! I also thought it was an interesting move to use the very first theme arrangement for this story. I thought we would have gone with the War Doctor's theme but alas this was a fun and unexpected twist given the modern connotations of the two incarnations. It is a fun moment the two Doctors share late in the story as they realise they are one and the same, but two very different incarnations and somewhat removed from the Doctor as we know them. The suggestion of them being weak links though was not something I agreed with! I thought the premise of the story at the start with the Fugitive Doctor hunting the war criminal that was the War Doctor was a delight, and the after effects of degeneration being felt in much the same way as they would be post-regeneration was a nice touch. I thought some of the guest characters in the story were random but a nice surprise and it's delightful for Benny to tick another two incarnations of the Doctor off on her list. Her reactions to both were intriguing, but seeing the Doctor as a woman almost made her howl! I thought the little nod to the Unbound Doctor was tremendous when she assumed that the Fugitive Doctor was from another universe and remembered liking that. I also thought it was a delight to feature Vienna in a couple of cameo roles alongside the War Doctor, and having her set him up as the Fugitive paid more gold was magnificent! The little reference to The Shadow Heart was nice as Vienna remembered who he was and alluded to the Time War, and it was good for the Doctor to reassure her that everyone was fighting their part whether they knew it or not. What was a little more random was the inclusion of Elizabeth I! She was a little strange to be in a story like this although I did really enjoy the insinuation that she knew the Doctor travelled in time and also knew which order his faces came in. The Voord featuring too and having a history with the Fugitive Doctor was an unexpected treat, although I would have preferred them to be on the other side. But they made such an impact on me in The Keys of Marinus so I'm all for their return. I thought Shalavar as the one pitting the two Doctors against each other was fine, but it was actually bringing them together which was a highlight. As was Benny's reaction to the Fugitive's control room in the TARDIS in labelling it retro. I loved how she helped Benny see that the Fugitive was actually hunting herself too. That was fantastic and from there this Doctor really did seem to change from the bad guy to a good. Overall, a really fun start to Jo Martin's life on audio (of which I'm sure will be extensive!) and a fine way to bookend the sixtieth anniversary celebrations. 

Rating: 8/10

Joy to the World

"Christmas everywhere all at once."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 25 December 2024

Series: 2024 Christmas Special

Featuring: Fifteenth Doctor

Synopsis

When Joy opens a secret doorway to the Time Hotel, she discovers danger, dinosaurs and the Doctor. But a deadly plan is unfolding across the Earth, just in time for Christmas.

Verdict 

Joy to the World was a great Christmas Special! It's such a delight to be getting another festive episode following on from the series return at this time of year with The Church on Ruby Road last year, and whilst this episode was more of a standalone it was still a magnificent watch! I think the loose continuity was just about enough to have it as part of the ongoing two series run from Disney+ with the Doctor reflecting on not having companion Ruby around and her also seeing the star that Joy would become. That was neat and whilst Joy got the title billing with Nicola Coughlan in the role and the character taking part of the title, I thought it was actually Anita that stole the show! Her relationship built with the Doctor was fantastic and I loved how he just took the long way around. Of course, the whole intention was for him to be able to save Joy but how could he not have strong feelings for somebody he shared chair night with? That was actually really emotional and I enjoyed it a lot. Big Finish should absolutely have some strange goings on at the Sandringham across this year for their future Fifteenth Doctor Adventures! The main concept of the story centring on the Time Hotel was fascinating and I really like the idea. It feels perfect for Doctor Who and the Doctor himself being impressed by it was very good. His interactions with Trev were very humorous and I thought it was actually quite sweet that his consciousness came good on not letting the Doctor down when within the star itself. The whole concept of the star as a means of energy source was good and Villengard being behind it is good continuity, although I did think having a corporation as the big bad was slightly a let down. Not massively, but I just felt it would have been good for the Doctor to confront someone instead. A full on villain. I still liked it though and it works well that the Doctor has history with them, even as recently as Boom. I thought the Time Hotel showing numerous points in human history was pretty impressive and seeing all of the different entry points from a stone door to a tent on Everest was terrific. I thought it was a fun gag to play on hotel rooms having a mysterious locked door, although I must say as something of a budget traveller I can't recall too many rooms having that! And as for Joy's room being sad and reflecting on her personality, well I must say I thought it looked really impressive! I would not at all be disappointed to be staying in a hotel room like so I'm not sure what that says about me. Joy retorting to the Doctor at the fact he'd spent a year there was a nice touch and I was impressed with how she was literally able to shine at the end. The dinosaur use was quite fun but the emotion sparked by the Doctor before it in angering Joy as she revealed the horrible circumstances in which her mother passed was excellent. I obviously knew what was happening right away but I wasn't expecting the Tory parties to get referenced! That was good fun. Not so keen on the Doctor mocking the name Joy even if it was to rile her up, but he brought it back around at the end in realising of course why she would be named as such. I thought the ending was fine but not perhaps as climactic as I was hoping for. The train sequence wasn't bad but just felt a bit lacking in substance to reach the briefcase after millions of years simmering to create the star, but then with Joy it would just become one with her and detonate away from life. I liked that we got to see Joy's mum though and reunite them amongst the stars, and that actually sparked my partner into tears! She loved this episode and gave it a perfect score which surprised me but I'm glad to share these moments with her. We have our second baby's due date tomorrow so it's an emotional time in our household after a crazy Christmas with our three-year-old! He's still a little young for the programme at the minute, but he did take a little interest in the Proms yesterday! Maybe next year. But for now, a great festive special! I look forward to what's to come after that sneak peak. 

Rating: 8/10

Paper Moon

"Those trees can think. Maybe they can feel pain too."

Writer: Louie Stowell

Format: Novel

Released: March 2021

Series: Team TARDIS Diaries 01

Featuring: Thirteenth Doctor, Yaz, Ryan, Graham

Synopsis

The Doctor and her friends travel to a psychic forest on a distant moon where they find themselves in terrible jeopardy. 

But rampaging robots and perilous pirates will turn out to be the least of their worries...

Verdict

Paper Moon was a great story! This is actually the debut instalment of the Team TARDIS diaries double that I actually started in back to front style with Ghost Town – and even directly leads into it rather brilliantly with Graham logging in the psychic diary the same day twice – but this serves as another very good read! I think it's great to be able to get a new story featuring the Thirteenth Doctor's first TARDIS team and the name of the series certainly seems apt. The fam altogether again for a very intriguing psychic paper origin story! I think the concept behind the trees on Boda was tremendous and I love that we learn how the Doctor came to be in possession of the psychic paper. It's a fun little story of how she was gifted it after saving the planet of Boda from a barking wasp, and now we learn how she came to be in possession of the physic diary too! That was a neat touch. I thought the format was strong and I like the concept of different users and changing the perspective of the story from each of the companions, but the little sticky notes from the Doctor throughout were fantastic. Although her joke about the anti-gravity book was so bad that it was good. I could definitely see this incarnation revelling in that kind of humour. The Doctor being happy to be invited to a funeral seemed odd, but then we learned more about the trees and how they were already at peace with their own deaths because they saw their entire existence. And they knew what they became in how they were turned into psychic paper. It was really interesting stuff and not something I was expecting for a story primarily aimed at younger children so I'm delighted to have had the chance to learn about this! It's really rather fascinating and kind of poetic. Of course, something like the psychic paper would be craved from many species far and wide and that's what happened here with the invasion and the attempted thievery. The Doctor being on hand to stop that was nicely done and it explained why she was gifted the psychic diary, and having her thoughts retroactively added was a unique style. She was telling us anecdotes from the future perspective of the story. I thought the addition of the hard hat as a caveat for her being in read only mode was good and also why the user could still transfer their thoughts into the diary whilst not being impacted by the raw paper. There were definitely some things in the story that felt like they were added in editing when it came to needing an explanation, but I can't fault them for being addressed! Even if it seems slightly obvious, it's better than to not address them at all. I thought the illustrations in the story were excellent and I really loved how the Thirteenth Doctor in particular was drawn. Her depiction was so on point and just authoritative whilst seeming fun at the same time. There was a strong energy. Graham definitely seemed the least interesting of the companions when it came to the different users and I think the author agreed as his segment certainly seemed a lot smaller than those of Yaz and Ryan, and when they were reunited he just handed it back to Yaz! I thought the little glimpse at the Doctor as a user was fun as she was just far too powerful and almost overwhelmed the entire thing! I thought the diary was a good way to make subtle references to Yaz's feelings towards the Doctor as well. She thought she was beautiful and just the most amazing woman. It's not hard to see why Yaz felt this way. The way the story ended with the Producers being saved was good and I liked the TARDIS tying in with the psychic nature of the trees to save Yaz. Overall, a terrific little read! 

Rating: 8/10

The War Games in Colour

"This whole place is divided into time zones."

Writers: Terrance Dicks & Malcolm Hulke

Format: TV

Broadcast: 23 December 2024

Series: Colourisation 02

Featuring: Second Doctor, Jamie, Zoe

Synopsis

When the TARDIS lands in the horrors of World War I, the Doctor uncovers a threat spanning galaxies and history itself. But this time, saving the day might doom the Doctor forever.

Verdict

The War Games in Colour was an absolute joy to behold! I adore the idea of colourising a number of the 1960s classics because it really does bring them into the modern era and for a whole new generation to enjoy. After the success that was The Daleks in Colour for the sixtieth anniversary last year, it was a magical Christmas night to see my all time favourite story get the same treatment. I must admit I was a little sceptical going in to see just how well the story would work with around 60% of its content cut, but there's just no way we would be able to get four hours' worth of colourisation! I don't think the edit was bad in any way, but it was a stark reminder of how the ten episodes that make up this story is part of its charm. The pace here was frantic which I was expecting to appeal to a newer and more modern audience, whereas in the original serial it was more gradual and that helps tell the story. I don't think we really lost too much here other than Lady Jennifer playing a bit of a smaller role which is a shame because she is really likeable. I was watching alongside my partner Gemma whose exposure to the Classic era of Doctor Who is incredibly minimal. She had no idea about anything to expect from this which was fun as all she had to go on was that this is my favourite ever. She certainly enjoyed and said it's the best thing she's watched from the Classic era which is great! She had no idea that this story actually pre-dates the first on-screen appearance of the Master by a couple of years, so for her to confidently predict that this was who the War Chief was made for a fascinating insight, especially with the incredibly cheeky use of the Master's theme from Series 3! There's nothing confirmed, but the insinuation of the War Chief being an early incarnation of the Master is terrific. I don't wholly agree with it, but I can certainly see why this would be the case! That first look of recognition is such a powerful moment as we start to learn all about the Doctor's backstory. This is obviously a monumentally important story in the history of the Whoniverse as it reveals the Time Lords to us and explains that the Doctor got bored so left his home planet. Whereas he did it for good, the War Chief did it for other purposes like aiding the War Lord and his own horrifying people. The new special effects of that planet being essentially time locked and his being dematerialised was terrific. I thought the model work for the War Room exterior was fantastic but probably a little overdone, but one of the highlights for me was getting that glimpse of Gallifrey on the TARDIS scanner as the Doctor was brought back to his home planet. It was gone in a second but it was so impressive. The little details here were spectacular. It was so good to see Zoe in colour as we never got that during her run as companion, whereas the Second Doctor would return three more times and even Jamie returns for The Two Doctors! But the colourisation really works so well when the Doctor is on trial and he defends himself. Getting glimpses of so many Second Doctor monsters and villains in colour was such a good opportunity taken. From Quarks and Ice Warriors to Yeti and Cybermen with even a little colourised glimpse at Victoria, it was a right old celebration. The moments of the trial did seem a tad too sped up and the only thing I thought was questionable was the use of promo images of the Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth and Thirteenth Doctors when it came to the Doctor being given the choice of his appearance. As a whole, the edit was really strong the Time Lords' significance being sold once the Doctor revealed his origins was fantastic. The scale of those impacted by the War Games was sold so well and he just couldn't fix it alone. Getting glimpses of the SIDRATs in flight was also magnificent and I loved the use of new effects to sell the scale. The incidental music was also really strong and provided a strong upbeat feeling to what is actually a rather dark serial. The moment where Jamie and Zoe are essentially forced away as companions and returned to their own times still has such an emotional impact on me and it didn't hurt any less this time around. It's so incredibly sad that they have their memories wiped and only remember the events of The Highlanders and The Wheel in Space respectively when it comes to the Doctor. Even Gemma alongside me felt how powerful this was as she asked does the Doctor just go back and pick them up in the next story? She was shocked that this sealed their fates as companions. I loved that this evoked feelings like that in her even with it being her first experience of the Second Doctor, Jamie and Zoe. But then we come to the final two minutes of just sheer beauty. We knew from the trailer that this was going to give us the regeneration we never got on screen and my oh my it is just perfect. It could not have been any better in my opinion. That little montage flashback of the Second Doctor's time whizzes by and reminds you of everything that makes his era so memorable. And then the use of the TARDIS console is just marvellous as the regeneration is triggered and we see the Second Doctor become the Third. It is just beautiful. The use of the TARDIS scanner being unsure of if they've landed in 1970 or 1980 is a neat touch to address UNIT dating controversy and the TARDIS being forced to Earth and even finishing where Spearhead from Space picks up is magnificent. A little glimpse of the Nestene in space was terrific as well. Just spectacular. It was everything I hoped for and so much more when it came to this regeneration sequence. Absolutely the definitive version for me. Overall, a wonderful viewing experience! A sheer joy to watch. Please let there be more! 

Rating: 10/10

Curriculum Vitae

"I've travelled. More than you'd believe."

Writer: Simon Guerrier

Format: Short Story

Released: April 2003

Printed in: Short Trips: Companions 11

Featuring: Polly

Synopsis

Adventures in time and space are no fun if there's no one to share them. the Doctor has taken along many people on his travels – humans, aliens and robots. Did he really care for any of them? What in their previous life fitted them for the role of companion – and how did they cope after they left the TARDIS?

These seventeen stories look at the Doctor's trusty companions, before, during and after their travels with the eccentric Time Lord. Discover the truth about Romana's regeneration, find out what happened when Zoe encountered the Doctor again, and learn which of his companions the Doctor cared for the most...

Verdict

Curriculum Vitae was an excellent little story to continue my way through the Companions edition of Short Trips! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this adventure, especially after seeing in the contents page that it was only going to be six pages long, but it was tremendous! I mean it barely took more than five minutes to read and writing this blog will certainly take longer than the actual story, but it was fantastic! I initially thought that the interview was going to be for Barbara when the name Ms Wright was called and I’m fascinated that this is my default for that surname as a companion because Polly is one of my all time favourites! She’s just tremendous. I love getting to know her a little in the 1990s and it’s intriguing to think that she’s thirty years on from The Faceless Ones and departing the TARDIS. It’s no secret that she was an instant attractive hit back in The War Machines as a young twenty-three year old, but now here she was battling for jobs with women much younger and subjectively more attractive than her. It’s quite sad to think that for a personal assistant job Polly believes she has to look good. Despite the title of the story, the irony is that it’s doubtful her CV would mean anything. Maurice as the interviewer was showing a little interest in her, but he was much more interested in the younger Australian who was a former stewardess. I thought that was a really fun note to think that Tegan was also applying for the job! And she was trying hard to get it. She’d even unbuttoned her blouse after Polly’s interview, but by then she’d made her mark and he was interested in her now. It was a little sad to hear how Polly was struggling with coming from the TARDIS and dealing with everyday things like income tax and gas bills. How do you go back to that after travelling in time and space? I thought Polly getting into something of an outburst when she got the hint that she wasn’t getting the job due to being too qualified was tremendous. She didn’t hesitate in referencing The Moonbase with her visiting the moon and I found it humorous that Maurice’s reply was asking if she took LSD back in the sixties. It was hard to blame him! I thought Maurice actually having an experience with the Doctor was also a delightful little anecdote and the excitement that Polly had when she heard of a Scotsman and a teenager being on hand to put right something mysterious and dodgy was excellent. She thought that was her Second Doctor and Jamie, but alas it turned out to actually be the Seventh Doctor and Ace. Glorious stuff! Little things like that are just excellent and it’s fun to think how the Whoniverse is all intertwined. Why wouldn’t it be with the use of time travel? Overall, a brilliant read and a fine way to fill six pages. 

Rating: 9/10

Qualia

"Today she was saving our lives."

Writer: Stephen Fewell

Format: Short Story

Released: April 2003

Printed in: Short Trips: Companions 10

Featuring: Fifth Doctor, Tegan, Turlough, Kamelion

Synopsis

Adventures in time and space are no fun if there's no one to share them. the Doctor has taken along many people on his travels – humans, aliens and robots. Did he really care for any of them? What in their previous life fitted them for the role of companion – and how did they cope after they left the TARDIS?

These seventeen stories look at the Doctor's trusty companions, before, during and after their travels with the eccentric Time Lord. Discover the truth about Romana's regeneration, find out what happened when Zoe encountered the Doctor again, and learn which of his companions the Doctor cared for the most...

Verdict

Qualia was a decent story to continue my way through the Companions edition of Short Trips! This was a very unique story and I must admit for the first half of the adventure I wasn’t entirely sure what was happening. I was intrigued though and certainly wanted to know more which is obviously a big positive. I initially thought we were going to get a journey across each regeneration from something of a companion perspective as we did see the aftermath of The Tenth Planet with the Doctor reacting to his new appearance and then also seeing the moments briefly before Spearhead From Space with the Third Doctor. I thought jumping around from different perspectives in what turned out to be the viewpoint of Kamelion was a little strange, but again I couldn’t help but be engrossed for whatever reason. I liked that it was Tegan who wanted to use Kamelion to show Turlough the version of the Doctor she first met in Logopolis, but he was only able to show the first three incarnations. I thought a bit more of a reaction from Tegan in seeing those faces would have been welcomed, and more frustration at not showcasing the Fourth Doctor would have felt more in character. I liked how well the bitter relationship between Tegan and Turlough was presented and it’s safe to say that without Nyssa around, this dynamic is rather frosty. The Doctor is almost oblivious but his interpretation of Qualia was good. He knew that something was up with Kamelion and I think it’s fun for this story to potentially address his absence between The King’s Demons and Planet of Fire. It is a little silly for the robot companion to just be locked away in a cupboard, but at least we got something of an explanation if that was the case! That was at least my interpretation. I think it’s quite fun to have a Kamelion story in this collection as he’s almost something of a forgotten companion. Admittedly, he’s no K9 replacement but honestly without a television story I think there’s some good potential there. The abilities are endless and it’s just exciting to see something new. Tapping into memories and even explaining how that happened was good. I liked the question from the Doctor to Tegan about specific details of her family when it came to grey hairs or seeing height in exact feet and inches. The memory would never be perfectly exact, but the Qualia that Kamelion was processing was explained pretty well. It didn’t feel overly scientific which I liked. There wasn’t actually a huge amount going on once the revelation regarding what had happened with Kamelion was revealed, and at fourteen pages long there really is only so much that can be told! I think the concept of the story is sound although there was certainly a lack of clarity at the start. I think if we’d known right away what was happening it would have worked better, as whilst the reveal was interesting it wasn’t exactly shocking or impactful. Turlough was just a bit annoying throughout the story which is impressive considering how little he featured, but that kind of is his character. Overall, this was a really solid tale with a unique character focus. Tegan’s reaction to the Doctor explaining that Kamelion didn’t feel pain was great as that didn’t sit well with her. A fine companion moment in what was a good little read. 

Rating: 7/10

The Dalmation Terrain

"Who would have guessed that fish and chips would save the day?"

Writer: Faridah Abike-Iyimide

Format: Short Story

Released: September 2024

Printed in: Fifteen Doctors 15 Stories

Featuring: Fifteenth Doctor, Ruby

Synopsis

Discover the latest edition of this much-loved anthology, with a bonus story featuring the Fourteenth Doctor, as well as a brand-new story featuring the Fifteenth Doctor! 

Fifteen wonderful tales of adventure, science, magic, monsters and time travel – featuring all fifteen Doctors – are waiting for you in this very special Doctor Who volume.

Verdict

The Dalmation Terrain was unfortunately not the greatest of stories to conclude my reading of the Fifteen Doctors 15 Stories collection. I am grateful to my local library for ensuring I didn't have to fork out a small fortune for the only wholly new story in this collection and I love that I am keeping up with everything there is from the current era (and yes, I have the Titan Comics collection on pre-order!), but this story was my least favourite thing from the Fifteenth Doctor era so far. For whatever reason, I just couldn't get on it with for the most part. I don't think the characterisation for this Doctor was all that great which is a shame because I thought the author actually did a good job with how Ruby was presented. I like the idea of the pair being in Brighton, although the fear factor of the seagulls just felt a little childish. Especially ending with it as if they were being watched by an almighty predator from the sky. I mean, I hate seagulls at the beach like the best of us, but this seemed slightly farfetched. I also wasn't entirely sold on the whole fish and chips new meaning of something bad and a warning. I did appreciate the Doctor utilising an F and C setting on the sonic screwdriver though as a means of code towards Ruby to ensure the Dame was trapped in a sonic cage. That was nicely done, although then the resolution was for her just to be sent back to where she was and for the Doctor to send a strongly worded message to the Shadow Proclamation. Would that really suffice? And how is it possible that just the one planet was not able to time travel on or within? There were a lot of coincidences in this story and I think you can get away with one or two, but then we also had the fact the Doctor was just happening to be trialling a new sonic setting and the TARDIS just happened to not be able to translate space dog. I wasn't sure about the editing either as there were a few blaring errors punctually, with none worse than the word labradors being used in the plural sense but using an apostrophe! That sticks out like a sore thumb so I'm stunned that this doesn't get picked up. It's a shame as it just creates such a feeling of negativity for me as I'm not sure things have been taken seriously, so it's difficult for me to take the story seriously then. That continued with Ruby wanting an alias and using the name Amethyst Monday, but then the Doctor called her by her true name twice in front of the Dame and she didn't react at all! Surely that would spark something? Why was she lied to? It was strange and deeply annoying. It's a great shame to talk negatively about this one because I actually thought the Dame had the potential to be a superb villain. She was confident and brash despite being imprisoned on a planet and she fancied a trip in the TARDIS. The Doctor agreeing whilst having his own plan in mind was good and I loved Ruby's shock reaction when he did adhere to her terms. I thought the whole dalmation focus was a little naff to be honest and maybe that's just because I'm really not a dog person? Who knows. I just wasn't sure about the whole living on the planet of the Dalmatians and one being sent to Earth. It described the pup's attire at least as it was cobbled together tech to try and find a way off the planet for the Dame. It also didn't sit right with me that she needlessly kicked one of the Dalmations and despite showcase their shock horror, I would have expected more action from the Doctor and Ruby. Overall, a really strong villain but not the greatest of adventures to conclude the set. 

Rating: 5/10

Fleeting Faces

"A man like Davros respects strength."

Writer: Steve Cole

Format: Short Story

Released: September 2024

Printed in: Fifteen Doctors 15 Stories

Featuring: Fourteenth Doctor

Synopsis

Discover the latest edition of this much-loved anthology, with a bonus story featuring the Fourteenth Doctor, as well as a brand-new story featuring the Fifteenth Doctor! 

Fifteen wonderful tales of adventure, science, magic, monsters and time travel – featuring all fifteen Doctors – are waiting for you in this very special Doctor Who volume.

Verdict

Fleeting Faces was a strong way to kick off my reading of the Fifteen Doctors 15 Stories collection! I think it’s pretty cheeky that this is the fourth edition of this collection of short stories now as it is quite steep to ask fans to purchase a whole new book for two new stories here with the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Doctors, but thankfully my local library has a copy and I was quick to pounce on it! I’m keen to keep up with everything possible regarding the current era, but I couldn’t miss out on a new (ish) story for the Fourteenth Doctor also! He’s going to become quite the unique and rarified incarnation as years go by so to get a novelisation of Destination: Skaro here as the first part of the story was absolutely delightful. I think that’s where the main focus of this blog entry will focus because I also think it’s a little sneaky to basically rehash the Under Control/Into Control two-parter from the Ten Days of Christmas collection last year and the 2024 Doctor Who Annual. I’m really not sure it warrants being in three separate publications! But alas here we are and at least there was a good link from the Fourteenth Doctor encountering the Dalek and linking straight in. I thought the second part was pretty rubbish I’m not going to lie with Alfredo the pig humorously becoming a companion (sort of), whereas part three with the Sycorax Queen was outstanding. But I’ve blogged these before during last year’s festive period so please do use the search function for my thoughts on these. Skaro is where the focus should be and I actually read this story 366 days after first watching the televised version from my hotel room in Yerevan, Armenia. It was different surroundings this time at home post workout at 6.30am. I think the story is brilliant and I liked how it didn’t quite feel as much of a spoof in prose. I love seeing Davros at the earliest point we’ve ever seen him on screen, although the insinuations here regarding Genesis of the Daleks felt wrong. We cannot possibly be rewriting the history of the Dalek creator here as his entire background relates to the Kaled-Thal war and how he was reduced to a survival machine. This isn’t a wheelchair and in no way represents disabled people so I do hope the next time we see Davros he is back in his traditional travel machine. The little inclusion of Nyder was marvellous though and I think the failed anagrams in naming what would become the Dalek almost went too far. Thankfully they didn’t, although some of those names were atrocious! Dalek was the clear winner and it’s tremendous to think that it’s the Doctor who provides that name. But it doesn’t stop there as he mentions the word exterminate and also coins the iconic title of the genesis of the Daleks. Castavillian was a fun character here and his reaction to the content provided from the Doctor was something he could eat right up! I was a big fan. The Doctor’s reaction to releasing where and more importantly when he was worked so well and I like the little details. This takes place just over an hour after the conclusion to The Power of the Doctor and in between we had Liberation of the Daleks as well which was neatly referenced. I thought the ending of the entire story to alluding to lead into The Star Beast was good stuff as well. Whilst it’s a shame we didn’t get anything new for the Fourteenth Doctor, this is an eventful short story involving Davros, the first Dalek and a returning Sycorax. The continuity with The Christmas Invasion is strong and I like that the Doctor puts a plunger in place of the killer claw. And somehow Davros approved! Overall, a strong bit of prose and I look forward to reading how the collection concludes. But can we also get a War and Fugitive Doctor story to really complete things? 

Rating: 8/10

The Morning of the Day of the Doctor

"The Doctor was chaos."

Writer: Ingrid Oliver

Format: Short Story

Released: October 2024

Printed in: The Adventures Before 08

Featuring: Osgood, Curator

Synopsis

Discover what happened before...

What did Osgood do the morning of The Day of the Doctor?

What happened to Tegan before Arc of Infinity, and why does it involve strange sentient lights in the Australian outback?

What was the Tenth Doctor doing in a hall of mirrors, right before Planet of the Dead?

Answers to all these questions lie in an incredible collection of new Doctor Who short stories that give a glimpse into the moments just before we saw the Doctor step on screen.

From Skaro to Apalapucia, from a shop front drained of colour to Rassilon's tomb, join a host of incredible adventures across the universe with Doctors, companions, friends and foes.

Verdict

The Morning of the Day of the Doctor was an excellent way to conclude my reading of The Adventures Before prequel collection! Deciding to do a prequel to The Day of the Doctor is a bit of a no brainer because there really are so many directions to go in, but having Ingrid Oliver write her own Osgood story is just wonderful! It was clear right from the off that she absolutely nailed the character. It was so obviously written with the voice of Osgood and that made it immediately interesting. The title is also absolutely what it says on the tin and I liked the way things were set up for what we would see on screen. We get to see Kate and UNIT going into the National Gallery and seeing those giant paintings of the Tenth Doctor alongside Queen Elizabeth I. We see that there are mysteries going on with paintings and figures seemingly departing them. And from that we see just why Kate made the rather unique and strange call to bring the TARDIS in, much to the chagrin of the Eleventh Doctor who was inside! But for me, the highlight was getting an extended sequence with the Curator. He is such a fascinating character and I love how Oliver captured how powerful that voice is. Even when I watched the story again earlier this year for the first time in a decade or so, that moment where we hear Tom Baker before actually seeing him was just stunning. So it was good that Osgood had something of a similar moment. I thought she wrote the Curator ever so well and it sounded exactly like he did on screen. She absolutely nailed the voices of the characters in the story and that's a delight to be able to say. I loved the little nod from the Curator to the knitwear that Osgood was wearing which was of course reminiscent of the Fourth Doctor's famous long scarf, and it was nice for him to find out that he thought the scarf actually found her rather than the other way around. He could see that there was something special in Osgood and that's why she would be tasked with finding the TARDIS. I liked how nervous Osgood was at the proposition of finally meeting the Doctor and she quickly did find the TARDIS near Billericay. It was good that she was nervous at meeting a man she described as very chaotic. She had read and studied all of the files almost from day one in the job, but now it was suddenly getting very real that she would meet the real article. I thought Kate alluding to the future and the Thirteenth Doctor with a female incarnation of the Doctor to come was intriguing, but it was definitely right for Osgood to question why he stayed male almost exclusively. I thought getting to know a little of Osgood's personal life was nice as well and we even interacted with her sister Nova. That was good stuff although she got a little too involved when it came to McGillop. I liked that he was present in the story and him wanting to get Nova's phone number from Osgood put the scientific advisor in a tricky position. She didn't want to admit that despite her actions on the outside regarding him, she actually quite liked him and didn't enjoy the idea of her sister dating him. It was her worst nightmare. But she would be spared the answer in fun style with the ringtone of the TARDIS dematerialisation saving her blushes. Saved by the Doctor as always. A really fun way to end what was a terrific read! 

Rating: 9/10

Eden Rebellion

"Environment is a forgotten casualty of war."

Writer: Abi Falase

Format: Novel

Released: November 2024

Series: NSA 68

Featuring: Fifteenth Doctor, Ruby

Synopsis

On the crystalline planet of Yewa, the Gardens of Kubuntu are a true Eden, said to be the most peaceful destination in the universe. At least, until the Doctor and Ruby arrive.

Ancient rivalries between Yewa and its more prosperous sister world of Bia are being stirred by forces unknown, threatening to plunge its people into anarchy. With Ruby swept up in the fire of the Yewan rebellion, the Doctor finds dark secrets buried deep in the planet's ancient history – and his hopes for a lasting peace hanging by a thread. For sinister guardians stalk the Gardens of Kubuntu, while an impeccable enemy plots in the shadows – and in plain sight...

Verdict

Eden Rebellion was a very strong novel to continue the prose adventures of the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby! I'm not entirely sure why there was such a gap between the release of this book and the previous Ruby Red and Caged instalments a few months before close to the broadcast of the series, but it serves as a nice little bonus and some current era content ahead of the upcoming Christmas special. This felt very different to what we saw on screen with the planet of Yewa being rather unique. I liked that in the acknowledgments the author alluded to indigenous peoples being her inspiration for the story as that is certainly something that came through on the page. The conflict between the peoples of Yewa and Bia was a fascinating read and there was some seriously impressive world building going on at times. I actually think there was almost too much at times which is a shame as the history of the last two hundred years in particular was strife with interest and intrigue! I initially had a theory that the entire history was only two hundred years long, but alas I was proven wrong. I thought the truth was actually very good and I liked how the whole makeup of the species in being connected came into play. They didn't want to believe the events that caused the end of the Ijoa ceremonies that bound the species of Yewans and Bia together and so they didn't. They almost couldn't. It was really fun to experience through the Doctor and Ruby just how different this world was. Through consuming their liquids they were almost experience a recreational moment in literally feeling all of their emotions. Far more than five to go with them! That was good and I liked bow it almost had the Doctor forgetting to try and reunite with Ruby. Those distractions came into play very nicely at the end with the reveal of Fran and the emergence of Empire. I thought it was a strong villain and the connection it had going back two hundred years and blocking the prayer of the Bia and trying to take the Gardens of Kubuntu for itself was excellent. I thought the relationship between Mya and Nazari was really good and the little wink of the Doctor when explaining how their love would destroy Empire was fantastic. I can perfectly picture Ncuti Gatwa giving that nod to bring about the end, and it was a rather sudden and emphatic end for Empire as the light that emerged from the pair proclaiming their love together again after being kept and pushed apart consumed the Dark Wraith that was Empire. I thought the Wraiths throughout were strong elements in the story and they definitely injected an eery feel into the book which was very good. I thought the atmosphere throughout was quite dark despite all of the descriptions of a supposed Eden, and I think the book cover has something to do with that too. It's actually a really important element in setting the tone for the story. I was impressed with the characterisation of both the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby and it was probably the best of the three books released for the current era so far. Just simple things like babes and Rubes really does help the voice of the characters. The close relationship the Doctor and his companion was also presented very well. I do think the book perhaps went slightly long in the middle with more focus on the build than the action that would follow, but I did enjoy the tension as the day of the Ijoa loomed. The suggestion from Mya of calling it off was met with dismay but it made sense given the threat. The concept of the Yewans in essentially being their own ancestors is incredible and I love it with the crystalline going into the planet and that's how what they decay into! Shared DNA in abundance. The story of the beginnings of the Chimandra Galaxy was strong and I liked that things weren't all as they seemed with the twins. There were connections everywhere and that actually got in the way of the Doctor on more than one occasion. So many voices. But in the end, love prevailed as always. Ruby didn't quite get the holiday she was anticipating, but the Doctor making references to the likes of Orphan 55, Paradise Towers and Midnight at the end as examples of his attempted holidaying going wrong was a nice touch of continuity. As was the brief moment of him tapping into the Doctor of War. It's difficult to imagine this incarnation with that sentiment. Overall though, a really solid book! 

Rating: 8/10

Sting of the Sasquatch

"So you're looking for Bigfoot?"

Writer: Darren Jones

Format: Audio

Released: November 2024

Series: NSA Audio 33

Featuring: Fifteenth Doctor, Ruby

Synopsis

In a National Park in North-West America, the Doctor and Ruby are pursued by large, ape-like creatures who seem to literally disappear into the trees. When Ruby falls ill after apparently being stung, the Doctor believes the infection is extra-terrestrial in origin.

They meet Dixie and Greg, two Bigfoot hunters determined to track down the mythical Sasquatch. Standing in their way is Ranger Peone, who's adamant that the forest is too dangerous to explore. Dozens of people have vanished, or reappeared with no memory, in the last month alone.

Then the ape creatures kidnap Ruby, and the Doctor is determined to both save her life and solve the mystery of the Sasquatch.

Verdict

Sting of the Sasquatch was a great audio adventure to continue my way through the New Series Adventures from the current series! Following quickly on from On Ghost Beach, this had a very different feel and I like that. It’s good to get variation and it was just lovely to take the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby somewhere unique on Earth. The television series hasn’t had a huge amount of chance to do that just yet so I’m all down for audios like this one providing opportunity for some more depth in their TARDIS travels. I’m thankful to my lovely (and very pregnant!) partner for gifting me one of her Audible credits to be able to listen to this story today right after the first as I really am trying to ensure I keep up with everything from the current era. Especially with a little girl on the way this Christmas! Doctor Who dealing with the mythical legend that is Bigfoot seems like a no brainer and I’m honestly baffled that it hasn’t been done before. This is not meant as a slight on the range or format, but that coming in the BBC Audio range feels a tad strange. Of course, I don’t think this is going to get in the way of anything should the television series choose to go down this route, but it’s fun that we got here first with this one. The Doctor mention the Yeti was a nice touch when it came to previous legends he had encountered but there was nothing better than his Terror of the Zygons reference in name dropping the Loch Ness Monster. Even Ruby reacted with surprise! That was a fun moment. I thought Dixie and Greg were quite good characters and the initial meeting they had with the Doctor and Ruby was strong. They weren’t too thrilled to be meeting rivals when it came to the hunt for Bigfoot. I wasn’t sure I bought the simple explanation of what the TARDIS was but it was fun to hear the Doctor scramble for an answer. The emergence of the Sasquatch was good and of course it makes sense that Bigfoot is an alien. The apparent explanation of his varied and inconsistent sightings being because of the Sasquatch literally vanishing without a trace temporarily was a nice touch, although focusing more on why the legend has been in place so long would have been welcomed. I thought the narration from Genesys Lynea was fine but she didn’t try much at all in presenting an impression of the Doctor or Ruby which was a shame. There’s only so much the author can do! I do like that we have someone from the series that aired this year though in that narrator role. I thought the national park setting was brilliant and things definitely felt vast and open which is a big compliment. I liked the tension that arises from Ruby being stung and the gradual build to the effects was expected but still good! The Sasquatch having a connection with the Sleekers was intriguing stuff and the explanation of them essentially conjoining into worms just felt gross and uneasy which was terrific. That was exactly as it should be. I did think the way the psychic link was broken came slightly early but it was good to hear just how happy Ruby was that all those missing people would be freed and okay. Onto further travels now! Overall, another really good audio adventure! Hopefully we get more next year. 

Rating: 8/10

On Ghost Beach

"We both know where we are."

Writer: Neil Bushnell

Format: Audio

Released: November 2024

Series: NSA Audio 32

Featuring: Fifteenth Doctor, Ruby

Synopsis

The TARDIS arrives in County Durham, England, in 1958. Seaham Chemical Beach was once a scene of heavy industry, long since abandoned, but now local residents are having nightmares and seeing apparitions.

It isn't long before the Doctor and Ruby are affected by the beach's peculiar atmosphere. As they begin to forget exactly who they are, Ruby hears a distant voice calling her on.

Whose memories are filling the travellers' heads, and what is the significance of Ghost Beach, in the Sea of Despair, on the planet Farfrom?

Verdict

On Ghost Beach was an excellent return to the New Series Adventures for audio! I am so happy that this range has been revived and I suspect it is no surprise to have happened under the show runner guidance of Russell T Davies. It truly does feel like a throwback with him at the helm as now the BBC audios join the books in featuring stories with the current Doctor and companion. Of course, given how Empire of Death ended with Ruby Sunday taking a pause from travels in the TARDIS, this story will take place prior to The Legend of Ruby Sunday, but that doesn't make it any less exciting for me. I mean sure, it would have been better to have had this released during the seven weeks of broadcast, but better late than never with the promise that the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby. I thought this was one was an excellent story from start to finish as it had just about everything! I love that Susan Twist was narrating given the prominence she had in the opening series for this TARDIS pairing, although she did go a little too Scottish when it came to her impression of Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor. Does he really come across that way on screen? I would argue not. I thought the humour that happened in the TARDIS was good stuff and the Doctor planning on taking Ruby to the planet of Tuesday was great. I fully agreed with her comments regarding the day of the week and how it was always in between the fun stuff, but then we actually ended up on a Wednesday. An ordinary day of the week in 1958. The year didn't seem all that important but the setting of Seaham Chemical Beach really worked well. It's good to travel to somewhere the television show doesn't take us and even with the involvement of a rift, Cardiff was off the table too. I like going somewhere random and getting some exposure. It's much more realistic as not everything would happen in capital cities! The atmosphere was incredibly eery once the pair arrived on the beach which was good and when they started talking with other people's memories my interest was immediately enhanced. I loved that because it wasn't like they were taken over or possessed, but stuff just kept slipping out. Ruby talking as if she was Lottie and the Doctor having the memories of Fink. It was tough to hear for Retch as he was hearing those he had lost but through Ruby and the Doctor. I must admit I completely understood where he was coming from as that must be tough to hear. He was a good character though and hearing how he stumbled through the rift before the Kaseef could make the trip in the opposite direction was decent stuff. I also liked how the Doctor addressed all of the obvious questions that usually go unanswered immediately after they had arrived through. It was a one way trip and that was good to establish early on. I thought it was great as well for the Doctor to promise Ruby that he wouldn't leave her alone on the planet because as soon as he said that I knew he would do so. Of course it wasn't intentional, but that promise being part of the pull to bring the Doctor back from spending eternity with the Kaseef was really good. I liked how the friendship between the Doctor and Ruby was portrayed in the story as they really are the best of friends. The concept behind the Kaseef was good and whilst I enjoyed the explanation, I thought the story actually lost a little when it came to having to give away the mystery. I sometimes like the enigma, even if that is contradictory to my main qualms with 73 Yards. It just being something trying to communicate and giving an overload of memories was good stuff, but for Retch he was already long gone. Finishing up with things heading back to Tuesday was a nice way to bring the episode full circle, and overall a fantastic listen! A welcomed return to the NSAs for sure! I'm counting the days for my next Audible credit to purchase the next release. 

Rating: 9/10

The Fall of Apalapucia

"We are content."

Writer: E.L. Norry

Format: Short Story

Released: October 2024

Printed in: The Adventures Before 07

Synopsis

Discover what happened before...

What did Osgood do the morning of The Day of the Doctor?

What happened to Tegan before Arc of Infinity, and why does it involve strange sentient lights in the Australian outback?

What was the Tenth Doctor doing in a hall of mirrors, right before Planet of the Dead?

Answers to all these questions lie in an incredible collection of new Doctor Who short stories that give a glimpse into the moments just before we saw the Doctor step on screen.

From Skaro to Apalapucia, from a shop front drained of colour to Rassilon's tomb, join a host of incredible adventures across the universe with Doctors, companions, friends and foes.

Verdict

The Fall of Apalapucia was unfortunately not the greatest of stories to continue my way through The Adventures Before collection of prequels. I think on paper this was arguably the story that made most sense in delivering a prequel as there is clearly a lot of historic world building that has taken place in The Girl Who Waited on Apalapucia. However, in reality I think the lack of familiar characters really hurt this story which is something that hasn't happened in any of the previous six stories in the book. We have either had the Doctor, a companion or a central character to the story that the adventure is a prequel to, but here there was none of that other than the setting. I don't think the story was particularly bad and I certainly could have been harsher and gone less in my rating, but I think this was just a bit boring. That's really sad to say as I do like and appreciate what the story was trying to do, but I don't think it really delved deep enough into the concept behind the two streams facility. The concept of that is excellent and the potential really is endless when it comes to two places being in the same space but experiencing time differently. I just thought it was a bit naff that it seemed the origin was for some artwork to be observed? That wasn't exactly exciting stuff! I thought the story could have featured a little more action and I think it would have been so much better to have a future incarnation of the Doctor experiencing some rather tragic events but be unable to get involved. That would have worked for either the Twelfth or Thirteenth Doctors and just would have been more interesting for me. Hell, even the Fifteenth Doctor could have featured! Seladore was a decent enough story but with no real background or knowledge of him, he just wasn't the right kind of character to carry an entire story. Especially not one that was one of the longer ones in the collection! I thought we might have got to explore a little more of Apalapucia and had more focus on the likes of the Handbots or what we saw on television. The focus on the Sublimation Process was okay and probably would have worked even better if the Doctor or a companion featured, but unfortunately it just felt meaningless. With only one episode going back to, I don't think Apalapucia was solid enough or anything close to the status required to carry the story. That's harsh I know but I think this just could have been better. It was very political and that just wasn't the vibe I was anticipating given what we saw on screen. It felt like a historic world with vibrancy to explore but that didn't quite come out on the page. The retirement and one last try was clear in what it would result in and I think that's one thing that is somewhat dangerous ground in prequels. You can't make what leads to what we see on screen too obvious. We already know where things are heading. I think the mistake of Seladore was a fine explanation of what happened, but I think ti came slightly too late and served as the finish whereas I would have liked to see what occurred immediately in the aftermath. It's a shame, and perhaps on another day I would have enjoyed this adventure more, but it just didn't have too much going for it. It was rather bland! 

Rating: 5/10