Echoes: Lost Hearts

"This is as close as you will get to eternity."

Writers: Lauren Mooney & Stewart Pringle

Format: Audio

Released: May 2024

Series: Eighth Doctor Adventures 13.02

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Liv, Helen

Synopsis

Michaelmas term, 1903. In one of England's ancient universities, strange apparitions float between quads and cloisters.

While Liv and Helen protect a naive undergraduate from a sinister society, the Doctor finds a ghost-hunting ally. One who happens to be the era's foremost chronicler of things that go bump in the night...

Verdict

Lost Hearts was another excellent episode to continue my way through the Echoes series of Eighth Doctor Adventures! This was another stellar story with what is slowly becoming one of my all time favourite TARDIS teams. The trio complement each other so well and that was evidenced yet again here. There’s a real camaraderie which is lovely to hear and there’s something special about them visiting the past, especially in the twentieth century. This was very much early with the 1903 setting and that was really interesting to hear. Having a setting like a university felt very Twelfth Doctor, especially with the Eighth Doctor here having given lectures on Einstein theory a few years before the great scientist himself had published it! That was good humour. I was a little surprised that the trio had been at the university for a month already as that kind of direction didn’t feel like it was going to be the case coming off Birdsong, but that really does add depth to the episode which I can appreciate. I’m enjoying the continuing theme of exploring Helen’s family and it’s good to focus on her. That’s not to say Liv isn’t a focus but she’s been around as a companion a lot longer and even stars in her own spinoff series! So after exploring the pain of her past in Albie’s Angels, this was really intriguing to now encounter her grandfather! Robert Sinclair was a strong character and his outbursts towards Helen at first about her being a woman and how she should know her place was incredibly uncomfortable. It’s so sad to think of how women were viewed in this era that really isn’t all that long ago in the grand scheme of things. Helen just casually stated how she thought and was immediately met with a visceral outburst about how it wasn’t her place to think. It’s pretty awful stuff! But it’s also powerful listening and really stands out. I thought Alistair Gray was a fascinating character and his position as a Time Lord was very exciting. I always love when the Doctor gets to encounter one of his own species, especially when it’s someone who’s gone a little rogue. The efforts of Gray here to drain the regenerations from the Doctor was really good and the separation across time from Liv and Helen was sensational! It really did feel like this was becoming a two-parter with the building point to that moment, and maybe that’s how the writers wrote it? It seems that way. It was a really strong build to a fantastic moment. The use of a TARDIS on an incredible and impossible scale was really interesting stuff and I loved the concept of a TARDIS being materialised inside of itself. We saw something similar in Logopolis with the respective TARDISes of the Master and the Doctor, but this was entirely different! I loved that and taking things further with the disciples of Gray and them assay baring the image of himself was staggering. It was a little mind boggling and that was part of the appeal. The initial throw away line of the sonic screwdriver being used as an emergency bookmark was amusing but then Gray utilising it to impact pain on the Doctor was quite something. Except the Doctor knew his own devices inside out and used it against Gray to defeat him which I liked. I also enjoyed the emotional appeal of Liv utilising the telepathic circuits of the near destroyed TARDIS in the alternative future. That was really well done and she arrived just at the right time. Overall, another eery episode that fitted in with the overall theme of the series very nicely. It had that creepy and dark factor whilst being excellent listening. A terrific episode.

Rating: 9/10

Echoes: Birdsong

"You have driven her to despair."

Writer: Tim Foley

Format: Audio

Released: May 2024

Series: Eighth Doctor Adventures 13.01

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Liv, Helen

Synopsis

The TARDIS arrives on an empty world where two scouts await the rest of their colony. Except this world may not be as empty as everybody thinks. There's a figure in the woods – and a strangely familiar sound...

As the Doctor and his friends learn more about the planet's inhabitants, the birdsong they hear becomes a deadly chorus.

Verdict

Birdsong was an excellent episode to kick off the Echoes series of Eighth Doctor Adventures! Returning to what many label the dream team of the Eighth Doctor, Liv and Helen, this was a really powerful story that gripped my attention almost immediately. The concept behind the colony world was great and I thought the character work was exceptional. Bex was initially a really likeable character and you genuinely felt sorry for her plight. She was a scout sent forward ready for the colonists and she was twenty-three months into a three-year wait for the rest of the party to arrive. She was so close yet so far. She was delighted to see new people as you might expect and that soon became even more understandable when revealed she wasn't alone. Myra was something of an uncomfortable character with her croaky old voice and it was clear immediately that she wasn't all there mentally. Nearly two years alone on a planet will certainly do that for you! Except things weren't quite as they seemed and the way the episode paced the true nature of what was happening was really impressive. It was perfectly done over the course of the hour and each shock came at a moment where it was almost expected but also still a bit of a shock. Helen initially being protective of Bex was a nice moment and she was really unhappy with the way Liv talked to her. I thought that was an interesting little dynamic and it was good for Liv to be the one challenged as that's usually her own role. I thought the humour that came from the Doctor explaining with complete sincerity that he talked barcode was incredible but it actually does seem to be an important plot point moving forward as he fed the lines into the TARDIS at the end. That really is spectacular and you could actually hear the smile from Liv as she asked the Doctor if he was having them on. Was he? It would appear not and that's just glorious. The very idea is just bonkers but it perfectly suits the playfulness of this incarnation. I thought Liv explaining to Bex how she travelled around in a gothic library was a fascinating description of the TARDIS interior for the Eighth Doctor! I thought the twist of there actually only being one scout was brilliant and even more so when all signs pointed to that actually being Myra, so it was a bit of a surprise to find that she wasn't the original. It turned out nearly everything was all part of perception and that was maybe just slightly a step too far and why the episode doesn't get a perfect score from me. The atmosphere throughput was magnificent and the moment that Myra spurted out what was really controlling her was uncomfortable listening for sure. But even Bex herself being part of the perception and Myra being the form of her mother added to then emotional impact, but it felt slightly like cheating. Maybe that's just me. The title of the episode after listening felt very strong and I liked the simplicity of something like birdsong being so important in establishing things. It really added to the feel of the episode which was a huge selling point of this one's quality. I think the way things concluded with Myra being overpowered and the perception breaking was good, and I like that there's a lead into the next episode. I'm excited for the echoes kind of vibe to continue across the boxset, and for now this was a superb start to the series! Overall, a marvellous listen. 

Rating: 9/10

Scorpio: Jealous, Possessive

"I am the original K9."

Writer: Paul Magrs

Format: Short Story

Released: March 2002

Printed in: Short Trips: Zodiac 08

Featuring: K9

Synopsis

Take a TARDIS trip through the constellations, as the Doctor travels to twelve thrilling tales inspired by the mystical zodiac. 

Telepathic fish, miniature lions and twin planets are the least of his problems, as the Doctor – all eight of him – faces the Capricorn Killer, endures a mind swap with the Machiavellian Master, and dances with Death herself. 

And that's not the half of it – as the two K9s can attest.

Verdict

Jealous, Possessive was a pretty average story to continue my way through the Zodiac edition of Short Trips. This really isn’t shaping up to be the best of collections as I’m now eight stories in and not many have been great. It’s almost amazing to me that so many books followed in the range because at the moment I wouldn’t exactly say the series started well! I can certainly appreciate the way the story was trying to do something new in the form of the letters, but I’m just not sure two different versions of K9 were the correct choices for that. I do like the idea of a conversation between K9 Mark I and Mark II, but I don’t think the content of said letters came close to being good characterisation for the robot dog companion we all know and love so well. Mark II even addressed some of the content regarding feelings and how K9 couldn’t have those being what he is, but it didn’t then do a lot to sound authentically like a robot. It was far too sophisticated and not at all like a logical letter. It was though really insightful to catch up with each version of K9 and their respective mistress. I love getting any insight into what is happening on Gallifrey and K9 announcing to his counterpart that Leela is expecting a baby was quite lovely! Andred being shocked and almost worried was amusing and I’m intrigued by the line of this being the first infant in the natural way to be born on Gallifrey in a long time. That fits in with Wish World/The Reality War very intriguingly! It was also great to look into life for Mark II in E-Space with Romana very much still enjoying an adventure. That was really good and I like the concept of them being rich in another universe! Talk about living it up. I found it weird that the letters were dated given that neither were anywhere close to Earth being on Gallifrey and in E-Space, but alas it is what it is. K9 Mark I getting pedantic and almost defensive about being the original was pretty amusing and the retort from Mark II about his predecessor simply being the prototype was by far the best moment of the story. The sass! Despite it being marvellous, it just didn’t feel like K9 which was a shame. I was also surprised by just how short the story was as there were only a couple of letters sent each way from the respective K9, and half of the content was them addressing the tone of the previous letter! It was just strange and I know that’s part of what you would expect from Paul Magrs, but this wasn’t anything close to some of the whacky stuff he’s done in the past. K9 Mark I not having knowledge of the whole Key to Time cadaver was intriguing though and it’s impressive to think just how hushed up that is! The Guardians? Please. Don’t be absurd. I thought it was great though for that to be so hidden and that certainly gave an edge in favour of the Mark II version. It did feel like was a little inferior not being on Gallifrey. The way things finished in concurrent timeline with the events of Logopolis was very good as the Fourth Doctor regenerating does seem to signal the end for K9, at least until School Reunion that is. Although that episode might have felt like an impossibility at the time of this book’s release! Overall, an intriguing discussion between two versions of the same character and whilst quirky, it just didn’t feel good in terms of characterisation. 

Rating: 5/10

Plastic Apocalypse

"We are cleaning up your mess."

Writer: Pete McTighe

Format: TV

Broadcast: 07 December 2025

Series: The War Between the Land and the Sea 1.02

Featuring: Kate, Barclay

Synopsis

Barclay becomes humanity's ambassador when the mysterious Salt emerges from the Tank. But his family's life is torn apart when Salt wreaks revenge upon all mankind.

Verdict

Plastic Apocalypse was a good episode to continue The War Between the Land and the Sea! I thought this was a strong follow up to what was a great Homo Aqua opener, but I do think it perhaps suffered slightly from being broadcast immediately after it. Full disclaimer, I wasn't able to watch until the following evening but even then some elements felt repetitive. I think there was perhaps a little too much diplomacy and not enough action, although it did feel that everything came at once in regards to the latter with the shock of Salt holding humanity's leaders to their word in a very literal sense. I think we did get a bit too much of the same when it came to the arrival of Salt and the rest of the Homo Aqua in the H20 Committee hall and I imagine it would have been even more felt had I watched the episodes back to back. It's no major issue though, just a little qualm. I think Barclays is growing into a really strong character and I wasn't expecting him to be a little clueless. I should have known really that Russell Tovey would inject some humour into the role and that really is magnificent. I am begging for every episode to end with him saying 'okay' now in that sheepish way. I thought Kate had a strong episode as the head of UNIT and the urgency in which they ran through Barclay's life and questioned him about why he was chosen as Ambassador was marvellous. I think the news reports and social media elements of the real world catching up with events is magnificent as they just feel real. This is the world now whether we like it or not. One thing I think I could have done without was the scenes at home with Kate and Colonel Ibrahim. It's no secret they're an item but seeing Kate in particular get romantic and borderline sexual was a little uncomfortable. It's like seeing your teacher out of school vibes. She's been so serious and in her work ever since The Power of Three so this just felt wrong! It sprung a disturbed look from my partner on the sofa next to me! I'm not sure it really added anything but good for her with the age discrepancy! I thought the moment Salt wanted a glass of water from the river for Barclay to drink to showcase her point of contamination and pollution was superb. She's a tremendous villain to be as the defacto leader of the Sea Devils and I think she'll have a ruthless streak. Even when it was nice of her to say how Barclay was her favourite human after he sprung quite the tirade against humanity's past in polluting the seas. Barclay being a spokesperson and offering terms to the Homo Aqua on a forty-year plan to clean up their pollution and contamination was obviously never going to be acceptable and to be honest I was on Salt's side. Immediate action was required. I do think her demands of having all waterways including the air above them was bold and some way to provoke war. But then she went and returned the sea's rubbish to humanity which was incredible imagery. I would like to know a bit more about just how they did that and why they wouldn't just have done it anyway if they were going to provoke mankind anyway, but there's plenty of time to come in the series yet for that. I very much welcome the direction of the next episode with the next meeting to take place beneath the ocean. That's very exciting and Barclay taking it upon himself to accept the offer despite Kate pleading not to was great stuff. I can't wait to explore Homo Aqua in their natural habitat. Also, the Titanic being thrown out has to be a nod to Voyage of the Damned with Tovey now in the lead role! Overall, a strong episode but probably a bit too much talking. It's time for action. 

Rating: 7/10

Homo Aqua

"The species that came before us has woken up."

Writer: Russell T Davies

Format: TV

Broadcast: 07 December 2025

Series: The War Between the Land and the Sea 1.01

Featuring: Kate, Barclay

Synopsis

Barclay's ordinary life becomes a world of terror when an ancient species rises from the sea. As UNIT fights for control, the summit on the Thames reveals terrifying secrets.

Verdict

Homo Aqua was a very strong start to The War Between the Land and the Sea! I watched with intrigue and excitement on broadcast alongside a rather less enthusiastic partner of mine. She likened things to Avatar which she's not a fan of but thankfully I thought this was really good and I'm excited for more to come. I'm almost disappointed by the fact it has been released as a double bill because I've had to stop watching now to write this blog! My appetite for the series was wetted this morning in watching the new feature-length version of The Sea Devils and I like how the opening titles in that edition followed suit with how things opened here. It certainly didn't feel like Doctor Who whilst being set in the Whoniverse and I think that's a really good thing. It needs to have a different feel and that was exactly what happened here. I thought Russell Tovey was actually outstanding in the lead role as Barclay and it's fun to see how much his character has changed already. The fact he got to be part of the initial mission to Dragonera by mistake and an admin error still listing him as Together Trevethick's replacement was wonderful and he portrays the humour so well. I thought our reintroduction to the Sea Devils in the form of the updated name of Homo Aqua was surprising in that we started with a corpse (apart from the brief moment before one was shot in the fishing net). I remember seeing the leaks of the updated design for them and feeling like it was pretty questionable, but seeing it in action I thought they were fantastic. The carrying of the staff is also a really good touch that brings some more fear factor to them. I could probably have done with less emphasis on translation in the episode so once Salt emerged for the peace talks I was delighted that this was done away with. No such issues when the TARDIS is around! Barclay touching upon meeting the Doctor briefly when at the UNIT Tower was just enough of a nod to the wider Whoniverse without dwelling on it and even when UNIT took command of the peace talks with Kate at the head it didn't feel like any prior knowledge was required which is good for the first episode of a whole new series. I thought the impact made by General Austin Pierce was sublime and that voice is just booming! I hope his role isn't diminished moving forward by the arrival of Kate, even if she is a welcomed familiar face. It's always fun to see Trinity Wells back and just gives everything that little bit of continuity, but the imagery of the news reports in showcasing the Homo Aqua rising from the depths of the waters all across the world was magnificent. I was so impressed with the visuals here which I don't often mention but they really were striking in the best way. Barclay's family life was good to explore and I'm sure it's not the last of it but his position as a civilian witness is great stuff. He feels like an everyday person and that's exactly what's required here. He was shocked by seeing death and the way the Corporal and Captain were pulled beneath was brutal. It's the only act of defiance we've seen from the Homo Aqua but it said a lot about their capabilities! I like how Barclay's religious crossing of his chest when seeing the Sea Devil corpse was mistook for respect and that meant he was the one Salt wanted to represent humanity in their talks. That took everybody in the diplomatic setup by surprise, including Barclay himself! That 'okay' line at the end of the episode was done perfectly. Overall, a lot of set up but that's always going to happen in a new series like this, but as a veteran fan I'm already well versed in what's happening. A lot of tension and some intriguing politics with some glorious design and imagery. Not bad at all for a series opener! 

Rating: 8/10

The Sea Devils

"Those reptiles, Doctor, were once the rulers of this Earth."

Writer: Malcolm Hulke

Format: TV (Omnibus)

Broadcast: 07 December 2025

Season: 9.03

Featuring: Third Doctor, Jo

Synopsis

A re-edited, feature-length version of the classic 1972 Doctor Who story that introduced audiences to the formidable aquatic species the Sea Devils. 

Verdict

The Sea Devils was an excellent feature-length special of the famed Season 9 classic adventure! Incredibly, the full onscreen version is one of the final televised serials I have yet to blog but rest assured it's a serial I know very well and one I have very fond memories of from collecting the DVDs in my younger days (back when everything wasn't on iPlayer!). I remember hearing about the return of the Silurians in The Hungry Earth/Cold Blood so buying the Beneath the Surface collection involving this story was a quick necessity to ensure I was caught up on everything Silurians and now Sea Devils. This is something of an instant classic with the Sea Devil design being rather iconic, even if it is a bit rubbish. But I say that out of love and credit must go to the redesign in Legend of the Sea Devils because that upgrade is magnificent. This special edit of the story comes about today ahead of the highly anticipated broadcast of new spinoff The War Between the Land and the Sea and that is something I'm very excited about! I feel like it has creeped up on me and it wasn't really until reading the previews in this month's Doctor Who Magazine that I got very excited about the new series. I'm all for anything new in the Whoniverse so a BBC1 spinoff special is right up my alley! I can't wait to see what is done with UNIT and the Sea Devils and it almost feels like putting a wrong right. It's baffling that with the political involvement in this story that UNIT aren't involve other than baring their name on the passes of the Doctor and Jo. I also love how this story is focused on the Master and from a personal perspective it's seemed an awfully long time since watching a Roger Delgado adventure! He absolutely shines in the facade of prison and after the events of The Daemons he's still very much in control. There was no way the Clangers scene was going to be cut because that's an absolute classic and it put a smile on my face once again here. I think the emergence of the Sea Devils from the sea is wonderful and I think part of why I love the design is the quality of the action figure that Character released. I'm almost certain I had it before actually watching the story so seeing them for the first time again here brought some nostalgia. I was a big fan of the pace in the edit and I think purely in terms of the cut this is the best of what Benjamin Cook has done since The Daleks in Colour. I mean I've loved them all but this feels like it actually improved the story rather than missing bits out. The blending and additional score music was impressive and really helped add to things. I also really appreciated the flashback to Doctor Who and the Silurians when the Doctor was describing his previous encounter with a similar race in the form of their Eocene cousins. It's amusing how the Sea Devil name sticks from the delirious mind of a ship crew member but I do hope that the modern era doesn't do away with it totally. I like how the Sea Devils initially seem willing to cooperate with mankind and take up the Doctor's offer of negotiation for them to inhabit the areas of the planet that humanity cannot, but a political decision often gets in the way and a bombardment of strikes meant there was indeed war between land and sea. I think the base blowing up is almost a shame of a resolution as the Doctor can't negotiate peace once again, but the Master pulling one over on him in escaping and causally waving as he departs in the helicopter is terrific. Where on Earth did he have that mask stashed? Overall, an impressive edit of what is already a stellar serial. A fine new take on the story that has almost certainly extended how long it will be now until I blog the full version! One day. But for now, a marvellous watch.

Rating: 9/10

Slipback

"A voice calling to you from afar."

Writer: Eric Saward

Format: Audio

Broadcast: 25 July-8 August 1985

Series: BBC Radio 01

Featuring: Sixth Doctor, Peri

Synopsis

The Sixth Doctor and Peri arrive on a mysterious space liner, where intergalactic policemen are investigating art thefts, a computer is suffering from a split personality and the Captain's disease threatens every living thing on the ship.

Verdict

Slipback was a pretty average audio adventure, but a real joy to listen to given its standing in the history of the Whoniverse. I'm not sure Exploration Earth counts as a firm first radio audio adventure for Doctor Who given its educational intent and it being broadcast for BBC Schools, but this felt like a precursor to Big Finish which is a huge compliment. I was surprised to hear in the opening titles that Eric Saward penned the story as this doesn't exactly feel like something up his alley. It's also fascinating to look back on now at the state of Doctor Who in 1985 with the show going on hiatus for over eighteen months. That really doesn't feel like much of an issue at all now with the recent news that the next new episode will now air for Christmas 2026. The Reality War aired in May this year! And yet here we are having an original audio with the original lead cast to fill the gap. Oh what I'd give for an original audio featuring Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu at the moment! The story itself is not exactly the greatest but it's far from being bad as well. I don't think the format does it any favours as six parts of ten minutes each is not the best in terms of flow. I find the broadcast decision to do two episodes per week odd as well. Why not just do three parts of twenty minutes? That would definitely have been better. I thought some of the cliffhangers were a bit naff and the directing decision to encourage the Doctor and Peri at times to go over the top with their reactions was a little off-putting. It didn't feel natural which was a shame. It was really fun though to listen to Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant in a story recorded in the middle of their on screen run. They're tremendous together for Big Finish but there's no doubting how much younger and authentic they sounded! That was really intriguing for comparison. I thought the Captain made for a good villain in parts but his humour was a little silly in what he represented. I did like the threat of the incurable death though and the Doctor's reaction to that potentially being present was excellent. The Inner Voice was an interesting little element too and the Doctor hearing that even within the TARDIS was quite surprising. The Maston race sounded somewhat average and the Doctor being surprised by their presence because they were wiped out a million years ago was terrific. I do like a mystery like that. The way the Doctor was investigating someone who was meddling with time travel was often forgotten was a bit of a shame as I do like that threat, and the Inner Voice wanting to change history on a scale that was almost unfathomable almost felt too big! The scale in which she wanted to retro-engineer the galaxy's races was huge! I thought the Doctor almost stopping it but it then turning out to actually be the Big Bang with her calculations way off and going back in time too far was audacious to say the least! I wasn't a massive fan of a member of the High Council of the Time Lords interfering, but it did need to be someone in authority to even stop the Doctor from following through with his actions. Imagine if he'd prevented creation! The computer voice was ungodly in terms of annoyance as well. No wonder she wanted a different voice! The Vipod Moor would go on with its journey and creation was not averted. Some stakes for a mere time experiment! Overall, a fascinating listen that just getting to experience it felt better than the actual story. 

Rating: 6/10

Curios

"Shadows are all that remain."

Writer: James Goss

Format: Audio

Released: September 2021

Series: Torchwood Monthly 54

Featuring: Bilis

Synopsis

During World War Two, the Torchwood Archive has been stowed away in a Welsh coal mine along with countless other art treasures. Bilis Manger is among them. And there's something hunting him in the dark. 

Jill has been sent to catalogue the collection. She's on her own, she's in disgrace and there's something hunting her on the slopes of the mountain.

Verdict

Curios was another great audio adventure to continue my way through the monthly Torchwood range at Big Finish! I am a big fan of how well Big Finish have expanded the character life of Bilis Manger because he really is a character with so much potential. It was clear in his on screen appearances in Captain Jack Harkness/End of Days that he had a significant history and connection with Torchwood, and having him within the Torchwood Archive during World War Two just feels right somehow. I love the enigmatic nature of his character and a lot of that is down to Murray Melvin's measured performance. It's really impressive and works just as well on audio. I think having the Torchwood Archive within the depths of a coal mine in Wales is rather interesting to say the least, but it's not exactly the first place anybody would go looking! The exertion it took Jill just to get down into the collection of artefacts with the lift and it being manned was a stark reminder of the lack of technology at the time which was interesting. I was not a fan of Wilf and Brent at all and I fully appreciate that this was the intention, but crikey were they dickheads. The way they tried to assert their supposed male dominance and superiority over Jill was awkward and honestly just sad. The way Jill stood up for herself when she was threatened sexually was excellent and that was quite uncomfortable listen. There was no call for it and it actually had a bit of a lasting impact on my listening experience I think as I really didn't like it. I appreciated the realism though and sadly this is certainly something that would have happened, and probably still does to this day. I thought Jill and Bilis working together within the Torchwood Archive was great and the way she was slowly learning all about him was fascinating stuff. She deduced a lot about him which was impressive and it was quite nice as well for him to be taking a liking to her. Bilis is not exactly a character who has time for a lot of people and that was evidenced early on as he freely admitted to her he had the time, just not the inclination to help her. The threat of the shadows was strong and whilst they might have been contained to the background for a little too long, I liked the mystery behind them. The way Jill worked out that Bilis actually was stuck inside the Torchwood Archive was impressive and even more so was the way she had the intelligence to discover that the shadows were actually created by Bilis himself. They were literally formed from his frustrations and that was a really strong concept! I liked that a lot. I think Bilis becoming stuck because he was also an artefact within the Torchwood Archive collection was amusing, and Jill treating him as the prisoner he was acting like by putting him inside a box to get him out was quite the image! I thought it was intriguing that she was willing to do that despite not knowing whether he really was good or bad, but one thing she was sure on was the fate that was left for Wilf and Brent. They deserved to be left for the shadows whilst they still remained. Overall, a really strong story that explored the history of the Torchwood Archive in a really nice way! And more Bilis is always welcomed.

Rating: 8/10

Field Trip

"Night at the museum."

Writer: Alan Barnes

Format: Comic Strip

Released: October-November 2025

Printed in: DWM 622-623

Featuring: Fifteenth Doctor

Synopsis

Coinciding with a school trip at the Museum of Natural Wonder, the Fifteenth Doctor investigates some very strange readings emanating from the collection. A very rare and unexplained artefact is not quite as dead as it seems...

Verdict

Field Trip was a pretty average story to continue the comic strip adventures of the Fifteenth Doctor. I find these shorter page counts to be really detrimental to the comic stories when the length of parts is pretty minimal as it really does feel that by the time a story has started, we're already building towards the cliffhanger which isn't the best way to go in my view. I really do wish we could get an extra two pages per issue as I feel like that would be really positive and helpful for adding depth to a story. I would have liked an explanation here as to why the Doctor was travelling alone as we've just gone from Belinda's debut in this format in His Mad Pranks and now she's nowhere to be seen? That doesn't make much sense to me and I know the placement can easily come around the time of Joy to the World between on screen series, but just a little line to explain would have been welcomed in my view. I think the Museum of Natural Wonder is a superb setting and getting a Doctor Who version of Night at the Museum sounds magnificent on paper. I was a huge fan of those movies as a child so this initially excited me, but it soon became something of a let down. Did my expectations get too high in anticipation? Perhaps, but the second part literally opens in paying homage to the films! One thing that this comic strip story has going for it in a major way was the artwork. The illustrations and colour were nothing short of phenomenal. The likeness for Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor was exemplary and I think the design of the dinosaurs and then the Ossuarian Phalanx were hugely impressive. The vibrancy of the Jurassic Age period being portrayed and then the eery feel of the three-skeletal Phalanx was a strong contrast. Hasan was not a bad character but there's just something about a child filling the companion role that feels lesser than. It almost makes the entire story feel aimed at a younger audience which takes me out of it slightly which is a shame. I don't feel like the comic strip in the pages of DWM has lived up to its potential for a very long time now which is a big shame to say and this is just another example. From the reveal of the three skeletons actually being one creature and one returned that had been around for over two million years, things just felt flat. Professor Bryte looked like she had potential to be a bit of a villain but we just didn't get to spend enough time with her to make that the case. I did love the Doctor's little nod to Invasion of the Dinosaurs when it came to potentially getting UNIT involved and their past dinosaur experience, but the whole heart of stone thing just didn't get going. Hasan was confident and I quite liked that he worked out what the supposed ancient enemy of the Bo'rof-jin actually were. They were the Borophaginae which was fine as a concept, but seeing a three-headed skeleton cower at a schoolboy getting on the floor and barking was just ludicrous. I couldn't buy into that and was actually shaking my head. The Doctor looked on in admiration and I appreciate that Hasan was clever to work it out, but still it just felt so silly. The imagery of the barking creatures with ancient genes was strong to finish on though and the epilogue with the Doctor getting Hasan back to his dad after the trip and off the school coach was a nice touch. Overall, a super setting but a plot that kind of felt flat against a beautiful backdrop of artwork. 

Rating: 5/10

Cass: Previously, Next Time Part 2

"Who is Elvis?"

Writer: James Moran

Format: Audio

Released: January 2023

Series: The Eighth Doctor: The Time War 5.03b

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Alex, Cass

Synopsis

The factory has vanished along with the TARDIS, and the formerly uninhabited planet is now fully populated by people who have been here for thousands of years, people who have never heard of the Time War OR Daleks. Something very strange is going on with time itself – and it's running out, fast.

Verdict 

Previously, Next Time concluded in very strong fashion to complete what was a really strong finale to the Cass series of Eighth Doctor Adventures amidst the Time War! This leaves things back as they were in regards to The Night of the Doctor and the Eighth Doctor's swan song alongside Cass whom he met for the first time (at least so he thought) with the way time was erased and rewritten here. That's such a good running theme throughout the Time War adventures for this incarnation and I'm delighted that this series is not the last in the range. There's still so much potential and I think half of that comes from Alex as a travelling companion also. I wouldn't say he was particularly bad or anything, but I don't feel like he's done an awful lot since Restoration of the Daleks brought this version back to us. Maybe with Cass the focus was rightly on her and he's not exactly a new character as the Doctor's great-grandson, but I hope we get more time to draw attention to him in the next series. I think the move away from time in general here was good and we got to focus more on the people of the previously uninhabited planet. Despite being a part two, this did almost feel like an entirely different story which made for an intriguing listen. I did also leave it a day between listens and I think that did aid in my feeling of the story being broken up. I was happy with my decision. I think the likes of Oshia and Kade really shone and the way the former was almost beginning to accept the truth from the Doctor and his companions was a bit of a shock! I don't care what anyone says, I would never be able to even contemplate that the kind of thing they were saying was true. And yet there was something there for them that made them question that their entire society and species might not actually be supposed to exist! Alex pointing out that they were conversing in English despite the TARDIS being a year away was terrific and I'm glad that was addressed. I also liked learning about the Vellans and Kaledia as bluntly unsubtle Dalek links. That was cleverly done and started to answer some of the questions about the planet and what it resembled. It was certainly very Earthly. I thought the emergence of the Daleks was strong and certainly impactful, but I must admit their presence didn't seem to last as long as it should have. The way that Oshia came to accept the fate of her people was pretty emotional as she knew the Daleks had to be thwarted, but if the Doctor was correct then that would mean herself and her entire people would cease to exist. To have ever existed. And that's exactly what happened with the Doctor utilising the Battle TARDIS and her heartbreakingly disappearing mid-speech. It didn't just stop there though as that reverted things massively bringing the Doctor and Alex back to the TARDIS which was in full working order. Alex asking the Doctor who he was talking to when he was in the middle of his own speech about remembering was great stuff and I like that there's a direction moving forward as despite her being rewritten, they both remembered Cass. I thought that was a nice touch and a fine way to send us into the next instalment of the Eighth Doctor's Time War adventures. Overall, not as strong as the first part but when combined it's still very much a stellar finale! 

Rating: 9/10

Cass: Previously, Next Time Part 1

"This was an uninhabited planet five minutes ago."

Writer: James Moran

Format: Audio

Released: January 2023

Series: The Eighth Doctor: The Time War 5.03a

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Alex, Cass

Synopsis

The Doctor, Cass and Alex land to find out what's causing temporal anomalies with the TARDIS, and come across an uninhabited planet, a mysterious factory, and a weapon so dangerous, it could destroy the Universe. But things go catastrophically wrong...

Verdict

Previously, Next Time started in sublime fashion with this superb opening half of the story! Two synopsises for the series finale means this gets the double blog treatment from me and it feels fitting given how things ended. It felt like this was almost too big of a cliffhanger to just be the halfway point in a story and to keep listening immediately. This hour or so was brilliant in exploring the broken timelines of the Time War and that's been a fantastic theme running through the Eighth Doctor Adventures set during the conflict. I'm a big fan of things and the Daleks getting involved is marvellous. They almost have to at some point when it comes to the Time War because they are after all who the Time Lords are fighting, and their plan here was incredibly audacious to say the least! I like how Cass knows all about the Daleks now from the TARDIS databanks and I just love the idea of her studying up and doing some revision on what she might come up against. It's certainly good companion material to plan ahead like that. I thought the way she sold the Daleks as well as a chilling threat was marvellous and not that it was needed but really showed just what the Daleks meant. And it wasn't good! The way things started with the Doctor, Alex and Cass basically exploding into existence on this uninhabited planet was intriguing and I'm continuing to enjoy playing around with the format of stories amidst the Time War setting. This range does it better than any other I would argue and it shows no signs of letting up. The planet blinking into actually being inhabited in a completely changed history and timeline was something and Cass explaining to the new locals who had an entire existence that was being questioned did sound ludicrous. The way she was putting her case forward that the planet's entire species didn't exist until she awoke again was almost hilarious in how baffling it sounded. Even she had to admit the story wasn't in her favour. The continued absence of Bliss going noticed by the Doctor was fascinating stuff and amidst numerous temporal anomalies and changing and deleted timelines, is there a version where she accompanied the Doctor, Alex and Cass here? I think that's fun to think about. It would certainly change the dynamic! The Daleks building a retcon bomb sounded impressive and the emphatic music that accompanied the Doctor revealing that name was marvellous in it being accompanied by Cass asking if they were supposed to understand what that meant. The concept behind it through the Battle TARDIS was incredible as they planned to basically hack reality. Putting the universe and time altogether in that way is almost incomprehensible to think about but it would be a place where the Daleks righted every wrong on an unimaginable scale. Would there even be anyone else left? The Doctor questioning what the point of the Daleks would be once the universe was conquered was powerful stuff and I was almost left baffled by a Dalek answering that the universe would then be beautiful. I did not know beauty would be in Dalek vocabulary! The bomb going off as the Doctor tried to implode the retcon was intriguing as it sent him and his companions back a year. No TARDIS and nearly no time before the Daleks rewrote everything and became victors of the universe. Some cliffhanger! Overall, an incredible first half of the story. If the second part is anywhere near as good we're onto a classic. 

Cass: Vespertine

"A man who should be dead in a ship that should be lost."

Writer: Lou Morgan

Format: Audio

Released: January 2023

Series: The Eighth Doctor: The Time War 5.02

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Alex, Cass

Synopsis

It's Cass's first trip in the TARDIS, and the Doctor is determined to make it one to remember. But when they arrive at a research base that shouldn't exist, built above a missing explorer's ship that should never have been found, it seems their visit's going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Because deep beneath the ice, there's more than just a long-lost ship waiting for them...

Verdict

Vespertine was an excellent story to continue my way through the Cass fifth series of Time War era Eighth Doctor Adventures! This firmly served as the first TARDIS trip for Cass which was great and I'm loving that she is getting established as a fully fledged companion. It's clear that she is going to befall the same fate as Bliss when it comes to the Time War and the Eighth Doctor forgetting her, which was played on very nicely here. Alex is very much in on what has been happening and he knows that from what he saw in Hudson Sage's past that the Doctor there was also in the past from the current point in which he is travelling. That is obviously troubling to the Doctor as he would like to know why his memory has been altered and why he forgot ever meeting Sage in the first place. I think this being the first destination for Cass was marvellous and really felt like doing a traditional companion piece despite the Time War setting which was impressive. She had grown up on the story of Hudson Sage as her bedtime ritual so the potential of meeting him here was incredible. He was a hero, so finding out that he might actually have just been a scavenger was obviously detrimental to everything she thought she knew. It changed everything and that must be very tough to come to terms with. But she didn't have much of a choice! I again felt like Alex was something of a backseat companion here and that's not much of a surprise given that Cass is brand new (chronologically speaking!). She fared well for her first trip though, especially with her connection to events. Her immediate recognition of the Vespertine name was marvellous and she couldn't believe that the ship had actually been found at all. It didn't seem to add up with history and the timeline, but that's part of the fun with this setting. Rin was an excellent character in the episode who went through an awful lot emotionally! Her familial connection to Hudson was unexpected in being his great granddaughter, and her actually inadvertently being responsible for killing him was shocking stuff. She was genuinely unaware he was still alive in his wrecked ship and was trying to free him for closure, but she ended up causing things to go massively wrong. The beacon actually being a temporal disruptor was no good and the whole concept of just Sage's part of the deck being time locked was fascinating. That's a very intriguing scale when it comes to the lock and the fact time and history around it underwent consistent change and ageing is really intriguing. The research base itself as a whole was a strong setting and it always felt to fit with the temporally wrong theme. The Doctor pondering on what had gone wrong in Hudson's past to alter timelines was good, but the realisation at the end that he might have been the only one that didn't happen to was fun stuff. He was time locked after all! Overall, a really fascinating adventure and a strong exploration of the Vespertine and Cass's background as a child to really give her depth. A fantastic continuation. 

Rating: 9/10

Cass: Meanwhile, Elsewhere

"And who do we find on this ship?"

Writer: Tim Foley

Format: Audio

Released: January 2023

Series: The Eighth Doctor: The Time War 5.01

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Alex, Cass

Synopsis

The Doctor and Alex arrive on a tropical beach where something's amiss.

Meanwhile, elsewhere... a desperate plot runs for his life.

Meanwhile, elsewhere... it's Cass Fermazzi's first day on an errand-class starship.

Meanwhile, elsewhere... it's the beginning of the end of everything.

Verdict

Meanwhile, Elsewhere was a strong start to the Cass fifth Time War series of Eighth Doctor Adventures! The Big Finish expansion of the Eighth Doctor's era never ceases to amaze me and I'm so glad that his ventures into the Time War are continued here. I remember being very intrigued and excited when this boxset was announced a couple of years ago because how could the Eighth Doctor possibly have adventures with Cass? It was clear in The Night of the Doctor that they never met prior to those events, but alas this is the Time War and time can be reshaped, warped or distorted all at once. Anything is possible and I think now getting a series with Cass is exciting and it's going to make that regeneration minisode all the more emotional knowing that there's a history between them both. I thought she made a strong impression here and it's great that this serves as her origin episode. It's important to have that, especially if she's to become an important character moving forward in the Time War. The continuation on from Restoration of the Daleks in the range is really intriguing in having the Doctor travelling with his great-grandson Alex, but he does kind of feel unimportant which is almost ridiculous to say. It's a fun quirk that Sonny McGann plays the role, but I can't say I was wholly enthused by the performance here. The moment where it seemed he might turn bad was good fun though and perhaps a tease of more to come later? Heironyma was a fascinating character and made all the more quirky by the fact she was played by Jaye Griffiths who will become Eighth Doctor companion Audacity not too long after this release. She has a distinctive voice so it was sometimes difficult to differentiate from the historical companion, but when her plan was revealed that definitely made things easier! The idea of utilising people's elsewhere and meanwhiles was really intriguing and the perfect kind of thing to play with in the playground that is the Time War. Time itself can be taken in so many directions and I really like that. Heironyma's insight and knowledge was quite scary at times as well which added to her mystique as she knew that Alex ought to be dead. She was also questioning the Doctor about his decision to take Cass on as a new companion because he felt something was missing. Her blissful line was almost cruel in harkening back to The Starship of Theseus and what we know from there about Bliss as a companion. It was excellent though! Talk about audacious. The use of two different versions of Alex from different points in his timeline was a little questionable but in the Time War I feel like there's more ground to get away with stuff like that. Alex and Cass taking it upon themselves to solve the problem that was Heironyma and sabotaging her scoop to the Garaban files was confident to say the least! The Doctor was quite surprised with their audacity and I wonder if that makes him respect them more despite the risk they took? I like his continued stance of not getting involved in the Time War, but with each boxset and episode that seems to become more and more difficult. And that's a really good way to build him up to the point we see on television for his regeneration. Overall, a very intriguing and strong way to start the series! 

Rating: 8/10

Empire of Shadows

"I am praying that Torchwood can help me."

Writer: James Goss

Format: Audio

Released: August 2021

Series: Torchwood Monthly 53

Featuring: Zachary 

Synopsis

In the far future of the Earth Empire, Torchwood is forgotten. So it's a surprise when Zachary Cross Flane of the Torchwood Archive finds himself summoned to the opening of the late Empress's Library. 

Her son believes that the conspiracy which deposed his mother is still active and that the key to it is hidden somewhere in the library. But does Zachary want to find it?

Verdict

Empire of Shadows was another excellent episode to continue my way through the Torchwood monthly range from Big Finish! This series really does go from strength to strength and this is such a fascinating setting. I remember when this was announced over four years ago now and being hugely excited by it. There's so much to potential explore in the far future and visiting the world of the Earth Empire is just fascinating. The mention of the Torchwood Archive in The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit has been expanded upon massively considering it was probably just a throwaway line to keep the Torchwood story arc going through Series 2. And yet we've had an entire story named after it and now we expand upon its significance here rather brilliantly. Given everything we've seen Torchwood go through, it's almost staggering to think that the organisation is still of significance this far into the future. But it's nothing if not resilient! I think it's really nice to know that Torchwood survives in some form and that also opens up the potential for so much more room in between to explore different iterations. I think Zachary Cross Flane made a big impact on screen in the aforementioned two-parter so he's a fine candidate to lead the episode. He really does have a big presence. His relationship and interactions with Chloe were intriguing and the dilemma she was facing as a non-organic were actually quite troubling. She was standing up for her rights which was great as a Synth in much similar fashion to minority races and genders are forced to stand up for themselves in society today. It was a strong parallel and the way she was addressed by the Emperor and even the Courtier was pretty disparaging. She was even told she didn't need to speak any longer once the introductions were completed. She was seen as lesser than, but then I guess I really shouldn't be too surprised with how the Ood were treated alongside Zachary. It almost becomes hypocritical with them being a slave race and it was almost a little insider joke with how many times the Ood were then referenced in the episode. Maybe they'll make an appearance in a future Torchwood story set during this era? I would love for that to be the case. I thought the mystery in the episode was a strong one and I really liked the Emperor being a little shifty. I must admit I didn't see the truth coming about the revelation surrounding his true identity, but it was a superb twist! The opening of the Empress's Library was good and everything was focused on the mysterious events that led to her death. The Emperor believed they were still unknown, but the plan that he was actually concocting was actually much more deliberate and contrived than that. I thought it was actually impressive that Zachary had worked it out himself just in time because of the slips of the Emperor. Suspecting the Emperor despite Torchwood's mission to protect him took guts, but the evidence was clear. The would-be Emperor was not the true son of the Empress he had replaced, but rather he murdered her and claimed to be her son to take the power. That's some impersonation! And he nearly got away with it. His desire to see what truth was held within the Torchwood Archive was good and it was a solid plan for sure, but I liked that Zachary was one step ahead of the game. Chloe resetting her memory despite her strong desire not to was a bit of a surprise, and I wonder if she really has or if she was acting? I hope the latter. Overall though, a brilliant story! A fantastic listen.

Rating: 9/10

The Face of Fear

"I refuse to be a monster!"

Writer: Rochana Patel

Format: Short Story

Released: October 2025

Printed in: The Adventures After 02

Featuring: Second Doctor, Jamie, Zoe

Synopsis

Discover what happened after...

A remarkable collection of new Doctor Who short stories that give a glimpse into the moments just after the Doctor saves the world, and the credits roll.

The Doctor has had many adventures, visited many planets and made a whole host of friends (and some enemies). 

But if you thought it was all over after the TARDIS doors closed, and the time ship dematerialised, onto the next adventure, you'd be very much mistaken.

From Earth's past, present and future, to the furthest reaches of the universe, here are eight tales that give us a glimpse into the worlds the Doctor left behind. Sometimes triumph, sometimes tragedy (and always chaos) these are stories you'll never forget.

Verdict

The Face of Fear was an excellent story to continue my way through The Adventures After collection of sequels! This was dubbed as a sequel to The Web of Fear, but that is basically a red herring in a rather tremendous way as it gets revealed to actually be a sequel to The Faceless Ones! I thought that was handled really well and I was certainly duped for the first half of proceedings. Starting seemingly where events with the Yeti and the London Underground left off in having the Doctor, Jamie and Victoria wandering on the tracks to find the TARDIS was good fun and seemed logical for an immediate sequel. It also tied in nicely with the UNIT dating controversy as that serial could feasibly take place at just about any point between the 1960s and 80s with all of the contradictions that have come since then! So with it seemingly being 1966 which admittedly did feel a little off, the Doctor and Jamie needing some shelter as they searched for their time and space machine they called home, who else would they call upon but Polly! That was hugely exciting as her departure always felt a little rushed given that she and Ben barely featured in the last half of their exit story. It also did feel weird that Ben wasn't mentioned alongside Polly, but I guess that was caveated by his surprise entrance later in the story at Polly's house with the Doctor and Jamie believing he would have been away on leave. That was certainly feasible. But I'm not sure the Ben Jackson we all knew would have just stopped and watched from upstairs as his old chums were chased by a pretty terrifying creature! I was loving the journey across the era of the Second Doctor and I thought with Victoria seemingly being the current companion that it was going to end there, but alas we really did stretch across the entire era as Zoe was revealed to be the woman behind everything! Sort of. That was really fun and really not something I saw coming which is always fun. That familiar attire being described before she was named was brilliant in planting the quick seed that sparked a smile as I read in bed in the early hours of the morning. It was glorious stuff. Everything turning out to be a Chameleon simulation was a really interesting concept and it was fun for the last Second Doctor TARDIS trio to have landed on their home world. It's a shame we didn't get more of a chance to explore that, but just being there at all and the description of how devastated and broken it was made for some quite spectacular imagery. Even the moons were battered. That was quite a bleak world to say the least. I like the idea of the Doctor and Jamie giving the Chameleons some personalities to present themselves on and old companions like Ben, Polly and Victoria were the prime candidates. They always did feel a tad off which was explained by them being Chameleons, and even the Doctor within the simulation needed reminding of the likes of The Wheel in Space and The Mind Robber to get reacquainted with Zoe, and when he was it was obvious there was nobody better to stay behind and keep an eye on things. The little ambiguity at the end regarding whether the Doctor, Jamie and Zoe were actually their own true article was fascinating and a fun teaser. Might they be Chameleons from this point forward? The TARDIS would seem to indicate no, but it's a cheeky little Easter egg. Overall, a tremendous read to continue the collection! 

Rating: 9/10

Merlin's Trap

"I really hate wizards."

Writer: Hannah Kennedy

Format: Audio

Released: October 2025

Series: Halloween 1.04

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor

Synopsis

When Lainey leads an expedition into the ancient Merlin's Cave System, the group is warned by Merlin's ghostly voice to explore no further. As Lainey and her team push deeper into the mysterious cave, they encounter things far beyond their comprehension, including Merlin himself.

Verdict

Merlin's Trap was a great episode to conclude the first Halloween series! I hope this isn't the last of the series as it's a really good concept and I love a boxset that jumps around numerous eras. This time we came to the time of the Twelfth Doctor which is magnificent as his era is probably one of the least expanded on at Big Finish at the moment. I do hope that one day we will get Peter Capaldi on board for his own series but other than a couple of Twelfth Doctor Chronicles and the odd Short Trip, this is an incarnation still waiting to burst into audio life. Whilst we (hopefully) await Capaldi to get on board, I thought Jon Culshaw did a stellar job in his impression of the Twelfth Doctor. It was uncanny and whilst it may have been aided by the episode essentially being a Doctor-lite one and a lot of his dialogue coming in a distorted fashion through the hologram, it felt incredibly authentic. That's always a big bonus, especially when concluding a boxset where we've already had the actual actors for the lead characters. That could have been a daunting prospect, but instead we got a really strong guest cast. I find the idea of Merlin a very intriguing one and whilst it's a shame we didn't get much at all of a reference to Battlefield other than the Doctor jokingly mentioning that he and Merlin were one and the same, but alas a long time has passed for the Doctor since that serial. I was a big fan of the setting and the whole concept of a cave system is fascinating to me. I recently read a few articles on people who got stuck in caves whilst exploring and that's such a horrifying prospect to me. The line about breathing in really resonated with me as some of the stories I've read of people getting stuck and either suffocating or just starving to death is brutal. What a way to go. I'm more than happy with just an open cave! Lainey was a strong personality and she kind of had to be to lead her expedition. She was blunt and to the point, even when it came to her girlfriend Flo. The pizza topping of ham and pineapple is just dreadful too by the way, but unfortunately they would never get to have it. I thought Lainey threatening Alice when she wanted out because of the warnings was a powerful moment as if she didn't come further in her role as the expedition's archaeologist, she would not be getting paid. I thought Ezra complimented the women well and added a slight sense of comic relief in what was otherwise a rather serious situation! The mysterious Stone Age drawings of the Eye were intriguing and it's a shame we didn't have visuals with this format! The Doctor having set prerecorded warnings was fun as it was always going to be enjoyable when he found out they had been repeatedly ignored. He wasn't exactly surprised though when they got so far that the TARDIS was having warning signals triggered. I thought the idea of the bronze statue teleporting was good and initially seemed like a disintegrator! Flo being the only one of the crew to survive was a pretty bleak conclusion and certainly tied in with the horror theme of the release. She was just hearing echoes of her girlfriend and friends, whilst what the Doctor had dubbed as Eyela was doing what it naturally did in defending itself with time. That's something that could have been elaborated on a little further, but it was an eery and somewhat beautiful concept. Overall, a very different kind of horror and one that worked really well with the contained cave setting. A lot of emotion! A great listen to finish the series.

Rating: 8/10

Bramble King

"A monster that eats traitors and liars."

Writer: Noga Flaishon

Format: Audio

Released: October 2025

Series: Halloween 1.03

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Audacity

Synopsis

The Doctor and Audacity encounter a strange vision which leads them to Walpurgis-9, a cargo ship drifting powerless through space. In their attempt to assist the ship's crew, they become entangled in their secrets and encounter the malevolent entity known as 'The Bramble King'. 

Verdict

Bramble King was a decent episode to continue my way through the Halloween series! This was certainly a different kind of tale and I think going down the folklore route is a solid option for a Halloween themed release. It ties in nicely with the essence of the day and its past. I think Audacity is a pretty solid choice of companion for that kind of adventure too, but I must say I'm finding her wholly average in the role which is a shame to say. I'm quite disappointed that we didn't get Charley alongside her and the Eighth Doctor here as she's one of the very best on audio where companions are concerned. But she wasn't interested in folklore so she got to stay behind which was actually a bit of a surprise. I don't remember her being afford that kind of freedom in the Monthly Adventures range and certainly not in the chronology of where Audacity is placed, but it's all part of the fun on expanding from what has come before. I thought the Walpurgis-9 cargo ship was a strong setting and it certainly felt eery. It didn't really fit the folklore kind of vibe though. A fairytale on a cargo ship? It didn't quite add up for me. I liked the interactions the Doctor and Audacity had with the ship's crew and the dilemma that Otto faced in whether to allow them on board because of their low levels of oxygen was great. I was expecting that to play a much bigger role in the episode by the end of the audio, but alas it seemed to be quietly forgotten. I thought Otto taking the role as the leader was good but he was also not the most likeable of characters. I think that was the intention though and I couldn't exactly blame him for putting certain interests first. He obviously knew a whole lot more than he was letting on for much of the episode with everything that came out about his son. The mythology behind the titular Bramble King was fascinating and I think there's definitely a solid creepy factor in the use of brambles moving towards you. I wouldn't fancy being chased by them! Reinka was a really lovely character and I liked how she befriended Audacity quite early on. The companion was clever in trying to work her way around the mind block that prevented her from talking about the truth about the Bramble King and the links with Otto. I thought it was all slightly too much or maybe overkill that the boy was all of the cargo, Otto's son, and the Bramble King! That's an awful lot of baggage for one boy. Gretchen was a goo character to compliment Otto and she was also showcasing the emotion behind the truth of the fairytale and the ship. Otto was finally convinced by the Doctor about what was needed to be done and he went one step further in sacrificing himself to ensure that all was paid off. I thought that was certainly emotional and brought out a different side in the somewhat ruffian demeanour of Otto, but children will do that to you. I certainly know that from experience! The sacrifice was made and the boy was saved and the Bramble King was no longer a mythological threat. It was controlled and that rounded things out pretty nicely to be honest. Overall, another solid episode to continue the set and I'm liking the variety and feel despite the overlapping theme. A good continuation! 

Rating: 7/10

Party Favours

"We are so happy to finally feast."

Writer: Georgia Cook

Format: Audio

Released: October 2025

Series: Halloween 1.01

Featuring: Kate, Osgood

Synopsis 

All Bev wants to do is host her yearly Halloween party and heal her fractured relationship with her girlfriend, Annika. Unfortunately, her reclusive upstairs neighbours have been invited to the festivities, and all they want to do is feast.

Verdict

Party Favours was an excellent audio to continue my way through the first Halloween boxset! I was very excited by the prospect of a Kate and Osgood story as it feels like a long time now since I delved in the modern UNIT audio series so hearing that familiar opening theme felt like a real treat. I love the pairing and just the dynamic of UNIT at this time is great. Osgood is a sublime character who can manage to fit in just about anywhere and that was the situation here with the Halloweeen party. It was an easy way in to investigate the spikes that they were tracking and the prospect of Kate showing up in fancy dress was very amusing. She obviously was never going to and made it a condition of her attending with Osgood, but just for a second that image was very fun. I had no idea that the Weeping Angels would be returning in this episode so that was a real treat! I thought this very much had vibes of The Angels Take Manhattan with the way the entire building was being used as a nest, and it also just feels right that UNIT would get a Weeping Angel story. The contained setting of the flat was really impressive in adding to the atmosphere which very much suited the Halloween theme. It was certainly chilling and that's exactly what you want. I think the story being set at a Halloween party also helps in capturing the series' ambition, but it went further which was a delight. I thought UNIT being a tad behind on things when it came to how far along the Weeping Angel nesting was worked well and added some urgency to the situation to say the least. The Angels were ready to feast, and they had started long ago. I thought the horror that came from the revelations surrounding Alice and Tim was extraordinary as we discovered they had been dead all along. They were already part of the building's foundations and that was pretty terrifying. The realisation for Bev and Annika that they had been talking to their friends who were actually dead was quite something! The pair of Bev and Annika were superb and they were really likeable together. They were a couple that felt distant and there was always something between them which was a little sad as it was clear they really did care for one another. You don't get that angry about something at someone if you don't! Bev claiming that they didn't actually love each other because of their arguing that had been ensuing for months had an air of the Seventh Doctor about it in that I didn't really believe her, but Annika did which was everything I needed. She was pretty distraught so it was a nice moment towards the end where they could kiss and make up. Literally. They belonged together and needed to make more time for each other instead of being consumed by their very different employment roles. That love and connection actually proving too powerful for the Weeping Angels to handle was very good as the resolution and I like the ambiguity of the building going on to potentially become anything, anywhere. The Angels weren't entirely defeated, but they were certainly setback. I did think the jumping around in time could have been done with slightly more finesse, but overall this was a magnificent audio to continue the series! A fantastic returning monster, a great use of the Halloween setting, and a very enjoyable hour! A great listen.

Rating: 9/10

Sea Smoke

"We've got to have faith."

Writer: Jonathan Simms

Format: Audio

Released: October 2025

Series: Halloween 1.01

Featuring: First Doctor, Dodo

Synopsis

The First Doctor and Dodo arrive on the Scottish isle of Ulfsay during the height of the 19th-century boom in kelp burning. They quickly realise something is wrong as the smoke from the latest batch of 'kelp' begins to cause horrific transformations on the island.

Verdict

Sea Smoke was a very good start to the bonus Halloween boxset! I am writing this blog on release day ahead of Halloween and I'm surprised to find that the CD version of the series has already sold out. I'm lucky enough to have a copy but that clearly means it's a popular release. I thought there would be more of a Halloween feel for the opening episode but it was certainly eery so I can understand the vibe that is being targeted with these stories. I'm a big fan of a jumble of eras in one boxset because it provides variety and this is a welcomed addition to the ever expanding adventures of the First Doctor and Dodo. I'm very much at home with Stephen Noonan and Lauren Cornelius in their recast roles and whilst I still think the former's impression leaves something to be desired, I think of it as its own sort of era now which works in my head. I think it's good to bring out some character in Dodo which perhaps didn't happen on screen and this was another good example. She had compassion and was also impacted by the events at the heart of the story. I liked the 1790s setting and the burning of kelp sounds so mundane but in the Whoniverse it can become something much more interesting. With the Doctor seemingly having knowledge of what was actually being burned, I was half expecting something a bit more interesting than the previously unknown Selmantian. They were a fine concept in themselves but I would prefer that when the Doctor has a niggling memory of something that is something or someone we have met before. It just doesn't carry any kind of the same weight when it's an occurrence from an unseen or unheard adventure, especially in expanded media! I like the theme of faith in the episode with the historical setting despite being an atheist, but it has shaped so much of our history it's almost impossible to do a story set in the past without touching upon it! Reverend Drummond was a strong character and the way the Selmantian had linked with him because of how strong his faith was and his desire for salvation was really well done. It was a good use of taking advantage of something and placing itself as what the reverend desired. At one point, I thought this was going to turn into a prequel to Fury From the Deep with the use of seaweed and when we got a scream I thought I'd nailed it. Alas, it wasn't to be but it was a fun thought in my mind for quite a few minutes. I thought Flora was a really nice character and I loved her sense of adventure. She didn't think the idea of Dodo travelling and being a trader was strange despite her gender and the time as she too wished to travel. I loved that she was bold and asked if she could travel with Dodo and the Doctor once everything was said and done, and the companion was more than keen to have someone else alongside her. It was expected that she wouldn't be sticking around given the state of things after Drummond perished. His death breaking the link with the Selmantian and sending that packing was good and certainly a feeling of finality at the conclusion which is good in my book! Overall, a good historical that could have leaned more into the spooky Halloween theme, but a strong start to the series. 

Rating: 8/10

Madam, I'm

"Torchwood is better with Adam as our leader."

Writer: James Goss

Format: Audio

Released: July 2021

Series: Torchwood Monthly 52

Featuring: Norton, Lizbeth

Synopsis

Torchwood, Soho, the 1950s. Disgraced agent Norton Folgate has a new boyfriend, the very lovely Adam. Brilliant scientist Lizbeth Hayhoe meets a charming stranger on the underground, the very lovely Adam. Very soon, Torchwood has a new leader – the very lovely Adam.

With people losing their lives and their souls, Lizbeth and Norton must work out what's happening to Torchwood. And why is Torchwood preparing to go to war?

Verdict

Madam, I'm was an outstanding episode to continue my way through the monthly Torchwood range! This was a stellar hour of audio drama and served as a brilliant return for Adam. The way this story basically sets up Adam from the second televised series was excellent and whilst this basically was that episode done in the 1950s with Torchwood Soho, it didn't feel repetitive in the slightest. It was just fantastic and part of the charm was getting a returning villain, even if it is (presumably) set before his on screen appearance. I have that assumption given the line at the end with the remains being sent to Torchwood Cardiff. It makes sense! I think the use of Adam is tremendous and I love how quickly he is able to exert control and establish himself in numerous positions. The way he inserted himself into both the personal and working lives of Norton and Lizbeth was audacious but incredibly impressive. Surely you'd go by a different name though? That was the one thing that seemed a little off but it was confident of him to go that route! I thought the emotional pull he had on Lizbeth in inserting himself as her nephew who was thought dead was downright cruel and that's part of the charm. It's almost Master like and that's a huge compliment. It was just mean and you could hear the mental torment she was undergoing. The line that she continued to come to the opera despite it making her cry because he liked it was packing a lot of weight. The same went for Norton because Adam was being incredibly open about their relationship and both of their sexualities. Adam seemed to be bisexual which as an alien wasn't exactly a surprise as he was not against women joining in with them if they were caught, but this was a rare time we see Norton being vulnerable. I liked that because he's usually so brash and confident. It just shows how terrible society was for anyone not confirming to the traditional and outdated views on gender and sexuality. Norton should have been able to embrace who he was and Adam was keen on showcasing that. A suggestion of a simple showcase of them holding hands at the dinner table nearly had Norton whimpering! Adam then inserting himself as the new Head of Torchwood was very good, especially with that being a position desired by Norton himself! And yet here was the new man in charge and he was very keen on making Torchwood productive. Literally. They were now building weapons as Adam was readying the organisation for a war against the approaching Kernaz! That was fun stuff and just the idea of Torchwood becoming a weapons factory was tremendous. If anyone could do it! I thought the way Lizbeth and Norton were giving themselves psychic triggers with the magazine orders was really clever and it was lovely that they were helping each other to help themselves. They confided in each other which I liked and really made them a strong partnership. The confusion of nobody at Torchwood knowing the date was excellent as well as that is something so basic, yet everyone had a completely different idea. I thought the Kernaz coming for Adam and him alone was good and kind of expected, and from their arrival being timed with Norton and Lizbeth leading the revolution, he was set aside pretty swiftly. The Kernaz were not interested in anything else on Earth. They destroyed Adam and their work was done! Overall, a magnificent audio adventure! A superb return and a sublime visit to Soho. 

Rating: 10/10