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 | Three stories that proove a point.... |
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| What: | Myths and Legends (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Monday 1 November 2010 |
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| Rating: |  10 |
These three stories within this boxset are always known as three of the dud stories of the Doctor Who cannon. I find it difficult to see what is so bad about all of these tales to be quite honest.
I loved the Time Monster from the very first time I saw it. It is a story that has it all: time experiments going awry, the Master is back again, and Roger gives one of his best performances here, theres Ingrid Pitt as Queen Galeia, and then theres the excelllent looking Minotaur played by Dave Prowse (where have i heard that name before?) and just to top it all off it has a buzz bomb and some excellent cliffhangers. Also the Doctor recalling his memories of the hermit on the mountain is quite a beutifully acted scene, Jon's delivery is perfect. And then if you need anything else just watch the oh so funny John Levene in a nappy at the end of the tale, which in my book rates as one of the funniest endings of a Who tale ever. The acting from all involved in this tale is excellent, and this to me doesnt seem like a six part tale. And Kronos is a brilliant design, original and wonderfully directed. And the fact that Kronos is uncontrollable is a neat little twist at the end, and that Kronos is actually not totally all bad. And what with the memorable time ram scenes and all that, then what is not to like about this brilliant tale?
Underworld is a tale that I have always liked too. I think that actually the CSO caves look highly effective. And from what Ive seen theres actually very little scenes where you can see the actors going through the wall. The characters all act very believably too, as a tired race searching for their race bank for millennia. And I like the passiified Leela for that short time, Louise's smile is quite something. The only slight quibble which isnt too bad when watched on the DVD is that at times its hard to make out what the mad Oracle is saying. But the voice itself is wonderfully done, and is one of the better computer voices within Doctor Who in my opinion. And Tom Baker is on excellent form throughout the story too. This must have been a hard tale to act in, as nearly all the scenes are shot against CSO backdrop. Give credit to all the guys then, this tale is riveting to say the least. Too short in all. More tales like this would have been nice from the BBC. A tale that relies far more on character than action. A really intelligent piece.
The Horns of Nimon is extremely likeable too. The Nimon have a brilliant resonating voice and Graham Crowden is wonderfully OTT as Soldeed. He's a right flaming theatrical jerk all the way through the story. Lalla Ward shines in a tale that really is more of a Romana story, but Tom never just fades into the background. Its just great to see a companion used so well within the story for once. And I just love the characters of Seth and Teka. Janet Ellis is a bit like Nina Thomas, in the fact that she plays a scared youngster so brilliantly. And that the Nimon's whole base should be part of a circuit is a highly original idea. This is a brilliant take on the Minotaur tale. And its paced very well indeed. The plot too is not overcomplicated, and is so easy to follow. I do not agree with a lot of people who say that the Graham Williams period of Doctor Who started its overall downfall. He produced some of the best tales in the history of Doctor Who. This trilogy set of Myths and Legends is brilliant all the way through. These three are more nearer some of the best Doctor Who's, rather than the worst....
| What: | Echoes of Grey (The Companion Chronicles audiobooks) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Friday 29 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
i always really loved the Patrick Troughton time of Doctor Who. I cant put my finger on exactly what was so brilliant about this period, but it was oh so special. The stories were just so consistently good, with very few let downs amoungst the brilliance. Perhaps it was his clownish approach to the role of the Doctor, perhaps it was the fact he had some of the best companions, perhaps it was down to the best villians to ever grace the TV screen. Well, whatever it was, lets just say that with Echoes of Grey, John Dorney captures it all so well and yet also gives something new to the mix of the era too.
The Acromatics are at once a sad, and yet also highly believable set of "aliens". The best intentions that go wrong yet again, as with humanity they always seem to every day. But the thing is that they are not truly evil, they just fulfill the purpose they were created for. This adds to the impact of the play. And the sound score on this play here is excellent, haunting and vibrant, it fits the story perfectly. And that the Doctor should realise that even though he has to end the scheme and destroy the Acromatics, he can see the good points to their creation.
Wendy Padbury does a brilliant job here. Her first story in the Chronicles series was far more traditional, and here there is a lot more to the story than just traditional plot threads. Echoes of Grey has a lot that is fresh and imaginative about it. It is one of the very best companion chronicles Ive heard so far. It is just sad that the second Doctor didnt have this story all those years ago when Pat was still alive, but one cant have it all at once. And at least we have it now!
I could guess that Ali was not who she made out herself to be, but this little thing doesnt mar the overall impact of the story. And I love the conclusion to this tale. Wendy breathes such life into her character again, and reminds us why Zoe Herriot was such a brilliant companion. This story comes highly recommended.....
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| Excellent whims and ways... |
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| What: | The Reign of Terror (TV episode audio soundtracks) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Tuesday 26 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
The first thing i like about this story is that it boasts an excellent cliffhanger to episode one, of the best of the first season of Doctor Who, with the Doctor unconscious as fire engulfs the farmhouse.
The second cliffhanger too isnt bad, and one can note real horror in Ian's face as he sees Barbara and Susan being carted off to the guillotine. These scenes are quite heady and forthright and dont mess about with the true sickness of that method of execution.
And the comic element brought to the character of the Doctor is believable and warm. Him hitting that bloke over the head is brilliant. He is always with the underdog, and never has any quarms of knocking the occasional idiot out.
The scene where Barbara tells Ian to read his history books too before openly judging a person is a real good script point. Wish more people would do this sort of thing nowadays rather than blowing each other away. Doctor Who always does have a lot of good and insightful things to set about history and the present.
This tale begins strongly, with the Doctor ranting at Ian for nothing at all from the previous story. That he should be saved from the barn by the little boy he had earlier talked to is great, and wakes him up to the fact that they arent all that bad actually. This historical story is really strong for a whole host of reasons. The acting is strong, the themes are goos, and the sets are highly credible. This is another excellent historical tale...
| What: | Circular Time (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Tuesday 26 October 2010 |
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| Rating: |  9 |
Spring is the weakest of the pack. But even this is very easy to follow and listen to. The tale is just nicely paced and unravels with a speed that is acceptable. The characters are well brought to life by all those involved. The bird people are a very believable race. The moral tone to this tale too is hard to miss. It may not be totally original, but it is fun and a good start to the four short tales here. Tales of the Unexpected to the fore again here.
Summer boasts a great performance from David Warner as Isaac Newton. He captures the mentality of this very well known historical figure and makes it his own from the word go. He kept me gripped all along the way with his delivery of every line. Its sad he's only in one episode of these four. And again the plot of this episode is so easy to follow and isnt overburdened by padding either which is great.
Autumn is the best. A bit of a love tale for Nyssa. This is touching and totally relaxed. A neat little slice of story. And the cricket isnt boring in the slightest. I love the game. And again here the plot is just so easy and clear. Sarah Sutton seems to relish her chance to shine here. She's so very good here. The ending of the episode is really sad though. I was upset that Myssa felt she had to leave Andrew in the end. But as she left in Terminus then that couldnt ever happen I suppose.
Winter is slightly more brainy than the other three episodes. Built around a trap set by the Doctor as he nears the end of his fifth life. Nyssa is well brought into the tale. Winter is also sad, as the Doctor has to let go of all the characters who are now present within his dream. These four little tales are excellently done. They are not brain freeing, they are just charming and rather victorian in feel. What more could a Whovian ask for?! Sheer and utter brilliance.
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| I love this one to pieces.... |
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| What: | Other Lives (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Tuesday 26 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
Other Lives is in the vein of Arrangements for War and Catch 1782. In the fact that it is more character based than action packed. But I have to admit that Gary Hopkins has created here a story that is really nice to listen to. And it is a break from the heavier sci fi tales around it.
The characters here are so well rounded and lovely. This has the feel of a Charles Dickens tale. And all the main three cast get a good slice of action. I love the fact also that this story isnt totally rushed. It just plods on at a nice and warm pace. The plot threads for all three of the TARDIS crew are nothing to do with each other either for the most of the story, which is interesting and different.
Ron Moody too appears here! Probably no wonder its like a Charles Dickens then! Although theres no singing here, thank goodness! You could imagine sitting down in front of the fire with a cup of tea and just falling asleep to this story.
C'rizz's predicament is believable and strong here too. And Paul's main line of story is excellent what with the woman who thinks he's her husband. And Charley is wonderfully played again by India. All of them seem to be glad with this tale, its so easy to follow, and is roundly satisfying. And a nice ending too for once. One would wish for more stories like these please...
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| For once I agree with the main... |
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| What: | Scaredy Cat (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Tuesday 26 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 2 |
Yes, for once the other reviewers are totally right about this story. It is not highly original, or even well paced, which is bad for a story thats hardly over an hour. And for once sadly, not Even Paul McGann can save this one. The characters are all bland and boring. The plot is weak and irrelevant, and doesnt really make a whole lot of sense to me. And with those woeful ape blokes all over the place. This is one of the few Big Finish tales that really is very bad indeed. I cant even think of anything that is memorable about this tale apart from after Will Shindlers first audio for Big finish, this is a massive let down. One doesnt know why this story was done. Gladly, this isnt often repeated to such bad effect from this point on with Big Finish, sigh of relief....
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| An excellent bit of difference.... |
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| What: | Unregenerate! (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Tuesday 26 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
One could never accuse the televised period of Sylv as being predictable. That was always one of the best things about his time on the show, there wasnt a weak show in his run as the Doctor. Because they all had so many different and new elements pumped into the scripts to make them all at once brilliant and beefy and suitably original. And both his companions were two of the best of the series. Sylv in audio too has been given some of the best audio stories ever too. And here is another one.
Unregenerate has it all, except the monsters. This is more of a character study in the vein of Arrangements for War and Catch 1782. And like these two tales, this story delivers big time. Sylvester for a start is brilliant as the disturbed Doctor. And the fact that this a time lord tale is surprising too. The ending to part three was totally unexpected and welcome. The story is well paced too, and its nice to hear Jennie Linden again after so long.
Actually all the episode endings here are believable and very well done indeed. This should have been thought of a lot sooner and should have been on the screen. David A Mcintee always has been a very good Doctor Who writer. Sad that this has been his only foray into Big Finish's main Who range so far. You should come back David, youre stories are classy!
I like it that Bonnie is again well portrayed and gets more to do, and she actually does something with a computer too along the way, which is good as she is a computer programmer after all. She was always a brilliant companion on screen, and she is again here. Carry on Bonnie!
Big Finish overall are so much more consistent and brilliant than the BBC with the new series of Doctor Who. They still stay true to the feel of the old series, whilst bringing original elemnts all the time along the way. I would like to see far more stories like this please. These kinds of stories just remind me of why Who is such a strong series. Its always surprising me, which is pleasing.
Unregenerate is brilliant!!
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| Not as bad as all that... |
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| What: | The Creed of the Kromon (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Tuesday 26 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 6 |
The Paul McGann era on big finish audio, up until Terror Firma, possibly yes was a very weak story block overall. Only a few tales from this time actually would I call brilliant, such as The Chimes of Midnight, The Last, and Sword of Orion. Here is a tale that isnt too bad, but is let down by a seriously mixed up ending.
What begins with an excellent sequence of the Kroka taunting the Doc and Charley soon begins to dissolve into a very run of the mill story, especially at the climax. One cant see how this ending didnt get changed. Usually Phil's scripts are excellent, but after a fine first ten minutes it all goes stale very quickly. The Kromon may be an OK monster for audio, the voices well realised. And the scene of C'rizz killing his love is sad, but aside from this this is still a bit of a letdown....
Only Paul McGann really saves this one. He always has been a good doctor, its just sad that up til a certain point his story arc was overall the worst produced by big finish. Gladly, it improves a lot onward from The Next Life....
| What: | The Magic Mousetrap (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Sunday 24 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
A stagey one! A stage play thats as gripping as An Inspector Calls or any such memorable stage plays over the years.
I love theatrical stories. One can easily imagine this story being put on the stage anywhere in the country. And it should be a sellout if they ever do.
The return of the Toymaker to the main range of audio adventures is handled very well indeed. After his brilliant Year of the Pig, Matt Sweet is back with yet another character piece. The games scenarios are all rather creepy and imaginative. This could have easily been too similar to The Celestial Toymaker, but it isnt and its an excellent sequel (as IS The Nightmare Fair) to that brilliant original outting.
Sylvester McCoy's Doc may once again have amnesia, but here its more believable because the story is told at pace and is menacing and effective. That the Toymaker here is little more than a creepy talking doll is a great piece of stuff.
And Sophie is better at voice hiding than Phil, the poor bloke. He is good, but not a patch on that stalwart brilliant companion Ace. I love Sophie, her character ooes brilliance. She was and still is one of the classiest companions ever. She beats Billie and Karen into a copped hat at any rate.
I wish that these guys at big finish though would stop doing these trilogies though. Having connecting themes for so long is beginning to get a little stupid and strenuous now. Get back to the Doc just flying anywhere. Give it its due though, this trilogy of stories is far more loose than all the others, which is a very good thing. One wants just a story to go into another. One wants a different Doctor story every month. One wants a little more of the feel of the classic series again.
But dont get me wrong, The Magic Mousetrap is imaginative and never less than highly entertaining.
| What: | Survival of the Fittest (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Sunday 24 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 9 |
What I really like here about Jonathan Clement's tale is the charecterisation of the insect race. Its not just a bland space hopper like the wirrn or an out and out killer like the krynoid. No, this is a far more likeable race, with a lot of background given to them within the three episode tale. I really like the voices too, very insect like and very cool.
The human characters too are all very well and believably characterised along the way. This is set on a planet in the future, and man's still as moronic and lacking morals which is no surprise and is always a good plot element that I like a lot. The fact that this story is but three episodes helps a lot, this could have been a bit long winded otherwise.
The one thing that mars this tale is the sloppy device by which Klein knicks the TARDIS. Man, after what he knows about her, youd think the Doctor wouldnt even keep the key on him if there was a chance of her getting hold of it. Him dropping it is bordering on just a little bit stupid for me, sadly bringing the tale just a little bit. Because apart from that little niggle, this story is an excellent one.
Johann Schmidt segment with Paul McGann is brilliant here. It gives us a believable back story to Klein, that oh so good character. Tracey Childs is excellent as the Nazi. This is a nice little tales of the unexpected style segment that is highly enjoyable.
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| You MUST listen to this masterpiece! |
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| What: | A Death in the Family (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | PJ Johnson, Hoddesdon, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Saturday 23 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
Wow.
Just... wow.
A Death in the Family is without a doubt one of the cleverest, most enjoyable stories Big Finish have ever produced.
The returning Word Lord is wonderfully played by Ian Reddington, who would have easily stolen the show if it weren't for the equally stunning performances of Sylvester McCoy, Maggie Stables, Philip Olivier and particularly Sophie Aldred, who clearly relishes the emotional depth of the script and turns in the performance of her life.
The structure of the play is intriguing, essentially separating our heroes and really giving each character a chance to shine, before the twisting, turning narrative draws them all together again for the ingenious, dramatic and poignant final episode.
I honestly cannot fault this story. Not only does it work as an incredibly satisfying piece of science fiction in its own right, but it also finally resolves the Cassie/Evelyn/Hex storyline which has been hanging over the Sixth and Seventh Doctor adventures for almost ten years - talk about a slow burner of a story arc! I was really worried that when they did finally tie up all the loose ends I would be disappointed, but thankfully I couldn't have been more wrong.
Oh, and if you survive the final scenes without shedding a tear, you are certainly more of a man than I!
More of the same please, Mr Briggs, and many more scripts from Steven Hall while you're at it!
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| Laugh, cry, edge of your seat - the best |
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Death in the family has to be one of the best stories for a long time. The word master is perhaps one of the most crazy, fun and clear monsters for a long time.
I dont want to give too much away but have already listened to this three times. One of my all time best from big finish.
Cradle brings back perhaps one of the most original foes of the doctor. Playing on the same weeknesses of mankind at previous TV stories, but with a great and enjoyable twist.
I was pleased to see the companions remain and hope to see a lot more from the old gang with big finish.
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| Incite into Rory's character |
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| What: | The Glamour Chase (BBC New Series Adventures novels) |
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| By: | Sara, New Hampshire, USA |
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| Date: | Wednesday 20 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 9 |
As I have come to expect from Gary Russell, the Glamor Chase is a well written Doctor Who book.
This book seems to focus a lot on Rory's character, helping us understand who he is and his relationship with Amy.
Overall, the dialog and action are good, and the plot has a few twists to keep it fun.
| What: | Demon Quest: The Relics Of Time (Nest Cottage audio dramas) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Wednesday 20 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
Tom Baker again sinks back into the role that made him famous. All teeth and curls and as good as ever. After the success of Hornet's Nest a year ago here he is back again in Demon Quest. And to be honest, judging from this first outting, I think this is going to be even better than that first run of 5 audio stories.
Susan Jameson is back on form too, breathing new life into Mrs Wibbsey. She seems to be becoming far more likeable than the irisacble old woman she seemed to be in Hornet's Nest. Im starting to get into her character more and more.
The small supporting cast are all good too. And again this story starts the ball rolling with questions that still need to be answered. yes, this leaves you wanting to come back for more. And what is also good is that Mike's small cameo call to the Doc in turn saves the day here, which is a nice piece of scripting and great storytelling. This first segment of Demon Quest is whetting my appetite nicely. Im looking forward to seeing what is to come very soon.
I love the inclusion of the elephant. The fact that an elephant might be a traveller with the Doctor is a funny and original aspect. It should be amusing to see what comes of this lovely elephant in the rest of the series. What I like more here too is theres more talk from all the other characters too. The first segment of Hornet's seemed to be mostly just a Tom highlighter, which wasnt bad but it lacked the amount of score and pace that is present in this tale.
I am really so glad that Tom has come back as the Doctor. All his characteristic vices and isms are here presented boldly and to the fore. It still hardly seems like he's been away. And above all else this does manage to conjure up the feel of the seventies Tom Baker period of Doctor Who. Its full of nostalgia. Its full of Paul Magrs usual brilliant writing.
Point of Entry, set in 16th Century London, really isn't such great stuff. So far, if there's any one of these Sixth Doctor lost stories to miss, this is the one. It's not that it's that bad, or has something really stupid in it, but there are two issues here. One is that a lot of it is rather dull, and the other is that there's some really nasty stuff here, including a poor tongueless "criminal" who's been horrifically tortured and is later done in as a human sacrifice (non-graphically, at least), blood-fed "spirits," and the like. Pretty unpleasant stuff. Other features include frequent Spanish accents and a faintly grim trip to the astral plane.
It turns out that there was really very little existing story material before the adaptation and writing by Marc Platt began. Without remembering who the writer was, I did note a bit of similarity to Ghostlight as I was listening, as there were parts that were a little difficult to follow in a way similar to the way it was in Ghostlight, and also some similar grimness.
With apologies to Nicola Bryant, who is a good actress when give a good opportunity, I've gotta say that the "Season 22b Peri" is really starting to get irritating. Here her parts in the script leave quite a bit to be desired. It occurred to me that I actually would've liked to have seen these stories split up a bit, with some featuring Peri and others featuring Mel. (I never thought I'd be wishing to have Mel in a story...)
Point of Entry is a low point of this "lost season."
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| I love the Sarah Jane Adventures! |
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I love the Sarah Jane Adventures! Ive just seen the first story of the fourth series and its brilliant. I have high hopes for the fourth series as all the previous seasons have been excellent. A lot better than a sieable amount of the new Doctor Who stories if you ask me.
The Second series is almost faultless. The series begins excellently with The Last Sontaran. Its sad to see Maria go. A really nice character she was. And to see a sontaran beaten by half forms and a female is brilliant. The shoe in the neck was one of the best scenes of this series. This a clever, witty and amusing debut to the series.
The Day of the Clown takes the series into the totally serious vein here. The Day of the Clown is definitely creepy. The story too is very well written and Elizabeth is really good here as the tormented mother of Luke who Odd Bob steals away.
Secrets of the Stars has many good moments. But the universe wasnt brought about by a big bang. The acting is again good and assured, and the fact that Luke has no birthday, thus defeating potentially one of the most dangerous creatures ever, is very well utilised to bring about the downfall of the ancient power. This is the only slight flaw in the whole of the second series.
The Mark of the Berserker is a brilliant tale. All about Clyde and his background. Sarah Jane isnt in it a lot. But its not a bad thing as it gives the teens a chance to glow. And they all do here. This is a brilliant first tale from Joseph Lidster. He's a very very good writer indeed.
The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith is excellent. Its seeing the return of that ugly trickster. Hes such a freaky looking thing. And here the story is emotionallly charged, rather like Father's Day in the Doctor Who series. But Liz Sladen's tale is better in the fact that her character is never annoying as Billie Piper's Rose was far too often. That her parents should die at the end is so sad. This is pretty mature stuff for CBBC. Its great.
The finale. Well, The BRIG IS BACK! Yeah!!! Nicholas Courtney was always brilliant back in his time on the classic series of Doctor Who. And though his aging is very apparent, he still manages to bring back his character so very well indeed. And add to that the return of Sam Bond as Wormword and we have a brilliant finale that rounds off the second series very well indeed. I really like the Sarah Jane Adventures. Its a great series. The Nightmare Man has begun the fourth series, and from the look of just that story, it seems Sarah is set just to fly higher and higher and higher....
| What: | Series 5: Volume 2 (BBC new series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Saturday 16 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 8 |
The Weeping Angels are one of the best new monsters on Doctor Who. This second outing for the statues is on the whole highly entertaining and gripping. Were it not for the woefully over the top climax of Amy jumping on the poor Doc and trying to eat him. And Steven Moffat has broken the rules here. Never, repeat never, should the Doctor swear! Heroes dont swear!!! For goodness sake man, I hope you never falter like this again. Its such a shame mate. For the rest of the story is highly engrossing. the new stuff we learn about the weeping angels is fascinating. And even so, theres still something mysterious about them even after all this. And their use is very well done, suitably different from Blink and still just as frightening. Pity Steven deciced to include those two disastrous pieces in the second part. up til those two I was thinking this was one of the best stories of Doctor Who ever. But sadly, no. The ending is moronic in the extreme. But at least its explained in the next tale, I suppose....
The Vampires of Venice is the opposte of the above story. In the fact that it starts so so lamely but then rises to a far better ending than a lot of the new series stories. The annoying scene is the Doc saying to Amy's boy that shes a great kisser. Sorry, this is totally not the Doctor Ive come to know. Totally out of character. But at least this soon leads into a good tale, where the Doc actually brings Rorry along to get Amy off his case. Really cool idea. For one moment I though Amy was going to become as annoying as Rose. Happily, this is not the case. The Vampires themselves are excellent. Those girls grouped around the Doc has to be one of the best scenes of the new series. Rory's dippiness too is brilliant. I really like Arthur Darvill's portrayal of Rory. He's better than Karen most of the time. Nothing against Karen though. Shes brilliant enough. Just a little sad that a few weaknesses mar these episodes somewhat. But not as much as some of the earlier stories, by any means....
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| One: Great Two and three: One flaw... |
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| What: | Series 5: Volume 3 (BBC new series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Saturday 16 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 9 |
Amy's Choice is wonderfully different. It also carries almost the same amount of punch as Turn Left. The Dream Lord is a creepy invention, menace dripping in every scene. And that pregnancy should be at last dwelled upon in a who script is good. The Doctor's reaction to Amy's belly is quite believable. Simon Nye done a good job here. And those old people with those eyes sprouting from their mouths....gross to say the least. Dreams again, as used in Kinda and Snakedance to brilliant effect, and again very well relised. The story rips along and doesnt feel like 45 minutes at all. This is a very strong episode. The ending again is well thought out and again original. One of my favourite stories so far of the new series. Well done Simon.
The Hungry Earth/ Cold Blood holds one huge flaw. Well two actually. The first is that for me these silurians here are not a patch on the original. And no matter what the bbc team say here they still look like people in costumes. Even more so now than ever with their more human tones. And what felony! No third eye!!! This was very much a let down for me. The original silurians were far better. The second flaw is this is just a blatant retelling of the Silurians and the Sea Devils. Even some of the lines bare very uncanny resemblance to these two prior stories. These two flaws should see my mark right down for this story, but somehow...despite these two things, I still like this story rather a lot. The drama is there, the acting is there, the dire peril is there too. Firstly theres the dilemma with the captured silurian who is finally killed. This comes across well on screen. I dont know why I like it, but I do. Maybe its Matt Smith's leading. Maybe its Arthur Darvill. I dont know, i just still like this story a lot. I know Im weird. Thats me to the tee. And then theres the final scene of Rory suddenly dying, unexpected and hard hitting. A real surprise ending. So, this may well be just a rip off from the past with no so good silurians, but I still cant help but really like this new story....
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| I just love Catherine.... |
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| What: | The Complete Fourth Series (BBC new series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Saturday 16 October 2010 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
Partners in Crime sees the well overdue return of Catherine Tate as the wonderful Donna Noble. She is by far my favourite companion of the new series. She is gobby and forthright, but she is lovably gobby, not like the brattish Rose. Partners In Crime also boasts about the most adorable creatures to appear in Doctor Who. Those adipose just look so cute. But the story has its very good and unsettling moments, such as when Stacie turns into that pile of fat. Quite a good effect. And also we get an appearance from Sarah Lancashire, always a good actress. Here she brings the Matron to life effortlessly. My favourite bit of scripting is HANG ON! I AM!!!! Pure classic genius. And its lovely to see that other brilliant companion to be again, the brilliant Bernard Cribbins as Wilf. I love his over the top reaction at the climax of the tale.
The Fires of Pompeii is really strong stuff. High on drama and high on sadness. the Doctor's plight is very very well written, and here Catherine truly starts to shine as Donna. Her support of David's Doctor is palpable and incredible. And the Pyrovile aint bad looking either. This is a true epic in 45 minute form. One of the best.
Planet of the Ood continues the heavy impact of the first story. We have the usual human morons treating all other life like rubbish. The Oods send off to the Doc and Donna at the end is emotional and poignant. And that brain looks very effective indeed. The changing of that chap into the ood has to be the single most gross looking effect on the series so far. Surely this should have had a 15 certificate? But its still frigging brilliant.
The Sonataran Stratagem/ The Poison Sky brings back those brilliant enemies the Sontarans in fine style. General Stahl is a brillaint creation, and the resolution of this tale has a character you may not have liked at the beginning coming good and saving the entire planet. Great plotting here. Nice to see Freema back again too!
The Doctor's Daughter is one of the special episodes here. Georgia Moffett is the perfect choice as the extrapolated daughter of the errant time lord. The stories central theme too is suitably a relief from the more heavier stories in the series. The acting is very fine indeed, and the finale is great again once more.
The Unicorn and the Wasp is a clever and intriguing little episode. Rather like a murder mystery with rather a lot of twists. A game of Cluedo to the end. I never really have liked the game, but this episode has a brilliant alien and a brilliant Agatha Christie. And its actually sad to see the wasp go at the end. It wasnt all bad.
Silence in the Library/ Forest of the Dead is creepy as hell. Steven Moffat is one of the best writers of the series. He had such strong themes running through all his tales. They are so dark and menacing and creepy. And River Song makes her debut. Alex Kingston brings her to life brilliantly. And that distorted face of the dumb girl in part two was also rather unsettling too.
Midnight was a real chiller. And for once we dont actually really find out what the thing was. This is a neat little twist. David Troughton is back too, but his character is a world away from King Peladon. The characters here are so well written. The story is claustrophobic and yes, very scary indeed.
Turn Left is by far the best episode of the season though. Catherine Tate's performance here is suprememely emotional and stirring. I nearly cried to her death at the end. She is such a good companion. She saves the whole world. Carry on Catherine!! The tension and menace rife through this story kept me hooked from the outset.
And then we come to the best finale of the the new series so far.The daleks are back with Davros! Davros is about the most psychotic he has ever been, Julian Bleach did wonders after such a heavy first input from Michale Wisher and Terry Molloy. The story is massive in scale, about the biggest scale Doctor Who has ever seen. The reality bomb has to be the biggest threat ever seen on a Who too. And the ending here is so well done. All the characters get to do something and no one is left out to dry. And The Tenth Doctor is on supreme form. Only one teenie little thing here which doesnt come over well to me...Doc, why are you having such a go at your half human self about genocide when youve done it to the Vervoids in the past eh? But aside from this one tiny glitch, this finale is awesome. Yes, this is so far the only series since 2005 to have no major faults. Series five is excellent on the whole, but with two major weaknesses. Here there is only a little quibble in the whole lot. And the extras here arent at all bad either! Rollicking stuff!!!!
