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The Stuff of Nightmares is really more of an audio book than an audio drama - this is mostly a reading of lines telling the story, rather than characters acting out a story, though there is a bit of that as well. The production (meaning music, sound effects, and so on) is minimal. The scenario of the fourth Doctor calling in an older Mike Yates is a bit baffling, though it does offer a strangely interesting situation - it's a change of pace, at least.
In the favor of this production, Tom Baker really sounds very good here, surprisingly so, especially considering that this his first real foray back into the role in a very long time, and considering that he was given what's really a pretty naff script. The threat so far is mostly a variety of stuffed animals, inexplicably coming nastily to life. One gets the sense that this story was crafted for very young listeners, yet I fail to see how this would appeal to that age group, especially since children haven't seen Tom Baker in the role on TV since 1981.
Unfortunately, at least with this installment, this is really not a return to adventures of the fourth Doctor - not a return to the show of the 70s. Yet, the potential is fairly enticing. It makes me wonder with great interest how Tom Baker would do with, say, Louise Jameson or Elisabeth Sladen, or Mary Tamm for that matter, in a full-on monthly audio drama from Big Finish with a really good script to work with...
| What: | Time and Relative (Telos novellas) |
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| By: | Doug, Pocono Summit, PA, USA |
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| Date: | Thursday 24 December 2009 |
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| Rating: |   6 |
Time and Relative is indeed a fairly juvenile story, which takes the form of entries in Susan's diary, and is very Doctor-lite, focusing more on the details of Susan's school life in England and her friendships with other teens and kids, in the midst of an invasion by the Cold. And yet, in the middle of all of this, Time and Relative captures the stark mystery that's found in An Unearthly Child, and gives us another look at that rough, early first Doctor, in his alien glory and unconcern for much of human life. That rough, stark alienness was lost fairly early on in the early years of the original series, so it remains a bit fascinating to see, even viewed through the lens of a strange teenage girl's personal writings...
| What: | Relative Dementias (BBC Past Doctor novels) |
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| By: | , |
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| Date: | Thursday 24 December 2009 |
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| Rating: | 7 |
The story takes a long time to get into gears and is rather boring at the beginning. Once all the pieces are clear, it's a bit confusing but entertaining nonetheless. Ace plays a major part so be warned!!!
| What: | Tomb of Valdemar (BBC Past Doctor novels) |
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| By: | , |
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| Date: | Thursday 24 December 2009 |
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| Rating: | 6 |
The central plot is quite allright but the telling of the tale on the ice planet is pretty useless, although in the end everything is tied. The book would have been much better had it concentrated on the main Valdemar story. Also Romana si quite out of character and really annoying!
| What: | Blue Forgotten Planet (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Doug, Pocono Summit, PA, USA |
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| Date: | Tuesday 22 December 2009 |
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| Rating: | 7 |
Well, everything must eventually come to an end. For Charley, and her twisting & turning of the timelines, it appears that this is the end, and I'll say that it's more like most of the classic Who partings we remember from TV. I've personally enjoyed the character in her many appearances in these audios, but I'd also say that the character has been pretty well exhausted in her nine-year run. Happily, this is a better final story for her than The Girl Who Never Was. Yet, at the same time, there's a bit of a bleak shallowness to Blue Forgotten Planet that keeps it from being a truly outstanding release.
It's great to have the Viyrans back again, once again voiced by the superb Michael Maloney (plus effects). There is actually a good deal of mystery surrounding who they really are, where they come from, and how they could be as powerful as they are. It all leads this listener to believe that they could somehow be involved with some Time Lord faction that is very much in favor of intervention... but we'll have to see if anything is ever revealed about their true origins.
With its orchestral (pseudo-orchestral?) score and moments of high intensity, Blue Forgotten Planet tries to be somewhat cinematic in style, at least in the first half or so. It comes pretty close, but doesn't quite make it, and as I say, parts of the story end up feeling a little thin. Granted, much of what's happening here really is primarily a means to an end - the end of wrapping up Charley's story with the sixth Doctor, settling the Mila situation, and getting the sixth Doctor out of the obvious temporal contradiction issues that come up with all of this, so there's already a lot on the "to do" list here. Having said that, the final scenes between Charley and the Doctor here are nicely done and emotionally poignant, and though perhaps the final resolutions to the central issues of the story are a bit too magical and far-fetched, the tale is concluded rather nicely by the end, and it all works.
Though perhaps not a truly outstanding story, Blue Forgotten Planet is essential listening for the fan of the monthly line.
Relatively clever plot, excellent characterisation of the Doctor, especially in relation to the Daleks. Good application of not just the Daleks and the twisted timelines but also simple but intelligent use of some OldWho Dalek mythology.
Good original characters thrown into the mix, though they may have been used better. Great use of a Space-faring empire and war setting, interesting interactions and a very good climax to finish.
Definitely recommend this book to any fan.
The Doctor is out to stop a troop of ever-dutiful Judoon from creating absolute havoc while in pursuit of 'The Invisible Assassin'.
The Doctor is well written and it uses interesting and creative characters with their own important roles to play and memmorable pesonalities. Parallel plot lines with interlinking consequences, twists, red herrings all spiced up with some good jokes.
An excellent new installment.
| What: | Autonomy (BBC New Series Adventures novels) |
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| By: | Tim, Australia |
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| Date: | Tuesday 22 December 2009 |
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| Rating: | 5 |
It was great to see the Autons again, but I was unimpressed from early on in the book with way too much contrivance in the plot. The characters were shoddy, the Doctor's characterisation was way over the top and didn't fit the situations.
Less action seens with more detail and content would have served better than the repeated dashing about blowing up Autons and running from Autons which filled up a lot of the book.
The climax was thoroughly dreadful. It isn't even really explained, the Doctor saves the day with a MacGuffin he retroactively inserts into the plot. Cheap, nasty and forgettable.
This is a very, very good book. It is just like the TV show on a good day. It's top notch and I loved it.
The language and storyline are perfect 4th doctor stuff.
If there ever was a PDA to recommend to someone it's this.
| What: | Fear of the Dark (BBC Past Doctor novels) |
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| By: | Ron, England |
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| Date: | Monday 21 December 2009 |
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| Rating: | 7 |
Can someone tell me what has happened to night vision goggles in the DW universe?
I wonder why rabbits never took off and smeg did. Not a bad read if you suspend your disbelief and you haven't just eaten. Try not to read this book in the dark it could damage your eyes.
This is just poor, the Ice warriors up to their same old tricks, changing the atmosphere. The locals and Sil are unfortunately just thin plot devices. Dialog is week and sexist, I know its suppost to be funny but at the end makes you gringe. Peri just seems to wonder about and Sil a lost opportunity, he just sits about.
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 | Takes you back with loosing too much |
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The Colin Baker of today is outstanding but the old one, wasn't given the chance to develop. Nightmare fair takes you back to a doctor half way between the two. A great old foe, unfortunately Peri isn't given too much to do other then follow other about. Shame.
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| up with Arrangements for war... |
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| What: | Catch-1782 (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Sunday 20 December 2009 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
Some stories race by and leave you wondering what the henry is going on. Some stories bore you to tears with typical ideas and typical presentation. We seem to finally get a great break from the norm with this lovely and charming tale from Alison. The ideas are just simple and put together to form such a delightful little tale. This has more of a feel of a Hetty Wainthropp investigates...although that isnt hardly surprising, what with Derek Benfield starring as a fine character. I love the fact that Bonnie is getting to do Mel far better than she ever did on screen. Her acting is beefy and solid in all areas. Colin Baker doesnt need any help as usual in being great either, nice pace and great to not be overburdened with twists and turns at every post. This is just a nice little tale of love and loss and is up their with Arrangements for War in my book.
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| a very very good story... |
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| What: | Master (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Sunday 20 December 2009 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
What grabs you is the intense performance by Geoffery Beevers on his second return to the role of the master. He brings a new dimension to the character, which is hard to do after such a great Master that was Roger Delgado. This story is laced with menace and good little twists. And also a bit of guilt trip as well. The doctor doing good everywhere for a mistake in his past is believable and very well laid out in this tale from Joseph. So many layers conspire to make an atmospheric end to the trilogy of villians run of big finish audio adventures. Recommended for likers of horror story with an emphasis on story more than blood and stupidity...
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| ANOTHER ODDITY FROM PAUL MAGRS.... |
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| What: | Excelis Dawns (Excelis audios) |
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| By: | Matthew David Rabjohns, Bridgend, United Kingdom |
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| Date: | Sunday 20 December 2009 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
What i like a lot about Paul's writing is he is never predictable. his stories always have a strong and fresh idea in them. And good choice of actress to bring his wonderful creation Iris Wildthyme to life. It mostly is Katy who drives and makes this story the oddity it truly is. This has a different approach, far more of a character study than anything else. Not all that much happens in the overall plot, but it can certainly be forgiven for a great display by Katy, who works well with Peter
Davison too. This is yet another memorable Paul Magrs script that once more feels just like a stage play...
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| "Sarah's gone up in the world!" |
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I really enjoyed this season of the Sarah Jane Adventures. The acting this time round has improved a great deal and has added to the enjoyment of the show.
Most episodes on this dvd are very enjoyable, most notably the second episode Day of the Clown and the finale of the series: Enemy of the Bane. The special features on this disc are reasonble with the real standout being the Comic Relief Special.
Overall a very good series....bring on the series 3 dvd and then maybe series 4!
| What: | Paper Cuts (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Doug, Pocono Summit, PA, USA |
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| Date: | Sunday 13 December 2009 |
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| Rating: | 5 |
"Paper Cuts" - he, he! Marc Platt made a funny! Yes, once again, I do think the magic mushrooms are finally taking their toll on him, though this story is more low-key Marc Platt than some of his other recent weirdness. The bulk of the action here is centered in a tomb ship in space with rice paper walls, containing living armies of life-sized origami game piece warriors. Yes, they're actually made of paper.
One of the other main problems with Paper Cuts is that, in my opinion, Draconians just don't really work on audio. The complete high camp makeup and costuming is really required for the right effect, and the way they sssspeak with elongated, ssssibilant esssses becomes a bit difficult to listen to in an audio production featuring them in extended scenes. More to the point here, this effect is employed rather intermittently by this cast. The end result just sounds kind of silly, though it's worth recognizing that this was a pretty difficult task for the cast.
Aside from this shortcoming, the cast actually does very well with this audio drama, saving it from being an actual disaster. Sara Crowe sounds rather like a serious Miranda Richarson (from the old Blackadder series) as the Queen Mother here, and her initial disguise makes for quite an interesting vocal effect.
Another thing to note is that through this entire story, Charley is not really Charley, and there are only a few little moments to remind us of that. I'm not sure if that is a good thing, or a failing of the script.
In spite of the difficulties, there's an engaging atmosphere built up here through the course of the story that keeps the listener engrossed in the admittedly often ridiculous playing out of events, making Paper Cuts ultimately worth listening to and enjoying for what it is.
| What: | The Two Doctors (BBC classic series DVDs/Blu-rays) |
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| By: | Jay Y, Delaware, USA |
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| Date: | Monday 30 November 2009 |
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| Rating: | 7 |
Not really the greatest story, but I have to give it props for seeing the second and sixth Doctor together, the beautiful Spanish scenery, the wonderfully over-the-top Shockeye, and the great extras. The only thing I missed was a true behind the scenes involving cast reminisces about the story. However, the Adventures in Time and Spain minidoc with Gary Downie was hilarious! I'd like to see more of him.
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| Fascinating, Excellent Production |
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| What: | Patient Zero (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Doug, Pocono Summit, PA, USA |
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| Date: | Saturday 28 November 2009 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
With Patient Zero, the whole secret past of Charley thing (that she previously traveled with a future Doctor - the Eighth - and is a wicked temporal anomaly), which was becoming tiresome, is finally developed into a very clever, central facet of what is apparently a three-story arc in the Sixth Doctor audios. In addition, Patient Zero gives us what this listener feels is the absolutely most fascinating Dalek story since Genesis of the Daleks, with the possible exception of new series one's "Dalek" in 2005. The Viyrans are super cool, and the extra-intelligent, articulate Dalek time controller is a standout character, quite well-voiced by Nicholas Briggs, who outdoes himself in this production. His variety of Dalek voices here really is very impressive.
Patient Zero is really well written, scripted, directed, and produced. There's a well-pitched intensity running throughout, and the Daleks take on such an authentic sounding heightened sense of urgency about their mission on the Amethyst station that there is an air of high stakes and a vast importance surrounding the unfolding of events here. And what will become of Charley now? We are left with much uncertainty surrounding her fate...
Highly recommended, and one that I really would've liked to have seen on TV (FAR better than Daleks in Manhattan!).
| What: | Enemy of the Daleks (Big Finish: The Monthly Adventures) |
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| By: | Doug, Pocono Summit, PA, USA |
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| Date: | Tuesday 24 November 2009 |
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| Rating: | 8 |
"My weapon is... impaired..."
"Your weapon has been eaten - consumed by the kiseibya. Tell me - how does it feel to encounter a species that regard you as... lunch...?"
Enemy of the Daleks, with its hard rock soundtrack and tense action scenes, is a story I could just imagine being in an original McCoy season 28 or 29, complete with cheesy 1991 creature makeup effects and gruesomely damaged Daleks (in a return to pre-season 23 style).
Anyway, the sound design here is superb once again, and it's interesting to have a truly Japanese main character in this story in Professor Shimura, whose strong Japanese accent is quite authentic. Jeremy James' Sistermatic medical droid is another quite interesting voice in this production - an excellent creation.
In a nutshell, the Daleks have been lured to a planetoid on which some monstrous research and development is afoot. When they arrive, things get pretty crazy. Highly recommended for a fun, though at times very disgusting listen. The story has its limitations, but worth an 8, I think.
