Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

"A Big Hand for the Doctor: When Sci-Fi Meets Peter Pan"

I’m listening to this story as part of the Fifteen Doctors, 15 Stories audiobook release.

Eoin Colfer, Best known for his Artemis Fowl series, ventures into Doctor Who territory with A Big Hand for the Doctor, a story featuring the First Doctor and Susan. Colfer’s playful and irreverent writing style may delight his usual readers, but it feels oddly out of place for the gruff and enigmatic First Doctor. The narrative itself leans heavily into whimsy, as the Doctor searches for a replacement hand after losing his original to the sinister Soul Pirates—all while looking for Susan in Edwardian London.

Colfer’s take on the First Doctor is the story’s most jarring element. Instead of the irascible, secretive figure from early Doctor Who, we get a Doctor who feels far more like a later incarnation—adventurous, warm, and prone to action sequences that don’t align with his character. Susan, sadly, fares even worse. Despite being central to the plot, she remains a passive figure with little to contribute.

The Soul Pirates, bizarre alien organ harvesters, are the primary antagonists. They’re portrayed as bumbling and comedic, evoking the Ogrons but with even less menace. While their concept fits within Doctor Who’s broad sci-fi universe, their cartoonish execution undermines any potential threat they might pose. The story’s tone veers toward the absurd, reminiscent of Douglas Adams’ influence, but lacks the finesse to balance humour with tension.

The epilogue reveals that this adventure inspired J. M. Barrie to write Peter Pan. While a clever nod to Edwardian literary history, this twist feels forced, as if the story were trying too hard to leave a lasting impression.

📝Verdict: 5/10

A Big Hand for the Doctor may amuse younger readers or fans of Colfer’s signature humour, but it struggles to capture the essence of the First Doctor and his era. The whimsical tone and mischaracterisation overshadow its potential, leaving this story feeling more like a misstep than a celebration of Doctor Who’s rich legacy.

Random Observations:

• Wait, so the Doctor suddenly has visions of their future incarnations?
• I get some The Church on Ruby Road vibes from the pirates and the pirate ship.