Even in death, you can’t escape capitalism.

• Occasus, the far future. A mausoleum world populated by the graves of entire species, some are marked, and others are absurdly inaccurate. There’s a large foreboding golden pyramid, which falls into the former category. There’s rabbits, deer’s and the graverobbing invaders turned into wooden statues. There’s Sacristan Hinge, a newbie security guard who’s way too passionate about his job. The Doctor calls him an idiot. And there’s an AI receptionist who has annoyingly developed a personality. The Doctor calls her Fred.

Planet of the End, it shouldn’t shock you to realise, is not only regarded as the favourite story from this box set, but also highly regarded as one of the best stories from this whole range. Obviously, you should listen to it yourself and form your own opinion on it. But I wholeheartedly agree with its reputation, and its easily the story I have the most to say about.

The setting itself is so vivid and imaginative. A grave world full of sprawling hills, huge forests and elaborate graves for all of the species and people who reside there.  Plus, the interesting idea of a grave for a whole species and how people record and remember them. One reason the Doctor drops in is because he wants to clean up the records because how absurdly inaccurate some of them are. Or as Fred describes it, the Doctor would’ve been pragmatic for a whole century. Sacristan Hinge also makes for an entertaining secondary antagonist. I’m sure we’ve all encountered that one coworker who takes the job WAY too seriously. Sacristan Hinge is that ramped up to eleven. It’s great to hear how far Akshay Khanna pushes the performance later in the story and Sacristan Hinge is far older. Even if Akshay Khanna admits he just started doing an Ian McKellen impression. You’ll forgive me if I don’t talk about the main villains, the Incorporation. I want my reviews to be spoiler free and these guys are best experienced blind. Let’s just say that Timothy X Atak GETS it, and I find the Incorporation utterly detestable in the best way possible.

But I want to draw exclusive attention to the best character in the story, Fred. God, I love Fred so much. Here’s the thing; I’m an animation student and a self-identified artist. Which makes my stance on AI rather obvious. AI for helping humanity = good. Generative AI for ““art”” or anything adjacent = bad. Despite all that, I adore the trope of AI gaining sentience. You bet your bloody boots The Wild Robot was my favourite film of 2024 and that I read that book trilogy as soon as possible. Fred is initially a roadblock at the start, an obstacle that needs to be overcome. When the Doctor begins exploring, Fred is given the order to follow the Doctor and document everything he does. And basically, over the course of 90 years, Fred does just that. And slowly, she becomes a sentient being, capable of humour, lying, empathy and envy. Special shoutout to her voice actress Margaret Clunie who gives Fred the most likable voice you can imagine. I also feel robbed. Fred absolutely deserved to become a companion.

Planet of the End is easily my pick for the best story in this box set, ending a consistently good set on a high note. If you are at all curious about the Ninth Doctor Adventures and haven’t taken the plunge, I’d say Respond to All Calls is a safe recommendation. All three stories are consistently good and follow a typical revival Doctor Who format. I almost guarantee at least one story from this set will become a favourite. And if nothing else, Christopher Eccelston’s enthusiasm will probably sell you.