Review of The Outlaws by JeffreyMoo
3 August 2024
This one was quite a fun listen, something which I was happy to find, as the previous two 1DA’s (Demon Song and Incherton Incident respectively, yes I listened to this series in reverse) I’d listened to I found to be rather lacking.
The plot of the thing is rather weak in all honesty, however that doesn’t seem to be the point. The story seems aware it isn’t that deep, so instead decides to have fun with itself. And it’s very fun. All the characters bounce of each other in a farcical way that’s reminiscent of the Romans, and the brutal nature of the subject matter leads to some brilliant dark comedy. Additionally, the presence of Rufus Hound as the Monk is as wonderful as always, and Myles plays to his comedic strengths wonderfully.
The story is not without flaws, of course. The main conflict of the plot is pretty much resolved within the first five minutes of part 4, leaving little to do for the remaining half hour resulting in the story meandering a tad. Additionally, the lead performers, particularly Steven Noonan, have not quite settled into their roles fully. Noonan particularly has moments where he sounds very little like the First Doctor, however the personality and mannerisms he presents are in line with the character. Due to the more recent releases from this range, I can confidently say this is merely an issue of early instalment problems, as both Noonan and Cornelius feel far more natural and comfortable in the following release.
All in all, it’s a solid little story, though not amazing. I’d recommend it, but don’t go in expecting some grand masterpiece, as it is not that, nor is it trying to be. For the fun little story it is, I’d argue that it’s quite good.