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4 reviews

Missy was/is a great character, played wonderfully by Michelle Gomez, and a character you just want more of. Though I have heard her before in the Once and Future series and in Masterfull, this is her own vehicle. I was somewhat underwhelmed by the River Song series I heard, it didn’t seem to really capture the essence or charm that River had in the TV series. So Is this any better?

Missy has been confined to 19th century Earth by the wardens for her crimes. Unable to use technology and her usual methods she’s forced to take a position as governess to two children.

This audio was a breath of fresh air, its kind of a cross between the Famous Five and Mary Poppins. The fact that these two children Lucy and Oliver, instead of the normal stuffy old teachers they’ve been used to, are now looked after by an exciting woman who doesn’t stick to the rules. Missy isn't taking her predicament lying down, she has a plan.

I found it really enjoyable, perhaps not quite what I expected. An audio series based on a ostensibly evil person, its a bit like watching a horror film from the killers perspective and wanting them to succeed. But you kind of know its not going to do exactly that.

There are parts about a museum, the father works with trains and an entity trapped in a bottle. I did wonder where it was all heading, as it seemed to have no real aim, but it was fun to be along fro the ride. It does all come together and its worth the journey.

There are little bits of narration along the way, nothing too heavy, I would’ve preferred it without, however some of the audio is taken from the children’s point of view, so it does help.

Its a terrific start and if the following episodes continue to be as enjoyable then it looks to be a great series.


Seagullslost

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Finalmente resolvi dar início ao spin off de áudios da Missy situado muito antes dos acontecimentos de Deep Breath, sua primeira aparição em tela na Série de TV. A Time Lady se encontra exilada na Terra no Século XIX por uma raça chamada de Wardens, todo o trecho inicial é dedicado a explicar o motivo de seu exilio, sabemos que é por algo grave que a vilã fará aos Wardens no futuro (não é revelado na cena o que foi). Assim Missy é forçada a arruma um emprego de governanta de duas crianças chamadas Oliver e Lucy, onde mais a frente as coloca em meio de grandes aventuras invadindo museus, interrompendo percursos de locomotivas em busca de seu objetivo de se livrar do exilio. Vale destacar o quão a trilha sonora do enredo trás toda uma atmosfera fantasiosa sendo comparada por muitos como padrão dos filmes da Disney, todo perfeito cenário criado combina muito com a personalidade da Missy que muitas das vezes é descrita como uma espécie de “Mary Poppins do Mal”. É impressionante a performance e desempenho da Michelle Gomez aos microfones, ela incorpora a sua personagem de forma muito fiel ao que vimos nas temporadas do 12° Doutor, bastam poucos minutos para o ouvinte grudar em sua personagem e se deliciar a cada cena, sua capacidade cômica é incrivelmente hilária funcionando em todos os casos. Diferente de muitos, não achei os personagens das crianças Oliver e Lucy tão irritantes assim, isso devido a dosagem certa (eu acho kkkk uma história bastou), tanto é que nos minutos finais me peguei torcendo para que a Missy não os levasse junto com ela kkkkk. O único momento que me deixou confuso foi a cena no museu quando a vilã deu vida a uma esfinge que demonstrou estar muito deprimida, a forma como ela deu vida a esfinge é descrita como um ato de mágica pelas duas crianças, como se fosse uma bruxa. Mesmo ficando longe de ser uma obra prima, A Spoonful Of Mayhem serve como uma ótima introdução em meio a situações bem divertida.

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KnuppMello

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This review contains spoilers!

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

“A Spoonful of Mayhem: Missy's Mischief in Victorian London”

Roy Gill has the distinction of penning A Spoonful of Mayhem, the inaugural Big Finish story for Missy. This adventure dives straight into the bonkers, chaotic persona of Missy, brought to life by Michelle Gomez’s sharp, sassy, and delightfully unhinged performance. Right from the opening moments, Gomez commands the narrative, reveling in Missy’s trademark unpredictable charm—even when ostensibly bound to someone else's agenda.

Set in Victorian London, the story feels like it could slot seamlessly into a Capaldi-era episode, with Missy taking on the role of a nanny for two children. Unsurprisingly, this unconventional arrangement leads to mayhem, hilarity, and chaos. The Victorian setting is atmospheric, but the narrative execution struggles at times.

The script leans heavily on characters narrating their actions, which feels clunky and unnatural, particularly for the two children at the story’s core. Their dialogue often fails to capture authenticity, a shame given how much of the plot hinges on their interaction with Missy and their perspective on her peculiar mission.

While the premise is fun and full of potential, it doesn’t quite reach the heights it aspires to. The "genie in a bottle" subplot, for instance, feels underdeveloped, leaving it more as a curiosity than a compelling central element. The third act, set aboard a train, becomes chaotic and muddled, leading to a rushed and unsatisfying conclusion.

📝Verdict: 6/10

Missy’s debut story captures the character’s essence with Michelle Gomez’s stellar performance, but the overall execution feels uneven. A promising start to Missy’s Big Finish journey, though it could have benefited from tighter writing and more polished storytelling.


MrColdStream

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Such a really fun riff on Mary Poppins, with Missy's more devilish side providing some darkly comic moments. This is *exactly* the story I was hoping for from a Missy spin-off.


WhoPotterVian

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