I had a good time listening to this episode, despite my rating. Two and a half stars doesn't mean it's rubbish, no, it means it's a decent story that doesn't offer much but is still very enjoyable to listen to. The concept of the aliens is a bit cool, but the concept itself doesn't make them very interesting, I think. On the other hand, McGann is very convincing as the Doctor and I really enjoy listening to him talking.

This is just a fairly standard, run-of-the-mill story.  Paul McGann mainly does a good job; India Fisher does a great job as Charley; the setting's interesting, the Web of Time arc gets fully going. This story is an interesting concept with a promising plot but is not executed quite as well as it could have been. Some of the dialogue feels really clunky especially when it's just the Doctor is alone and some of the voices are just overly cartoonish. The sound effects are also particularly bad especially the bullet effects. This along with slower pacing full of expository dialogue you have a story that is good but falls short of greatness

The Eighth Doctor steps into the role effortlessly, and for his return following the TV Movie for the first time, feels assured, confident, and demonstrates the hallmarks of character which cements him as a favourite moving forward. From the off, his charm is evident, and his Doctor mannerisms perfected. Big Finish develop him well throughout, and this is a great start.

Similarly, Charley is well served within this story, really stepping into her own agency and character, fleshing her out, and setting up upcoming arcs, surrounding her and the story generally in such an engaging and gripping way, which makes it feel natural to want to continue.

Story wise, this isn't quite as strong as its character elements. I think the setting and it's use within the story are effective methods to introduce Charley and the Doctor, and set up this arc, so I can excuse that the story wasn't as gripping, or as tight as it perhaps could have been. But as a fan of historical set sci-fi pieces, there is still plenty to take from this to enjoy.

can someone tell me how a vortisaur looks like ramsay macdonald. i still dont know how that works

The actual story is kinda average if I'm honest. Not terrible, just nothing to write home about. But this is the intro episode for Charlotte Pollard, and my introduction to Big Finish and, as such, has a special place in my heart. The introductory scene where she writes her diary I found incredibly endearing and it's a great snapshot of a kid who has decided that her life is going to be a Thrilling Adventure, so help her God. India Fisher brings a sense of fun and friendliness to the character and all up, I found Charley to be an instantly likeable character.