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

“DALEK WAR: CHAPTER 4: A QUIET END TO A GRAND CONFLICT”

Dalek War concludes with Chapter 4, taking an interesting narrative approach by presenting much of the story through a framing device set thousands of years after the events themselves. This perspective, centred on the legends surrounding Kalendorf’s final stand against the Daleks, offers a unique way to explore the fallout of the war. However, despite this intriguing setup, the finale itself is surprisingly understated, focusing more on character-driven resolutions than on the large-scale spectacle one might expect from the conclusion of such an ambitious arc.

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON THE WAR

Rather than diving straight into the events of the final battle, the story unfolds through the lens of future generations on Velyshaa, who recount the catastrophe that ended the Dalek War. This allows for a sense of mythmaking, as we dip into key moments from the past to witness how Kalendorf, Suz, and Alby played their final roles in the conflict. It’s an interesting way to structure the story, adding a layer of historical perspective to the narrative.

That said, if you haven’t been deeply engaged with the Dalek War arc throughout, this approach might feel somewhat detached. Since I hadn’t kept close track of all the details leading up to this finale, I found myself struggling to recall some of the finer points—something that suggests the story, as a whole, may not have been as gripping or memorable as it should have been.

A LACK OF ACTION AND A CHARACTER-FOCUSED ENDING

Surprisingly, this final chapter dials back the action significantly. The Daleks themselves take a step back, leaving much of the plot to unfold through conversations—particularly between Kalendorf and what remains of the Mentor, as well as his exchanges with the Dalek Emperor, now fully inhabiting Suz’s body. The decision to make the conclusion more introspective rather than explosive is an intriguing one, and while it does allow for some strong character moments, it also means the story never reaches the dramatic heights one might have hoped for.

Instead of a grand, cinematic showdown, the conflict is resolved in a relatively subdued manner, tying up loose ends without much fanfare. Given the weight of the preceding episodes, it feels like Dalek War should have built up to something bigger—a final confrontation that left a lasting impact. Instead, it quietly concludes, leaving me feeling more indifferent than satisfied.

A PROMISING PREMISE THAT NEVER QUITE DELIVERS

From the beginning, Dalek War had an exciting premise, but as the story unfolded, it struggled to maintain its momentum. What started with great potential gradually lost its energy, never quite reaching the heights it aimed for. While this final chapter does offer a fitting end in terms of character arcs, it lacks the intensity and payoff that a saga of this scale truly needed.

📝 VERDICT: 6/10

While Dalek War: Chapter 4 attempts a unique storytelling approach with its framing device and character-driven focus, it ultimately feels like an underwhelming conclusion. The lack of action, combined with a finale that fizzles out rather than ignites, makes it difficult to feel truly satisfied. The arc had so much potential, but it never fully capitalised on its premise, leaving this ending feeling more like a quiet whimper than a triumphant crescendo.

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

“THE SMUGGLERS: A DECENT NOVELISATION WITH A SLOW BURN”

Terrance Dicks’ 1988 novelisation of The Smugglers does an admirable job of setting the scene and bridging the gap between this story and its predecessor, The War Machines. Unlike some Target novelisations that rely too heavily on prior knowledge of the TV serial, this one stands well enough on its own, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the original adventure. However, while it benefits from a strong introduction and some solid character work, it struggles to bring its setting to life and ultimately feels somewhat sluggish.

A STRONG OPENING, BUT A SLOW NARRATIVE

The novelisation excels in its opening chapters, particularly in how it introduces Ben and Polly to the world of time travel. Their initial reactions to the TARDIS and their growing bond with the Doctor are well handled, making them feel like proper companions rather than just accidental stowaways. Dicks also ensures that the transition from The War Machines is smooth, adding context that enhances the story for readers unfamiliar with the preceding serial.

However, once the plot gets going, the novelisation struggles to maintain momentum. The narrative moves at a snail’s pace, often bogged down by lengthy conversations between various pirate and smuggler characters. While figures like Captain Pike and Cherub are prominent, they fail to leave a lasting impression, making it difficult to stay engaged.

A STORY THAT NEEDS VISUALS

One of the biggest issues with The Smugglers as a novel is its inability to fully capture the atmosphere of 17th-century Cornwall. The lack of strong descriptive writing makes the setting feel flat, and without the visual aid of costumes, locations, and action sequences, much of the story blends together. The original TV serial, while missing from the archives, at least had some surviving photos and clips to give a sense of place—something the novelisation doesn’t quite replicate.

Additionally, with so many secondary characters introduced throughout the story, it becomes difficult to keep track of who’s who. On screen, distinct costumes and performances might have helped differentiate them, but here, they blur into one another, making it easy to lose interest.

AN ENGAGING AUDIOBOOK PERFORMANCE

For those looking for an alternative way to experience The Smugglers, the 2020 audiobook edition offers a pleasant listen. Anneke Wills, who played Polly in the TV series, narrates with enthusiasm, bringing some much-needed energy to the story. Her rendition of Polly is naturally spot on, her Ben is passable, and her First Doctor is serviceable. Where she truly shines is in voicing the various pirate and smuggler characters, giving them distinct, rugged personalities that add some colour to the tale.

📝 VERDICT: 4/10

While The Smugglers novelisation benefits from a strong opening and a good grasp of its lead characters, it ultimately suffers from a sluggish pace and an uninspired depiction of its historical setting. Without the visual elements that a TV production provides, the story feels flat, and the characters struggle to stand out. The audiobook version, bolstered by Anneke Wills’ performance, helps inject some energy into the tale, but overall, this remains one of the less engaging Target novelisations.

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“THEY KEEP KILLING SUZIE: A GHOST FROM TORCHWOOD'S PAST”

Returning to the themes of life, death, and responsibility, They Keep Killing Suzie resurrects OG Torchwood member Suzie Costello for unfinished business. This episode leans into the show's ongoing exploration of moral consequences, forcing the team to confront the ramifications of their own actions—particularly regarding the Retcon amnesia pill and the Resurrection Gauntlet. While it doesn’t quite capitalise on its full dramatic potential, it remains a solid, introspective entry that reinforces Torchwood’s flawed humanity.

SUZIE RETURNS—BUT AT WHAT COST?

When a series of murders linked to Torchwood draws their attention, the team is forced to use the Resurrection Gauntlet to bring back Suzie Costello—despite her being long dead. It’s an intriguing premise, as Suzie’s resurrection is not just a one-off conversation but an extended revival, causing deep unease within the team. The episode cleverly plays on this discomfort, showing the awkwardness of someone returning to a group that has moved on without them.

Indira Varma delivers a fantastic performance as Suzie, balancing her shock at being revived with a deeply buried resentment towards Torchwood. Her presence stirs the pot, particularly for Gwen, who realises how little the team knew about Suzie’s personal life. This fuels Gwen’s sympathy for her, setting up a tense dynamic as Suzie’s true motives begin to surface.

A STRIPPED-BACK, CHARACTER-FOCUSED INVESTIGATION

Unlike some of Torchwood’s more outlandish outings, this is a more grounded episode, relying less on spectacle and more on character drama. The team dynamics return to a more balanced setup, with Jack leading the charge and Gwen taking the emotional approach, while Owen, Tosh, and Ianto offer support without standing out too much. Owen is notably less abrasive than usual, while Jack remains as guarded as ever, deflecting personal questions even in moments of crisis.

There’s something refreshing about seeing the team working through a mystery in a relatively traditional investigative manner. While the stakes are personal, the episode isn’t trying to be overly grandiose—it’s more about the lingering consequences of Torchwood’s actions and the moral weight they bear.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR STRONGER DRAMA

For a story about bringing back the dead, They Keep Killing Suzie surprisingly lacks a strong emotional gut punch. The final revelation—that Suzie has been slowly draining Gwen’s life to permanently resurrect herself—should be a harrowing, high-stakes moment, but it doesn’t land with as much weight as it could. Similarly, while there are hints of deeper tensions within the team, the episode never fully explores them, keeping most of the conflict at surface level.

Given the potential of its premise, this could have been an opportunity for bigger emotional confrontations, particularly between Jack and Suzie, or even more insight into Torchwood’s handling of their fallen members. Instead, it remains a solid but somewhat restrained story

📝VERDICT: 7/10

They Keep Killing Suzie is an intriguing, continuity-rich episode that builds on past events to tell a smaller, more introspective tale. While it doesn’t fully lean into its potential for high drama, it succeeds in reinforcing the moral ambiguity of Torchwood’s work and the weight of their decisions. Suzie’s return offers a compelling—if underdeveloped—look at a former team member left behind, while the episode as a whole highlights Torchwood’s ongoing struggle with the consequences of their own actions.

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

“MR RING-A-DING: A CHEERFUL INTRODUCTION WITH A SINISTER SECRET?”

The Doctor Who Magazine comic strip Mr Ring-a-Ding is a short, whimsical introduction to the character ahead of his on-screen debut in Lux. Designed to lull readers into a false sense of security, this bright and cheery one-page story presents him as a tap-dancing, rhyming do-gooder—without a hint of the sinister undertones that likely await us in the television episode.

A TAP-DANCING DO-GOODER?

The plot is as simple as it gets: Mr Ring-a-Ding joyfully sings and dances to wake up the Easter Bunny, ensuring they deliver the eggs on time. There’s an old-fashioned charm to it, embracing a cartoony, almost Looney Tunes energy that feels deliberately exaggerated. Given that Lux is set in 1950s America, this stylised, larger-than-life introduction could well be foreshadowing the aesthetic and tone of the episode.

What’s most interesting is how Mr Ring-a-Ding is portrayed as an outright hero here. There’s no villainous intent, no creeping menace—just pure, unfiltered joy. This is almost certainly a deliberate misdirection, allowing his true nature to remain a mystery until Lux reveals the reality. If he maintains this rhyming, sing-song manner on-screen, he could be a memorably theatrical villain—or an insufferable one, depending on how well it’s handled.

SUNSHINE SALLY – LOVE INTEREST OR SIDEKICK?

The strip also introduces Sunshine Sally, whose role remains ambiguous. She could be a love interest, a next-door neighbour, or simply a supporting character unique to the comic. Whether she will appear in Lux is unclear, but her inclusion adds another layer to Mr Ring-a-Ding’s world, reinforcing the idea that this is his natural domain before something—possibly some malevolent influence—twists him into the villain we’ll see on-screen.

A NOD TO CLASSIC COMICS

The vibrant, nostalgic art style evokes classic newspaper comic strips, reinforcing the period aesthetic of Lux. It’s a clever touch, subtly aligning this brief adventure with the tone of the upcoming episode. If Lux leans into the era’s pop culture and animation influences, this comic could serve as a thematic prologue, giving us a glimpse into the fictional world Mr Ring-a-Ding originates from before things take a darker turn.

📝VERDICT 6/10

As a standalone comic strip, Mr Ring-a-Ding is a light, inconsequential read, but its true value lies in how it sets up expectations for Lux. The cheerful, heroic portrayal of its title character suggests we may be in for a stark contrast when he makes his on-screen debut, with his friendly persona possibly masking something far more sinister.

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

“MEDICINAL PURPOSES: A DARK DOSE OF HISTORY”

Medicinal Purposes takes us deep into the grim and murky streets of 1827 Edinburgh, where bodysnatchers William Burke and William Hare are on a murderous spree, selling fresh corpses to the enigmatic Dr Robert Knox. Against this chilling backdrop, the Sixth Doctor and Evelyn find themselves entangled in a historical tragedy that cannot be rewritten—one that soon takes a sinister turn when the Doctor realises that Knox may not be as bound by time as he first appears.

With its brooding atmosphere, historical intrigue, and an unsettling moral dilemma at its core, Medicinal Purposes delivers an eerie, if somewhat uneven, exploration of medical ethics, exploitation, and the weight of history.

AN UNEASY START IN A CITY OF SHADOWS

The story gradually sets the scene, unfolding through the drinking and debauchery of Burke and Hare, their harassment of Daft Jamie, and the shadowy dealings that fuel Edinburgh’s illicit cadaver trade. Meanwhile, the Doctor and Evelyn materialise beneath the city in its underground catacombs, slowly piecing together where—and when—they are.

Writer Robert Ross chooses to drip-feed the historical context through a series of hints and teases from the Doctor, but this ends up dragging the pacing. The Doctor’s cryptic approach to revealing the setting is more frustrating than mysterious, especially for Evelyn, who is left playing catch-up for longer than necessary. The first episode builds a foreboding atmosphere, but it culminates in a fairly weak cliffhanger, with the Doctor simply meeting Burke, Hare, and Jamie in a pub.

The first half of the story unfolds in a fairly straightforward manner—Burke and Hare work to conceal their true activities, while Dr Knox gradually makes his presence felt. It’s a grim and dirty period in history, and while the setting is well-realised, the script doesn’t always maximise its potential. The tension builds only in fits and starts, with characters often rehashing the same conversations rather than propelling the plot forward.

KNOX, TIME, AND A TWISTED EXPERIMENT

The story’s greatest strength lies in its handling of Dr Robert Knox, played with a mix of charm and menace by Leslie Phillips. Initially appearing as a historical figure conducting dubious medical research, Knox quickly emerges as something far more sinister. When it’s revealed that he owns a Type 70 TARDIS—purchased, rather than stolen—it suddenly shifts the story’s scope. This isn’t just about bodysnatchers and unethical anatomy lessons; it’s about a man from the future exploiting time itself for personal and scientific gain.

Knox’s parallels with Doctor Who’s classic villains are intriguing—his scientific ambition and disregard for human life evoke Dr Frankenstein, while his time-traveling meddling has echoes of Magnus Greel from The Talons of Weng-Chiang. He is, in essence, a historical figure warped by the possibilities of time travel, using his knowledge of future medicine to manipulate the past for his own ends.

One particularly clever moment comes when Knox subtly tests Evelyn’s knowledge by mentioning Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde—a book that wouldn’t be written for another 60 years. When she acknowledges the reference, Knox immediately realises she and the Doctor are time travellers, adding another layer of intrigue to his character.

Despite his compelling premise, Knox isn’t used to his full potential. His confrontations with the Doctor are intriguing but not as tense as they could be, and after the initial shock of his TARDIS reveal, the story struggles to escalate the threat he poses.

DAFT JAMIE – A TRAGIC STANDOUT

The most emotionally resonant figure in the story is Daft Jamie, voiced by David Tennant in his final Big Finish role before stepping into the Tenth Doctor’s shoes on television. Jamie is portrayed as a mentally and physically challenged young man, whose kindness and guilelessness make him an easy target for those around him. Tennant’s performance is committed and affecting, though modern audiences might find the characterisation somewhat outdated in its depiction of neurodiversity.

Jamie’s importance to the plot lies in his unique perspective—he notices details that others overlook, making him an invaluable source of information for the Doctor. The Doctor, in turn, treats Jamie with genuine care and respect, even briefly adopting him as a companion of sorts. Their dynamic is a highlight, with the Doctor recognising Jamie’s worth and intelligence in a way that those around him do not.

However, the final moments of Jamie’s story are devastating. Despite his crucial role in helping the Doctor, history demands that Jamie must die—murdered by Burke and Hare to ensure that his name goes down in history. The Doctor and Evelyn are forced to return him to his fate, knowing they cannot save him without rewriting a fixed point in time. It’s a chilling reminder of the limits of the Doctor’s interference, and the story’s most powerful moment.

THE DOCTOR AND EVELYN – A FRACTURED DYNAMIC

After their recent tensions, the Doctor and Evelyn are back on more stable footing here, though their dynamic feels slightly off. Evelyn, usually one of the Doctor’s sharpest companions, is written as overly inquisitive, asking constant questions and appearing a step behind for much of the story. She’s also noticeably dismissive towards Jamie, which feels out of character for someone usually so compassionate.

Meanwhile, the Doctor himself swings back towards his more brash and confrontational tendencies, after his recent mellowing. While this fits the setting—a grim period of history where injustice is rife—it does make their interactions a little more stilted than usual.

Evelyn ultimately doesn’t have a great deal to do, which is a shame given how well she usually complements the Sixth Doctor’s personality. Their partnership remains compelling, but the story doesn’t give them many moments to truly shine.

A DARK ATMOSPHERE WITH UNEVEN PACING

The production successfully creates a sense of foreboding, with ominous music and a bleak tone that underscores the horror of the real-life events being depicted. The atmosphere is strong, immersing the listener in Edinburgh’s grim underbelly.

However, the pacing is inconsistent. Much of the first half feels repetitive, with characters discussing the same information without much progression. Part 3 finally injects some much-needed urgency, particularly with the Doctor’s confrontation with Knox, but this momentum isn’t fully sustained. The climax, while thematically strong, doesn’t feel as dramatic as it could have been. Knox’s final confrontation with the Doctor fizzles out rather than delivering a truly memorable showdown.

The final gut-punch, however, comes with Jamie’s fate. Just as the Doctor and Evelyn seem to have resolved the main conflict, they are forced to return Jamie to his inevitable death—a stark reminder that history cannot always be rewritten.

📝VERDICT: 6.7/10

Medicinal Purposes has an intriguing premise and a strong atmosphere but struggles with pacing and underused elements. The historical setting is well-realised, and Knox’s reveal as a time-travelling scientist adds an interesting twist, but the story never fully capitalises on its potential.

David Tennant’s performance as Daft Jamie is both compelling and uncomfortable, adding a layer of tragic depth to the narrative. His fate provides the story’s most powerful moment, underscoring the Doctor’s limitations in the face of fixed history.

Despite its shortcomings, Medicinal Purposes remains an engaging listen, particularly for those interested in Doctor Who’s historical horror stories. It just never quite reaches the heights it aspires to.

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

“THE END: LOOPS, SACRIFICE, AND A FRANTIC RACE AGAINST TIME”

Geronimo! wraps up with The End, an intense, time-twisting story that grips the listener from the very first second and never lets go. Featuring one of Big Finish’s more ambitious time-loop narratives, it expertly balances high-stakes tension, emotional drama, and classic base-under-siege thrills. It’s the perfect way to close out this first chapter of Eleven and Valarie’s adventures, leaving us with a cliffhanger that promises even bigger things to come.

DEATH IN THE TIME LOOP

The story wastes no time throwing us straight into chaos. The Doctor lies wounded on an operating table, dying in front of Valarie, who can do nothing but watch. Then, suddenly, we jump to another version of events—this time, it’s Valarie who is dying, while the Doctor is the one trying to save her.

From here, the narrative slowly reveals itself: Eleven and Valarie are trapped in a time loop aboard a besieged space station, with only one of them able to survive in each iteration. The only way to break the loop is for one of them to accept death. It’s a mind-bending premise, but the script manages to maintain a steady grip on the listener, ensuring that the twists and turns remain engaging rather than confusing.

As the loops repeat, we slowly begin to understand what’s happening, where they are, and why time is unravelling around them. The clever structure demands the listener’s full attention, but it never feels like an overly complex puzzle for the sake of it. Instead, it allows us to see how both the Doctor and Valarie tackle the same situation in different ways, highlighting their growing partnership and distinct approaches to problem-solving.

A BASE UNDER SIEGE—WITH A TERRIFYING THREAT

Amid the chaos of the time loops, we also get a classic Doctor Who setup: a base under attack by an unseen enemy. The crew of the station, initially distrustful of the Doctor and Valarie, soon become key players in the desperate fight for survival. The supporting cast is well-integrated into the story, providing more than just background noise as they each contribute to the struggle against the unfolding catastrophe.

And then there’s the monster itself—an unseen horror lurking in the shadows, creeping ever closer. The tension escalates as we hear the eerie sounds of the attacker long before we fully understand what it is. When the reveal finally comes, it’s a chilling one: the station is under siege by dimension-hopping insectoid creatures, time spiders, whose rapid reproduction threatens to tear apart reality itself.

The design and execution of the time spiders are fantastic. The sound effects are especially effective, making them feel truly alien and unsettling. The insect-like noises add a layer of body horror, making the threat feel not just dangerous but deeply unnerving.

ELEVEN AND VALARIE—FACING THE IMPOSSIBLE

Beyond the high-stakes tension and intricate storytelling, The End is also an excellent character study for both the Doctor and Valarie.

The story forces them to confront their mortality in a way that few adventures do. In each loop, one of them is dying, and the other must find a way to accept—or fight against—it. It’s a brutal dilemma that challenges their morals and their will to survive.

Eleven’s usual energy and quick-thinking brilliance are still present, but we see a more desperate and raw side of him here. Trapped in a cycle where he keeps losing his friend, his Time War trauma comes to the surface in subtle but powerful ways. Meanwhile, Valarie, despite being new to this life, refuses to simply accept her fate. She pushes back, determined to find another way, proving once again why she’s such a compelling companion.

Their relationship is strengthened immensely through this ordeal. They don’t just work together—they fight for each other, refusing to accept any reality where one must die for the other to live. It’s the kind of emotionally charged storytelling that Big Finish excels at, and it elevates The End beyond just a clever time-travel puzzle.

AN INTRICATE, MULTI-LAYERED NARRATIVE

One of the most impressive aspects of The End is how it plays with its structure.

Not only is the story stuck in a time loop, but the loops themselves run in tandem, intersecting and overlapping in unexpected ways. The listener is constantly jumping between perspectives, piecing together the truth as each new iteration provides another clue.

This kind of experimental storytelling can sometimes feel like a gimmick, but here, it works beautifully. The looping nature of the plot isn’t just a cool trick—it’s essential to the story’s tension, themes, and ultimate resolution. It also makes The End a story that benefits from multiple listens, as each re-listen allows for a deeper appreciation of its intricacies.

A CLIFFHANGER TO SHAKE THE TARDIS

Just when it seems like the dust is settling, The End delivers one final gut-punch:

The unknown force that has been manipulating the TARDIS throughout this box set is still at work. As the Doctor and Valarie escape, the cloister bell begins tolling—a classic sign of impending doom. Then, the TARDIS starts to explode around them, and everything spirals into chaos.

It’s an exhilarating and dramatic way to close out the set, leaving listeners desperate for the next chapter. Who—or what—is pulling the Doctor’s ship through time and space? And what fresh dangers await Eleven and Valarie in the next volume?

📝VERDICT: 8/10

The End is a bold and gripping finale, delivering a perfect balance of tension, emotion, and intricate time-wimey storytelling. The time-loop structure is cleverly executed, the monsters are genuinely unsettling, and the emotional stakes are sky-high.

Jacob Dudman and Safiyya Ingar give some of their best performances yet, selling every moment of fear, determination, and heartache. The supporting cast is strong, the sound design is top-notch, and the overall experience is one of relentless suspense.

Ending on a thrilling cliffhanger, this story cements Geronimo! as a must-listen for fans of time-twisting Doctor Who adventures.

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

“THE HOUSE OF MASKS: MYSTERY, INTRIGUE, AND A GROWING BOND”

The Eleventh Doctor’s new era continues with The House of Masks, an atmospheric mystery set in 18th-century Venice during a grand carnival. It’s the first true adventure for Eleven and Valarie together, and while the story itself has its flaws, it succeeds in further developing their dynamic, laying the foundations for their relationship and the overarching mysteries surrounding their travels.

VENICE, MASKS, AND A WEB OF DECEPTION

Right from the start, The House of Masks plays with contrasts. The Doctor is cautiously excited about returning to Venice, knowing that his last visit involved vampires and chaos, while Valarie is simply delighted to be somewhere so different from her own time. Her awe at seeing real water, buildings, and people – things that no longer exist in her future – adds an emotional depth to the setting, reminding us of how alien even the past can be to a companion from a distant future.

However, it’s not long before the pair find themselves drawn into a murder plot from opposite sides. The Doctor is persuaded by the enigmatic Lady Sicura, who believes there’s a murderer after her, while Valarie, drawn in by the charming Captain Tommasi, is led to believe that Sicura must be stopped. It’s a classic case of misdirection, and the uncertainty over who is telling the truth lends the story a solid air of mystery. Adding to the tension is the reveal that everyone inside the lavish house is trapped, slowly sinking into the water at Sicura’s mercy.

This locked-room setup is engaging, and the story takes its time exploring the different angles, allowing the Doctor and Valarie to slowly unravel the secrets of the house while using their own unique strengths.

VALARIE TAKES THE LEAD

If The Inheritance introduced Valarie as a capable and emotionally rich character, The House of Masks cements her as a true lead in her own right. She doesn’t just follow the Doctor’s lead—she actively takes charge, using her enhanced body and sharp mind to seek solutions that don’t involve bloodshed. Her technological prowess, combined with her strong sense of morality, makes her a standout companion, and it’s refreshing to see a Doctor-companion duo who feel like equals so early on in their journey together.

The story also plays nicely with the Doctor’s quirks, particularly in how he introduces Valarie to staple elements like the psychic paper and the TARDIS translation circuits. What makes these moments fun is that Valarie is unusually quick on the uptake—she understands the mechanics of the psychic paper better than most companions, which throws the Doctor off balance. It’s a small but delightful touch that helps define their dynamic.

And then there’s the deeper, more introspective side of their growing friendship. The final scene, in which the Doctor opens up to Valarie about being the last of the Time Lords, is one of the highlights of the audio. It’s a quiet but weighty moment, strengthening their bond and reminding us that, despite his manic energy, this Doctor still carries immense loneliness.

A SOLID MYSTERY WITH A WEAK PAYOFF

The initial setup of The House of Masks is strong, with its eerie, slowly sinking mansion and the mystery surrounding its inhabitants. However, the resolution doesn’t quite match the promise of the premise.

The twist—that the house is actually a stranded luxury space cruiser—feels somewhat predictable, and the real mystery shifts towards how it crashed and why its occupants survived. The answers, revolving around AI, robots, and the use of masks, are serviceable but not particularly engaging. While the personal drama between the crew members adds some emotional weight, the climax ultimately drags on longer than necessary without delivering a truly satisfying payoff. And then, just as things seem to be building to a final resolution, the story simply… stops.

This abrupt ending leaves a slightly underwhelming impression, as if the story was missing one last strong beat to tie everything together.

A PROMISING VILLAIN AND A FORGETTABLE FOIL

Lady Sicura is an intriguing figure, shifting from a mysterious presence to something far more unsettling as the story progresses. She never quite goes overboard into full-blown villainy, which works in her favour—her calculated control over the situation makes her more fascinating than a traditional over-the-top antagonist.

On the other hand, Captain Tommasi barely makes an impact. Despite being set up as an important figure in the plot, he ultimately fades into the background, failing to leave much of a lasting impression.

BUILDING A SEASON, PIECE BY PIECE

One of the most exciting aspects of this story is how it subtly contributes to the feeling of an ongoing Doctor Who season. From the Doctor introducing Valarie to classic TARDIS tools to the lingering mystery of why their ship keeps being pulled to specific places, The House of Masks isn’t just a standalone adventure—it’s another step in a larger narrative. The slow-burn development of these elements adds intrigue and makes the story feel like part of a bigger picture rather than an isolated tale.

The production values are also a highlight. The music and sound design do an excellent job of bringing 18th-century Venice to life, with its grand ballroom settings and bustling carnival atmosphere. Even when the story falters, the rich atmosphere keeps it immersive.

Jacob Dudman and Safiyya Ingar continue to shine, with their chemistry making every scene engaging. Their performances are so natural that it already feels as if they’ve been playing these roles for years.

📝VERDICT: 7/10

The House of Masks is a solid second outing for the Eleventh Doctor and Valarie, offering a strong setting, a compelling mystery, and further development of their relationship. However, the story stumbles in its final act, with a resolution that feels less satisfying than its setup.

Valarie continues to impress as a companion, and her dynamic with the Doctor is developing beautifully, making up for some of the weaker narrative beats. The growing sense of an overarching season arc also adds an extra layer of intrigue.

While it doesn’t quite live up to its full potential, The House of Masks is still an enjoyable adventure that reinforces why this new era of Doctor Who audios is one worth following.

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

Celebrating 20 years of New Who with the New Who Doctors - 11th Doctor

“THE INHERITANCE: A THRILLING INTRODUCTION TO A NEW ERA”

Big Finish kicks off a new chapter for the Eleventh Doctor with The Inheritance, a gripping and emotionally charged audio adventure that wastes no time throwing us into the action. With a mysterious virus, a corrupt corporation, a unique new companion, and a villain who refuses to go down easily, this story delivers a powerful blend of high-stakes thrills and rich character drama.

A DYNAMIC AND IMMEDIATE START

Right from the opening moments, The Inheritance sets itself apart with an energetic and gripping introduction. Instead of the usual slow build-up, the Eleventh Doctor quite literally lands on the doorstep of Valarie Lockwood with a bomb in hand—just as a deadly virus claims the life of her friend. It’s a chaotic, fast-paced start that immediately establishes the high stakes while also making Valarie’s first encounter with the Doctor feel deeply personal.

The narrative wastes no time in pulling the pair into a larger conspiracy, with Arabella Hendricks, the enigmatic and ruthless CEO of Fulcrum Corporation, enlisting them to find a cure for the outbreak before it spreads further. Of course, things are far from what they seem, and the story takes some fascinating turns as it explores not just the origins of the virus but the corporate greed driving it.

VALARIE LOCKWOOD – A COMPELLING NEW COMPANION

Valarie Lockwood is one of Big Finish’s most engaging original companions in years. A tech-savvy, part-cybernetic woman from a futuristic world where cybernetic enhancements are commonplace, she brings a fresh dynamic to the Doctor’s world. Unlike the Cybermen’s horrific vision of forced upgrades, Valarie’s enhancements are a natural part of her life, aiding her rather than defining her.

Safiyaa Ingar immediately shines in the role, delivering a performance full of warmth, intelligence, and strength. She shares an instant and natural chemistry with Jacob Dudman’s Doctor, making their partnership feel organic from the very beginning. Valarie isn’t just another bystander swept up in the Doctor’s adventures—she’s already an active force in her own world, fighting for the safety of her mother and friends long before she even meets him.

What makes her introduction particularly effective is how the story integrates her everyday life with the unfolding sci-fi chaos. We get a genuine sense of her relationships, her motivations, and her world before everything falls apart, making her losses feel devastatingly real. The moment she loses her mother to the virus is a gut punch, and Ingar’s performance in that scene is utterly heart-wrenching.

A MONSTER WITH A MESSAGE

The creature at the heart of The Inheritance is one of the more unique and thought-provoking threats Doctor Who has tackled. A parasitic entity that thrives within money, it specifically targets the wealthy—killing those who hoard wealth while sparing those who actively spend it. This is a brilliantly sharp and satirical concept, turning economic systems into a literal life-or-death struggle.

Beyond its clever premise, the parasite also serves as a biting critique of capitalism and corporate exploitation. The story touches on inheritance scams, unethical medical testing, and the ways in which corporations create fear to manipulate people into parting with their money. Fulcrum Corporation’s scheme—exploiting a manufactured crisis to push their own products and increase their wealth—feels chillingly relevant in a world where real-life companies profit from people’s desperation.

This thematic depth makes The Inheritance more than just an action-packed adventure. It’s a story with something to say, using science fiction to explore real-world anxieties in a way that Doctor Who has always excelled at.

ARABELLA HENDRICKS – A FORMIDABLE ADVERSARY

Lara Lemon delivers a pitch-perfect performance as Arabella Hendricks, the calculating and deeply detestable CEO of Fulcrum Corporation. While on the surface she might seem like a fairly straightforward villain—manipulative, self-serving, and ruthlessly efficient—her true strength as an antagonist comes from her ability to push the Doctor to his limits.

Unlike some villains who are easily outwitted, Hendricks is always a step ahead. She doesn’t just rely on brute force or intimidation—she plays mind games, exploiting weaknesses and dangling information that she knows the Doctor desperately wants. In this case, it’s a piece of knowledge about Clara Oswald, something that nearly tempts the Doctor into making a terrible mistake.

This all leads to a tense and unsettling final confrontation. When Valarie’s life hangs in the balance and the Doctor is left to face Hendricks alone, we see a side of Eleven that isn’t often explored—one haunted by his past, filled with barely contained rage, and standing on the edge of doing something he’ll regret. The scene where he mentally tortures Hendricks into surrendering is a stark reminder of the darkness lurking beneath his manic exterior, making for an incredibly powerful moment.

And yet, Hendricks isn’t easily beaten. Even in defeat, she makes it clear that this isn’t the last the Doctor and Valarie will see of her. It’s a rare thing in Big Finish for an original villain to leave such a lasting impression, but Hendricks does just that, setting the stage for future encounters that promise to be just as compelling.

A STRONG START TO A NEW ERA

One of the best things about The Inheritance is how well it balances its responsibilities. It’s not just a gripping standalone adventure—it’s also an introduction to Valarie Lockwood, a setup for long-term themes, and a foundation for a fresh dynamic between the Doctor and his new companion. It handles all of these elements effortlessly, never feeling like an exposition dump or a box-ticking exercise.

It also sidesteps many of the usual tropes associated with companion introductions. There’s no drawn-out sequence of Valarie marvelling at the TARDIS or questioning every aspect of the Doctor’s world. Instead, the story trusts the audience to accept these elements naturally, allowing it to focus on developing Valarie as a character rather than getting bogged down in the usual “bigger on the inside” beats.

Likewise, the pacing is excellent. While the stakes are high from the very beginning, the story never feels rushed or overloaded. There’s room for quiet, character-driven moments amid the action, making the emotional beats hit even harder.

📝 VERDICT: 9/10

The Inheritance is a fantastic debut for Valarie Lockwood and a strong start to a new era of Eleventh Doctor audio adventures. It blends thrilling action, compelling character work, and sharp social commentary into a gripping, emotionally charged story.

Safiyaa Ingar and Jacob Dudman share an instant chemistry, setting up a partnership that promises great things ahead. Lara Lemon’s Arabella Hendricks is a formidable antagonist who leaves a lasting impact, and the story’s central concept—a money-based parasite that punishes greed—is both clever and thematically rich.

With high stakes, powerful performances, and a compelling new companion, The Inheritance isn’t just a great introduction—it’s a great story in its own right.

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

Celebrating 20 years of New Who with the New Who Doctors - 9th Doctor

“AULD LANG SYNE: A HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL NEW YEAR'S REFLECTION”

Closing out Back to Earth, Auld Lang Syne delivers an emotionally resonant and timey-wimey character study, blending ghostly mystery with a heartfelt exploration of grief and memory. Set within the shifting timelines of a New Year’s Eve gathering, it offers a poignant farewell to this set of Ninth Doctor adventures, reminding us that while time moves forward, the past is never truly gone.

A HOUSE FULL OF MEMORIES

The story centres on Mandy Litherland, a woman who has made it a tradition to reunite her family at an old manor house every year to celebrate New Year's Eve. This time, the turn of the decade from the 1980s to the 1990s should be a special occasion, but there’s a lingering sense of melancholy. Not everyone in the family shares Mandy’s enthusiasm, and an eerie presence lurks beneath the festivities.

The Doctor is present in an unusual role—as the house’s caretaker. But as we soon learn, he’s not just here to keep the pipes from freezing. Time is behaving strangely within the manor, jumbling events and pulling Mandy into an unsettling web of past and present. The Doctor himself seems to be meeting her out of order, their conversations unfolding at different points in their respective timelines.

It’s a wonderfully eerie setup, slowly unravelling the mystery of why the house—and Mandy herself—seems trapped in a loop of celebrations past. With each shift in time, more pieces of the puzzle fall into place, drawing Mandy and the Doctor toward the truth.

A CHARACTER-DRIVEN MYSTERY

At its heart, Auld Lang Syne is a deeply personal tale. While there’s a ghostly monster lurking in the shadows—the elusive Lady of the House—the real focus is on Mandy’s emotional journey. Played with warmth and depth by Leah Brotherhead, Mandy is a sympathetic and well-realised character, and her chemistry with Christopher Eccleston’s Doctor makes their interactions particularly engaging.

She’s determined and resourceful, taking the strange temporal anomalies in stride. Where another character might have panicked, Mandy instead chooses to trust the Doctor, leaning into the mystery rather than running from it. This makes her a compelling protagonist, one who carries much of the story’s emotional weight.

Eccleston’s Doctor, meanwhile, is in fine form—eccentric, enigmatic, but always deeply compassionate. He clearly knows more than he’s letting on, guiding Mandy toward answers while still respecting the weight of her personal struggles. His presence never overpowers the narrative; instead, he acts as a catalyst, nudging Mandy toward realisations she might not have reached on her own.

A TIMEY-WIMEY TAPESTRY

The structure of the story is one of its greatest strengths. Rather than unfolding in a straightforward manner, the narrative jumps between different New Year’s Eves, showing us fragments of Mandy’s past while keeping the mystery alive.

Despite this non-linear approach, the story remains easy to follow, thanks to strong character writing and clear storytelling. The pacing is brisk, but every moment feels deliberate, allowing for emotional beats to land without ever slowing down the momentum.

One of the most impressive elements is how many New Year’s Eve celebrations the story manages to incorporate without feeling cluttered. Each one serves a purpose, gradually peeling back the layers of Mandy’s history and her connection to the house. Through this, we get a sense of how time is folding in on itself, making the setting feel almost alive—a place caught between past and present, unwilling to let go.

A HAUNTING REVELATION

As the second half of the story unfolds, the emotional stakes rise. The Lady of the House, previously glimpsed only in shadow, begins to take a more prominent role. But this isn’t a simple ghost story—there’s something deeper at play.

Without delving into heavy spoilers, Auld Lang Syne ultimately becomes a meditation on grief, memory, and the struggle to move forward. Mandy’s connection to the house runs deeper than she realises, and her repeated New Year’s celebrations aren’t just a tradition—they’re a way of holding on.

The story’s climax is both haunting and deeply moving, as Mandy is forced to confront the ghosts of her past—both literal and metaphorical. The resolution is bittersweet, offering closure while acknowledging that loss never truly disappears. Instead, it becomes a part of us, woven into the fabric of who we are.

SOUND DESIGN AND ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere of Auld Lang Syne is beautifully realised, thanks to stellar sound design. The shifting timelines are seamlessly conveyed through audio cues, ensuring that the listener always understands when and where they are. The eerie, echoing quality of the manor house enhances the sense of unease, while the celebratory New Year’s scenes contrast this with warmth and nostalgia.

The score is subtle but effective, heightening both the mystery and the emotional weight of the story. The Lady of the House’s presence is underscored by chilling sound effects that make her feel genuinely unsettling, even when she’s not directly seen.

📝VERDICT: 8/10

Auld Lang Syne is a beautifully crafted, emotionally rich story that serves as a fitting conclusion to Back to Earth. It blends classic Doctor Who time-travel trickery with a deeply human exploration of grief and memory, resulting in a tale that lingers long after the final moments.

Leah Brotherhead shines as Mandy, delivering a performance full of warmth and quiet sorrow, while Christopher Eccleston is at his best—both playful and profound. The non-linear structure keeps the mystery engaging, and the final revelation delivers a heartfelt gut punch.

A touching and atmospheric tale, Auld Lang Syne reminds us that time moves on, but the past is never truly lost.

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

Celebrating 20 years of New Who with the New Who Doctors - 12th Doctor

“A CONFUSION OF ANGELS: WEEPING ANGELS, HOSTS, AND A STOLEN TARDIS IN A CHAOTIC SPACE THRILLER”

The Twelfth Doctor, Bill, and Nardole arrive on the Jeden, a spaceship left adrift in space and owned by none other than Max Capricorn—the same cutthroat businessman behind the doomed Titanic from Voyage of the Damned. A small, diverse crew is searching for a missing member when the TARDIS team arrives, setting the stage for what initially appears to be a traditional base-under-siege story. There’s a malfunctioning Host being used as a bodyguard, mysterious stowaways, and Bill is wrongly accused of murder—all classic elements that help build tension and intrigue.

TOO MANY MOVING PIECES

Then the second half cranks everything up to eleven. Missy escapes the Vault and steals the TARDIS. The Shadow Proclamation arrives, led by none other than a Raxacoricofallapatorian detective named Jingatheen, who bears a striking resemblance to Margaret Slitheen. And just when it seems like things can’t get any wilder, a Weeping Angel sends the Doctor back in time. While these individual elements are all interesting, the sheer number of competing plot threads makes the story feel disjointed.

The story eventually reveals that the entire setup is an elaborate trap by the Weeping Angels to steal the Doctor’s TARDIS, which Missy has conveniently taken for herself. The way this plan unfolds is clever, but with so many competing characters and twists, it doesn’t land as strongly as it could.

THE LONG WAY ROUND

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the story is the Doctor’s solution to being stranded in the past. Instead of finding a quick way back, he does it the long way—spending a century working his way through the company’s ranks, influencing its employees, and even naming the Titanic before eventually ending up back on the Jeden as the mysterious stowaway. It’s a classic Twelve move, demonstrating his patience, intelligence, and ability to turn setbacks into carefully constructed plans.

JINGATHEEN, NARDOLE, AND THE HOST-TO-ANGEL TWIST

The return of Margaret Slitheen (or rather, Detective Jingatheen) is another fascinating touch. The comic takes the time to explain her backstory, revealing how she ended up working for the Shadow Proclamation after the events of Boom Town. She’s a surprising highlight, proving to be competent and dedicated—far from the selfish, conniving figure she once was. Her reaction to the Weeping Angels, even taking decisive action against them, adds to her newfound credibility.

The story also manages to deliver a strong horror element, with eerie glimpses of Weeping Angels lurking in the dark. The tension builds effectively, culminating in the jaw-dropping reveal that the Jeden’s enemies aren’t just the Weeping Angels, but also the golden Hosts from Voyage of the Damned. Even better, the Hosts—left in standby mode, endlessly staring at the Angels—end up becoming Weeping Angels due to their ability to project what they see. It’s a fantastic, chilling twist that merges both returning villains in a way that feels genuinely inventive.

A RUSHED CLIMAX AND A MISSED OPPORTUNITY

Despite all the buildup, the climax is disappointingly rushed, with the Doctor’s plan playing out across just a few panels. Missy’s theft of the TARDIS also feels like an underdeveloped subplot—ultimately, she doesn’t do much with it, and her role is reduced to being a part of the Doctor’s ongoing attempts to turn her good. Given the potential of this setup, it feels like a wasted opportunity.

📝VERDICT: 7/10

A Confusion of Angels is a story bursting with great ideas, but it struggles to balance them all. The Weeping Angel-Host hybrid concept is a stroke of genius, the Doctor’s long-game strategy is satisfying, and Margaret Slitheen’s reinvention as a detective is a pleasant surprise. However, the sheer number of twists, characters, and competing storylines results in a somewhat chaotic experience, with a finale that doesn’t quite stick the landing. A fun, visually striking adventure with plenty to love—but also a reminder that sometimes, less is more.