|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 6, 2017 16:49:48 GMT
Minuet in Hell. I want that two and a half hours of my life back. 1/10 I give it 4/10 (but only for Nick Courtney)
Regards
mark687
For me, that was insult to injury, this is the only time we get 8 and the brig proper(zagreus is a different kettle of fish) and we only get 20 minutes of it. The only highlight in this story was Nick Briggs imo, it’s almost like he’d played the doctor before. 😉
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 7, 2017 0:13:38 GMT
Loup-Garoux
I don’t really have to much to say about this one. There’s nothing bad about it, but only a couple things really stand out, and that’s just a few of the ideas involved.
Davison is continually becoming more comfortable returning to his role. I particularly enjoyed his monologue about his views on Hayashi’s work. Turlogh was fairly well served, if a bit panicky. (How I wish Ethan was there to catch him running from his shadow).
Marc Platt is a great writer, and I’m glad knowing he’s still working with BF. But I find that, while he’s written a good story, there’s nothing in it that elevates it to exceptional.
7/10.
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 7, 2017 4:19:33 GMT
Dalek Empire I: Invasion of the Daleks.
I’ve only heard this once, so it’s pretty new to me.
We’ve got out three main players; Kalendorf, Susan and the reporter guy whose name escapes me.
Kalendorf is playing his cards close to the chest, the reporter clearly has his issues (my money is on him dying). Susan right now is the most interesting character, she’s stood up to the Daleks and they’ve taken notice and made her their mouthpiece to inspire hope and get a better workforce out of the slaves. Nick will touch upon that again briefly in Dark Eyes 2.
I’m really hoping that the direction the story takes will address this collaboration, I think it’ll make for an excellent theme, after all collaboration isn’t just a black and white topic.
Looking forward to part 2.
8/10.
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 8, 2017 0:56:37 GMT
Dust Breeding
For a story with a lot of good ideas in it, it really doesn’t come together.
The story starts with a perfect idea, the Doctor rescuing lost art for his own collection. However what we get are poor performances, BevTarrant who I’m still not sure why they brought back for Benny’s range after these two appearances and Geoffrey Beevers. One of the greatest sins is that they haven’t used his Master enough in the main range. He steps into the role he only played once and pulls it off excellently. While the story doesn’t serve him As well as it could (can’t wait for Master) he is a delight to listen to. As for Caroline John, the first few times I listened to this I didn’t realize it was her! A little off beat, her character was a treat to listen to.
This story is a real shame, there’s a ton of great ideas in it, the scream, the dust, the killer planet, and the Master along side the two main guest stairs giving great performances; it’s a real shame that the characterization of the Doctor and ace is off.
6/10.
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 9, 2017 3:27:23 GMT
Bloodtide
Another great tale from the Sixth Doctor and Evelyn!
So far these two have managed to be the most consistent team Big Finish has at their disposal.
Taking Evelyn back to meet a hero of hers is a great idea, (albeit one done back in ‘94 in evolution) but this time he gets it right!
I’ve gotta say, Darwin and the Silurian is a match made in heaven. His theorys and just the particular tropes that are used in all Silurian storys go hand in hand together. Plus using them to fill in the gaps with the missing link in his theory’s is perfect!
Another win for Colin Baker and Maggie Stables. 8/10.
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 9, 2017 7:13:35 GMT
Dalek empire: the Human Factor
We come back to Susan Mendez, who sounds like she’s spent a considerable time in her role as angel of mercy. We learn from Kalendorf that’s she’s touchy about working with the Daleks, as well as the fact that she betrays a rebel group to the Daleks.
There’s a lot going on in this story, I’ve only touched on a small part of it. We get a traditional dalek bloodbath, but the stuff I really enjoyed was the changes to Susan. The Daleks are asking her the hard hitting questions, ones she can’t answer. That’s the thread I’ve enjoyed most. My favourite dalek stories are the ones which really show the corrosive nature to them. Story’s like jubilee and the elite. I’m really hoping that gets touched on more.
An enjoyable tale, looking forward to the next part. 8/10.
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 9, 2017 18:58:31 GMT
Project Twilight.
That was dark. That was full on season 22 with Big Finish’s Sixth Doctor and I loved it.
We have the Sixth Doctor in his bloodiest tale yet and he shines in it. Despite everything going to hell around him, he’s still much softer than when he first started. I can hardly picture him going to comfort Peri after having someone explode in front of her. Despite this he still has that outrage deep within him to call upon, showing us this when he finds he’s been working with Vampires.
Now in this story we really get to see what Evelyn is made of. Despite having a corpse explode infront of her she stands up for herself, only really being rattled when she sees Cassie turned. Her bond with Cassie is going to cause her a great deal of pain in the future.
An outstanding story. 9/10.
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 10, 2017 4:05:11 GMT
Eye of the Scorpion.
In a word this story is brilliant. Erimem comes off as a fully fledged well developed character. She’s smart, questioning and willing to open her mind to new ideas. I love her.
Davison has finally hit his stride, fully back into the character of the Doctor, he is wonderful once again. I’m really looking forward to his next story.
Even Peri gets a lot to do in this one, she gracefully carries the second episode and really shines with Erimem. It’s a no brainer that they decided to keep Erimem around when her and Peri shine so brightly.
The only flaw in this story, is the last episode. I don’t think it needed the aliens. I think it was a really gripping story with the political machinations trying to usurp Erimem from the throne, but even with the aliens it’s still a great story.
9/10
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 11, 2017 5:23:29 GMT
Dalek Empire: Death to the Daleks
Long before the podcast and it’s endless “Stop don’t move!” We have Nick’s first Death to the Daleks reference in naming a story Death To the Daleks.
My my, Susan has really changed over these stories. It also seems the Daleks have rumbled her and Kalendorf’s plans. The signal is sent at the end of the story and revolution is declared.
I just hope the bombshell dropped at the end of the story isn’t true. I hate stuff like that happening off screen.
8/10.
Looking forward to the ending of this story.
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 13, 2017 16:40:17 GMT
Colditz
Another home run for big finish!
There’s a lot of good in this story. While part one starts as a typical historical, it’s the arrival of Tracy Childs that really steps this story up to the next level.
This story gives an interesting twist on a historical, we have two parties fighting to preserve their version of history with the freedom of the world in the balance.
There’s an excellent supporting cast in this tale, David Tennant makes for a slimy German sergeant with no redeeming qualities. Tracey Childs is literally perfect as Klein, a woman so convinced that her world is the correct one and willing to go to any means to preserve it, that’s a great villain. Schäfer is quite human for a nazi and nicely contrasts Klein and Kurtz. I’m afraid to say that Gower is probably the weakest link, his character doesn’t really change too much and is very much the typical stiff upper lip British officer. Lastly Wilkins starts off as an ok sort, but at the eleventh hour reals his cowardice.
A wonderful story, with excellent characters and a great seventh doctor master plan. 9/10.
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 14, 2017 0:47:30 GMT
Primeval
A good if slightly boring story.
So, Nyssa is desperately ill and Traken is the only place where there is hope of a cure.
Peter Davison is once again fighting to save the life of his companion and is willing to do almost anything to save her. The loss of Africa still stings.
While Nyssa is Ill for a good chunk of the story, there’s still a lot of great things going on for her. Taking her home gives her a chance to show off just how much she’s grown as a character. Seeing her clash with some of the rules of traditions of ancient Traken shows just how independent she’s become.
The twist with kwanndar is well revealed and the lengths to which his worshippers will go for him in dangerous.
It’s a good story, but I did find my attention wandering a fair bit.
7/10
The trailer for the one Doctor is excellent.
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 14, 2017 3:51:05 GMT
Dalek Empire: Project Infinity
The end of the first Dalek Empire come with a bang, doesn’t it?
While it ties up a few loose ends, it leaves some wide open and closes on one hell of a cliffhanger.
Nick Briggs has certainly shown that the Daleks work extremely well on their own.
Looking forward to season 2.
8/10
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 15, 2017 0:11:42 GMT
The one doctor.
This story is absolutely wonderful. It’s big, noisy, over the top and remarkably cheesy but it all works so well together I can’t help but love it.
Colin’s characterization is a touch off from the earlier Evelyn stories, but that easy to justify with what Banto has done to him.
The sound design is excellent and the script is chock full of great jokes.
A story like this makes me sad realizing the Gareth Roberts range never took off.
10/10
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 15, 2017 3:48:42 GMT
The ratings war & invaders from mars
Double feature!
To start, there isn’t much to say about the ratings war. A short DWM freebie, it’s half an hour of commentary on the television of the 2000’s. Colin is a delight as ever and Beep is an interesting if cuddly foe.
Worth a listen, but nothing standout.
Invaders From Mars.
I can’t say I enjoyed this one. The accents grind a bit and there’s a silliness to the whole thing. The incidental music is a bit over the top, but that’s fitting for the whole radio play angle.
Paul McGann and India are still wonderful together and make this listenable for me.
All in all it’s pretty standard Gatiss fare for me, passable if unremarkable.
I will give him credit, the “scum Devine” gag got a good laugh out of me.
6/10
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 15, 2017 22:35:36 GMT
Excelis Dawn.
I have to say, a bit of a painful experience during this for me.
There’s a lot to like about this story, the longest story in the mini series, there’s a lot of work for it to do. Paul Magrs sets up the next three story’s in the series all while having a silly adventure at the same time.
Anthony Head’s Grayvorn is a hoot to listen too, just a bit hammy, a far cry from Vaughn Sutton of the third story. I particularly enjoyed his narration. It’s similar to why I love the companion chronicles. The narration lets us see the doctor through the lens of another character, highlighting different aspects of the Doctor.
As for Iris, she’s wonderful. I adore Katy Manning and any chance to her more from her is one I’ll gladly take advantage of. She’s loud and over the top, a excellent contrast for the more subdued Fifth Doctor. I particularly enjoyed the scene where they talk about Adric. Katy reigns Iris in and shows a wonderful sensitivity I wouldn’t expect from a drunkard like her.
My favorite of this miniseries, 8/10.
As for the painful experience, it wasnt the story as I’m sure you realized. I got my second tattoo today!
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 16, 2017 23:23:54 GMT
The Chimes of Midnight.
There’s nothing I can say about this story that hasn’t been said before.
My only regret is that my turn table wasn’t set up, I couldn’t listen to my vinyl copy.
10/10
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 17, 2017 2:26:13 GMT
Seasons of Fear
Charley finally makes it to Singapore!
It’s not a bad story, but it’s not one that resonates with me.
Grayle is an interesting villain, one that we get to see change and grow over the centuries.
I particularly enjoyed the Edward section, even if I had Greaves’ previous character still in my head.
It’s an enjoyable romp, but it’s overshadowed by Chimes.
Both endings with Rassilon and Sentris were good, we’re clearly building up to neverland.
7/10
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 17, 2017 21:29:56 GMT
Excelis Rises.
Excelis has changed much in the last thousand years.
In this tale, we have the Doctor’s second run in with Grayvorn.
The biggest thing that this tale strikes me with is just how much Grayvorn has changed between these stories, and again how much he’ll change in decays. Gone is the barbarian. His new identity as Maupassant is much more smooth and charming. A real treat to listen to.
It’s a fairly average mystery/run around. It hurts a little knowing who the villain is from the start.
I did like the impression Maupassant was under, the Doctor being a body snatcher.
A decent story, worth a listen.
7/10
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 18, 2017 1:28:48 GMT
Embrace the darkness.
Can’t say I’m a fan of this story. Paul McGann is great as usual. The main issue I have is Orllensa, until she gets her eyesight back she’s unbearable. All she does is whine and complain. Frankly, I wanted her to die. ROSM was likeable enough, for a slave to logic.
Again, this story has the same issues I had with the mutant phase, the start is boring, where as the end is great (well, except the very end). The cimerians as healers is a good idea, especially how their over exertion is fatal. I also liked the idea of the other race being a branch off of them.
The ending though is very abrupt, the Doctor and Charley just leave without any closure.
Not a great story, Briggs is capable of much better.
6/10
|
|
|
Post by Star Platinum on Nov 18, 2017 7:13:50 GMT
Time of the Daleks.
Yuck.
This story is a hot mess.
It solves a curiosity from seasons of fear and moves the unravelling plot to its penultimate stage. Aside from that it’s a pretty rough listen. It almost feels a bit pretentious truth be told. The plots a bit thin, it just comes across as an excuse to get the Daleks quoting Shakespeare.
There were a few good visuals, mainly the mirror and clock stuff, but that’s not enough to save the story.
5/10
|
|