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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2020 17:31:42 GMT
A first run through Graceless - Series 1 (in preparation for Wicked Sisters in November). On to Series 2 tonight..
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Post by doctorkernow on Jul 14, 2020 20:00:44 GMT
Human Resources (Both Parts)
They saved the best for last, I see. I expected a big shoot em up sort of story for the finale, but this was much better and more intelligent than I thought it would be. I'm glad they decided to bookend the series with 2-hour stories. There's a lot of ideas crammed into both of them, and I can't imagine telling the same tale in 50 minutes or less. Office jargon and corporate culture is something I've never been able to quite get my head around, and I've always found it vaguely creepy. Good thing I work outside, I guess. Anyway, that was definitely not what I was expecting to find after the cliffhanger in No More Lies. The, uh, exterior of said office is quite striking imagery as well. I like the way the Cybermen are used in this story. It reminds me of The Harvest a little bit, where they're more sympathetic than usual. Human Resources doesn't go quite as far as that story, but it's more interesting than just stomping about. The Doctor's argument with them over the right to survive is wonderful (and also a bit harsh), and I think it puts a nice cap on the more abrasive characterization in this series compared to the Main Range. Then there's the Time Lord side of things. I can't recall them ever sharing a story with the Cybermen. It's a good payoff to the mysteries surrounding Lucie thus far, not so much because of the explanations, but the way that Lucie reacts to it. That won me over more than anything else from her up to now, and it would appear she is now as free to roam with the Doctor as any other companion. I'm curious if they can land in Blackpool yet or not. At least the TARDIS works normally again. As for the Headhunter and her new traveling companion, it's clear we've not seen the last of her. The function of the character seems to be to bring us into this story, which is now fulfilled. But, there's hints of perhaps a further agenda of her own. So I guess we'll see. A very strong end to Series 1. I'd go so far as to say it's among Eight's best so far. I will come back to the EDAs for sure, but for right now, my Excelis CD finally arrived, so that goes first. Hello again Polly,
After Chimes of Midnight, the EDAs on BBC Radio 7 were my next foray into Big Finish. Human Resources is indeed a classic, as you say it's a really fascinating mixture of ideas and a pitch perfect evocation of office life. I do recommend you return to the EDAs, season 2 has another interesting mix of stories and some well chosen guest stars. Season 2 also has one of my favourite EDAs The Zygon Who Fell to Earth. Best wishes...
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Post by grinch on Jul 14, 2020 20:20:30 GMT
Divorced, Beheaded, Regenerated (John Dorney)
A fun little run around. Although your enjoyment of this would naturally depend on how much you like Rufus Hound’s incarnation of the Monk.
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Post by polly on Jul 14, 2020 21:28:02 GMT
Hello again Polly,
After Chimes of Midnight, the EDAs on BBC Radio 7 were my next foray into Big Finish. Human Resources is indeed a classic, as you say it's a really fascinating mixture of ideas and a pitch perfect evocation of office life. I do recommend you return to the EDAs, season 2 has another interesting mix of stories and some well chosen guest stars. Season 2 also has one of my favourite EDAs The Zygon Who Fell to Earth. Best wishes...
Oh, yeah, I look forward to Season 2. I think the EDAs are really cookin' along nicely now. And I'll make special note of Zygon Who Fell to Earth. I'll be sure to tell you all what I think of them (in great detail) when I return to them.
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Post by sherlock on Jul 15, 2020 0:45:49 GMT
Something of a Beep duology with The Star Beast and The Ratings War.
They are great fun.
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Post by polly on Jul 15, 2020 2:02:07 GMT
Excelis Dawns
Made for an amusing afternoon, but it wasn't top tier material. It's just kind of enjoyable and relaxing. I get the feeling that this is one of those stories that is going to irritate the crap out of some people. I'm not one of them. Iris is a scream, and her banter with Five is a wonder to behold. Never mind what the all-important ancient artifact actually turns out to be. They make quite a pair! Sixie might be just as outrageous as she is, but Five acts as a better contrast, which makes for a very different dynamic.
As far as the plot goes, it's fine. It's there to facilitate characters snarking at each other. Why this is spun into a 4-part arc, I couldn't tell you. Because other than Grayvorn and the nun lady being sucked into the Thingy, I'm at a loss for what there is to build upon. I confess I'm not all that interested just yet.
I do want to hear more about this Christmas Five's team spent with Iris, though.
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Post by Digi on Jul 15, 2020 2:11:18 GMT
Had the Monthly Range story Pier Pressure on earlier today. I was in bed, and fell asleep for a spell from sometime during Part 2 to sometime during Part 3 and didn't feel like I lost track of the story at all, so that's probably not a good sign lol. Still, Colin and Maggie Stables are magnificent as they always were together.
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Post by tuigirl on Jul 15, 2020 9:33:05 GMT
Excelis Dawns
Made for an amusing afternoon, but it wasn't top tier material. It's just kind of enjoyable and relaxing. I get the feeling that this is one of those stories that is going to irritate the crap out of some people. I'm not one of them. Iris is a scream, and her banter with Five is a wonder to behold. Never mind what the all-important ancient artifact actually turns out to be. They make quite a pair! Sixie might be just as outrageous as she is, but Five acts as a better contrast, which makes for a very different dynamic. As far as the plot goes, it's fine. It's there to facilitate characters snarking at each other. Why this is spun into a 4-part arc, I couldn't tell you. Because other than Grayvorn and the nun lady being sucked into the Thingy, I'm at a loss for what there is to build upon. I confess I'm not all that interested just yet. I do want to hear more about this Christmas Five's team spent with Iris, though. Oh yes please!
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Post by tuigirl on Jul 15, 2020 9:34:08 GMT
Had the Monthly Range story Pier Pressure on earlier today. I was in bed, and fell asleep for a spell from sometime during Part 2 to sometime during Part 3 and didn't feel like I lost track of the story at all, so that's probably not a good sign lol. Still, Colin and Maggie Stables are magnificent as they always were together. Listened to that one recently, too. Still have no idea if anything really happened there, even without falling asleep. It is not the.... best of stories.
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ljwilson
Chancellery Guard
It's tangerine....not orange
Likes: 5,062
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Post by ljwilson on Jul 15, 2020 9:34:29 GMT
Unit 3.1: House of Silents 3.2: Square One 3.3 Silent Majority
MR: Bloodtide
Dorian Gray 3.1 Blank Canvas (very good indeed and a real jump horror audio. Head up to the attic, I've got something to show you...)
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ljwilson
Chancellery Guard
It's tangerine....not orange
Likes: 5,062
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Post by ljwilson on Jul 15, 2020 9:35:48 GMT
Had the Monthly Range story Pier Pressure on earlier today. I was in bed, and fell asleep for a spell from sometime during Part 2 to sometime during Part 3 and didn't feel like I lost track of the story at all, so that's probably not a good sign lol. Still, Colin and Maggie Stables are magnificent as they always were together. It does have that effect...talking, talking and a bit more talking, but I quite like it in a glacial type way.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2020 12:46:58 GMT
Companion Chronicles - Frostfire.
I hadn't heard this for a while so I thought I'd give it another listen. What a great, melancholic story this is, and how well Maureen O'Brien and Keith Drinkel perform it. In many ways, it is typical of Marc Platt - weird, leisurely paced and with a great deal of heart.
Strange to think that before this, Gary Russell was happy to use 'old' Doctor Who actors, but cast them in roles other than the companions for which they are best known. So - I think - this was the first time we had a story told from the point of a former companion. Because of this change it policy, we've since been treated to expansions on fairly under-represented TARDIS crew-members - Steven, Vicki and Sara Kingdom in particular have had a whole new lease of life under Big Finish. We take the Companion Chronicles for granted a bit now perhaps, but they should never be under-estimated in fleshing out the Doctor's ex-friends in a way that wouldn't otherwise have happened.
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Post by constonks on Jul 15, 2020 16:56:55 GMT
Now that Janet Fielding and Matthew Waterhouse do Big Finish, wouldn't that just be an amazing Christmas special?
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Post by masterdoctor on Jul 15, 2020 17:37:16 GMT
Inside Every Warrior by Gemma Langford
While I do enjoy Jago and Litefoot, I have to admit that I find The Paternoster Gang a much better team, and spinoff as a whole. The rapport between Vastra, Jenny and Strax, and the actors themselves, is tangible through every moment. And as a series, The Paternoster Gang delves deep into the characters relationships in a way Jago and Litefoot only occasionally did. This story is no exception. Langford writes them terrifically, with all three getting a great mix of comedy, pathos, and contributing to the story. The plot is interesting, with revenge and kidnapping aliens being mixed to great effect. Thematically, there is a great exploration of how your actions affect others, and how people take advantage of one another. Great stuff, and definitely up there with Emancipation in terms of quality.
Goodbye Piccadilly by James Goss
I am severely behind in some of my Torchwood Monthly Range releases. And so to prep for the upcoming Torchwood stories, I am making my way through the ones I missed or listened to only once. And boy is this just a fun release. Barnett and Price have incredible chemistry, and Price is perhaps the breakout star of BF Torchwood, seeing as they really have developed and cared for this character. The plot runs at a mile a minute, but all the different set pieces are fun and never outstay their welcome. It was also really cool to find out that everything outside of the alien aspect of the story was researched and true to life. This is one of the few BF audios that gets the distinction of being laugh out loud funny as well, with moments such as Andy and Norton running naked across Soho, and Andy bering called beefy just some of the highlights. I cannot wait for Torchwood Soho: Parasite!
Assets of War by Lou Morgan
Not as bad as Sphere of Influence, but not as good as The Uncertain Shore. Rennis, Veklin and Rasmus are great, but I hated Susan and Vibax . Both come across as self-righteous, and it becomes extremely grating. A predictable, but okay plot and the sound design is okay. Like I said, its a very middling story out of the set. Not the worst, and not the best, squarely in the middle.
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Post by tuigirl on Jul 15, 2020 18:39:24 GMT
The Behemoth. I really liked this! I liked the lighthearted start with the Doctor‘s little romance and the idea of Lady Clara was brilliant. I also liked the naval battle at the end. There was also just enough of a serious message in this, but as the cast admit in the interview, it gets slightly overshadowed by the antics.
I think I continue right on with the Middle.
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Post by polly on Jul 15, 2020 18:54:07 GMT
Companion Chronicles - Frostfire.
I hadn't heard this for a while so I thought I'd give it another listen. What a great, melancholic story this is, and how well Maureen O'Brien and Keith Drinkel perform it. In many ways, it is typical of Marc Platt - weird, leisurely paced and with a great deal of heart.
Strange to think that before this, Gary Russell was happy to use 'old' Doctor Who actors, but cast them in roles other than the companions for which they are best known. So - I think - this was the first time we had a story told from the point of a former companion. Because of this change it policy, we've since been treated to expansions on fairly under-represented TARDIS crew-members - Steven, Vicki and Sara Kingdom in particular have had a whole new lease of life under Big Finish. We take the Companion Chronicles for granted a bit now perhaps, but they should never be under-estimated in fleshing out the Doctor's ex-friends in a way that wouldn't otherwise have happened.
Companion Chronicles are one of my favorite BF ranges, and one of the few I've heard almost all of. You make me want to revisit them! Now that Janet Fielding and Matthew Waterhouse do Big Finish, wouldn't that just be an amazing Christmas special? Yes, please! I'm always happy for more Iris, but with the full Season 19 crew? Tegan vs Auntie Iris, I can only imagine...
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Post by timegirl on Jul 15, 2020 19:05:49 GMT
The Behemoth. I really liked this! I liked the lighthearted start with the Doctor‘s little romance and the idea of Lady Clara was brilliant. I also liked the naval battle at the end. There was also just enough of a serious message in this, but as the cast admit in the interview, it gets slightly overshadowed by the antics. I think I continue right on with the Middle. Ooo I think I may give this one a try!😊
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Post by constonks on Jul 15, 2020 19:21:51 GMT
Now that Janet Fielding and Matthew Waterhouse do Big Finish, wouldn't that just be an amazing Christmas special? Yes, please! I'm always happy for more Iris, but with the full Season 19 crew? Tegan vs Auntie Iris, I can only imagine... Actually, it might be neat to have a Christmas "sampler" Boxset at some point like The Eighth of March - imagine... - The Fifth Doctor, Adric, Nyssa and Tegan have dinner aboard the Celestial Omnibus... - Jenny spends time with her extended family - Irving Braxiatel and River Song... - Kate Stewart remembers a childhood Christmas where she and her father dealt with something strange under the tree - and modern day UNIT deals with it now that it's returned... - As the Time War rages, time is skipping from December 24th to the 26th every year throughout recorded history. Susan and Narvin must find out who has stolen Christmas...
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2020 19:35:55 GMT
Seeing as circumstances have bought me today to the Town and Abbey ruins which inspired the birth of a legendary monster..and as I type heavy, dark stormclouds are literally settling overhead..there can only be one choice to listen to.
Iris Wildthyme and the Claws of Santa.*
*Just kidding..It's Dracula's Guests.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2020 19:39:46 GMT
Companion Chronicles - Frostfire.
I hadn't heard this for a while so I thought I'd give it another listen. What a great, melancholic story this is, and how well Maureen O'Brien and Keith Drinkel perform it. In many ways, it is typical of Marc Platt - weird, leisurely paced and with a great deal of heart.
Strange to think that before this, Gary Russell was happy to use 'old' Doctor Who actors, but cast them in roles other than the companions for which they are best known. So - I think - this was the first time we had a story told from the point of a former companion. Because of this change it policy, we've since been treated to expansions on fairly under-represented TARDIS crew-members - Steven, Vicki and Sara Kingdom in particular have had a whole new lease of life under Big Finish. We take the Companion Chronicles for granted a bit now perhaps, but they should never be under-estimated in fleshing out the Doctor's ex-friends in a way that wouldn't otherwise have happened.
Companion Chronicles are one of my favorite BF ranges, and one of the few I've heard almost all of. You make me want to revisit them! Go on! I'm going to try and set a few hours aside and listen to the Sara Kingdom trilogy sometime soon. Cannot wait!
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