|
Post by mark687 on Jul 31, 2020 13:04:18 GMT
DW MRs
The Lovecraft Invasion and Time Apart
(2 very good stories indeed)
Regards
mark687
|
|
|
Post by polly on Jul 31, 2020 19:12:55 GMT
Fear of the Daleks
This is probably the story I'm thinking of when I have that vague impression that Series 1 Companion Chronicles aren't very good. Because this is awful. Using the Evil of the Daleks repeat as a springboard for a new story is a great idea, but unfortunately this is so relentlessly bland that the opportunity is squandered. It lacks the spark (ha ha) that Frostfire had. I know from later on that Wendy Padbury can tell a much better story than this, but I guess there's only so much she has to work with.
And as if the stupid cliches and contrivances aren't bad enough, the story sets up a hard choice for the Doctor about killing the Daleks, and then promptly lets him off the hook. Well, alright then. This piece of nonsense doesn't so much recapture 60s Who as it is a bungled caricature of it.
Does the framing story here tie into the Company stuff later on? I forget.
|
|
|
Post by mark687 on Jul 31, 2020 19:36:06 GMT
Fear of the Daleks
This is probably the story I'm thinking of when I have that vague impression that Series 1 Companion Chronicles aren't very good. Because this is awful. Using the Evil of the Daleks repeat as a springboard for a new story is a great idea, but unfortunately this is so relentlessly bland that the opportunity is squandered. It lacks the spark (ha ha) that Frostfire had. I know from later on that Wendy Padbury can tell a much better story than this, but I guess there's only so much she has to work with. And as if the stupid cliches and contrivances aren't bad enough, the story sets up a hard choice for the Doctor about killing the Daleks, and then promptly lets him off the hook. Well, alright then. This piece of nonsense doesn't so much recapture 60s Who as it is a bungled caricature of it. Does the framing story here tie into the Company stuff later on? I forget. Technically its stand-alone though maybe a Company agent spotted Zoe new physiologist and started formulating a plan? The main story feels like the writer thought he was doing James Bond or Thunderbirds then suddenly remembered he was writing Doctor Who Regards mark687
|
|
|
Post by Digi on Jul 31, 2020 20:39:37 GMT
The Lovecraft Invasion yesterday, Time Apart this morning. Great way to spend four hours
|
|
|
Post by polly on Aug 1, 2020 0:12:58 GMT
Fear of the Daleks
This is probably the story I'm thinking of when I have that vague impression that Series 1 Companion Chronicles aren't very good. Because this is awful. Using the Evil of the Daleks repeat as a springboard for a new story is a great idea, but unfortunately this is so relentlessly bland that the opportunity is squandered. It lacks the spark (ha ha) that Frostfire had. I know from later on that Wendy Padbury can tell a much better story than this, but I guess there's only so much she has to work with. And as if the stupid cliches and contrivances aren't bad enough, the story sets up a hard choice for the Doctor about killing the Daleks, and then promptly lets him off the hook. Well, alright then. This piece of nonsense doesn't so much recapture 60s Who as it is a bungled caricature of it. Does the framing story here tie into the Company stuff later on? I forget. Technically its stand-alone though maybe a Company agent spotted Zoe new physiologist and started formulating a plan? The main story feels like the writer thought he was doing James Bond or Thunderbirds then suddenly remembered he was writing Doctor Who Regards mark687 Yeah I thought maybe the therapy sessions tipped off the Company or something, but I might be misremembering. There's definitely shades of Bond and Thunderbirds, now that you mention it.
|
|
ljwilson
Chancellery Guard
It's tangerine....not orange
Likes: 5,063
|
Post by ljwilson on Aug 1, 2020 10:40:26 GMT
J&L 6.1 The Skeleton Quay CC: Helicon Prime (which I think is pretty good despite lukewarm reviews)
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Likes:
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2020 14:42:27 GMT
Finished off the Dark Shadows : Bloodline saga this morning with eps.10,11,12 and 13. Certainly sowed the seeds for Windcliff.
Tonight I think I'll head to Mars and the second part of the latest Star Cops storyline.
|
|
|
Post by anothermanicmondas on Aug 1, 2020 19:25:48 GMT
last 3 weeks listening... Shadow of the Sun, Poison of the Daleks, Scorched Earth, Lost Property Susan-the uncertain shore, assets of war, the Shoreditch Intervention Class - CatFish, Sweet Nothings Countermeasures - The Movellan Manouvere, the Dalek Gambit Timeslip- the age of the Death Lottery Human Frontier- Nowhere near Neptune, Machine Minds
BBC Lost Episodes- the Smugglers 10th Doctor Audiobooks - Peace Maker
plus relistens to Avengers-Brought to Book, Square Root of Evil, One for the Mortuary Destiny of the Doctor-Shadpw of Death, Vengeance of the Stones, Babblesphere
|
|
|
Post by elkawho on Aug 1, 2020 22:41:29 GMT
last 3 weeks listening... Shadow of the Sun, Poison of the Daleks, Scorched Earth, Lost Property Susan-the uncertain shore, assets of war, the Shoreditch Intervention Class - CatFish, Sweet Nothings Countermeasures - The Movellan Manouvere, the Dalek Gambit Timeslip- the age of the Death Lottery Human Frontier- Nowhere near Neptune, Machine Minds BBC Lost Episodes- the Smugglers 10th Doctor Audiobooks - Peace Maker plus relistens to Avengers-Brought to Book, Square Root of Evil, One for the Mortuary Destiny of the Doctor-Shadpw of Death, Vengeance of the Stones, Babblesphere Glad to have you checking in with us!
|
|
|
Post by mrperson on Aug 1, 2020 23:18:41 GMT
Finished The Lovecraft Invasion today.
|
|
|
Post by number13 on Aug 2, 2020 11:09:05 GMT
J&L 6.1 The Skeleton Quay CC: Helicon Prime (which I think is pretty good despite lukewarm reviews) It's odd how some stories get a 'reputation' and I'd heard that 'Helicon Prime' was one of them. But I really enjoyed it. Perhaps back in the early days of the CC range people were expecting something other than they got? For me, coming in years after the event via various other CCs, it was about what I'd expected it to be. And Frazer Hines is always great value.
|
|
|
Post by number13 on Aug 2, 2020 11:23:59 GMT
Finished off Tales From New Earth with 'The Skies of New Earth' and 'The Cats of New Cairo'.
I enjoyed this set very much, one more 'find' amongst my backlog. Well done all round, I think 'The Skies of New Earth' by Paul Morris was my favourite story and Oscar my favourite character though they were all well-imagined and played. And the sound design and music on this set is special even for BF.
Listening to it in context of the current 'Lovecraft' debate, it struck me that the set does the message of diversity, friendship and cooperation between really varied people very well indeed, on a world where there is some very uncomfortable history between some of the different groups. Even though not all of them 'get it' by the end of the story, despite events, the direction of travel towards a better New Earth is clear and seems to flow naturally from the drama. In my book that realism is worth more than a heap of 'nailed-on' moral messages.
|
|
|
Post by elkawho on Aug 2, 2020 14:33:36 GMT
I've been getting through a lot of BF. I decided to do an Eighth Doctor boxset re-listen, and I'm well into Ravenous 4. I remember at the time of these releases that the Ravenous were not well established or were not used well within the overall story arc. Now that I'm almost through it all again I have changed my mind. I actually think the Ravenous were a terrific idea and they were used really well. They started off being hinted at and slowly their presence and threat grew. And the way they force the Doctor to stick with the Eleven is terrific. And the arc has some terrific stand alone stories, the best for me is Companion Piece.
I also listened to The Lovecraft Invasion and Time Apart. I comment on those in their threads.
I also have been listening to Neil Gaiman's The Sandman on Audible. It's been pretty good but inconsistent. I was worried about how they were going to do John Dee in the diner chapter, but they did a fantastic job with it. Scary and disturbing, as it should be. Amd there's my favorite "chapter" (in my head it's more an issue of the comic) of the first few stories is Chapter 8, The Sound Of Her Wings. The introduction of Death really seems like the beginning of the ongoing story after the introduction of Morpheus' capture and release. And the character of Death is so well established immediately from that chapter, as is her relationship with Morpheus. Unfortunately I felt that they got that chapter all wrong, mostly because Kat Dennings was woefully miscast as Death. I thought she was awful. I've also noticed that I expect a certain level of production from my audios since I've been spoiled by Big Finish. I do notice when the performances aren't up to par or the soundscapes aren't as rich, and I felt that in that chapter as well. I'll be starting The Doll's House arc next, so we'll see.
|
|
|
Post by grinch on Aug 2, 2020 14:45:00 GMT
I've been getting through a lot of BF. I decided to do an Eighth Doctor boxset re-listen, and I'm well into Ravenous 4. I remember at the time of these releases that the Ravenous were not well established or were not used well within the overall story arc. Now that I'm almost through it all again I have changed my mind. I actually think the Ravenous were a terrific idea and they were used really well. They started off being hinted at and slowly their presence and threat grew. And the way they force the Doctor to stick with the Eleven is terrific. And the arc has some terrific stand alone stories, the best for me is Companion Piece. I also listened to The Lovecraft Invasion and Time Apart. I comment on those in their threads. I also have been listening to Neil Gaiman's The Sandman on Audible. It's been pretty good but inconsistent. I was worried about how they were going to do John Dee in the diner chapter, but they did a fantastic job with it. Scary and disturbing, as it should be. Amd there's my favorite "chapter" (in my head it's more an issue of the comic) of the first few stories is Chapter 8, The Sound Of Her Wings. The introduction of Death really seems like the beginning of the ongoing story after the introduction of Morpheus' capture and release. And the character of Death is so well established immediately from that chapter, as is her relationship with Morpheus. Unfortunately I felt that they got that chapter all wrong, mostly because Kat Dennings was woefully miscast as Death. I thought she was awful. I've also noticed that I expect a certain level of production from my audios since I've been spoiled by Big Finish. I do notice when the performances aren't up to par or the soundscapes aren't as rich, and I felt that in that chapter as well. I'll be starting The Doll's House arc next, so we'll see. Have yet to listen to The Sandman but I must say I had some trepidation when it was announced that Kat Dennings was playing Death. Just out of curiosity, who would you have ideally cast as Death?
|
|
|
Post by tuigirl on Aug 2, 2020 17:27:39 GMT
Just finished Time Apart. For me, my absolute favorite Main Range release of 2020 so far. And I am not even a big fan of 5, nor am I the biggest fan of anthologies. Normally. But this was something else.
|
|
|
Post by masterdoctor on Aug 2, 2020 21:17:19 GMT
Save Our Souls by Scott Handcock
Like I said, this was listened to right after Fortitude, and again, I love how everyone involved has characterized Queen Victoria. Rowena Cooper is brilliant, with the shades of grey being well-developed through Scott Handcock’s writing. The guest cast all do a wonderful job as the characters develop through the night. The sound design and music is as top notch as always, lending a suitably eerie setting to the tale. And above all else, I love how they are running with an almost historical fiction theme with these Queen Victoria tales. I imagine that this will continue with December’s The Crown and I cannot wait!
The Vigil by Lou Morgan
I’m very torn on this one. It’s tale of the clashing of classes and entitlement is well developed, with pacing almost never faltering and Tosh/Naoko Mori being an absolute delight as always. Sebastian is played by Hugh Skinner, and is a right old bastard, but in a way that is very realistic and almost tragic. But there lies the problem. I hate the character of Sebastian. Hate him. It is a testament to the creative team that here made my feel i’ll just listening. Sebastian is the very human villain through and through, which is the worst/best kind when done right. The Vigil is a stunning release, but for me it beats out releases such as Corpse Day for how visceral and challenging the content is.
Smashed by James Goss
One of the rare Torchwood releases that is simply good as opposed to the overall excellent bar the range has achieved. I think the biggest problem with Smashed is what becomes almost constant tonal whiplash. The story flits between drunk comedy and the depressing nature of alcoholism. Both strands are well developed, but when going back and forth between the two, the overall story suffers from it. I think if the comedy was developed and then the darkness slowly evolved from it, it might have been all the better for it.
Dead Man’s Switch by David Llewellyn
Coming off of Smashed, a simply okay release, Dead Man’s Switch is likely one of the best of the monthly Torchwood Range. Dark, well-written dialogue, fleshed out characters, excellent pacing, the list goes on. Murray Melvin plays Billis the best he has yet, with the evil gentleman persona being a great strength. Each of the individual strands tie together very nicely and the ending is to die for… All in all, a highly recommended release that sits among the best fo Torchwood.
|
|
|
Post by tuigirl on Aug 2, 2020 21:25:56 GMT
Save Our Souls by Scott HandcockLike I said, this was listened to right after Fortitude, and again, I love how everyone involved has characterized Queen Victoria. Rowena Cooper is brilliant, with the shades of grey being well-developed through Scott Handcock’s writing. The guest cast all do a wonderful job as the characters develop through the night. The sound design and music is as top notch as always, lending a suitably eerie setting to the tale. And above all else, I love how they are running with an almost historical fiction theme with these Queen Victoria tales. I imagine that this will continue with December’s The Crown and I cannot wait! The Vigil by Lou MorganI’m very torn on this one. It’s tale of the clashing of classes and entitlement is well developed, with pacing almost never faltering and Tosh/Naoko Mori being an absolute delight as always. Sebastian is played by Hugh Skinner, and is a right old bastard, but in a way that is very realistic and almost tragic. But there lies the problem. I hate the character of Sebastian. Hate him. It is a testament to the creative team that here made my feel i’ll just listening. Sebastian is the very human villain through and through, which is the worst/best kind when done right. The Vigil is a stunning release, but for me it beats out releases such as Corpse Day for how visceral and challenging the content is. Smashed by James GossOne of the rare Torchwood releases that is simply good as opposed to the overall excellent bar the range has achieved. I think the biggest problem with Smashed is what becomes almost constant tonal whiplash. The story flits between drunk comedy and the depressing nature of alcoholism. Both strands are well developed, but when going back and forth between the two, the overall story suffers from it. I think if the comedy was developed and then the darkness slowly evolved from it, it might have been all the better for it. Dead Man’s Switch by David LlewellynComing off of Smashed, a simply okay release, Dead Man’s Switch is likely one of the best of the monthly Torchwood Range. Dark, well-written dialogue, fleshed out characters, excellent pacing, the list goes on. Murray Melvin plays Billis the best he has yet, with the evil gentleman persona being a great strength. Each of the individual strands tie together very nicely and the ending is to die for… All in all, a highly recommended release that sits among the best fo Torchwood. Fair assessment.
I am not really that much into Torchwood, but Dead Man's Switch is amazing. I fell in love with Billis.
|
|
|
Post by grinch on Aug 2, 2020 21:32:34 GMT
Save Our Souls by Scott HandcockLike I said, this was listened to right after Fortitude, and again, I love how everyone involved has characterized Queen Victoria. Rowena Cooper is brilliant, with the shades of grey being well-developed through Scott Handcock’s writing. The guest cast all do a wonderful job as the characters develop through the night. The sound design and music is as top notch as always, lending a suitably eerie setting to the tale. And above all else, I love how they are running with an almost historical fiction theme with these Queen Victoria tales. I imagine that this will continue with December’s The Crown and I cannot wait! The Vigil by Lou MorganI’m very torn on this one. It’s tale of the clashing of classes and entitlement is well developed, with pacing almost never faltering and Tosh/Naoko Mori being an absolute delight as always. Sebastian is played by Hugh Skinner, and is a right old bastard, but in a way that is very realistic and almost tragic. But there lies the problem. I hate the character of Sebastian. Hate him. It is a testament to the creative team that here made my feel i’ll just listening. Sebastian is the very human villain through and through, which is the worst/best kind when done right. The Vigil is a stunning release, but for me it beats out releases such as Corpse Day for how visceral and challenging the content is. Smashed by James GossOne of the rare Torchwood releases that is simply good as opposed to the overall excellent bar the range has achieved. I think the biggest problem with Smashed is what becomes almost constant tonal whiplash. The story flits between drunk comedy and the depressing nature of alcoholism. Both strands are well developed, but when going back and forth between the two, the overall story suffers from it. I think if the comedy was developed and then the darkness slowly evolved from it, it might have been all the better for it. Dead Man’s Switch by David LlewellynComing off of Smashed, a simply okay release, Dead Man’s Switch is likely one of the best of the monthly Torchwood Range. Dark, well-written dialogue, fleshed out characters, excellent pacing, the list goes on. Murray Melvin plays Billis the best he has yet, with the evil gentleman persona being a great strength. Each of the individual strands tie together very nicely and the ending is to die for… All in all, a highly recommended release that sits among the best fo Torchwood. Fair assessment.
I am not really that much into Torchwood, but Dead Man's Switch is amazing. I fell in love with Billis.
It’s a terrific story and Murray Melvin is equally as fantastic. I’d honestly love to see a horror anthology series (possibly set within the DW Universe) presented ala The Man in Black by Murray Melvin as Bilis Manger. Or as I’ve said before have him meet the Doctor.
|
|
|
Post by timegirl on Aug 2, 2020 21:36:03 GMT
Save Our Souls by Scott HandcockLike I said, this was listened to right after Fortitude, and again, I love how everyone involved has characterized Queen Victoria. Rowena Cooper is brilliant, with the shades of grey being well-developed through Scott Handcock’s writing. The guest cast all do a wonderful job as the characters develop through the night. The sound design and music is as top notch as always, lending a suitably eerie setting to the tale. And above all else, I love how they are running with an almost historical fiction theme with these Queen Victoria tales. I imagine that this will continue with December’s The Crown and I cannot wait! The Vigil by Lou MorganI’m very torn on this one. It’s tale of the clashing of classes and entitlement is well developed, with pacing almost never faltering and Tosh/Naoko Mori being an absolute delight as always. Sebastian is played by Hugh Skinner, and is a right old bastard, but in a way that is very realistic and almost tragic. But there lies the problem. I hate the character of Sebastian. Hate him. It is a testament to the creative team that here made my feel i’ll just listening. Sebastian is the very human villain through and through, which is the worst/best kind when done right. The Vigil is a stunning release, but for me it beats out releases such as Corpse Day for how visceral and challenging the content is. Smashed by James GossOne of the rare Torchwood releases that is simply good as opposed to the overall excellent bar the range has achieved. I think the biggest problem with Smashed is what becomes almost constant tonal whiplash. The story flits between drunk comedy and the depressing nature of alcoholism. Both strands are well developed, but when going back and forth between the two, the overall story suffers from it. I think if the comedy was developed and then the darkness slowly evolved from it, it might have been all the better for it. Dead Man’s Switch by David LlewellynComing off of Smashed, a simply okay release, Dead Man’s Switch is likely one of the best of the monthly Torchwood Range. Dark, well-written dialogue, fleshed out characters, excellent pacing, the list goes on. Murray Melvin plays Billis the best he has yet, with the evil gentleman persona being a great strength. Each of the individual strands tie together very nicely and the ending is to die for… All in all, a highly recommended release that sits among the best fo Torchwood. Fair assessment.
I am not really that much into Torchwood, but Dead Man's Switch is amazing. I fell in love with Billis.
out of curiosity is Dead Man’s Switch something that can be listened to if you aren’t that familiar with Torchwood? I’ve been curious about that one for a while🤔
|
|
|
Post by grinch on Aug 2, 2020 21:38:09 GMT
Fair assessment.
I am not really that much into Torchwood, but Dead Man's Switch is amazing. I fell in love with Billis.
out of curiosity is Dead Man’s Switch something that can be listened to if you aren’t that familiar with Torchwood? I’ve been curious about that one for a while🤔 It’s been a while since I listened to it but I believe you can listen to it as a stand alone.
|
|