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Post by mark687 on Aug 5, 2020 17:19:44 GMT
Marathon of Adam Adamant Terrific Series, great performances, daring mix of concepts. Congratulations to all involved.
Regards
mark687
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Post by sherlock on Aug 5, 2020 17:30:08 GMT
Destiny of the Doctor: Vengeance of the Stones
A good snapshot of the Pertwee era, and nice to have the recruitment of Mike Yates detailed. So far none of these stories have proven outstanding, but perfectly serviceable dips into their eras.
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Post by polly on Aug 5, 2020 19:14:52 GMT
Ok.. I am packed, ready to go to hospital in 1 hours time. My listening picks downloaded to my phone : "Dark Shadows - Beyond The Grave" can never listen to this one enough. "Dark Shadows- The Happier Dead" patients in hospital cannot die. This will be my fourth operation overall in 2 years, the 4th time listening to this one specifically while in hospital. "The Night Of The Triffids". I bought this direct from BF upon its release and heard it but was distracted. Starting it fresh. I hope all goes well and your recovery is swift. Good luck! The Beautiful People
It's weird to think that once upon a time, we didn't have Tom Baker at Big Finish and things like this were a necessity. Unfortunately, the Fourth Doctor's Big Finish debut is underwhelming. The fat camp/health spa setting is a one-trick pony that wears out its welcome long before the story ends. Furthermore, the "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" message is beyond trite. What elevates this story above something like Fear of the Daleks is how well the regulars are captured. I've always had quite a fondness for Romana II and especially K9. I love the image of Four trying to teach the tin dog to make donuts! I like working around Tom's absence by having the Doctor spend most of his time stuck in the gift shop while Romana takes care of the adventuring bit. It's been interesting to look back at the first series of Companion Chronicles. It's a mixed, bag really - two good stories, one awful, and then this one somewhere in between. Cutting the story into four parts (as Blue Tooth did as well) is such a weird, early-days choice, and I'm glad they eventually decided it doesn't really work. Interrupting such a short tale for cliffhangers that many times is too intrusive. IIRC The Game did it as well, dividing a Main Range story into six, but at least there they had an extra hour for it. I think I'm going to roll right along into the second series, because my recollection is that these little oddities were almost entirely gone by then.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2020 19:48:16 GMT
The Death Collectors.
"I am not dead!" "Do you have evidence of that?"
This is a wonderful story - should have been a four-parter - by Stewart Sheargold, featuring some of BF's most memorable home-grown aliens. Playful and macabre in equal measure, this also boasts wonderfully claustrophobic sound design and music from David Darlington. Excellent.
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Post by antartiks on Aug 5, 2020 21:01:07 GMT
Revenge of the Swarm yesterday. I thought it was too long, I got bored after the second episode. I have just started Mask of Tragedy. I love the historical period and I already know who Aristophanes and Cleon are, so that helps. {Spoiler} I fail to see in what way Hector is supposed to be a new character, given Philip Olivier plays him exactly as he plays Hex. The same ideas have been reused over and over again now to create tension and drama and I find it sad because I really loved Hex's arc up until A Death in the Family. I think Hex really should have left at the end of Gods and Monsters. I may seem a bit harsh but that's because I really love Hex and I'm overjoyed every time he comes back for almost a release a year. Can't wait for September's episode.
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Post by sherlock on Aug 5, 2020 21:57:49 GMT
Destiny of the Doctor: Babblesphere
Four entries in, a story which finally breaks the mould of its era comes along, well sort of. It’s a Season 17 style take on a 21st Century issue with the age-old ‘mad computer’ thrown in for good measure (in a series covering every era it was inevitable one would turn up, so I’m glad it’s in a more creative scenario). Lalla Ward makes a good narrator, and really the script seems to have underestimated her. There’s numerous scenes where Ward’s clearly got different voices for each character nailed so it plays out almost fullcast, but still each line is followed with ‘[x] said’. Without that the exposition scenes would flow a lot better.
I’m more hopeful for this series now, as whilst I did enjoy the previous stories I was worried this was going to turn into a ‘tropes of each era’ series and nothing more.
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shutupbanks
Castellan
There’s a horror movie called Alien? That’s really offensive. No wonder everyone keeps invading you.
Likes: 5,677
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Post by shutupbanks on Aug 5, 2020 22:57:41 GMT
Destiny of the Doctor: BabblesphereFour entries in, a story which finally breaks the mould of its era comes along, well sort of. It’s a Season 17 style take on a 21st Century issue with the age-old ‘mad computer’ thrown in for good measure (in a series covering every era it was inevitable one would turn up, so I’m glad it’s in a more creative scenario). Lalla Ward makes a good narrator, and really the script seems to have underestimated her. There’s numerous scenes where Ward’s clearly got different voices for each character nailed so it plays out almost fullcast, but still each line is followed with ‘[x] said’. Without that the exposition scenes would flow a lot better. I’m more hopeful for this series now, as whilst I did enjoy the previous stories I was worried this was going to turn into a ‘tropes of each era’ series and nothing more. I picked this one up in the “99 for 99” sale and really enjoyed. On the whole it’s not brilliant but none of the stories are really bad. It’s fun is probably the worst I could say about it.
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ljwilson
Chancellery Guard
It's tangerine....not orange
Likes: 5,063
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Post by ljwilson on Aug 6, 2020 12:33:33 GMT
Today:
MR: The Sirens of Time (just fancied something v retro!)
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Post by number13 on Aug 6, 2020 12:39:19 GMT
The Lovecraft Invasion
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Post by timegirl on Aug 6, 2020 14:13:29 GMT
Most recently I have listened to:
The Lovecraft Invasion I thought they handled the sensitive subject matter pretty well, if a bit preachy but I think it kind of needed to be for the times we are living in right now. Separation from the art from the artist is very topical at the moment, and I think they handled showing both the horrible prejudices of Lovecraft while also emphasizing that he is still highly influential on fiction. I thought the sequence inside his brain were appropriately surreal and creepy. The new companion Calipso, is interesting a bit brash and headstrong, so a bit like Sixie in a way. I wonder if they stay on if they will soften up like Sixie did. While probably not far off from how he might have sounded in real life, Lovecraft’s voice kind of got on my nerves. It was a good performance, I just like listening to certain vocal tones and his high pitched nasally American voice kind of grated on my ears. But while not my favorite piece, it was pretty good for what it was.
Time Apart I am not the biggest fan of 5 but..... I absolutely loved this release!😀 All the stories were so imaginative and atmospheric! I thought it was inspired to an all historical set, and all of them have a strange melancholy creepiness to them! I love them all equally it’s hard to pick a favorite! Also I really hope that they bring back Mary Wade as a companion! Loved this!😊
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Post by grinch on Aug 6, 2020 17:00:51 GMT
Beyond the Grave (Aaron Lamont)
In which Dark Shadows does Ghostwatch! Unfortunately, Michael Parkinson does not make an appearance. More’s the pity.
A very well done piece and one which should be commended. I do think I should have left this one to the Winter months though as I do think it’s full effect was somewhat lost on me considering I listened to this on a lovely summer day.
One for Halloween at least.
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Post by tuigirl on Aug 6, 2020 18:14:02 GMT
Started on Jago and Litefoot Volume 5. I thought I would not like this (because not set in Victorian London), but, once again, have been proven false. I am LOVING it. This is very well done.
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Post by grinch on Aug 6, 2020 21:57:30 GMT
Assassin in the Limelight (Robert Ross)
After listening to this, I can’t for the life of me understand why this and ‘Medicinal Purposes’ (a pair of stories which I have now dubbed the Knox Duology) are so reviled.
I would definitely say this is an improvement over its Scottish predecessor in terms of story and the dialogue as ever is extremely fun and witty. Always nice to see Leslie Phillips reprise his role of Dr Robert Knox and although the ending does leave room for a potential re appearance I think it works well as a final send off for his character.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2020 22:11:23 GMT
Assassin in the Limelight (Robert Ross) After listening to this, I can’t for the life of me understand why this and ‘Medicinal Purposes’ (a pair of stories which I have now dubbed the Knox Duology) are so reviled. I would definitely say this is an improvement over its Scottish predecessor in terms of story and the dialogue as ever is extremely fun and witty. Always nice to see Leslie Phillips reprise his role of Dr Robert Knox and although the ending does leave room for a potential re appearance I think it works well as a final send off for his character. All things considered, I loved Robert Ross's three stories and, like you, can't see why they don't have a better reputation. I seem to remember Medicinal Purposes (which I haven't heard for ages) got a bit of flack for the Doctor's seemingly out-of-character views about Burke and Hare, and I know that many find Pier Pressure far too padded out (which I don't necessarily agree with). I find the trilogy great fun and hope to listen to them all again (in order) very soon.
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Post by grinch on Aug 6, 2020 22:25:35 GMT
Assassin in the Limelight (Robert Ross) After listening to this, I can’t for the life of me understand why this and ‘Medicinal Purposes’ (a pair of stories which I have now dubbed the Knox Duology) are so reviled. I would definitely say this is an improvement over its Scottish predecessor in terms of story and the dialogue as ever is extremely fun and witty. Always nice to see Leslie Phillips reprise his role of Dr Robert Knox and although the ending does leave room for a potential re appearance I think it works well as a final send off for his character. All things considered, I loved Robert Ross's three stories and, like you, can't see why they don't have a better reputation. I seem to remember Medicinal Purposes (which I haven't heard for ages) got a bit of flack for the Doctor's seemingly out-of-character views about Burke and Hare, and I know that many find Pier Pressure far too padded out (which I don't necessarily agree with). I find the trilogy great fun and hope to listen to them all again (in order) very soon. Definitely. I wouldn’t say they were the best Big Finish has to offer and they certainly have their problems but I really don’t know where all the hate comes from. There are certainly far worse stories out there (*COUGH*NekromanteiaCOUGH*) which are far more deserving of such derision. I also think that Dr Knox is one of Big Finish’s more memorable villains although I’m not sure whether that’s due to Leslie Phillip’s performance or the writing.
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Post by number13 on Aug 6, 2020 22:30:53 GMT
Assassin in the Limelight (Robert Ross) After listening to this, I can’t for the life of me understand why this and ‘Medicinal Purposes’ (a pair of stories which I have now dubbed the Knox Duology) are so reviled. I would definitely say this is an improvement over its Scottish predecessor in terms of story and the dialogue as ever is extremely fun and witty. Always nice to see Leslie Phillips reprise his role of Dr Robert Knox and although the ending does leave room for a potential re appearance I think it works well as a final send off for his character. All things considered, I loved Robert Ross's three stories and, like you, can't see why they don't have a better reputation. I seem to remember Medicinal Purposes (which I haven't heard for ages) got a bit of flack for the Doctor's seemingly out-of-character views about Burke and Hare, and I know that many find Pier Pressure far too padded out (which I don't necessarily agree with). I find the trilogy great fun and hope to listen to them all again (in order) very soon. Add me to the Robert Ross fan club too. I like the historical settings, the guest characters (and actors: Leslie Phillips! Roy Hudd!) and the superbly rich dialogue. The plot of 'Pier Pressure' is thinner than the others but it still works for me. I'd place the trilogy above many 'routine' MRs , no problem.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2020 22:50:02 GMT
All things considered, I loved Robert Ross's three stories and, like you, can't see why they don't have a better reputation. I seem to remember Medicinal Purposes (which I haven't heard for ages) got a bit of flack for the Doctor's seemingly out-of-character views about Burke and Hare, and I know that many find Pier Pressure far too padded out (which I don't necessarily agree with). I find the trilogy great fun and hope to listen to them all again (in order) very soon. Add me to the Robert Ross fan club too. I like the historical settings, the guest characters (and actors: Leslie Phillips! Roy Hudd!) and the superbly rich dialogue. The plot of 'Pier Pressure' is thinner than the others but it still works for me. I'd place the trilogy above many 'routine' MRs , no problem. As would I. I think they're underrated BF. My first boss said to me once "I thought you were useless...but so many useless people have come after you that you're now one of the best without doing anything better". I kinda think that's how I view those stories. THey were at least memorable and with a luvvy charm that goes a long way. And you just know Roy Hudd, as someone in real life who until his later years still promoted the music hall, the old school comedy and the like reveled in his part - insanely perfect casting.
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Post by sherlock on Aug 6, 2020 23:17:02 GMT
Destiny of the Doctor: Smoke and Mirrors
This a bit of a weird one. On one hand, it does play into tropes of its era (the villain) but on the other it’s a much more amicable interpretation of the Season 19 crew, akin to the version Big Finish would later achieve in full-cast form, and the presentation of Houdini is much more a new series style historical figure than classic. An enjoyable oddity.
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Post by polly on Aug 6, 2020 23:39:55 GMT
Mother Russia
Marc Platt once again proving his skill as a top-tier First Doctor writer. This kind of historical is something I really missed in the TV series after the black and white days. History never again felt so real as it did then. Nowadays earth history is treated like little more than a playground.
Season 3 was such a dark year tonally. It has a weird mystique in my mind, perhaps because so much of it is gone now. Mother Russia has that same feeling. Hanging around in the village is a lot more enjoyable and atmospheric than you'd think, and from there it's a nice shift from relaxing to anger and loss once Steven thinks he's been betrayed.
Steven never made much of an impression on me in the TV series. He was likeable but, I thought, average. But on audio, Peter Purves might just be the best overall storyteller the Companion Chronicles ever had. His narration is excellent, his performances as Steven are always up to snuff, and his First Doctor impression expresses the soul of the character beautifully. I'm glad he's given us so many stories.
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Post by masterdoctor on Aug 7, 2020 0:11:23 GMT
The Shoreditch Intervention by Alan Barnes
Solid tale to end an uneven set imo. I enjoyed the setting of 1963, and having the Mods vs Rockers as a sub setting worked well. The guest cast was well put together, but the meat of the story is the reuniting of Paul McGann and Carola Ann Ford. Both put in stunning performances and bounce off of each other. It’s emotional, heart-wrenching, heart-warming and all around luted up to expectations.
Like I said, Susan’s War is a very uneven set, at least in my opinion. Sphere of Influence is one of the weakest BF stories in a long time, and is verging on bad as opposed to unmemorable and uninspired. It bounces back really quickly with the highlight of the set with The Uncertain Shore, drops off a bit with Assets of War and ends on a good note with The Shoreditch Intervention. If there is a second boxset, I’ll very likely pick it up, but I can’t say I am anticipating one.
The Cars that Ate London by Jonathan Morris
Relistening to the first Heritage set before I work my way through the other two for the first time. Very solid opener. All three members of the gang are well-served, both in the plot, and in comedic moments. The highlight though was Dan Starkey and Catrin Stewart’s chemistry, especially when Jenny is trying to teach cockney slang to Strax. The villain is serviceable and well-written, but nothing that really makes it special. The sound design was immersive, and made me really able to conjure up images of Victorian London factories, and Joe Kramer’s music for the series is just wonderfully light and beautiful. I cannot wait for more.
Full Fathom Five by David Bishop
If I didn’t get enough after listening to The Vigil right before this, Full Fathom Five is another down and dark tale of skewed morality and very human villains, even if there are aliens involved. The Doctor in this is as ruthless as the darkest incarnations could be, but with all the guilt and regret that balances those incarnations out removed almost completely. It’s a tragic tale and David Cowlings is an absolute show stopper in this, but throughout there is a building sense of tragedy and darkness that in the last five minutes goes into extreme revenge territory. Not one for the faint of heart, or anyone looking for a pleasant listen.
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