Main Range 204: Criss-Cross (spoilers)

A solid release all considered. Constance makes a good first impression here. Only drawback was I got a bit lost amidst some of the technical stuff about radio waves.

Definitely a 5. A great story, a notably good historical, and Constance makes quite the impression here being in her own element.

Great introduction to a new companion.

Like this one and, as has already been said by other reviewers, is a release that I've re-visited several times.

As always, Colin Baker shines on audio and the first episode is particularly good - the idea of the Sixth Doctor with his own offices at Bletchley Park and a whole team of WRENS working for him is one that I find interesting. Technically, the Doctor is 'alien' and, as such, should he really be taking sides in an Earth war? Whilst the purpose of his stay at Bletchley is to try to ascertain why his TARDIS is not working (the radio interference), it is questionable as to what extent the Doctor is prepared to 'help' the Allies to win the war. Should the Doctor choose a 'side' - if any Doctor could make a good case for this it would be the Sixth - certainly, as was the aim with the Sixth Incarnation in the first place, a more 'outsider' Doctor could view things different.

I also like these releases as it raises the extent to which the Doctor is an 'establishment' figure. Criticisms of the Third Doctor era have often centred on the way he was willing to work closely with UNIT (and other authorities) and, perhaps ironically considering the political affiliations of the 1970s Pertwee-Era production team/writers, has led to that Doctor being labelled a 'Tory'. However, this release (as with the War Machines) shows how easily the Doctor can slip into being part of the establishment and rub-shoulders with those in power. The name checking of 'Winston' and other lead figures is quite amusing.

I agree that the tone of the story shifts towards the second half. In my opinion, it was a mistake to shift the emphasis away from Bletchley and it does ruin the tension somewhat. Nevertheless, I didn't find it distracted too much from the overall story, which did raise some useful points. The extent to which Hugh Fraser's character would have been allowed admittance to Bletchley does stretch the credibility to some extent, but I suppose the message of working together to solve the problem does put 'human' wars into a larger context.

The interaction with the Doctor and Constance works well here. They feel 'like' they have been together for a while and, as with the success of Evelyn Smythe, Constance is more than willing to stand up for herself and is more than a match for the Doctor. However the Doctor is also respectful of her (perhaps that is the lesson Evelyn taught him?) and less judgemental and shouty. There is a genuine chemistry between Baker and Raison which helps. The release also steers Baker's adventures in a new direction, whilst attempting to 'plug' the hole left by the, much missed, Maggie Stables as Evelyn. The strands of this story are not fully resolved until Quicksilver, which also makes this worth revisiting.

It's not a perfect release. It does play on some cliches and perhaps reflects a period when 'Bletchley' was a fad in the press. Definitely worth a listen though.

It was indeed! Happy to be a part of the celebration. What a month September 2015 was! I missed a couple weeks of the celebration here and there but managed to relisten to some favourites - and listen to Etheria for the first time!

One of those favourites? Criss-Cross. This is a marvelous first adventure for Constance and a great jumping-on point for any new BF listeners. This could even be someone's first Sixth Doctor story!

It's not groundbreaking story-wise, but rather quite a traditional Who story. In fact, it vaguely reminds me of Storm Warning in the way it handles its aliens. Relistening is a cozy experience.

As for our new characters, Constance and the Doctor's assistant, Sylvia Wimpole (who's written as much like a companion as well) are both solid characters who are introduced well. I'd like to hear from Sylvia again if Constance makes it back to the WWII era!

All in all a great start to a great new series of adventures for Colin and Friends!

Without a shadow of doubt - this is a highlight of Colin's run in the MR. It introduces a new companion and gives the Doctor an equal in a way that is not usually the case. Constance isn't the typical 'screamy' companion and is more than a match for the spikier aspects of the Sixth Doctor's character.

In one way, I'm glad that this story avoided the temptation to put Turing in his as it would have been 'too much'. Still a great story and definitely sets up for a fantastic run of Sixth Doctor stories. Will be good to return to this team early next year - as much as I love Flip, would be good to develop Sixie and Constance a bit more.

Hugh Fraser is very good in this. Quite underrated at times I feel.

I agree with you about Turing. Glad he wasn't included in this one. It would be nice to have an episode that does include him, and I would love Constance to be part of that one. It seems like a no-brainer of a story, doesn't it? 

I think this proves Matt Fitton is one of the underrated writers at Big Finish and why I love the team of Fitton and Dorney on a project both are great writers...this is a great introductory tale for our Constance and I like how she progresses throughout her Tardis journeys here it is very much colleagues working together rather than firm friends ,it isn’t a groundbreaking story but nowadays that’s good as I get bored of the BIG HYPE stuff it makes great use of its characters and it’s setting....dead Tardises....Bletchley Park....little veiled comments about Churchill wanting the Tardis, double triple agents and strong acting...love it

Right....well that was the final tale in the DU ANNIVERSARY listen through and have to say was so good someone picking titles for me to go through...am not sorry about NOT listening to the Torchwood release it just isn’t my series.
The Highlights were a total listen through of all of Pathfinders lol and same with Remnants Blake’s Seven that sidetracked me to other relistens to other great Liberator Chronicles...but certainly that month had some great releases...Terror Of the Sontarans I ended up enjoying.

thanks for the invitation