|
Post by eric009 on Nov 27, 2018 0:01:08 GMT
POLL AT ALL
|
|
|
Post by The Matt on Nov 28, 2018 18:18:00 GMT
Just finished. It was a good set overall I think.
Trial of a Time Machine - found this one a little dull. Some great ideas reduced to a lot of talking.
Vanguard - A lot more pacey and exciting yet it did kind of fall together at the end and what the hell was that performance from McCoy when he first met the infections. Surely one of his most embarrassing?!?
The Jabari Countdown - great story from start to finish. Not even the heavy handed, unnecessary gender identity stuff whinge at the end spoiled it.
The Dread of Night - creepy and featured a great performance from McCoy but again I think it was somewhat anticlimactic.
6/10 I think.
|
|
|
Post by shallacatop on Nov 29, 2018 8:47:55 GMT
Do you reckon if we all have a jolly to Big Finish HQ and go all Partridge, demanding a second set, it’d work?
|
|
|
Post by tuigirl on Nov 29, 2018 10:11:52 GMT
Deep breath. Back to topic?
I really enjoyed this. And this comes from someone who just 6 months ago avoided the 7th Doctor because I heard a couple of his releases and they put me off because they were the ones in which McCoy is terribly annoying. But I have started to quite like him, especially after I have met him in person 2 weeks ago and he is just absolutely amazing (and cute).
I thought the first story of this set was really original and a breath of fresh air. During the whole story I was not sure where it was going and that by itself was great for a change. I thought the second story was the weakest, in my oppinion too much of a standard plot. I really loved stories 3 and 4. Atmospheric, great setting and a bit creepy, with a couple of jump scares which made me start while listening to them at night in bed.
I am not so sure about the Time War theme tune, though. Just did not fit for me.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Likes:
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2018 10:18:27 GMT
Do you reckon if we all have a jolly to Big Finish HQ and go all Partridge, demanding a second set, it’d work? A-HA! What do we want? A SECOND VOLUME OF THE SEVENTH DOCTOR NEW ADVENTURES! When do we want it? YESTERDAY! And if we don't get it? THEN SMELL OUR CHEESE, YOU MOTHERS! I'll get my coat.... 😁
|
|
|
Post by kinghumble on Nov 30, 2018 4:18:44 GMT
The Jabari Countdown - great story from start to finish. Not even the heavy handed, unnecessary gender identity stuff whinge at the end spoiled it. Looks like my earlier comment got deleted... fair enough, I guess it was snarky and maybe someone got upset. My bad for using sarcasm to make a point. Heaven forbid a snowflake feel any heat.But the point itself deserves to stand, so here it is in black-and-white, and directly-connected to the topic of the title of the thread: 1) The gender identity of the character in the story was a key part of the plot of the story, as it was the secret this character carried that caused them to be pulled into the plot. As it was a key element of the plot, it was neither misplaced, nor unnecessary. 2) Transgendered people are human beings, and human beings deserve respect - including the respect of being represented holistically in our media - as this story made a point of saying. Human beings deserve better than to have their appearances in our media incorrectly catagorized as "heavy-handed whinge." Before you disagree with me, please research the violence and murder-rates suffered by transgendered individuals - unjustified violence, as this story alluded to - and then reflect on your comfort for aligning your values aside those of their killers. There's more I'd like to say, but hey, I appreciate that sometimes the community finds it best to bury heads in sand than allow a justified confrontation against a member, so cool, I'll wrap up here.
|
|
|
Post by Timelord007 on Nov 30, 2018 8:02:37 GMT
Awesome set of four fantastic stories, i personally loved The dread of night which just edged it as my favourite that's because of my love for horror & this story was very Hammer based with the sound of rain & thunderstorms & McCoy being all dark & mysterious.
My only gripe was the 60 minute run time for each story & i think 75 minutes would've fared better per story but that's me just being greedy.
4/5.
On a personal note to the person who's post has since been deleted off this thread don't have a pop at manic depressive suffers as i take insult personally to that, i didn't ask to become a manic depressive it can be a dark scary place within one's mind so i ask you reign your egotistical nastiness in because you don't know what fate has in store for you around the corner.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Likes:
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2018 8:11:52 GMT
Kinghumble - noted, researching and reflecting.
|
|
|
Post by tuigirl on Nov 30, 2018 8:24:26 GMT
Awesome set of four fantastic stories, i personally loved The dread of night which just edged it as my favourite that's because of my love for horror & this story was very Hammer based with the sound of rain & thunderstorms & McCoy being all dark & mysterious. My only gripe was the 60 minute run time for each story & i think 75 minutes would've fared better per story but that's me just being greedy. 4/5. On a personal note to the person who's post has since been deleted off this thread don't have a pop at manic depressive suffers as i take insult personally to that, i didn't ask to become a manic depressive so i ask you reign your nastiness in because you don't know what fate has in store for you around the corner.Yeah, I found that very hurtful, too. It is very sad that some people, when they get angry (I even have them in my own family), lash out at other people suffering from mental illness and try to bring that mental illness into the discussion as a point to devaluate the other person.
This was wildly inappropriate. And has NOTHING to do with the topic whatsoever.
But the post has since then deleted and the poster retreated, so we can stop worrying about it (for now).
Although, actions like these are a red flag for me, and I will speak up, with not very nice words. This time, the mods were faster, though.
|
|
|
Post by tuigirl on Nov 30, 2018 8:29:24 GMT
Back to topic...
I have now also listened to the Behind the scenes, and I agree with all of you that they were really entertaining this time round.
And another point I REALLY, really appreciate this time round- they used a REAL German speaking actress to play the part of the Austrian. Thank you! I can get really annoyed by false German accents and when English actors butcher the German language and they try to say something that I am unable to understand because they could as well talk Mandarin... this really breaks my immersion. So this was WONDERFUL. For this alone Jabari Countdown gets 5 stars.
|
|
|
Post by Bazoolium on Dec 2, 2018 0:12:17 GMT
Nice mention of the Reapers in The Trial of a Time machine, glad they casually mention New Series stuff now.
|
|
|
Post by IndieMacUser on Dec 4, 2018 14:36:47 GMT
|
|
|
Post by mrperson on Dec 5, 2018 22:47:26 GMT
Ep 1: Interesting debate. But then there's a bit of oddity in terms of them having no room for comprehension of a time machine that isn't conscious to the extent of communicating. But then, perhaps that was the trapped creature's escape plan all along - because it saw, knew, and wanted those events to occur? I suspect the latter is the opint.
Ep 2: ok, a bit generic. Good, but again, the 'villain' was a tad generic.
Ep 3: I only just started it. Leave me alone!
|
|
|
Post by masterdoctor on Dec 5, 2018 23:52:59 GMT
Simply one of the best 7th Doctor releases from Big Finish ever. The chemistry between the three leads was outstanding and all 4 stories were very 90's but modern at the same time, the perfect length and all had interesting angles to explore. Even Episode 2 was able to take what would have been an otherwise generic story and elevate it into a very fun adventure. I think Episode 3 was the highlight of the boxset and I am really loving Alan Flanagan's work, looking forward to hearing more from him as I've only heard this and his contribution to Maggie and Quentin. If anyone's one the fence, do pick it up!
|
|
|
Post by Digi on Dec 6, 2018 13:08:34 GMT
I still need to listen to Part 4, but this has been a really interesting box set. Part 2 was a bit of a step down, but 1 and 3 were pretty excellent. I love how every story (even Part 2!) has been so richly and fully realized, with worlds that feel as real and vibrant as any.
And the way that all the leads have slipped back into their roles, they fit like a glove. The chemistry between Seven/Chris/Roz is spot-on; it feels like they've been doing this for years.
I really hope a Volume 2 is in the cards.
|
|
|
Post by slithe on Dec 9, 2018 12:13:05 GMT
Listened to Part 1 and Part 2. Wow! I had enjoyed the Audio Adaptations (having got 'Cold Fusion' in a sale and quite liked the result, I bought Damaged Goods cheap as a download and Original Sin in a later sale), so thought that take a punt. Was a bit of a risk as I wasn't entirely enthused by the New Adventures when they were published and ended up skipping them by the end. I get where they wanted to take Doctor Who and the Doctor, but I just felt that they 'lost' the character and ended up becoming very nihilistic and dark. However, this set strikes the right balance. For a start, the hour long format works well - there is enough time to develop the story, but not too much that everything becomes a drag. Certainly, this is something the MR could look at for some of the other Doctors or even just McCoy himself. I found myself listening and not drifting or getting bored with the format.
As someone who studied Legal Philosophy/Jurisprudence, the first story really appealed. There are quite a few links to Lon Fuller here and the idea of creating a 'single' justice system from scratch. The question of guilt or innocence is also quite well considered and makes this a more thoughtful tale. Certainly, McCoy seems to be enjoying this one and it shows. Probably the best performance I've heard from him for a while. He is also able to develop his Doctor in ways that the MR doesn't seem to be doing. It might be because he is shorn of Ace/Mel and has two new companions that have back stories (and appear much more rounded and mature). He is also more willing to manipulate these and place them in danger than he does with Ace.
Although the second story isn't quite as good, it isn't awful. The idea of bioweapons and accidentally using new weapons to kill your own sides as well as your enemy is quite prescient at the moment. In many ways, this story is 'of the period' that the NA were written in and the idea of machines fighting instead of soldiers seems a very 1990s concept (even if the technology is being developed now). Ironically, I could see this one being part of the TV series as currently aired with Whittaker as the 13th Doctor - there is the message of unity and harmony that is preached here.
Have yet to listen to the last two parts, but am impressed with what has been aired so far. The cast work well together and the stories are of a higher quality than 7th has seen for a while. This is probably the approach that should be taken with the 7th Doctor adventures in the MR. We also need a Volume 2.
|
|
|
Post by slithe on Dec 14, 2018 20:23:56 GMT
Finished the second half and still remain impressed with this set. The hour long format is well used here - the stories feel of the right length and are neither too long nor too short. A third episode for each (assuming we count these as 2 parters) would be too long and probably lead to padding and/or unnecessary plot elements. The pace remains sharp and keeps the listener focused.
I was pleased that the standard remained high. I was particularly impressed with the fourth episode - a good slice of traditional 'gothic' horror and very atmospheric. It reminded me of the "Horror of Fang Rock' with the enclosed house and the dreary weather. The creature stalking the house picking off people one-by-one may have been done hundreds of times before, but it still makes for great listening! The scene where Roz and the nurse are trapped and think one of the 'drawings' is alive is particularly good, as is the twist at the end of this one.
The third episode was also good. It fits with a more adult approach that Doctor Who took under the NA and wouldn't have been that out of place with the current series either. The premise of aliens using mathematics is a strange one, but I loved the way that all the numbers actually meant something - it linked together. Again, the story uses the classic 'base under siege' approach and there is enough to keep the listener interested. More character driven than perhaps the other stories in the set, it also explored humanity and human nature in more detail than is usually the case. Whilst the content has met with some debate, to say the least, it shows that Doctor Who is still relevant and willing to take on key issues. It just says something when an alien is more sympathetic than the humans of the era!! A minor niggle here, I did find it hard to take the alien seriously - I still visualise her as the neighbour from One Foot in the Grave!!
McCoy is at his best here. Yep, he rolls his 'rrrrs' a lot, but it is clear that he is THE Doctor and is fully in control/command of events going on around him. The character has been softened and rounded a bit more than was the case in the original Was (one of the reasons I stopped reading them) and this is still the 7th Doctor we know from the TV, but just tweaked slightly. There is nothing here to make this Doctor overtly unlikeable - he is rather more early and worldly wisely than before (his comment about grief in the Fourth Episode and his honesty about the treatment of transsexuals in the Third are particularly well done). McCoy also gels well with his new companions and they are an effective TARDIS team. Despite attempts to the contrary, Ace always seems stuck in the 1980s. Forrester and Cwej could be from anywhere and don't seem to bring this problem.
A really good set. The MR could learn a lot from this approach. Worth a punt as I've had several hours of enjoyment from this and will definitely be re-listening. A second set will be ordered if there is one (and let's hope it is just as good!) We need new New Adventures!
|
|
|
Post by slithe on Dec 15, 2018 10:20:29 GMT
The MR could learn a lot from this approach. I’ll defend the MR from the slight slight levelled at it! The MR reproduces the traditional 4x25 min format (more or less!). There are those of us that grew up with and love the format - warts and all. The great thing about BF is that both formats (and plenty of others besides) can exists side-by-side in harmony. I loved the New Adventures boxset, too. I hope we get more announced early in the new year. I agree that there's nothing wrong with the traditional format of 4 x 25, but I have found that some of the releases have struggled to fill this. In particular, the McCoy ones seem to suffer the most. A couple of the releases from McCoy's trilogy this year would have been better with one (or more) of the 4 episodes being cut down/removed. Others, like Hour of the Cybermen work well in the format. I suppose it depends on the writer. I think McCoy's MR releases definitely could develop a bit more of the NA approach though. Whether that is in format or approach to story-telling. Out of all the 80s Doctors, he has the potential to really be developed and it is implied that this is a really long incarnation as well (McCoy is visibly older in the 1996 TV Movie when he regenerates, unlike Baker and Davison). The MR is great, but I have just found the McCoy ones a bit lacking as of late. I've still got Muse of Fire left and I hope it proves me wrong.
|
|
|
Post by Audio Watchdog on Dec 15, 2018 16:26:54 GMT
The MR is great, but I have just found the McCoy ones a bit lacking as of late. I've still got Muse of Fire left and I hope it proves me wrong. Well, it is said that variety is the spice of life. Rather than being a critic of the MR in its entirety, i understand that you seem not to be a fan of some of the later McCoy stories - fair do’s. My fave from this year’s offering was Red Planets which was a while back. Mind you, if BF were to adopt across the board what appeals to one person, we listeners would end up with a pretty homogenised offering that would with delight or fall flat, depending on individual tastes. Personally, the MR is STILL my favourite range after all of these years, because you never know what you are are going to get. It may be a run of terrific stories.... or not. Indeed, it’s the essence of the show itself in that respect! I would agree with you about Red Planets. Easily one of the best Main Range titles of the year. I hope Una McCormack writes lots more for Big Finish.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Likes:
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2018 22:21:32 GMT
Personally, the MR is STILL my favourite range after all of these years, because you never know what you are are going to get. It may be a run of terrific stories.... or not. Indeed, it’s the essence of the show itself in that respect! Indeed. I love the Doctor Who Main Range, for every Warlock's Cross there's a The Hunting Ground... there's something for every one. The fun each month is in the finding out!
|
|