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Post by dangerwillrobinson on Jun 24, 2019 12:30:20 GMT
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Post by Digi on Jun 24, 2019 23:32:51 GMT
Oh dang, tomorrow? I want to give Series 8 a quick relisten....but I'm still working my way through God Among Us!
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Post by aussiedoctorwhofan on Jun 25, 2019 10:35:05 GMT
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Post by Audio Watchdog on Jun 25, 2019 19:25:06 GMT
So happy endings for all concerned I trust?  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2019 17:03:27 GMT
Spoilers ...
The Farm by Jane Slavin begins this set, deliberately steering clear of the events that finished off Series 8 of Survivors, and as such, takes a little getting used to. But it is worth it. As with the last set's Robert, Slavin's talent for creating characters we care about is very apparent here. We are introduced to people and feel we get to know them, only to have the story do unexpected and satisfying things with them.
One thing I remember being commented upon about these audio Survivors stories is that they are, as a whole, a little 'anti-men': can I put that way? The villainous are male, and the strongest characters - unlike the TV show - are often female. This is not something I noticed until it was pointed out, but there is truth in it. Well, this story has a few moments that might well fuel that fire. A handful of throwaway comments about 'well, you know what men are like' establishes the mindset of some of these characters, and possibly the story-telling as a whole (although it is worth pointing out that the main 'baddie' in this is also female). I don't remember, even with the sexism of 1970s television, women being spoken of in such a way - although it is true that Greg, for example, could be rather boorish. With Jenny and Abbey being set up as cover stars, and having a big place in the finale (I'm guessing), it seems very female-centric. I have no problem with that, it is just an observation. Good characters are good characters and Jenny and Abbey fall into that category. We'll see what happens. As for this - a very enjoyable, character-led start to this final set.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2019 16:13:43 GMT
Hearts and Mines by Christopher Hatherall and Fade Out by Roland Moore.
I couldn't resist listening to both of these at once, and what a roller-coaster this has been. Hearts and Mines returns to the characters of Craig, Robert and Peter (what a convincing actor Joel James Davison is). Unlike The Farm, which is more of a standalone tale (although it has a very important part to play in this overall arc), these two episodes are definitely more part of the ongoing series, and the undeniable build-up to what promises to be a memorable finale. Dark, grim and dirty, this set of stories makes some memories of the television series, with avuncular characters making jam in beautiful country houses, often seem jolly by comparison. Setting Fade Out in an abandoned cinema is very visual and extremely powerful, and the relationship between Abbey, Jenny and Peter is electric. That's not say that of the others, like Ruth and Robert and Craig isn't - Craig's ultimate predicament is both shocking and graphic, proving - among other things - that there is no going back for some of the characters (I'm trying not to give away big spoilers here).
I'm going to miss this series more than I even imagined. Perhaps the lack of posts about Survivors 9 tells its own story, but I'm very happy that dwindling sales haven't diluted the writers' vision and intent. This is heady, intense stuff. Possibly the only good thing about Survivors coming to an end is that I'll have the time to go right back to the start and listen to it all over again. After the cliffhanger, I'll be unable to resist listening to the final part tomorrow.
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ljwilson
Chancellery Guard
It's tangerine....not orange
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Post by ljwilson on Jun 28, 2019 17:32:21 GMT
Well, I'm reading your thoughts mate so keep em coming.
I've only heard 1.1 and 2.1-2.2 (don't ask) so will start the journey, up to the end of series 4, soon I reckon.
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lidar2
Castellan
You know, now that you mention it, I actually do rather like Attack of the Cybermen ...
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Post by lidar2 on Jun 28, 2019 21:02:18 GMT
Perhaps the lack of posts about Survivors 9 tells its own story.
I held off listening to series 8 because it and 9 were linked, but due to my backlog it will likely be late July before I binge listen to the 2 together. |
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Post by Audio Watchdog on Jun 28, 2019 21:23:45 GMT
I’m way behind on listening to everything but with series 9 I did want to go back to the beginning and listen straight through the whole thing.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2019 12:40:14 GMT
Conflict by Andrew Smith.
Well, that was exceptional. To round off not only the audio series, but the series as a whole, is a rare opportunity for BF. Most (all?) of their other ranges already have their finales, usually on television. But this has been the chance to finish the story of Survivors, and Andrew Smith and the team have done a great job. The main thrust of these latter stories have been central to, but not exclusive to, the relationship between two women, two survivors: Abbey and Jenny.
{Spoiler}
It's fitting and ironic that the killer Peter has become has both sealed his fate, and is the reason why his mother (and Jenny) managed to evade death. Nice to hear Charles Vaughan get a mention too!
Great characters and moments of genuine jeopardy, twists and turns, a real sense of desperation and a sound design that really transports you into this world of fear and drama, with just a sprinkling of hope. I will miss Survivors massively.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2019 8:04:20 GMT
So happy endings for all concerned I trust? Am just a bout to start it i just know it will happy and joyous and fill me with hope 😭🤪🤪 |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2019 9:09:52 GMT
And we are off to a strong start with Jane Slavins The Farm 😎
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2019 9:59:35 GMT
And after a week of Sunshine the weather has decided to add to the survivors atmospherics by providing rain and dark skies
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Post by elkawho on Jul 5, 2019 12:40:09 GMT
I find it so interesting how little people comment on this range. Is it that it's so damn bleak people don't like to talk about it?
I thought this series was a terrific ending. It continues to be a world that is dark and filled with horror, yet there is a speck of hope. (That will probably be dashed, but that's for another day.) Abby's actions regarding her son are exactly right. I couldn't see her turning her back on him, no matter what. She feels so much guilt regarding his situation, and her entire existence was focused on finding him. I was actually surprised by him in the end. So maybe there is a chance for him in the future.
As always, the writing and performances were outstanding. I don't re-listen to Survivors much, just because it is so bleak, but it really has been a fantastic range. Sorry to see it go.
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Post by Digi on Jul 5, 2019 13:39:08 GMT
I find it so interesting how little people comment on this range. For my part, it’s just a combination of denial (I don’t want it to be over and as long as I don’t listen, it’s not!) and just not having had time in the last week |
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Post by aussiedoctorwhofan on Jul 5, 2019 14:22:51 GMT
I find it so interesting how little people comment on this range. Is it that it's so damn bleak people don't like to talk about it? I thought this series was a terrific ending. It continues to be a world that is dark and filled with horror, yet there is a speck of hope. (That will probably be dashed, but that's for another day.) Abby's actions regarding her son are exactly right. I couldn't see her turning her back on him, no matter what. She feels so much guilt regarding his situation, and her entire existence was focused on finding him. I was actually surprised by him in the end. So maybe there is a chance for him in the future. As always, the writing and performances were outstanding. I don't re-listen to Survivors much, just because it is so bleak, but it really has been a fantastic range. Sorry to see it go. U know me and my lunchtime work hour listens on my MP3 player.. HEHE
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Post by IndieMacUser on Jul 6, 2019 11:14:47 GMT
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2019 7:21:41 GMT
The final two episodes to listen to now.😭
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Post by Digi on Jul 31, 2019 10:44:25 GMT
Okay, finally got to revisit Series 8 and do Series 9 (I just finished listening about 10 minutes ago). On the whole? This is an excellent set, re-establishing the level of quality I'd come to expect from this range and had been disappointed by when it dipped a few times around the midway point of the range. Well done all around, to the writers, director (Ken), musician (Nick), sound designer (Benji), and of course, the entire cast. Whether this is the end of Survivors, or just the point at which I part ways with it, I'm glad it went out on a high note. One thing though that sits wrong with me. (spoilers for episode 4) The final conclusion for Jenny, Abby, and Peter. Jenny just....let them go. Abby the traitor and Peter the murderer. I know the takeaway here was meant to be friends with a bond, and forgiveness, but all I could feel here was a monstrous miscarriage of justice. Jenny ends the series as an accessory after the fact to murder. Abby is no hero, she actively betrayed the Federation, and was never their mole, she was just playing both sides until she could figure out who was going to come out on top, and now she's free. Peter subjugated and brutalized people by the hundreds, and murdered AT MINIMUM one person in cold blood.
As great as this set was, I kind of hate ending the series feeling like a murderer and a traitor got off scot-free with the blessing of another main character. Really sits wrong with me. |
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Post by elkawho on Jul 31, 2019 17:54:02 GMT
Okay, finally got to revisit Series 8 and do Series 9 (I just finished listening about 10 minutes ago). On the whole? This is an excellent set, re-establishing the level of quality I'd come to expect from this range and had been disappointed by when it dipped a few times around the midway point of the range. Well done all around, to the writers, director (Ken), musician (Nick), sound designer (Benji), and of course, the entire cast. Whether this is the end of Survivors, or just the point at which I part ways with it, I'm glad it went out on a high note. One thing though that sits wrong with me. (spoilers for episode 4) The final conclusion for Jenny, Abby, and Peter. Jenny just....let them go. Abby the traitor and Peter the murderer. I know the takeaway here was meant to be friends with a bond, and forgiveness, but all I could feel here was a monstrous miscarriage of justice. Jenny ends the series as an accessory after the fact to murder. Abby is no hero, she actively betrayed the Federation, and was never their mole, she was just playing both sides until she could figure out who was going to come out on top, and now she's free. Peter subjugated and brutalized people by the hundreds, and murdered AT MINIMUM one person in cold blood.
As great as this set was, I kind of hate ending the series feeling like a murderer and a traitor got off scot-free with the blessing of another main character. Really sits wrong with me. Can't say I disagree with any of this. |
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