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Post by barnabaslives on Oct 22, 2019 18:40:57 GMT
...It's always "go, go, go" to get to the next plot point so the team never gets the chance to slow down and actually travel in the TARDIS. They're so preoccupied with saving the universe that we never see them playing tourist or relaxing and talking to each other in the TARDIS. And this is from someone who would adore a Knight Errant characterization for the Doctor, but when you aren't getting the quiet moments, the big moments don't seem big. I don't buy this team because I haven't really seen them act like a trio of traveling companions. I haven't seen the Doctor with his two best friends at his sides exploring the universe and stopping the smaller scale threats they come across. I've only seen the Doctor, Liv, and Helen being dragged around trying to stop whatever universe ending threat is at it this time. I think that's the problem with the 16-part epics they're doing. The threat has to justify the length and as a result, we aren't getting the quieter and more stand alone stories that develop the team and when we do get those stories, they feel out of place... I want to adore Liv and Helen so much but... nothing is really making them stand out as characters other than being pawns of the plot. I've trimmed this a bit but I think what's left might be very close to it. The deservedly award-winning Absent Friends really did seem to me like a detour, like it was very out of place as if it had come from a different series or range, and for me the same seems true of Escape from Kaldor. Of all things, the laundry scene in Ravenous 4 really stood out but must not have lasted more than 30 seconds. I think you're probably right, I think these box sets may have been so admirably devoted to "never a dull moment" that the characterization and even the storytelling may have suffered for it somewhat. Still, if that's how things are, maybe all that's needed to make a lot of improvement is to strike a better balance there rather than a massive shakeup. It does also make me more optimistic about what's ahead, as does how well I think the Ravenous series ended. Maybe Stranded will set the perfect stage for achieving a better balance?
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Post by tuigirl on Oct 22, 2019 18:50:42 GMT
...It's always "go, go, go" to get to the next plot point so the team never gets the chance to slow down and actually travel in the TARDIS. They're so preoccupied with saving the universe that we never see them playing tourist or relaxing and talking to each other in the TARDIS. And this is from someone who would adore a Knight Errant characterization for the Doctor, but when you aren't getting the quiet moments, the big moments don't seem big. I don't buy this team because I haven't really seen them act like a trio of traveling companions. I haven't seen the Doctor with his two best friends at his sides exploring the universe and stopping the smaller scale threats they come across. I've only seen the Doctor, Liv, and Helen being dragged around trying to stop whatever universe ending threat is at it this time. I think that's the problem with the 16-part epics they're doing. The threat has to justify the length and as a result, we aren't getting the quieter and more stand alone stories that develop the team and when we do get those stories, they feel out of place... I want to adore Liv and Helen so much but... nothing is really making them stand out as characters other than being pawns of the plot. I've trimmed this a bit but I think what's left might very close to it. The award-winning Absent Friends really did seem to me like a detour, like it was very out of place as if it had come from a different series or range, and for me the same seems true of Escape from Kaldor. Of all things, the laundry scene in Ravenous 4 really stood out but must not have lasted more than 30 seconds. I think you're probably right, I think these box sets may have been so admirably devoted to "never a dull moment" that the characterization and even the storytelling may have suffered for it somewhat. Still, if that's how things are, may all that's needed to make a lot of improvement is to strike a better balance there rather than a massive shakeup. It does also make me more optimistic about what's ahead, as does how well I think the Ravenous series ended. Maybe Stranded will set the perfect stage for achieving a better balance? There is to hope!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2019 18:54:28 GMT
...It's always "go, go, go" to get to the next plot point so the team never gets the chance to slow down and actually travel in the TARDIS. They're so preoccupied with saving the universe that we never see them playing tourist or relaxing and talking to each other in the TARDIS. And this is from someone who would adore a Knight Errant characterization for the Doctor, but when you aren't getting the quiet moments, the big moments don't seem big. I don't buy this team because I haven't really seen them act like a trio of traveling companions. I haven't seen the Doctor with his two best friends at his sides exploring the universe and stopping the smaller scale threats they come across. I've only seen the Doctor, Liv, and Helen being dragged around trying to stop whatever universe ending threat is at it this time. I think that's the problem with the 16-part epics they're doing. The threat has to justify the length and as a result, we aren't getting the quieter and more stand alone stories that develop the team and when we do get those stories, they feel out of place... I want to adore Liv and Helen so much but... nothing is really making them stand out as characters other than being pawns of the plot. I've trimmed this a bit but I think what's left might very close to it. The award-winning Absent Friends really did seem to me like a detour, like it was very out of place as if it had come from a different series or range, and for me the same seems true of Escape from Kaldor. Of all things, the laundry scene in Ravenous 4 really stood out but must not have lasted more than 30 seconds. I think you're probably right, I think these box sets may have been so admirably devoted to "never a dull moment" that the characterization and even the storytelling may have suffered for it somewhat. Still, if that's how things are, may all that's needed to make a lot of improvement is to strike a better balance there rather than a massive shakeup. It does also make me more optimistic about what's ahead, as does how well I think the Ravenous series ended. Maybe Stranded will set the perfect stage for achieving a better balance? Stranded-does sound so interesting. Even a little 30 seconds of a little moment adds depth.I have to say i have a stake in this team and am very attached to them-i figure the “War Doctor” is a long way off i still have the fond memories of the Playful McGann at the beginning of Seizure playfully wanting to explore,these are little moments of brilliance like the laundry scene/the girls having dinner in kaldor ,little moments of humanity.I think the Doctor is the protector of these women and they are his.How many times has he left them heading into danger?Now that am onto short trips now...little tales would not go amiss amid the universal conflicts.
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Post by fingersmash on Oct 23, 2019 2:13:40 GMT
...It's always "go, go, go" to get to the next plot point so the team never gets the chance to slow down and actually travel in the TARDIS. They're so preoccupied with saving the universe that we never see them playing tourist or relaxing and talking to each other in the TARDIS. And this is from someone who would adore a Knight Errant characterization for the Doctor, but when you aren't getting the quiet moments, the big moments don't seem big. I don't buy this team because I haven't really seen them act like a trio of traveling companions. I haven't seen the Doctor with his two best friends at his sides exploring the universe and stopping the smaller scale threats they come across. I've only seen the Doctor, Liv, and Helen being dragged around trying to stop whatever universe ending threat is at it this time. I think that's the problem with the 16-part epics they're doing. The threat has to justify the length and as a result, we aren't getting the quieter and more stand alone stories that develop the team and when we do get those stories, they feel out of place... I want to adore Liv and Helen so much but... nothing is really making them stand out as characters other than being pawns of the plot. I've trimmed this a bit but I think what's left might be very close to it. The deservedly award-winning Absent Friends really did seem to me like a detour, like it was very out of place as if it had come from a different series or range, and for me the same seems true of Escape from Kaldor. Of all things, the laundry scene in Ravenous 4 really stood out but must not have lasted more than 30 seconds. I think you're probably right, I think these box sets may have been so admirably devoted to "never a dull moment" that the characterization and even the storytelling may have suffered for it somewhat. Still, if that's how things are, maybe all that's needed to make a lot of improvement is to strike a better balance there rather than a massive shakeup. It does also make me more optimistic about what's ahead, as does how well I think the Ravenous series ended. Maybe Stranded will set the perfect stage for achieving a better balance? Well, we can certainly hope that's the direction they're heading in. I feel like them dealing with the "dead" TARDIS will result in a lot of that character development I've been needing. Even in my negativity, I can genuinely say that future looks bright for the Doctor, Liv, and Helen. If the series is as "down to earth" as they've been talking it up as, I think it'll be a breath of fresh air for the Eighth Doctor.
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Post by Ian McArdell on Nov 8, 2019 12:10:53 GMT
My take on Ravenous 4 is up at Cultbox: "While Ravenous has followed a looser story arc than before, it has been no less enjoyable with its focus on myths and legends, leading us to the confrontations with Time Lords’ nightmares."
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lidar2
Castellan
You know, now that you mention it, I actually do rather like Attack of the Cybermen ...
Likes: 5,811
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Post by lidar2 on Nov 9, 2019 0:08:05 GMT
Some thoughts (spoilers for the whole set): I can't believe they didn't sneak a line from MacQueen in there. McKenzie, too, but it's more understandable in her case, since it isn't her story. It's War-->Nine all over again!
I'm sure I'll be more excited when the details for the next sets are more fully revealed, but I'm really not feeling this companion set. Liv is increasingly one-note, and Helen is nearly as blank-feeling as Bliss often feels. (Also, count me among those who scramble their voices on occasion).
I would be here for more Roberts at some point, though, and he does sound like he's getting more comfortable with the work. And Gomez gives a suitably mad performance.
I did enjoy the stories for the most part.
Agreed. That is about the only negative I can think of for the whole box set and, frankly, if that's the only one then it's a darn good set!
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lidar2
Castellan
You know, now that you mention it, I actually do rather like Attack of the Cybermen ...
Likes: 5,811
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Post by lidar2 on Nov 9, 2019 0:12:42 GMT
Also...does anyone think this poll has two of the lowest scores because people thought "hungry for more" means they'd like more rather than they didn't like it? Yes, I thought that was confusing too
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lidar2
Castellan
You know, now that you mention it, I actually do rather like Attack of the Cybermen ...
Likes: 5,811
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Post by lidar2 on Nov 9, 2019 0:18:43 GMT
Blow away by this. I don't, generally, like stories that use multiple Doctors as a gimmick, and so I was sceptical about this one with its multi-Master USP. On top of that it had to wrap up the plot line, and it personified yet another Gallifreyan legend, etc. etc. It's basically flawless. The tone, pitched perfectly to allow the regulars and special guests space to give top-notch performances without overwhelming each other and yet plot a pacey conclusion to the story arc. The Doctor doesn't meet the 'wrong' masters (so it doesn't have the River Song problem of needing contrivances or undermining the stories it's a sequel to). I like the way the threat builds to something that would concern the Master, and is on a scale that would need them (several of them, in fact) to help resolve. Dorney even manages to do some fan-service filling in some continuity (something else that usually makes me grind my teeth, but made me chortle in delight because it worked so well). And dovetailing with Salzberg is delightful, making the set feel even more cohesive, despite it being deliberately lighter in its arc. Calling it "Day of the Master" invites comparisons with one of the few multi-Doctor stories I actually like, but it's well-earned. Also, I really liked Eric Roberts' performance. Seriously. No point in me posting now, you have pretty much said everything I wanted to say about this box set.
An absolute belter from Dorney and Fitton. Scripts are brilliant, dramatic, ingenious,
Ravenous 4 is both masterful and Master-full.
11 out of 10
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Post by chopper on Nov 12, 2019 13:22:54 GMT
Easily my favourite Ravenous box set. Really quite pleased at how it came out and neatly tied together so many loose ends. You could tell Roberts was recorded in a different way - quality seemed massively different.
I'm sick of Liv, but I'll be honest I've never really been a fan from the start. Didn't see anything particularly engaging in Robophobia to bring her back for Dark Eyes II and then she usurped Mollie (albeit because of Ruth Bradley's availability) and I thought she was way less interesting by comparison. Since then she's been dour in serious stories with the odd highlight (A life in the day). Given the gun situation, 8 throwing a 'best friend' out of the TARDIS would have been EPIC.
I do like Helen a lot. Bit more optimistic. Bit more curious. Good foil for 8. What happened with her Sonomancer powers though? That seemed to be quickly discarded.
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Post by sherlock on Nov 12, 2019 13:24:43 GMT
Easily my favourite Ravenous box set. Really quite pleased at how it came out and neatly tied together so many loose ends. You could tell Roberts was recorded in a different way - quality seemed massively different. I'm sick of Liv, but I'll be honest I've never really been a fan from the start. Didn't see anything particularly engaging in Robophobia to bring her back for Dark Eyes II and then she usurped Mollie (albeit because of Ruth Bradley's availability) and I thought she was way less interesting by comparison. Since then she's been dour in serious stories with the odd highlight (A life in the day). Given the gun situation, 8 throwing a 'best friend' out of the TARDIS would have been EPIC. I do like Helen a lot. Bit more optimistic. Bit more curious. Good foil for 8. What happened with her Sonomancer powers though? That seemed to be quickly discarded. Yeah that is odd. It was clearly shown in World of Damnation that she still had some powers, but they’ve never been mentioned again.
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lidar2
Castellan
You know, now that you mention it, I actually do rather like Attack of the Cybermen ...
Likes: 5,811
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Post by lidar2 on Nov 12, 2019 21:23:57 GMT
Did it remind anyone else of the Gremlins movie?
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Post by Hieronymus on Nov 12, 2019 22:29:46 GMT
Did it remind anyone else of the Gremlins movie? Thankfully, no.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2019 12:01:45 GMT
Just been relistening to a lot over the past week in between work and socialising hahaha. this set of tales just grows stronger on me each listen. Its nice to get to sit back and just let these stories sink in and appreciate the scripting ,the directing and the sound design and of course the vocal acting. Great conclusion to a wonderful series.
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Post by tuigirl on Dec 7, 2019 12:31:07 GMT
Just been relistening to a lot over the past week in between work and socialising hahaha. this set of tales just grows stronger on me each listen. Its nice to get to sit back and just let these stories sink in and appreciate the scripting ,the directing and the sound design and of course the vocal acting. Great conclusion to a wonderful series. Might be my favorite release of the year. It is that good.
I wonder when we will hear news of the next series? They said something about Early December. It is now Early December.
Dying to hear more about what they have planned.
And my wallet is ready to pre-order the bundle..
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2019 20:19:45 GMT
Just been relistening to a lot over the past week in between work and socialising hahaha. this set of tales just grows stronger on me each listen. Its nice to get to sit back and just let these stories sink in and appreciate the scripting ,the directing and the sound design and of course the vocal acting. Great conclusion to a wonderful series. Might be my favorite release of the year. It is that good.
I wonder when we will hear news of the next series? They said something about Early December. It is now Early December.
Dying to hear more about what they have planned.
And my wallet is ready to pre-order the bundle.. am eager for more too😎
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Post by nottenst on Dec 13, 2019 14:59:26 GMT
I am sure it has been mentioned at least once before, but since I haven't finished it I haven't read what came before .....
Just now heard Liz going through the various possibilities of who her "companion" was and after she said, "the 6?" he replies "I am not a number." I had to listen to it a second time to make sure. Just loved that.
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Post by nottenst on Dec 14, 2019 23:26:32 GMT
Finished the series today except the BTS which I will listen to next week. I was confused at the end, but reading all these comments got me on track with just what he regenerated into.
I had completely forgotten that the Beevers Master pulled off a Grover Cleveland. I have pulled Dust Breeding out for a relisten at some point. So now, I am wondering - which. if any, of Beevers' Master appearances in Big Finish are before The Keeper of Traken?
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Post by antartiks on Dec 15, 2019 0:32:42 GMT
Finished the series today except the BTS which I will listen to next week. I was confused at the end, but reading all these comments got me on track with just what he regenerated into. I had completely forgotten that the Beevers Master pulled off a Grover Cleveland. I have pulled Dust Breeding out for a relisten at some point. So now, I am wondering - which. if any, of Beevers' Master appearances in Big Finish are before The Keeper of Traken? The Two Masters and every appearances in the Fourth Doctor Adventures range, at the very least.
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Post by themeddlingmonk on Dec 15, 2019 2:13:11 GMT
Finished the series today except the BTS which I will listen to next week. I was confused at the end, but reading all these comments got me on track with just what he regenerated into. I had completely forgotten that the Beevers Master pulled off a Grover Cleveland. I have pulled Dust Breeding out for a relisten at some point. So now, I am wondering - which. if any, of Beevers' Master appearances in Big Finish are before The Keeper of Traken? Everything except: I am the Master (After The Keeper of Traken) Dust Breeding (Between Survival and The TV Movie) Master (Between Survival and The TV Movie) Mastermind (After the TV Movie) Planet of Dust (After Mastermind) Day of the Master (After Planet of Dust)
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Post by Zagreus on Dec 20, 2019 3:09:03 GMT
I Am the Master is set before Keeper of Traken and features an appearance (sort of) by the Fourth Doctor.
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