|
|
Post by bonehead on Aug 10, 2022 11:11:19 GMT
Agreed the EP Length does not work here with large Casts and multiple plot threads 2 4 Part stories in each set would've worked fine. Regards mark687 Yeah, I’d have been happy with two sets of 2x4 parters, or even two sets of 2 parter and a 4 parter, or a 2 parter and 4 parter first set and a 6 part epic second with Patricia becoming a presence. It’s also the little things like they’re 3x2 parters and not 3x60 minute stories. That can completely alter the structure of a story; it’s not just a case of throwing a cliffhanger in the middle. In a 60 minute episode, what could be Part 1 could be condensed into 10 minutes without an issue. I think it’s a mistake to do two sets with each one comprising of very similar stories. I think it’s a mistake to introduce a new companion after Hebe has only just had her debut and not been given a variety of adventures. I think it’s a mistake to do a string of two parters and trying to make them into something else. To do all of those together and there’s just nothing substantial or anything particularly enjoyable. I have to agree with the opinions here. Colin's Doctor has not been treated well in these box sets - at all. The stories are bland and uninspired, difficult to separate from one another - and Mel being side-lined to make way for less interesting characters is unforgivable. The Sixth Doctor stories seem to have very quickly boxed themselves into a corner where anything original or genuinely exciting never gets a look-in.
While I'm in glum-mode, I'd add that The Seventh Doctor fares even worse, for similar reasons. His TV era was nothing if not original; now he seems only to deal with cast-off's from previous Dooctor's stories.
It gives me no pleasure to say all this, but I feel as if our classic Doctors are being wasted. The return of four-parters would definitely be a step in the right direction, but I fear a change in stewardship might be the best hope for the future.
|
|
|
|
Post by mark687 on Aug 10, 2022 12:13:15 GMT
Yeah, I’d have been happy with two sets of 2x4 parters, or even two sets of 2 parter and a 4 parter, or a 2 parter and 4 parter first set and a 6 part epic second with Patricia becoming a presence. It’s also the little things like they’re 3x2 parters and not 3x60 minute stories. That can completely alter the structure of a story; it’s not just a case of throwing a cliffhanger in the middle. In a 60 minute episode, what could be Part 1 could be condensed into 10 minutes without an issue. I think it’s a mistake to do two sets with each one comprising of very similar stories. I think it’s a mistake to introduce a new companion after Hebe has only just had her debut and not been given a variety of adventures. I think it’s a mistake to do a string of two parters and trying to make them into something else. To do all of those together and there’s just nothing substantial or anything particularly enjoyable. I have to agree with the opinions here. Colin's Doctor has not been treated well in these box sets - at all. The stories are bland and uninspired, difficult to separate from one another - and Mel being side-lined to make way for less interesting characters is unforgivable. The Sixth Doctor stories seem to have very quickly boxed themselves into a corner where anything original or genuinely exciting never gets a look-in.
While I'm in glum-mode, I'd add that The Seventh Doctor fares even worse, for similar reasons. His TV era was nothing if not original; now he seems only to deal with cast-off's from previous Dooctor's stories.
It gives me no pleasure to say all this, but I feel as if our classic Doctors are being wasted. The return of four-parters would definitely be a step in the right direction, but I fear a change in stewardship might be the best hope for the future.
Ironically I think it is the great rapport between Colin and Ruth that starkly shows the not as good aspects, and even then the not as good aspects could be better with more time and focus on specific points rather than generalizing and somewhat clumsy resolution. My initial thought for the 6DA was "Good TV Season" the result is "Ok TV Season but open to wide and varied Audience Response". Regards mark687 |
|
|
|
Post by theillusiveman on Aug 10, 2022 13:39:27 GMT
Yeah, I’d have been happy with two sets of 2x4 parters, or even two sets of 2 parter and a 4 parter, or a 2 parter and 4 parter first set and a 6 part epic second with Patricia becoming a presence. It’s also the little things like they’re 3x2 parters and not 3x60 minute stories. That can completely alter the structure of a story; it’s not just a case of throwing a cliffhanger in the middle. In a 60 minute episode, what could be Part 1 could be condensed into 10 minutes without an issue. I think it’s a mistake to do two sets with each one comprising of very similar stories. I think it’s a mistake to introduce a new companion after Hebe has only just had her debut and not been given a variety of adventures. I think it’s a mistake to do a string of two parters and trying to make them into something else. To do all of those together and there’s just nothing substantial or anything particularly enjoyable. I have to agree with the opinions here. Colin's Doctor has not been treated well in these box sets - at all. The stories are bland and uninspired, difficult to separate from one another - and Mel being side-lined to make way for less interesting characters is unforgivable. The Sixth Doctor stories seem to have very quickly boxed themselves into a corner where anything original or genuinely exciting never gets a look-in.
While I'm in glum-mode, I'd add that The Seventh Doctor fares even worse, for similar reasons. His TV era was nothing if not original; now he seems only to deal with cast-off's from previous Dooctor's stories.
It gives me no pleasure to say all this, but I feel as if our classic Doctors are being wasted. The return of four-parters would definitely be a step in the right direction, but I fear a change in stewardship might be the best hope for the future.
Regarding The 7th Doctor Adventures i think 2023 will be more interesting as accoding to the leaks its during his Dying Days Pre-TV Movie and deals with the morality of his Doctor which should hopefully be more interesting i suppose given that the only boxset we have with 7 so far is Silver and ice which is a Season 24 themed boxset you cant really expect really award winning stories from that Season. But yeah Regarding The Six Doctor yeah its a real shame as nearly all his boxsets (The 11, Six Doctor and Peri) have been rather middling to average and the new Hebe era is not really making an impact and exciting so im not sure if its the producer/script editor being right for the range but yeah its hard to say ive certainly haven't preordered the 2023 6DAs that's for sure
|
|
|
|
Post by bonehead on Aug 10, 2022 13:53:42 GMT
I have to agree with the opinions here. Colin's Doctor has not been treated well in these box sets - at all. The stories are bland and uninspired, difficult to separate from one another - and Mel being side-lined to make way for less interesting characters is unforgivable. The Sixth Doctor stories seem to have very quickly boxed themselves into a corner where anything original or genuinely exciting never gets a look-in.
While I'm in glum-mode, I'd add that The Seventh Doctor fares even worse, for similar reasons. His TV era was nothing if not original; now he seems only to deal with cast-off's from previous Dooctor's stories.
It gives me no pleasure to say all this, but I feel as if our classic Doctors are being wasted. The return of four-parters would definitely be a step in the right direction, but I fear a change in stewardship might be the best hope for the future.
Regarding The 7th Doctor Adventures i think 2023 will be more interesting as accoding to the leaks its during his Dying Days Pre-TV Movie and deals with the morality of his Doctor which should hopefully be more interesting i suppose given that the only boxset we have with 7 so far is Silver and ice which is a Season 24 themed boxset you cant really expect really award winning stories from that Season. But yeah Regarding The Six Doctor yeah its a real shame as nearly all his boxsets (The 11, Six Doctor and Peri) have been rather middling to average and the new Hebe era is not really making an impact and exciting so im not sure if its the producer/script editor being right for the range but yeah its hard to say ive certainly haven't preordered the 2023 6DAs that's for sure
My view is that, Series 24 has always had a very mixed reception, but at least it tried new things: new writers, themes, villains etc. Silver and Ice (and the upcoming 7DA set) features none of that innovation, just more returns.
I agree about Old Sixie's box-sets. This isn't just another nostalgic moan about the passing of the monthly range (honest!), but whereas individual stories may have been hit or miss back then, now whole box-sets are pretty tepid throughout, which is disappointing, almost as if the people behind the respective eras just aren't particularly energised by them.
|
|
|
|
Post by themeddlingmonk on Aug 10, 2022 14:13:29 GMT
I’m really enjoying the Hebe era. It’s been the highlight of the year for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by mark687 on Aug 10, 2022 14:53:29 GMT
Regarding The 7th Doctor Adventures i think 2023 will be more interesting as accoding to the leaks its during his Dying Days Pre-TV Movie and deals with the morality of his Doctor which should hopefully be more interesting i suppose given that the only boxset we have with 7 so far is Silver and ice which is a Season 24 themed boxset you cant really expect really award winning stories from that Season. But yeah Regarding The Six Doctor yeah its a real shame as nearly all his boxsets (The 11, Six Doctor and Peri) have been rather middling to average and the new Hebe era is not really making an impact and exciting so im not sure if its the producer/script editor being right for the range but yeah its hard to say ive certainly haven't preordered the 2023 6DAs that's for sure
My view is that, Series 24 has always had a very mixed reception, but at least it tried new things: new writers, themes, villains etc. Silver and Ice (and the upcoming 7DA set) features none of that innovation, just more returns.
I agree about Old Sixie's box-sets. This isn't just another nostalgic moan about the passing of the monthly range (honest!), but whereas individual stories may have been hit or miss back then, now whole box-sets are pretty tepid throughout, which is disappointing, almost as if the people behind the respective eras just aren't particularly energised by them.
Oh I'm sure the energy and intent is there, just the results seem a bit unfocused, so as I said leaves it more open to Listeners interpretation of what the stories were going for and if they succeeded. Regards mark687 |
|
|
|
Post by martinw8686 on Aug 10, 2022 15:45:08 GMT
I've never been keen on 25 min x 2 parters or 1 part 50 min stories unless there part of a longer narrative, for example Dark Eyes and Doom Coalition. The short stories often feel limited and lacking depth, a stand alone story needs to be at least 70 mins to get a really meaty satisfying tale.
Returning to four parts has done the world of good for the Fourth Doctor, I now always purchase the Fourth Doctor sets after losing interest in his 50 min stand alone releases. I'm really excited for the next Fifth Doctor set which is a six parter and next year's x 2-3 part set.
I hope Sixie gets some 4 parters soon, I'm not keen to invest until he does. The shorter stories are an unfortunate byproduct of the television series, trying to win over the casual viewers, for me serialised drama is much better, I love nothing more than box set binging shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones. I loved the Eighth Doctor epics, it would be cool for more of the classic Doctors to get a run of serial box sets.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chakoteya on Aug 10, 2022 16:45:11 GMT
Just finished listening to The Mindless Ones (ironic title) by Paul Margs you know you are off to a great start when you just finished listening to the story and finding it completely forgettable and this coming from the guy who wrote The Peterloo Massacre and The Stones of Venice!! basically Generic villain Mr Betterman has a machine which brainwashes people into being hippies, The Doctor, Mel and Hebe meets Hebe's Friend Elise, also meeting Patricia McBride- Generic snarky female character and Toby Hadoke playing useless Husband Dean Ron (the useless Husband was Toby's own description of the character gee almost dime a dozen these days in Doctor Who) So yeah basically if you wanted to listen to a story that set in a university just listen to The Rani Elite 4/10 Hippies? Quite the opposite - total squares you mean.
I'm finding this story hilarious. Been there, met those people, tolerated the jargon.
A Sheffield story without the 13th? How very daring.  |
|
|
|
Post by Who Review on Aug 10, 2022 20:50:02 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by theillusiveman on Aug 11, 2022 3:35:11 GMT
Well finished listening to the last episode
Well let’s start with the positives
Positive:
Great Pre Credits scene- exciting
The TV Movie Tardis sounds in the vortex
Good Cliffhanger to Part Two which is kinda mixed
The Backstory between the time lords and the villain/ side hero’s society seemed quite interesting and was a shame it wasn’t explored properly
Ruth Madley gives a great performance as Hebe and is much more likeable than volume 1
Cons:
The main Villain plot gets wrapped up unsatisfactory
Mel was so underwritten that she could have not been in the story and nothing would have changed except the ending
So many preachy moments which take me out of the story and made me roll my eyes
Patrica Mcbride being an unlikable snarky jerk in the beginning was glad she is gone but given the resolution sadly not the case
Mixed:
The confrontation between McBride and The Doctor I thought that was the most interesting thing about the story especially from her perspective I think perhaps she should have properly explained her views in detail and the Doctor should have had a proper debate It’s also kinda ironic that the Doctor is friends with several historic people that are oh boy let’s not go there
Result:
Oh boy from the behind the scenes that This is a continuing arc story which means that rather than having different companion boxsets we will be stuck with this tardis team and plot lines which gives credibility to the rumours of 2023’s Boxsets- no Constance, Peri or even Frobisher stories (not like that was going to happen as BF forgotten him)
It’s not terrible but it just feels like resources could have been spent on more exciting tales (and a better cover) I don’t really feel the want or need to continue this range because Vol 1&2 are just so bland
A 5/10
Boxset total: 4/10
|
|
newt5996
Chancellery Guard
Likes: 2,655 
Member is Online
|
Post by newt5996 on Aug 11, 2022 16:23:11 GMT
I’m enjoying it. Hebe as a character really does hit in my view but that might be since I’m disabled and can easily relate to the representation I’m seeing. I do agree with a lot of complaints that the hour long stories really don’t have enough time to breathe though I think that most effects the middle story and Patricia as a character is reflective of certain views but I do think the Doctor of all people would try and change her view for the better (her reaction to the future comes from fear and despair of science not being able to help stop conditions like disability which I think in cases like physical disability is a valid discussion but they also seem like they want to make her a eugenicist but it’s very messy and unclear)
|
|
|
|
Post by themeddlingmonk on Aug 11, 2022 18:36:59 GMT
Well finished listening to the last episode Well let’s start with the positives Positive: Great Pre Credits scene- exciting The TV Movie Tardis sounds in the vortex Good Cliffhanger to Part Two which is kinda mixed The Backstory between the time lords and the villain/ side hero’s society seemed quite interesting and was a shame it wasn’t explored properly Ruth Madley gives a great performance as Hebe and is much more likeable than volume 1 Cons: The main Villain plot gets wrapped up unsatisfactory Mel was so underwritten that she could have not been in the story and nothing would have changed except the ending So many preachy moments which take me out of the story and made me roll my eyes Patrica Mcbride being an unlikable snarky jerk in the beginning was glad she is gone but given the resolution sadly not the case Mixed: The confrontation between McBride and The Doctor I thought that was the most interesting thing about the story especially from her perspective I think perhaps she should have properly explained her views in detail and the Doctor should have had a proper debate It’s also kinda ironic that the Doctor is friends with several historic people that are oh boy let’s not go there Result: Oh boy from the behind the scenes that This is a continuing arc story which means that rather than having different companion boxsets we will be stuck with this tardis team and plot lines which gives credibility to the rumours of 2023’s Boxsets- no Constance, Peri or even Frobisher stories (not like that was going to happen as BF forgotten him) It’s not terrible but it just feels like resources could have been spent on more exciting tales (and a better cover) I don’t really feel the want or need to continue this range because Vol 1&2 are just so bland A 5/10 Boxset total: 4/10 Those leaks were completely fake. The only bits about them that were true were things we already knew about. |
|
newt5996
Chancellery Guard
Likes: 2,655
Member is Online
|
Post by newt5996 on Aug 11, 2022 20:46:16 GMT
Well finished listening to the last episode Well let’s start with the positives Positive: Great Pre Credits scene- exciting The TV Movie Tardis sounds in the vortex Good Cliffhanger to Part Two which is kinda mixed The Backstory between the time lords and the villain/ side hero’s society seemed quite interesting and was a shame it wasn’t explored properly Ruth Madley gives a great performance as Hebe and is much more likeable than volume 1 Cons: The main Villain plot gets wrapped up unsatisfactory Mel was so underwritten that she could have not been in the story and nothing would have changed except the ending So many preachy moments which take me out of the story and made me roll my eyes Patrica Mcbride being an unlikable snarky jerk in the beginning was glad she is gone but given the resolution sadly not the case Mixed: The confrontation between McBride and The Doctor I thought that was the most interesting thing about the story especially from her perspective I think perhaps she should have properly explained her views in detail and the Doctor should have had a proper debate It’s also kinda ironic that the Doctor is friends with several historic people that are oh boy let’s not go there Result: Oh boy from the behind the scenes that This is a continuing arc story which means that rather than having different companion boxsets we will be stuck with this tardis team and plot lines which gives credibility to the rumours of 2023’s Boxsets- no Constance, Peri or even Frobisher stories (not like that was going to happen as BF forgotten him) It’s not terrible but it just feels like resources could have been spent on more exciting tales (and a better cover) I don’t really feel the want or need to continue this range because Vol 1&2 are just so bland A 5/10 Boxset total: 4/10 Those leaks were completely fake. The only bits about them that were true were things we already knew about. And it’s clear why we aren’t getting a lot of Conastance and Flip recently, Lisa Greenwood is still ill from Covid-19. |
|
|
|
Post by theillusiveman on Aug 12, 2022 14:17:05 GMT
Well finished listening to the last episode Well let’s start with the positives Positive: Great Pre Credits scene- exciting The TV Movie Tardis sounds in the vortex Good Cliffhanger to Part Two which is kinda mixed The Backstory between the time lords and the villain/ side hero’s society seemed quite interesting and was a shame it wasn’t explored properly Ruth Madley gives a great performance as Hebe and is much more likeable than volume 1 Cons: The main Villain plot gets wrapped up unsatisfactory Mel was so underwritten that she could have not been in the story and nothing would have changed except the ending So many preachy moments which take me out of the story and made me roll my eyes Patrica Mcbride being an unlikable snarky jerk in the beginning was glad she is gone but given the resolution sadly not the case Mixed: The confrontation between McBride and The Doctor I thought that was the most interesting thing about the story especially from her perspective I think perhaps she should have properly explained her views in detail and the Doctor should have had a proper debate It’s also kinda ironic that the Doctor is friends with several historic people that are oh boy let’s not go there Result: Oh boy from the behind the scenes that This is a continuing arc story which means that rather than having different companion boxsets we will be stuck with this tardis team and plot lines which gives credibility to the rumors of 2023’s Boxsets- no Constance, Peri or even Frobisher stories (not like that was going to happen as BF forgotten him) It’s not terrible but it just feels like resources could have been spent on more exciting tales (and a better cover) I don’t really feel the want or need to continue this range because Vol 1&2 are just so bland A 5/10 Boxset total: 4/10 Those leaks were completely fake. The only bits about them that were true were things we already knew about. Either way if Big Finish are committed to this Story line/ Direction for The 6th Doctor Adventures instead of having Other Variety of Stories with Different Companions than
i would be very curious on their sales figures for the range and if there would be any course correction
|
|
|
|
Post by Timelord007 on Aug 13, 2022 6:04:25 GMT
A dull bland set of stories and another below par box set, the 1 hour format clearly isn't working & I'd switch to 2x4 parters stories to flesh out story arcs & characters.
I've enjoyed 4 Doctor Who releases this year the rest have been forgettable.
I rate this 2/5.
|
|
|
|
Post by elkawho on Aug 13, 2022 18:27:21 GMT
I think this was step up from Water Worlds, but I really disliked that one. I think Hebe is characterized much better in this set, but yeah, Mel is sidelined. And Elise? She's kind of meh.
I hate to say this, but I have been less than thrilled with Jac Rainer's work at BF over the last few years. I think it started with the Six and Peri set, because her story in that set was dreadful. I'm not sure she's the right person to be developing this range. Having recently re-listened to the entire MR, these sets aren't anywhere near the quality of even the last few Sixth Doctor MR stories, let alone his earlier heights. But they seem to think she's fantastic when dealing with ol' Sixie, and I'm not sure why.
|
|
|
|
Post by Timelord007 on Aug 14, 2022 6:53:02 GMT
I think this was step up from Water Worlds, but I really disliked that one. I think Hebe is characterized much better in this set, but yeah, Mel is sidelined. And Elise? She's kind of meh. I hate to say this, but I have been less than thrilled with Jac Rainer's work at BF over the last few years. I think it started with the Six and Peri set, because her story in that set was dreadful. I'm not sure she's the right person to be developing this range. Having recently re-listened to the entire MR, these sets aren't anywhere near the quality of even the last few Sixth Doctor MR stories, let alone his earlier heights. But they seem to think she's fantastic when dealing with ol' Sixie, and I'm not sure why. Perfect summary 💯 |
|
|
|
Post by IndieMacUser on Aug 14, 2022 11:31:42 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by BHTvsTFC on Aug 14, 2022 22:55:00 GMT
I quite enjoyed the first story - Magrs is someone whose writing I just seem to get on with for some reason - it came across to me as a satire of 'woke' culture whilst at the same time aware that it was in a set that could be deemed the epitome of it. Patricia was definitely the audience identification character; frustrated over the 'namby pamby' approach to the establishment whilst being a character of compassion and a free thinker herself.
The story's main failing was that it just seemed to run out of time and finish, which again could be a deliberate dig on the half of the writer. It could have benefited from more time to play out and for the characters to be fleshed out more.
|
|
|
|
Post by nucleusofswarm on Aug 19, 2022 20:06:20 GMT
Just sharing this for those who want to see what else Ruth is up to.
|
|
