Vol 11 Friend of the Family Due Jan 2023 (SOR)

I absolutely adored this. I went in to listen to the first episode, but it completely gripped me and three hours later here I am, just in awe. Just a perfectly plotted and crafted story across no fewer than four time zones. Every character feels rounded, every turn of events feels well seeded and not written to unfold for the sake of it. Even the lengthy epilogue that dominates much of the last story feels well earned and doesn't overstay its welcome.

River always remains the heart of the story, as should be the case; Friend of the Family is about her interactions with the Mortimers across the generations and the offshoots stem from there. I loved how it starts off as her on an expedition and then begins to draw in on the timey wimey elements of her character, insights into her relationship with the Doctor, etc. It's almost the definitive River - certainly from her Big Finish tenure so far - and it all comes into play naturally and not as a tick box exercise.

This really is a tour de force from Alex Kingston, but every one of the guest cast holds their own against her. I especially loved Mark Elstob & Phyllida Nash. The character / concept of Hugo was a great way to avoid River spouting exposition throughout and it's almost a shame that there doesn't seem to be much way he could be in other sets.

All this praise and waffle and I can honestly say I don't think I understood it 100% and is certainly a release that rewards relistening, which I shall be sure to do soon. Now, where's that Series 12 announcement?

Started on it, about 80mins in now.
I am loving this.
It is just soooo different from the other River releases.
I like the mystery structure, the time-jumps, the banter with the quirky research assistant AI, I also like the domestic family drama backdrop to this.
This just feels fresh and new.
I am also intrigued as to what exactly is going on.
In the extras they describe the plot as "making you dizzy", and that is an apt description. But at the same time, you are curious about it all.
In short, so far this has been interesting and really sets itself apart.
Also, do not expect too much action, or hilarious escapades or the usual River over-the-top-ness.
Because this is NOT that.

Currently listening to “The Bird from the Nest”, and enjoying this greatly.

Again, it feels like BF telling stories rather than ticking off items on a list, and I love that.

Looking forward to seeing how this ends, but wanting to savour it. And looking forward to a re-listen to see what I may appreciate differently with all the pieces heard once.

So far, a very strong start to 2023.

Sounds freakin' perfect!

I'd listen to it right now, if not for the pricing shenanigans. Will definitely be part of next month's big order, though. I can't wait! 

The Rules of the House done and dusted, and boy am I locked in and engrossed. Foley’s script, Kingston and co are on fire, and the mystery is wonderful! Cannot wait to listen to part two!

I don’t think it can be understated how gut wrenchingly beautiful this release is. I think I spent almost the entire last episode blubbering like a fool. The mystery box of a plot isn’t used just as a gimmick or a hook, Foley uses it to explore family in such a layered and sometimes haunting way.

The cast all give their all, and none of them are wasted. There is a brilliant moment for everyone to shine at some point in story, whether it’s Harry and Vinay’s moments at the end of The Bird in the Nest, Hugo and Cook’s revelations to River, Younger Mary and George’s utter fear at the end of Episode 3, the list goes on. However, Kingston is magnificent throughout and really gets to show how amazing an actor she is, especially her pure anger simmering to the point of near breaking point in the beginning of ep 4.

The biggest strength though, is how integral the queer experience is to the set. To not just celebrate the modern day strides we have made, but to examine and understand how the past attitudes affected, and quite frankly, killed queer people, and how we need to continue to work and fight until people can exist safely as they are.

It’s perhaps a tad hyperbolic, but if someone picked up only one Big Finish this year, it should be this one. I easily see this as up there with Big Finish’s best.

I cried in the end. It was not only a wonderful & moving River Song, Doctor Who, Big Finish audio story….it was a great, amazing, memorable, heartwarming, beautiful story. Period.

It showcases River’s gentle, caring, yet efficient side. I also like the costars. Excellent casting, writing, voice acting. Excellent everything. I didn’t feel the time at all. Any shorter & the story wouldn’t have been able to breathe, express & delve into all the important points. & despite being massively timey-whimey, it was not difficult to understand & follow the plot as the layers of mysteries were unveiled.

This would easily rank Top 3 or Top 5 in Big Finish’s entire catalogue. And only because I haven’t listened to the entire catalogue. Maybe in a few years, come back & rank it #1. 🥇

Must-experience for all River Song fans. Highly recommended for all Doctor Who fans, and indeed, people who like this genre.

Been a fan of Alex Kingston since ER, & this ranks as one of her best work. We are so lucky this was commissioned, written, performed, produced in our lifetime.

Recommend this to everyone. Spread the word.