Delving into the Big Finish audio plays

[The Nth Doctor]

After years of putting it off for one reason or the other (mostly financial but also laziness), I've finally delved into the world of the Doctor Who audios. With the help of Rosalind during my visit to Sydney in September, I picked up:

Here There Be Monsters
Helicon Prime
Old Soldiers
Empathy Games
Circular Time
The Spectre of Lanyon Moor
Frozen Time
The Zygon Who Fell to Earth

So far I've listened to Empathy Games, The Zygon Who Fell to Earth, Old Soldiers, and Helicon Prime, with Old Soldiers as my favorite thus far. This was enough to push me to order a bunch more:

Neverland
Zagreus
Sympathy for the Devil
Weapon of Choice
Spare Parts
Minuet in Hell
Transit of Venus
Frostfire
The Eye of the Scorpian
Dust Breeding

Reading about the audios over at Wikipedia, it looks like I'm going to have a fun ride. I can't wait.

 

[Turbo]

Oy! Listen to Circular Time so I can crow about how I was right about how awesome it is!

Seriously, though, you picked a bunch of good plays. Though it's hard to think of any truly BAD plays. Some are merely less good than others.

 

[klingonmaquis]

Some great selections from all over the spectrum of the audios. Some folks aren't too keen on the Companion Chronicles but I have enjoyed em. The only one that might be of mixed enjoyment out of the bundle is Minuet in Hell. I personally liked it as I had listened to the original version from the Audio Visuals (the Big Finish guys Doctor Who series before they became professionals) and liked the update but there's been folks either liking it or hating it.
Since you have Sympathy for the Devil, get the follow up to it, Masters of War. Sympathy though is my favorite story from the Unbound range and ranks high in my favorite Big Finish Stories.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Oy! Listen to Circular Time so I can crow about how I was right about how awesome it is!

Seriously, though, you picked a bunch of good plays. Though it's hard to think of any truly BAD plays. Some are merely less good than others.

That's good to know. It's going to take me a long time to catch up.

Some great selections from all over the spectrum of the audios. Some folks aren't too keen on the Companion Chronicles but I have enjoyed em. The only one that might be of mixed enjoyment out of the bundle is Minuet in Hell. I personally liked it as I had listened to the original version from the Audio Visuals (the Big Finish guys Doctor Who series before they became professionals) and liked the update but there's been folks either liking it or hating it.

So far I've loved the Companion Chronicles. Frazer Hines and Nicholas Courtney have done wonderful jobs recreating The Second and Third Doctors, respectively, while Louisa Jameson thoroughly impressed me with her vocal range. I'm really looking forward to Transit of Venus because I think William Russell is a wonderful actor and I can't wait to hear his First Doctor (I've heard Peter Purves has done a great job on this).

Since you have Sympathy for the Devil, get the follow up to it, Masters of War. Sympathy though is my favorite story from the Unbound range and ranks high in my favorite Big Finish Stories.

I'll see how much I love David Warner's version of The Doctor (although I can't see how I couldn't love it) before I get it. I'm just not a big fan of Davros.

 

[Piper]

This site has done articles about the best and worst plays for each Doctor:

http://doctorwho.relativedimensions...e-best-and-the-worst-of-the-fifth-doctor.html

http://doctorwho.relativedimensions...h-the-best-and-worst-of-the-sixth-doctor.html

http://doctorwho.relativedimensions...the-best-and-worst-of-the-seventh-doctor.html

http://doctorwho.relativedimensions...-the-best-and-worst-of-the-eighth-doctor.html

Don't agree with all those choices but some good titles highlighted in there.

 

[23skidoo]

Some folks aren't too keen on the Companion Chronicles but I have enjoyed em.

I guess it depends on whether you like the particular companion or not. Me, I've really enjoyed Mary Tamm's Stealers from Saiph, and those who criticize the Chronicles series would be well to remember that this is the only way we're likely to get any new First, Second, Third and Fourth Doctor stories from Big Finish. (Though now that Tom Baker has taken the plunge with BBC Audio's Hornets Nest, here's hoping he crosses to the dark side and agrees to do some Big Finish work).

Alex

 

[Kibbin]

I loved Sympathy and though I'm haven't seen much of the third doctor (so I may not be the best to comment) I loved how he played it and also the way he plays his relation with the enemy (don't know how to spiler tag sorry, and don't want to run the risk of spoiling it for you on the off chance you don't know).
I have to say that so far my favorite companion of the audio adventures has to be Lucie Miller (though I haven't heard that many and the professor traveling with Colin (forget her name) grew on me in the few I have heard) who I believe you have a sample of in 'The Zygon who fell to Earth'. If that is the one I'm thinking of and you enjoyed it I recommend 'The Horror Of Glam Rock' though that isn't the start of her adventures, it does serve as a sort of prequel to 'The Zygon..'.
I always veiwed her as how I wish Rose had been. Please no bashing and I have nothing against Billie (apart from her buck teeth she had put in when she came back ).

 

[klingonmaquis]

You might not be a fan of Davros, but this story is the most interesting use of him in ages. The Warner Doctor makes me wish he had been the Doctor for the new series rather than Chris.

So many good stories out there. I avoid two though, Nekromanteia and Exile...the rest are able to be dealt with and enjoyed.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

This site has done articles about the best and worst plays for each Doctor:

http://doctorwho.relativedimensions...e-best-and-the-worst-of-the-fifth-doctor.html

http://doctorwho.relativedimensions...h-the-best-and-worst-of-the-sixth-doctor.html

http://doctorwho.relativedimensions...the-best-and-worst-of-the-seventh-doctor.html

http://doctorwho.relativedimensions...-the-best-and-worst-of-the-eighth-doctor.html

Don't agree with all those choices but some good titles highlighted in there.

Thanks for those links. Some interesting reviews, although I have to disagree with his/her's thoughts on The Zygon Who Fell to Earth. It may not be the most interesting Doctor Who story, but it was certainly enjoyable (and I liked the twist at the end). Seemed to me, he/she was a bit racist against the Zygons, which is interesting considering that was one of the themes of the story (with The Doctor, particularly).

Looks like I've chosen pretty well with The Fifth Doctor thus far and I'll refer to those links when I'll order more audios.

Some folks aren't too keen on the Companion Chronicles but I have enjoyed em.

I guess it depends on whether you like the particular companion or not. Me, I've really enjoyed Mary Tamm's Stealers from Saiph, and those who criticize the Chronicles series would be well to remember that this is the only way we're likely to get any new First, Second, Third and Fourth Doctor stories from Big Finish. (Though now that Tom Baker has taken the plunge with BBC Audio's Hornets Nest, here's hoping he crosses to the dark side and agrees to do some Big Finish work).

Yeah, that's why I'm so happy to have the Companion Chronicles because there's no other way to have stories for the first three Doctors. Granted I may not be so keen on stories read by Susan (yeah, I know), Polly, or Jo, but I'll take what I can get.

I loved Sympathy and though I'm haven't seen much of the third doctor (so I may not be the best to comment) I loved how he played it and also the way he plays his relation with the enemy (don't know how to spiler tag sorry, and don't want to run the risk of spoiling it for you on the off chance you don't know).

Yeah, I know about the spoiler (which was one of the selling points...as if David Warner wasn't enough), but I appreciate the caution.

I have to say that so far my favorite companion of the audio adventures has to be Lucie Miller (though I haven't heard that many and the professor traveling with Colin (forget her name) grew on me in the few I have heard) who I believe you have a sample of in 'The Zygon who fell to Earth'. If that is the one I'm thinking of and you enjoyed it I recommend 'The Horror Of Glam Rock' though that isn't the start of her adventures, it does serve as a sort of prequel to 'The Zygon..'.

I read up a little bit on the background history after I listened to that story. I'm not sure what to think of Lucie thus far, although it's hard to judge her with this story considering the circumstances of what in the story.

You might not be a fan of Davros, but this story is the most interesting use of him in ages. The Warner Doctor makes me wish he had been the Doctor for the new series rather than Chris.

So many good stories out there. I avoid two though, Nekromanteia and Exile...the rest are able to be dealt with and enjoyed.

Good to know. I'll be sure to check it out, but there's so much I want to listen to first!

This is what I get for being ten years behind.

 

[Rosalind]

After years of putting it off for one reason or the other (mostly financial but also laziness), I've finally delved into the world of the Doctor Who audios. With the help of Rosalind during my visit to Sydney in September, ...

my work is done.

 

[Rarewolf]

Looks like I've chosen pretty well with The Fifth Doctor thus far and I'll refer to those links when I'll order more audios.

I avoid two though, Nekromanteia and Exile...the rest are able to be dealt with and enjoyed.

The story Davros and Spare Parts are two of the best Dr Who stories on any medium.

I'm surprised to see The Game on the worst list, it's a solid story and features William Russell.

I knew someone would mention Nekromanteia, never understood the hate myself. It's more Blake's 7 than who though.

...ish I one I don't care for, but others rave about it.

I wasn't keen on the whole Neverland/Zagreus/aftermath arc at the time, but then the new TV series went a lot further.

 

[Worf2DS9]

A couple of recommendations in the 8th Doctor series are Chimes of Midnight (with Charley) and Shada, which was my first BF audio and still one of the most enjoyable I've ever listened to. I have no idea what the Tom Baker version would have been like if the TV version had ever been completed back in the day, but this McGann one is excellent. It was great hearing Lalla Ward as Romana & John Leeson as K-9. If you close your eyes, you can imagine you're listening to an actual television episode (though that pretty much applies to them all).

As for the new Lucie adventures (I'm just halfway through the first season), I like Lucie, though I haven't completely warmed to the new shorter format. I much preferred the longer 4-part stories. These ones are just over too fast!

 

[Stevil2001]

Emh, I don't know that I'd listen to Neverland and Zagreus until I'd heard at least Storm Warning, The Chimes of Midnight, and Seasons of Fear. Not so much because of plot points, but because the emotional effect would be lost, too.

Me, I've really enjoyed Mary Tamm's Stealers from Saiph, and those who criticize the Chronicles series would be well to remember that this is the only way we're likely to get any new First, Second, Third and Fourth Doctor stories from Big Finish.

So what? A crap story is still a crap story, and Stealers from Staiph is among them. Why can't I criticize a bad Companion Chronicle? I'd rather have a good one.

 

[Rarewolf]

I rather enjoyed Stealers, Mary tells the story well, but that's the trouble - it's Mary telling a story, rather than Romana reliving one. Human customs should be quite alien to her. She's only been to Earth the once before that.

 

[Kibbin]

I read up a little bit on the background history after I listened to that story. I'm not sure what to think of Lucie thus far, although it's hard to judge her with this story considering the circumstances of what in the story.

I can see why some would not like her, she is to boil it right down an annoying chav (don't know if that slang translates too well).
I think why I liked her was as I said simply because I don't like Billie and think this is a much better approach to the character.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

A couple of recommendations in the 8th Doctor series are Chimes of Midnight (with Charley) and Shada, which was my first BF audio and still one of the most enjoyable I've ever listened to. I have no idea what the Tom Baker version would have been like if the TV version had ever been completed back in the day, but this McGann one is excellent. It was great hearing Lalla Ward as Romana & John Leeson as K-9. If you close your eyes, you can imagine you're listening to an actual television episode (though that pretty much applies to them all).

I have listened to Shada, or at least I've watched the flash animated webcast. Is there any difference beween the webcast and the audio? Not only did I loved the story, it's one of my favorite Doctor Who stories to date. The chemistry between McGann and Ward is smashing and something about the story really intrigues me.

Thanks for the other Eighth Doctor recommendation. I'll be sure to add it to my list.

Emh, I don't know that I'd listen to Neverland and Zagreus until I'd heard at least Storm Warning, The Chimes of Midnight, and Seasons of Fear. Not so much because of plot points, but because the emotional effect would be lost, too.

Hm, bugger. I thought Neverland was enough prelude before Zagreus but I guess I didn't research well enough. Thanks for the tip. I'll pick up the other three soon.

 

[klingonmaquis]

About Nekromanteia, without figuring out spoiler tags all I can say is that there are elements that are pure fantasy rather than science fiction. I cannot go into it more yet without making sure some folks have heard the story themselves but its the low point story in the Peri/Erinem run.

 

[Fenric]

I love Big Finish some of my favorites include

Jubilee with Colin Baker ( this story was later adapted to make the 2005 episode Dalek)

the Davros and Master audio's are good for there own reasons of seeing the villans in more detail.

The Idavros series is brilliant at painting a picture of a young Davros and how he grew up

night thoughts is good at creating a haunting atmosphere very good to listen to around Halloween time

I also enjoy Colditz even though it is very Over the top and David Tennant is also in it ( not as the doctor )

 

[klingonmaquis]

Well since I gave a warning about the two I think are the worst....Here's some of what I think are the best.

Spare Parts was mentioned earlier. A great story that rivals the best of the tv series.

The Church and the Crown - a swashbuckling adventure that is pure and simple fun!

The Marian Conspiracy, my first BF purchase. The beginning of the reformation of the 6th Doctor and the introduction to the 6th Doctor's best companion.

The Harvest which shook up the 7th Doctor and Ace team with a 3rd member to the team and a suprise return of an enemy.

Now with the 8th Doctor its hard to go wrong but the alternate universe stuff goes a long way to go wrong. Aside from that I've really enjoyed McGann's Doctor. Start with Storm Warning and work your way through in order of story to get the full arcs impact.

I really enjoyed the First Dalek Empire series, top notch scifi without the Doctor being involved. The 2nd was really good, the 3rd was ok but was lacking the full punch of the first 2. The fourth series though set in the first series time period was back on their A game.

Aside from that really the audios have some really good runs but kinda need you to have the whole arcs. Starting with Eye of the Scorpion and ending with the Bride of Peladon Erinem became one of my favorite 5th Doctor companions.
I haven't been disappointed in any of the Evelyn stories with the 6th Doctor. The same for Hex with the 7th Doctor. Charley is a great foil for the 8th Doctor up til the alternate universe story line. Towards the end of her time with 8 did she get some momentum back. The stories with 8 and Lucie are simply loads of fun.

Aside from that, go with what you think will interest you. If you aren't sure of what story would work for you, check out a synopsis of stories at www.drwhoguide.com/who.htm

 

[Worf2DS9]

I have listened to Shada, or at least I've watched the flash animated webcast. Is there any difference beween the webcast and the audio?

I haven't watched all of the Flash-version of that one, so I couldn't tell you if that's been edited a bit. It's definitely fun in its own right, though, with those added visuals.

I'll also agree that the 8th Doctor's extended stay in the Divergent Universe is where the series goes a bit odd. After three of those, I lost my patience and skipped the next 5, returning for the last one, "The Next Life," mainly for the guest turn by Daphne Ashbrooke. Though she didn't play Grace, it was still cool hearing the two actors exchanging banter again.