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Big Finish: Monthly Range #15
Doctor Who: The Mutant Phase
In the 22nd century, the Daleks have occupied planet Earth. By the 43rd century, only a handful of humans survive. Still further into the distant future, a Thal scientist must choose whether to betray his heritage, or see the universe destroyed.
When the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa find themselves trapped in this deadly chain of events, they must decide who their real enemies are. What is certain, however, is that no matter where the Doctor turns... his arch enemies, the Daleks, will be waiting for him.
What could possibly be worse than that? The Mutant Phase...
When the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa find themselves trapped in this deadly chain of events, they must decide who their real enemies are. What is certain, however, is that no matter where the Doctor turns... his arch enemies, the Daleks, will be waiting for him.
What could possibly be worse than that? The Mutant Phase...
Audio CD
First published December 18, 2000
2 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Briggs
376 books133 followersNicholas Briggs is a British actor and writer, predominantly associated with the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who and its various spin-offs. Some of Briggs' earliest Doctor Who-related work was as host of The Myth Makers, a series of made-for-video documentaries produced in the 1980s and 1990s by Reeltime Pictures in which Briggs interviews many of the actors and writers involved in the series. When Reeltime expanded into producing original dramas, Briggs wrote some stories and acted in others, beginning with War Time, the first unofficial Doctor Who spin-off, and Myth Runner, a parody of Blade Runner showcasing bloopers from the Myth Makers series built around a loose storyline featuring Briggs as a down on his luck private detective in the near future.
He wrote and appeared in several made-for-video dramas by BBV, including the third of the Stranger stories, In Memory Alone opposite former Doctor Who stars Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant. He also wrote and appeared in a non-Stranger BBV production called The Airzone Solution (1993) and directed a documentary film, Stranger than Fiction (1994).
Briggs has directed many of the Big Finish Productions audio plays, and has provided Dalek, Cybermen, and other alien voices in several of those as well. He has also written and directed the Dalek Empire and Cyberman audio plays for Big Finish. In 2006, Briggs took over from Gary Russell as executive producer of the Big Finish Doctor Who audio range.
Briggs co-wrote a Doctor Who book called The Dalek Survival Guide.
Since Doctor Who returned to television in 2005, Briggs has provided the voices for several monsters, most notably the Daleks and the Cybermen. Briggs also voiced the Nestene Consciousness in the 2005 episode "Rose", and recorded a voice for the Jagrafess in the 2005 episode "The Long Game"; however, this was not used in the final episode because it was too similar to the voice of the Nestene Consciousness. He also provided the voices for the Judoon in both the 2007 and 2008 series. On 9 July 2009, Briggs made his first appearance in the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood in the serial Children of Earth, playing Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Rick Yates.
He wrote and appeared in several made-for-video dramas by BBV, including the third of the Stranger stories, In Memory Alone opposite former Doctor Who stars Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant. He also wrote and appeared in a non-Stranger BBV production called The Airzone Solution (1993) and directed a documentary film, Stranger than Fiction (1994).
Briggs has directed many of the Big Finish Productions audio plays, and has provided Dalek, Cybermen, and other alien voices in several of those as well. He has also written and directed the Dalek Empire and Cyberman audio plays for Big Finish. In 2006, Briggs took over from Gary Russell as executive producer of the Big Finish Doctor Who audio range.
Briggs co-wrote a Doctor Who book called The Dalek Survival Guide.
Since Doctor Who returned to television in 2005, Briggs has provided the voices for several monsters, most notably the Daleks and the Cybermen. Briggs also voiced the Nestene Consciousness in the 2005 episode "Rose", and recorded a voice for the Jagrafess in the 2005 episode "The Long Game"; however, this was not used in the final episode because it was too similar to the voice of the Nestene Consciousness. He also provided the voices for the Judoon in both the 2007 and 2008 series. On 9 July 2009, Briggs made his first appearance in the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood in the serial Children of Earth, playing Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Rick Yates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 15, 2019
One of the great things about the Big Finish range is the various team ups that didn’t appear on screen.
With the Fifth Doctor traveling with just Nyssa in this story it allows Davison and Sutton to give much better performances, rather than the normal crowded TARDIS.
It’s also a very enjoyable Dalek story that links well with The Dalek Invasion of Earth, a fascinating concept of The Daleks needing the Doctor’s help to irradiate a mutated infection from their past that threatens the entire universe.
A nice mix of fun continuity and a solid casts makes this another enjoyable audio adventure!
With the Fifth Doctor traveling with just Nyssa in this story it allows Davison and Sutton to give much better performances, rather than the normal crowded TARDIS.
It’s also a very enjoyable Dalek story that links well with The Dalek Invasion of Earth, a fascinating concept of The Daleks needing the Doctor’s help to irradiate a mutated infection from their past that threatens the entire universe.
A nice mix of fun continuity and a solid casts makes this another enjoyable audio adventure!
February 24, 2023
‘Victory for the mutant creatures will mean the end of history!’
April 30, 2023
I can't understand why this adventure is rated so low, by so many reviewers here 🤔 as i had a thoroughly wonderful time! There was daleks, there was mutations, time paradoxes, the 5th doctor. Like it had everything you'd want from a short adventure! Maybe im missing something really obvious, but whatever that is, isn't clear/evident as I loved my time with this story and another great addition to the Dalek Empire series if you ask me
February 13, 2023
Simply excellent
This is by far one of the better dalek stories.
In the 22nd century, the Daleks have occupied planet Earth. By the 43rd century, only a handful of humans survive. Still further into the distant future, a Thal scientist must choose whether to betray his heritage, or see the universe destroyed.
When the Doctor and Nyssa find themselves trapped in this deadly chain of events, they must decide who their real enemies are. What is certain is that no matter where the Doctor turns, the Daleks, will be waiting for him.
What could possibly be worse than that? The Mutant Phase...
This is by far one of the better dalek stories.
In the 22nd century, the Daleks have occupied planet Earth. By the 43rd century, only a handful of humans survive. Still further into the distant future, a Thal scientist must choose whether to betray his heritage, or see the universe destroyed.
When the Doctor and Nyssa find themselves trapped in this deadly chain of events, they must decide who their real enemies are. What is certain is that no matter where the Doctor turns, the Daleks, will be waiting for him.
What could possibly be worse than that? The Mutant Phase...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2022
This one had the 5th Doctor, Nyssa, wasps, Thals, and Daleks! It was a bit of alright.
May 13, 2025
I enjoyed this one. Nyssa is an awesome companion!
December 17, 2023
I didn’t actually understand what was happening, so I can’t justify a higher rating.
October 16, 2020
MUTANT PHASE!!!!!!
January 17, 2021
あらすじ
Part1
ドクターとニッサがターディスで航行中、突如時間廊に引き込まれそうになり、ドクターは逃れるためにターディスを強引に移動させる。
着地したターディスの外に出てみると、そこは農業用地のようだった。蜂が飛び回っており、ニッサが腕を刺されてしまう。痛みがすぐに引いたので2人は住民を探してしばらく探索するが、遠くで銃声が聞こえ、ターディスに引き返すことに。途中でアメリカの警官の制服を着た男が倒れているのを見つける。男は背中を撃たれて絶命しており、頭にも傷がある。ドクターは男の持ち物から2139年の地球にいると知る。頭の傷はエイリアンに埋め込まれた機器を抜き出したものと説明するドクターにニッサはなぜわかるのか理由を知りたがるが、ドクターはターディスに戻ってから説明すると先を急ごうとする。しかし、2人の前に警官の制服をきた男が銃を構えて立ちふさがる。自由闘争グループの一員かと尋ねられ、否定するドクターとニッサ。そこにダーレクが取り調べにくる。しかしダーレクはドクターのこともターディスのことも全く記憶にないようだった。ダーレクがターディスを破壊しようとする寸前、ニッサとドクターはターディスの中に逃げ込み、一か八かで移動する。
Part2
移動先でアルバートとデロリスに遭遇したドクターとニッサ。25年ほど前に地球規模の大災害があったときく。虫に刺されたニッサの腕が痛み出し、手当ができるからとアルバートとデロリスはニッサとドクターをカール・ヘンドリック教授の元につれていく。ニッサが手当をしている間、ヘンドリック教授と単独で対峙することになったドクター。地球に何があったかヘンドリック教授に尋ねるが、要領が得ない教授にダーレクのことを知っているかをきくが、聴いたことがないという。ヘンドリックは見せたいものがあるという。宇宙から到来した虫のようなものの大量の死体だ。虫に触ると疫病に感染、そのまま死に至るのだとヘンドリック。あっという間に地球上で死が蔓延したという。いっぽう、廊下で何者かがターディスを破壊する話をしているのを聞いたニッサは慌ててドクターを探す。しかし、アルバートがニッサを阻もうと立ちふさがる。デロリスの協力でニッサはアルバートの手を逃れる。ドクターと合流することのできたニッサ。アルバートがダーレクと通じているかもしれないと訴える。ターディスに向かうドクターとニッサ、デロリスとヘンドリック。しかし、アルバートが立ち塞がる。アルバートはダーレクの手先だった。ドクターはアルバートがダーレクに心を操られると看破し、説得しようとするが、ダーレクが襲ってきてニッサを捕らえる。辛うじてターディスの中に逃れるドクター。しかしデロリスが殺され、ドクターはダーレクに降伏する。
Part3
ダーレクの捕虜となったドクターとニッサ。ダーレクの目的はドクターをスカロに連行することだったが、ダーレクに仕えるサールの科学者プトレムがその前にドクターに聞きたいことがあるというがダーレクは聞く耳を持たない。ところが突如虫に攻撃される。触れれば死ぬのはダーレクも例外でなく、ダーレクの場合はミュータントになってしまう。ダーレクは感染をひどく恐れていた。ドクターとニッサ、プトレム教授、ガナタス船長、ダーレクはターディスの中に避難する。プトレム教授はドクターにこの虫の倒し方を見つけてもらいたがっていた。スカロにつきダーレクはドクターを皇帝の元へ連れて行く。ダーレクの皇帝もドクターに過去に遡って、感染を止めるよう求めてくる。なすすべもなく感染で死んでいくダーレクに同情を覚え、ドクターは同意する。ターディスに戻ったドクターはニッサとプトレム教授、ガナタス船長にダーレクに言われた通り感染を止めると伝え、移動する。教授からこれまでの研究内容を受け取ったドクターは疲労困憊しながら方法を見つけようと考える。ニッサはルールを破って過去に遡って感染を止めようするドクターに不審を覚えるが、ドクターに休息をとるよう勧め、代わりに方法を探り始める。データを調べながら腕が痛んだニッサはふと思いついて2158年～2167年のカンザスの蜂に着目する。
Part4
ニッサが蜂に刺された時に遭遇したダーレクの外殻に戦闘でついたらしき裂け目があり、そこから同じく蜂が侵入していることを確認。この蜂は農業用に遺伝操作された蜂で、それがダーレクのDNAに変化を加えた”ミュートタント・フェーズ“のキャリアーを生み出す原因になったと判明。それがパラドックスの原因を生み、そこにダーレクの時間廊がさらなるパラドックスを生むことに。タイムラインにダメージを与えないためには、ミュータント・フェーズが発生を防ぎダーレクを滅亡の未来から救う必要があるという皮肉なことに。
感想
ダーレクが伝染病にかかって変化していくパラレルワールド。どんな空間も高速移動できてしまう”化け物“。ダーレクの外殻も通り抜けるのでダーレクの本体が死にいたる病に感染してしまう。ダーレクが倒せるなら良いことだと考えつつも、この世界が本来あるべき姿から何か歪んでしまっていることも感じているドクター。いつも通り脅しながらもドクターの助けを求めずにはいられないダーレクはなんだか新鮮。ダーレクが滅びるのを見て気の毒に思ってる自分にドクターも新鮮。ダーレクがもうちょっと話合える余地のある存在であれば、ドクターも無為な戦いを避ける方にもっと全力を投じるんだろうなぁとか。ドクターに睡眠をとれと口酸っぱく説教するニッサもいい感じ。
パラドックスにつぐパラドックスに途中でだんだんこんがらがってくるが、ダーレクが珍しく”人間味“(？)があったせいか最後までそれなりに面白く聴けた。心許なさそうに質問してくるダーレクは思いがけず可愛らしくびっくり。全てが解決したら何も起こってなかったという結論にニッサと一緒に“なんのこっちゃー”とツッコミたくなるが“それがパラドックスってもんだよ～”とドクターが言ってるのでこれ以上深く考えないことにする。
Part1
ドクターとニッサがターディスで航行中、突如時間廊に引き込まれそうになり、ドクターは逃れるためにターディスを強引に移動させる。
着地したターディスの外に出てみると、そこは農業用地のようだった。蜂が飛び回っており、ニッサが腕を刺されてしまう。痛みがすぐに引いたので2人は住民を探してしばらく探索するが、遠くで銃声が聞こえ、ターディスに引き返すことに。途中でアメリカの警官の制服を着た男が倒れているのを見つける。男は背中を撃たれて絶命しており、頭にも傷がある。ドクターは男の持ち物から2139年の地球にいると知る。頭の傷はエイリアンに埋め込まれた機器を抜き出したものと説明するドクターにニッサはなぜわかるのか理由を知りたがるが、ドクターはターディスに戻ってから説明すると先を急ごうとする。しかし、2人の前に警官の制服をきた男が銃を構えて立ちふさがる。自由闘争グループの一員かと尋ねられ、否定するドクターとニッサ。そこにダーレクが取り調べにくる。しかしダーレクはドクターのこともターディスのことも全く記憶にないようだった。ダーレクがターディスを破壊しようとする寸前、ニッサとドクターはターディスの中に逃げ込み、一か八かで移動する。
Part2
移動先でアルバートとデロリスに遭遇したドクターとニッサ。25年ほど前に地球規模の大災害があったときく。虫に刺されたニッサの腕が痛み出し、手当ができるからとアルバートとデロリスはニッサとドクターをカール・ヘンドリック教授の元につれていく。ニッサが手当をしている間、ヘンドリック教授と単独で対峙することになったドクター。地球に何があったかヘンドリック教授に尋ねるが、要領が得ない教授にダーレクのことを知っているかをきくが、聴いたことがないという。ヘンドリックは見せたいものがあるという。宇宙から到来した虫のようなものの大量の死体だ。虫に触ると疫病に感染、そのまま死に至るのだとヘンドリック。あっという間に地球上で死が蔓延したという。いっぽう、廊下で何者かがターディスを破壊する話をしているのを聞いたニッサは慌ててドクターを探す。しかし、アルバートがニッサを阻もうと立ちふさがる。デロリスの協力でニッサはアルバートの手を逃れる。ドクターと合流することのできたニッサ。アルバートがダーレクと通じているかもしれないと訴える。ターディスに向かうドクターとニッサ、デロリスとヘンドリック。しかし、アルバートが立ち塞がる。アルバートはダーレクの手先だった。ドクターはアルバートがダーレクに心を操られると看破し、説得しようとするが、ダーレクが襲ってきてニッサを捕らえる。辛うじてターディスの中に逃れるドクター。しかしデロリスが殺され、ドクターはダーレクに降伏する。
Part3
ダーレクの捕虜となったドクターとニッサ。ダーレクの目的はドクターをスカロに連行することだったが、ダーレクに仕えるサールの科学者プトレムがその前にドクターに聞きたいことがあるというがダーレクは聞く耳を持たない。ところが突如虫に攻撃される。触れれば死ぬのはダーレクも例外でなく、ダーレクの場合はミュータントになってしまう。ダーレクは感染をひどく恐れていた。ドクターとニッサ、プトレム教授、ガナタス船長、ダーレクはターディスの中に避難する。プトレム教授はドクターにこの虫の倒し方を見つけてもらいたがっていた。スカロにつきダーレクはドクターを皇帝の元へ連れて行く。ダーレクの皇帝もドクターに過去に遡って、感染を止めるよう求めてくる。なすすべもなく感染で死んでいくダーレクに同情を覚え、ドクターは同意する。ターディスに戻ったドクターはニッサとプトレム教授、ガナタス船長にダーレクに言われた通り感染を止めると伝え、移動する。教授からこれまでの研究内容を受け取ったドクターは疲労困憊しながら方法を見つけようと考える。ニッサはルールを破って過去に遡って感染を止めようするドクターに不審を覚えるが、ドクターに休息をとるよう勧め、代わりに方法を探り始める。データを調べながら腕が痛んだニッサはふと思いついて2158年～2167年のカンザスの蜂に着目する。
Part4
ニッサが蜂に刺された時に遭遇したダーレクの外殻に戦闘でついたらしき裂け目があり、そこから同じく蜂が侵入していることを確認。この蜂は農業用に遺伝操作された蜂で、それがダーレクのDNAに変化を加えた”ミュートタント・フェーズ“のキャリアーを生み出す原因になったと判明。それがパラドックスの原因を生み、そこにダーレクの時間廊がさらなるパラドックスを生むことに。タイムラインにダメージを与えないためには、ミュータント・フェーズが発生を防ぎダーレクを滅亡の未来から救う必要があるという皮肉なことに。
感想
ダーレクが伝染病にかかって変化していくパラレルワールド。どんな空間も高速移動できてしまう”化け物“。ダーレクの外殻も通り抜けるのでダーレクの本体が死にいたる病に感染してしまう。ダーレクが倒せるなら良いことだと考えつつも、この世界が本来あるべき姿から何か歪んでしまっていることも感じているドクター。いつも通り脅しながらもドクターの助けを求めずにはいられないダーレクはなんだか新鮮。ダーレクが滅びるのを見て気の毒に思ってる自分にドクターも新鮮。ダーレクがもうちょっと話合える余地のある存在であれば、ドクターも無為な戦いを避ける方にもっと全力を投じるんだろうなぁとか。ドクターに睡眠をとれと口酸っぱく説教するニッサもいい感じ。
パラドックスにつぐパラドックスに途中でだんだんこんがらがってくるが、ダーレクが珍しく”人間味“(？)があったせいか最後までそれなりに面白く聴けた。心許なさそうに質問してくるダーレクは思いがけず可愛らしくびっくり。全てが解決したら何も起こってなかったという結論にニッサと一緒に“なんのこっちゃー”とツッコミたくなるが“それがパラドックスってもんだよ～”とドクターが言ってるのでこれ以上深く考えないことにする。
July 1, 2025
I think this and "The Genocide Machine" are the best two of the early Dalek Empire stories, but it still has some sore early BF shortcomings.
It has some great cliffhangers, I'll give it that, and some pretty brutal moments as well. These are some cunning Daleks, and judging by the artwork, it's great to see the original 60s Daleks in use here rather than the later Mark II or Mark III typically used for Big Finish. It is also Nyssa's first exposure to them. Oh, and the Dalek Emperor is also here... With a "facelift"... Don't ask me what it looks like though, because we aren't told!
On the topic of Nyssa, the setting of this story is pretty much identical to the previous 5/Nyssa ones in this range so far. The TARDIS duo arrives at a deserted location to find a small group of humanoid characters they must save from certain doom/extinction... Except this time there's Daleks. So, it's fairly predictable on that front (and I had most of the story figured out by the end of the first part), but it's still an enjoyable audio play and, in fairness, it actually does something pretty niche with the Daleks - And I really love what the actual mutant phase is and how simple its cause wasps--Was* I meant.
Now, the sound mixing... It's early Big Finish so it's not the greatest. The shrill Dalek voices are painful to listen to and the setting gets very confusing once they start firing. The slow motion time distortion sequences also really ring in your ears.
Overall, this story is good and it's a refreshing Dalek tale, which is actually a pretty impressive achievement if you ask me. It just falls short on typical early Big Finish's painful sound mixing and employing a setting almost identical to the past two 5/Nyssa adventures.
Continuity note: This story serves as a pseudo sequel to "The Dalek Invasion Of Earth" as well as being 3 of 4 in the main range Dalek Empire loose tetralogy
It has some great cliffhangers, I'll give it that, and some pretty brutal moments as well. These are some cunning Daleks, and judging by the artwork, it's great to see the original 60s Daleks in use here rather than the later Mark II or Mark III typically used for Big Finish. It is also Nyssa's first exposure to them. Oh, and the Dalek Emperor is also here... With a "facelift"... Don't ask me what it looks like though, because we aren't told!
On the topic of Nyssa, the setting of this story is pretty much identical to the previous 5/Nyssa ones in this range so far. The TARDIS duo arrives at a deserted location to find a small group of humanoid characters they must save from certain doom/extinction... Except this time there's Daleks. So, it's fairly predictable on that front (and I had most of the story figured out by the end of the first part), but it's still an enjoyable audio play and, in fairness, it actually does something pretty niche with the Daleks - And I really love what the actual mutant phase is and how simple its cause wasps--Was* I meant.
Now, the sound mixing... It's early Big Finish so it's not the greatest. The shrill Dalek voices are painful to listen to and the setting gets very confusing once they start firing. The slow motion time distortion sequences also really ring in your ears.
Overall, this story is good and it's a refreshing Dalek tale, which is actually a pretty impressive achievement if you ask me. It just falls short on typical early Big Finish's painful sound mixing and employing a setting almost identical to the past two 5/Nyssa adventures.
Continuity note: This story serves as a pseudo sequel to "The Dalek Invasion Of Earth" as well as being 3 of 4 in the main range Dalek Empire loose tetralogy
January 13, 2026
The minute I saw Nicholas Briggs as the person to pen this one I felt I knew what this story would be like, and I was right. Recycled Terry Nation ideas and relegating the Daleks to a role of ‘doing evil stuff’ and no more. As a Dalek story the story is abysmal, however I was surprised that the human side was very entertaining. There were conceits, tragedies, betrayals and horrors. The story plays out as a mini-sequel to the first Doctor story ‘The Dalek Invasion of Earth’ so I felt really familiar with the source material, which did shortcut getting used to the setting and threats I suppose. This mutation idea really did feel like it was really quickly pushed to the background, so it was odd to find the entire dramatic concert of the story pushed to the background until it is unsurprisingly suddenly relevant again.
The story has a great cast, all putting in fantastic performances; including Dr Who alumni Mark Gatiss. Peter Davison and Sarah Sutton carry the story rather well as they are one of the only redeeming aspects. The villains do ‘ham it up’ rather, but that’s another trademark of Nick Briggs stories; copying classic who melodrama to create tension. I can’t fault his performance as the Daleks, but they are rather easy to perform as, especially when there’s only about two of them knocking about per episode. Truth is, this story is so forgettable and no matter how strong a performance anyone puts in, it still self-erases from memory. I was hardly blown away by the idea of alien bugs making things mutate and it is only the human response to the situation that provides anything close to tension.
The time travel elements do add a bit more depth to the plot, but given they ultimately go nowhere, it is hard to be gripped by that. Truth is the only thing that makes this story an ‘okay’ listen is the cast giving it their all, and nostalgia baiting for the Dalek Invasion of Earth. The cliffhangers are quite good, really ramping up the tension and therefore creating some compelling aspect to keep the listener feeling like it’s worth continuing to listen. The Dalek plan here is ironically better than that of the Hartnell story it’s ripping off, so that was rather interesting to notice. Given this story serves as a prologue to Dalek Empire, it could arguably be regarded as an essential listen to some; to others only worth listening to justify having paid for it
The story has a great cast, all putting in fantastic performances; including Dr Who alumni Mark Gatiss. Peter Davison and Sarah Sutton carry the story rather well as they are one of the only redeeming aspects. The villains do ‘ham it up’ rather, but that’s another trademark of Nick Briggs stories; copying classic who melodrama to create tension. I can’t fault his performance as the Daleks, but they are rather easy to perform as, especially when there’s only about two of them knocking about per episode. Truth is, this story is so forgettable and no matter how strong a performance anyone puts in, it still self-erases from memory. I was hardly blown away by the idea of alien bugs making things mutate and it is only the human response to the situation that provides anything close to tension.
The time travel elements do add a bit more depth to the plot, but given they ultimately go nowhere, it is hard to be gripped by that. Truth is the only thing that makes this story an ‘okay’ listen is the cast giving it their all, and nostalgia baiting for the Dalek Invasion of Earth. The cliffhangers are quite good, really ramping up the tension and therefore creating some compelling aspect to keep the listener feeling like it’s worth continuing to listen. The Dalek plan here is ironically better than that of the Hartnell story it’s ripping off, so that was rather interesting to notice. Given this story serves as a prologue to Dalek Empire, it could arguably be regarded as an essential listen to some; to others only worth listening to justify having paid for it
January 9, 2022
Continuing on from The Land of the Dead and Winter for the Adept, this drama sees the Fifth Doctor travelling with only Nyssa of Traken as company, and I do enjoy this partnership. Nyssa is definitely the most level headed out of all of 5's televised companions, so she brings out the best qualities of him and I do get the feeling that the two simply enjoy each others company in comparison to 5 and Adric or 5 and Tegan. Saying this, however, The Mutant Phase doesn't really bring much else to the table. Maybe I've just done a couple of Dalek stories recently, but I'm definitely feeling Dalek fatigue. Briggs is truly iconic as the monsters, yes, and the story does bring an interesting concept with the titular mutant phase, but I just find myself not very interested. In another writer's hands, maybe it could be done more justice as an idea but I don't know.
Ps, when are we going to start using the Fifth Doctor's actual theme in the opening of these? This is the 15th release and we still are using the original 1963 version of the theme. I know the next release Storm Warning introduces a new theme for the Eighth Doctor, so maybe.
Ps, when are we going to start using the Fifth Doctor's actual theme in the opening of these? This is the 15th release and we still are using the original 1963 version of the theme. I know the next release Storm Warning introduces a new theme for the Eighth Doctor, so maybe.
March 4, 2020
This was a rather odd Doctor Who adventure since he somehow crosses path with Daleks who have no idea who he is. Introduce complicated narrative gobbledygook of a "time corridor" interfering with the TARDIS' ability to traverse time and space and we have contrived a decent reason to trap the Doctor within a limited range, thus constantly coming to blows with the Daleks as they get more and more prepared for him.
It's a tricky story but one that remains quite clever, especially when the paradox at the center of the story really begins to lay out and make more sense to you as a reader/listener.
It's a tricky story but one that remains quite clever, especially when the paradox at the center of the story really begins to lay out and make more sense to you as a reader/listener.
September 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this one. The Daleks weren't one-dimensional in here, a trap they sometimes fall into in TV and other audio stories, and are in an interesting situation. We get to see some Thals again here too, and their interactions with the Doctor and Nyssa, plus the Daleks and humans are quite good as well. We see the general menace of the Daleks well here, but also the ability for them to occasionally be reasoned with. Certainly a complicated situation regarding timelines has occurred here, but I think it all resolves itself quite well. The Doctor and Nyssa both in good form here, with some good lines like Nyssa's 'that's very patronising of you to say so Doctor'.
January 10, 2022
As much as I think Nyssa is marvellous - and she is - it says something about The Mutant Phase that I must have listened to it more than a dozen times over the last 20 years, and I still can really tell you what it was about. And that's including having listened to it in the last 24 hours. I think of it as 'the one with the wasps', and the highlight for me this time around was Nyssa protesting that the paradox involved didn't make sense.
December 14, 2016
Il Quinto Dottore e Nyssa vengono arruolati dall'Imperatore dei Dalek per impedire la genesi di una mutazione mortale sia per i Dalek che per l'universo intero.
Un bel gioco di paradossi e una soluzione che risolve se stessa, un intreccio degno delle ultime stagioni della serie tv.
Audio parte sia della serie principale del Dottore che della serie tematica dedicata ai Dalek.
Un bel gioco di paradossi e una soluzione che risolve se stessa, un intreccio degno delle ultime stagioni della serie tv.
Audio parte sia della serie principale del Dottore che della serie tematica dedicata ai Dalek.
June 29, 2019
This was a nice story? It was interesting seeing something that terrified the Daleks to the extent that they were willing to work with other life forms, even with that relationship being very clearly strained. The ending was kinda lame, though, and didn't really make sense even as paradoxes go.
June 23, 2022
A Five and Nyssa story. I don't really have much to say about it. It was imaginative and competently put-together, and well-acted. Some scenes were a bit dragged out and some of the plot points didn't make much sense. The way it played with time travel and paradoxes was pretty good. 3.75 stars.
May 24, 2024
They like referencing the exact prior adventure in these...
Seems strange to me that Nyssa wouldn't know *of* the daleks given what we know of Traken culture 🤔
Hmm, this was either so boring it triggered a 3-month pause by itself, or I was just burnt out. But I really am not a Dalek fan.
Seems strange to me that Nyssa wouldn't know *of* the daleks given what we know of Traken culture 🤔
Hmm, this was either so boring it triggered a 3-month pause by itself, or I was just burnt out. But I really am not a Dalek fan.
May 4, 2018
Interesting problem here . Should the Doctor and Nyssa save the Daleks from extermination or not ?
February 26, 2019
This one had its moments, but the ending was very disappointing and some shoddy effects work made it tough to listen to.
October 4, 2019
This took me ages to get through. Not a fan. It all ends up being a paradox. I feel like it wasn't written or performed well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2020
The plot itself was interesting. It seemed a little drawn out though, to me.
November 28, 2020
I'd say it's more interesting than Land of the Dead. Slightly better than Winter for the Adept.
August 31, 2022
The Daley’s always scare me and I have to say the fact there is no visual is even scarier!
This was a really cool story.
This was a really cool story.
July 18, 2023
I enjoyed this story very much
November 15, 2023
Daleks, the Dalek Emperor, Nyssa and the fifth Doctor. 'Nuff said!
December 12, 2023
Nyssa and Five’s first time encountering Daleks together, apparently.
February 18, 2024
I'm not sure why others are rating this one so low, as it was quite good. You did have to be paying attention in order to not get lost, but the story was worth it.
October 5, 2025
So overall, I enjoyed this story. I do think it suffers from its own time paradoxes not really making sense.
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