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The Fourth Doctor Adventures #2.4
Doctor Who: The Justice of Jalxar
They call him The Pugilist.
It is the dawn of a new century and a vigilante is on the loose. The scourge of the criminal underclass. The saviour of the virtuous and the protector of the weak. The police are baffled, the public enamoured... but Professor George Litefoot and Henry Gordon Jago are on the case. Or at least they will be when they've finished their beer.
What is the source of The Pugilist's spectacular supernatural powers? Is he alone in his noble quest? And what is his connection to the spate of corpses discovered around London?
As they descend further into a nefarious netherworld, the infernal investigators may be out of their depth. They're going to need help if they're to get out of this alive. The help of an old friend and his new assistant. The help... of the Doctor and Romana.
It is the dawn of a new century and a vigilante is on the loose. The scourge of the criminal underclass. The saviour of the virtuous and the protector of the weak. The police are baffled, the public enamoured... but Professor George Litefoot and Henry Gordon Jago are on the case. Or at least they will be when they've finished their beer.
What is the source of The Pugilist's spectacular supernatural powers? Is he alone in his noble quest? And what is his connection to the spate of corpses discovered around London?
As they descend further into a nefarious netherworld, the infernal investigators may be out of their depth. They're going to need help if they're to get out of this alive. The help of an old friend and his new assistant. The help... of the Doctor and Romana.
Audio CD
First published April 1, 2013
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About the author
John Dorney
166 books26 followersJohn Dorney is a British writer and actor best known for stage roles including the National Theatre, the BBC Radio 4 sitcom My First Planet; and his scripts for the Big Finish Doctor Who range. His script 'Solitaire' was rated the most popular Doctor Who Companion Chronicle of 2010 on the Timescales website and was the runner up in Unreality Sci-fi net's poll for Story of the Year 2010-11.
As well as Doctor Who, he has written for Big Finish's Sapphire and Steel series and on radio co-wrote three series of BBC Radio 4's Recorded for Training Purposes. He won the BBC Show Me the Funny 'Sketch Factor' competition, was a finalist in the BBC 'Laughing Stock' competition, and has performed in Mark Watson's Edinburgh Comedy Award winning long shows as 'The Balladeer'. On stage, he has written plays for the Royal Court Theatre, Hampstead and Soho Theatres.
He trained at LAMDA.
As well as Doctor Who, he has written for Big Finish's Sapphire and Steel series and on radio co-wrote three series of BBC Radio 4's Recorded for Training Purposes. He won the BBC Show Me the Funny 'Sketch Factor' competition, was a finalist in the BBC 'Laughing Stock' competition, and has performed in Mark Watson's Edinburgh Comedy Award winning long shows as 'The Balladeer'. On stage, he has written plays for the Royal Court Theatre, Hampstead and Soho Theatres.
He trained at LAMDA.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 12, 2013
I'm probably the only Doctor Who fan who really doesn't like the Talons of Weng Chiang. I just can't get over the terrible rascism and the portrayal of Victorian London, and the fact that Leela, a hunter, screams because she sees an animal half her size! That said I have listened to a couple of the Jago and Litefoot audios and enjoyed them as the men themselves are quite charming.
This is rather a fun adventure, meeting Romana after meeting Leela proves to be quite entertaining for the chaps. The story is a nice scifi steampunk tale. Tom was in particularly fine form and very amusing. The only thing was it seemed like far too short an adventure. The plot was quite simple and really could have benefited from being two hours like the main range. It's a shame this couldn't have been a two parter instead of the story about the Laan.
This is rather a fun adventure, meeting Romana after meeting Leela proves to be quite entertaining for the chaps. The story is a nice scifi steampunk tale. Tom was in particularly fine form and very amusing. The only thing was it seemed like far too short an adventure. The plot was quite simple and really could have benefited from being two hours like the main range. It's a shame this couldn't have been a two parter instead of the story about the Laan.
May 30, 2020
Another wonderful spell binding tale of the fourth Doctor. This one has a great sense of mystery and various layers of story telling. With amazing production team of Big finish, this story launches though there. These ar great car listens. I just want to get into the car and go on a trip just so I can listen to these stories.
August 9, 2022
Watch me fall down a Jago & Litefoot rabbit hole after finishing this story. I loved it, such a shame it wasn't part of a Jago and Litefoot boxset, it would have been lovely to have a full series with Mary Tamm guest starring like Louise Jameson did.
July 25, 2025
The comedic banter with Jago and Litefoot was on point.
March 11, 2022
The Dr and Romana land the TARDIS in Victorian London in search of a crashed spaceship. They soon team up with the Doctor’s old friends Henry Gordon Jago and Professor George Litefoot, who originally appeared in the 1970’s Dr and Leila episode, “The Talons of Weng-Chiang.” The actors who created those charming characters once again perform with Baker. The vigilante with strange powers and a steam punk robot are a silly little story typically reminiscent of the style from the Fourth Dr era. Having been a Dr. Who fan since the show was first available in the states, this nostalgic outing was a delight.
Jago and Lightfoot are also featured on their own Big Finish Companion 6 volume series starting with Jago & Litefoot: Series 1
Jago and Lightfoot are also featured on their own Big Finish Companion 6 volume series starting with Jago & Litefoot: Series 1
November 28, 2016
Nice solid story with a lot of fun elements. The Doctor and Romana stop off in Victorian England and meet up with... Jago and Lightfoot, which EVERY Who story could use more of. The characterizations are wonderful and just as you remember, without all the prejudicial and racist overtones of Talons. The story may not be more than just standard adventure fare (alien tech falls to earth, gets misused) but a Judge Dredd style robot exercising justice based on how guilty you feel is a neat idea. For a full review, visit www.travelingthevortex.com.
February 1, 2023
What a striking juxtaposition. The (Fourth) Doctor and Romana (01) meet Henry Jago and Professor Litefoot! Oh what silly shenanigans ensue! Just delightful. Who cares about the antagonist? This is most excellent narrative. Meaning that it clearly takes a backseat to the characters (and the actors). This is Big Finish doing what it does best.
February 25, 2022
The fourth Doctor and Romana team up with Jago and Litefoot (all four of them played by the original actors) to investigate a superpowered vigilante in Victorian London. Not much to the story but it's nice to hear them all in action.
December 4, 2018
Apparently many people like this. I have no idea why. Posting this review from notes after a brief preface/recollection.
I guess Weng-Chiang is out, Jago and Litefoot in. This was my first exposure non-TV episode to Jago & Litefoot, not impressed – dialogue and utilization really annoying. I assume this would have been better used as a Jago & Litefoot series release with Tamm/Baker guesting.
Sorry to say Talons Weng-Chiang was a childhood favorite and after this exposure, it will be sometime before I feel inspired to take a dip and pickup a Jago release due to this. I understand this reaction would be silly as this was probably just a singular failure in my opinion of trying to reunite too many elements and then slap-on some sort of vigilante robot/social justice coating.
The overwhelming factor for my disgust was digging in hopes of getting a good Mary Tamm / Baker release. Not here in my opinion. Old fan of Talons of Weng-Chiang. Check. Big fan of Mary Tamm and Baker. Check. These were characters who I grew up on. And for reasons I’ll briefly touch on below, very disappointing. Looking back at my 1/5 rating, it seems extreme, but it’s really not. I have often found many releases on Big Finish Doctor Who either hard hit-or-miss. I think this is due to the very limited writing staff or failure of much criticism towards the writing, which then stagnates into genericism or post-modern mediocrity. Take these “fancy” words as you will. The generic, post-modern quality (and style used in other dramatic media in recent times as well) to this release really was a turn-off and one I am still feeling after quite some time. It is purely unimaginative or intelligent despite sounding “cool” in conceptualization. In an hour, there is a limited time and dialogue and storytelling with impact is crucial. In my perspective the worst thing you can do is just rehash a cliche type hero dressed in emperor’s clothes.
I for one did not like this and have multiple criticisms regarding dialogue, use of actors, post-modern characters, the outdated theme, and really an idea that sounded OK on paper but had to many problems in an hour’s time.
Tamm, to no fault of hers was either writing this performance in or equally annoyed as I with Jago (was it?) trying to put the mack on and flirt with Romanadvoratrelundar. So annoying. I listened to this hoping for a good Tamm showing as they are very, very limited sadly due to her untimely passing, and after the dreadful other Briggs releases in this volume, which I also have (even more) scathing reviews. (PS. At a loss I have been saving Phantoms and Auntie on reserve to not fall into a deep depression for the wasted opportunities with Tamm).
Maybe I should listen to this again and perhaps give this another chance. But I doubt it will matter much, beyond another point raise (it could only up a notch of forgiveness).
My main problem is two major reasons (a) an obvious overshadowing and passive use of Tamm who should have been a priority to record and get some good stories down that feature her in a good context. (b) The story and totally cliche or weak unimaginative post-modern characters/story/setting.
The theme is not new or inspired and I am guessing Dorney thought it was “progressive,” which is was not. I won’t analyze the theme and intent here, that would be a whole other can of conjecture and worms. So let sentence lie strictly in the rest..
OK, point is- nothing is very inspired or original here for those who have read hundreds of comic books, consumed a lot of a/v media and film. And the fact IS that Tamm was literally a total footnote with little dialogue or at least heavily eclipsed with little running time. We can write down the dialogue and running time can’t we? At least the cover art is true to advertisement more-or-less but I am not going to issue a point for it.
HERE ARE MY RAW REVIEW NOTES (from back when I listened to it)
alien steampunk robot that evokes a sort of cousinly rastan warrior, yet in union ripper jack victorian times and with an earthly twist. this makes for interesting villiany, yet with mixed effect and result for me. The lowlife characters and pimply plot as well as jago and litefoot overriding Romana (who was the sane easy highlight and much too secondary and limited) was subjectively off-putting and a tad annoying. i found the whole affair anti-climatic, tepid and even exasperating—interestingly so did Romana. to repeat the repeated words of the jalxar robot, “the sentence is death.” for the poor choices here i have to be harsh. tardis take me away now.
This was 1/5.
Director: Ken Bentley
Writer: John Dorney
I guess Weng-Chiang is out, Jago and Litefoot in. This was my first exposure non-TV episode to Jago & Litefoot, not impressed – dialogue and utilization really annoying. I assume this would have been better used as a Jago & Litefoot series release with Tamm/Baker guesting.
Sorry to say Talons Weng-Chiang was a childhood favorite and after this exposure, it will be sometime before I feel inspired to take a dip and pickup a Jago release due to this. I understand this reaction would be silly as this was probably just a singular failure in my opinion of trying to reunite too many elements and then slap-on some sort of vigilante robot/social justice coating.
The overwhelming factor for my disgust was digging in hopes of getting a good Mary Tamm / Baker release. Not here in my opinion. Old fan of Talons of Weng-Chiang. Check. Big fan of Mary Tamm and Baker. Check. These were characters who I grew up on. And for reasons I’ll briefly touch on below, very disappointing. Looking back at my 1/5 rating, it seems extreme, but it’s really not. I have often found many releases on Big Finish Doctor Who either hard hit-or-miss. I think this is due to the very limited writing staff or failure of much criticism towards the writing, which then stagnates into genericism or post-modern mediocrity. Take these “fancy” words as you will. The generic, post-modern quality (and style used in other dramatic media in recent times as well) to this release really was a turn-off and one I am still feeling after quite some time. It is purely unimaginative or intelligent despite sounding “cool” in conceptualization. In an hour, there is a limited time and dialogue and storytelling with impact is crucial. In my perspective the worst thing you can do is just rehash a cliche type hero dressed in emperor’s clothes.
I for one did not like this and have multiple criticisms regarding dialogue, use of actors, post-modern characters, the outdated theme, and really an idea that sounded OK on paper but had to many problems in an hour’s time.
Tamm, to no fault of hers was either writing this performance in or equally annoyed as I with Jago (was it?) trying to put the mack on and flirt with Romanadvoratrelundar. So annoying. I listened to this hoping for a good Tamm showing as they are very, very limited sadly due to her untimely passing, and after the dreadful other Briggs releases in this volume, which I also have (even more) scathing reviews. (PS. At a loss I have been saving Phantoms and Auntie on reserve to not fall into a deep depression for the wasted opportunities with Tamm).
Maybe I should listen to this again and perhaps give this another chance. But I doubt it will matter much, beyond another point raise (it could only up a notch of forgiveness).
My main problem is two major reasons (a) an obvious overshadowing and passive use of Tamm who should have been a priority to record and get some good stories down that feature her in a good context. (b) The story and totally cliche or weak unimaginative post-modern characters/story/setting.
The theme is not new or inspired and I am guessing Dorney thought it was “progressive,” which is was not. I won’t analyze the theme and intent here, that would be a whole other can of conjecture and worms. So let sentence lie strictly in the rest..
OK, point is- nothing is very inspired or original here for those who have read hundreds of comic books, consumed a lot of a/v media and film. And the fact IS that Tamm was literally a total footnote with little dialogue or at least heavily eclipsed with little running time. We can write down the dialogue and running time can’t we? At least the cover art is true to advertisement more-or-less but I am not going to issue a point for it.
HERE ARE MY RAW REVIEW NOTES (from back when I listened to it)
alien steampunk robot that evokes a sort of cousinly rastan warrior, yet in union ripper jack victorian times and with an earthly twist. this makes for interesting villiany, yet with mixed effect and result for me. The lowlife characters and pimply plot as well as jago and litefoot overriding Romana (who was the sane easy highlight and much too secondary and limited) was subjectively off-putting and a tad annoying. i found the whole affair anti-climatic, tepid and even exasperating—interestingly so did Romana. to repeat the repeated words of the jalxar robot, “the sentence is death.” for the poor choices here i have to be harsh. tardis take me away now.
This was 1/5.
Director: Ken Bentley
Writer: John Dorney
November 25, 2017
After five seasons of their own series, and two specials co-starring with Six, Jago and Litefoot are at last re-united with the Fourth Doctor in this standalone story. It is undeniably a
Doctor Who
episode, rather than part of Jago & Litefoot, and includes no features unique to the latter series, such as the Red Tavern or Ellie the barmaid. Nor is it obvious where it fits in J & L continuity, although it's implied to be after the end of the fifth season. This, however, is something I'd take as a plus, allowing
DW
fans with no specific knowledge of the spin-off to dive straight in.
The story is a fairly straightforward one about a masked vigilante stalking the streets of Victorian London and dealing out punishment to criminals - the cover picture makes him look a bit like Rorschach, and there is a passing resemblance in the characters. Unidentified corpses are also turning up at Litefoot's morgue, as the Doctor is on the trail of a crashed spaceship, and naturally, all of these events are connected. It's hardly the most convoluted of plots, but it's perfectly suited to the 60-minute format.
All four of the main characters are given something to do, and part of the joy is how well they are all characterised. In particular, on this occasion, the Doctor is accompanied by Romana, whose attitude to Victorian London is, as one might expect, almost the polar opposite of Leela's. The dialogue and acting are both top notch, with Tom Baker, in particular, seeming rather more at home with the material than he has in some other audios - it really seems to capture Four's personality. Dorney also, it should be noted, has fun with Jago's alliterative alacrity, with both the Doctor and Litefoot joining in.
The story does not have the depth of Talons of Weng-Chiang, but, at around a quarter the length, it was never going to. But it's well written, well performed, and full of Victorian atmosphere, and that's enough to make it a worthy successor. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
The story is a fairly straightforward one about a masked vigilante stalking the streets of Victorian London and dealing out punishment to criminals - the cover picture makes him look a bit like Rorschach, and there is a passing resemblance in the characters. Unidentified corpses are also turning up at Litefoot's morgue, as the Doctor is on the trail of a crashed spaceship, and naturally, all of these events are connected. It's hardly the most convoluted of plots, but it's perfectly suited to the 60-minute format.
All four of the main characters are given something to do, and part of the joy is how well they are all characterised. In particular, on this occasion, the Doctor is accompanied by Romana, whose attitude to Victorian London is, as one might expect, almost the polar opposite of Leela's. The dialogue and acting are both top notch, with Tom Baker, in particular, seeming rather more at home with the material than he has in some other audios - it really seems to capture Four's personality. Dorney also, it should be noted, has fun with Jago's alliterative alacrity, with both the Doctor and Litefoot joining in.
The story does not have the depth of Talons of Weng-Chiang, but, at around a quarter the length, it was never going to. But it's well written, well performed, and full of Victorian atmosphere, and that's enough to make it a worthy successor. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
November 7, 2017
These Fourth Doctor stories are tough to judge. For a lot of folks around my age there is a nostalgia that softens some of the more awkward edges of these.
The story here is... fine. Not a great deal to it, but that doesn't seem to be the point. The point is to put the Fourth Doctor and Jago and Lightfoot back together and let them fly! This is does, wonderfully.
Yes, Tom Baker does sound his age and that can be a little distracting, but what do you want? That's where the man is in life. I, for one, am grateful to hear him again.
The story here is... fine. Not a great deal to it, but that doesn't seem to be the point. The point is to put the Fourth Doctor and Jago and Lightfoot back together and let them fly! This is does, wonderfully.
Yes, Tom Baker does sound his age and that can be a little distracting, but what do you want? That's where the man is in life. I, for one, am grateful to hear him again.
October 12, 2022
The cast is great, however the play is too short for my liking. Everything in the production seems to be rushed. I would like to have heard at least one more act, and more interplay between the lead characters. Jago and Litefoot were a fantastic team, it's nice to hear them with the Fourth Doctor.
May 10, 2018
It's always about the little people.
June 30, 2019
Absolutely brilliant!
September 26, 2020
The 4th Doctor (Tom Baker) and Romana I (Mary Tamm) meet up with Henry Gordon Jago (Christopher Benjamin) and Professor George Litefoot (Trevor Baxter) and try to solve a crime in Victorian London.
December 22, 2022
The Fourth Doctor reunites with Jago and Litefoot in a bland nothing story that drags on for wayyy too long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2017
A very straightforward tale. Jalxar sounds not entirely unlike Singapore and some other South East Asian states. Anyway, we're not in Jalxar but an atmospheric Edwardian/Victorian London and my first encounter with Jago and Lightfoot who are delightful characters. That said, their fruitiness perhaps dilutes the Fourth Doctor's glorious own, with Romana necessary to provide the staid, sensible element.
Nicely steam-punky all round, and very atmospheric from the horse drawn cabs on cobbles to the lonely church on the marshes, topped off with a touching love story.
Nicely steam-punky all round, and very atmospheric from the horse drawn cabs on cobbles to the lonely church on the marshes, topped off with a touching love story.
September 27, 2023
I love listening to Big Finish but it can be hard to find time to re-listen to some old favorites now and again due to how much they release each year, it's amazing to see how much they still manage to get out there, for us all to enjoy. But sometimes I want to re-listen to an old classic and lean back and enjoy.
The Doctor and Romana attempt to find lost alien technology in Victorian London, but they need the help of two infernal investigators - Jago & Litefoot. The team set out to find out what's going on only to find themselves in the middle of a bloodbath, a vigilante is on the loose, killing the criminals of London with his old 'Bobby' at his side. The Doctor soon finds out that The Justice of Jalxar is involved and if he doesn't interfere soon, all of London could be in danger.
John Dorney has written an incredibly fun story that brings 4, Jago & Litefoot back together alongside the beautiful Romana played by Mary Tamm. This is a hilarious adventure filled with plenty of action, alongside one or two heartfelt moments.
It always warms my heart to see Jago & Litefoot again, since we're most likely not going to get any more with them, especially after the passing of Trevor Baxter in 2017. Trevor was an amazing human being and actor who will forever be missed.
Overall: It's an outstanding adventure that honestly flew by on this second listen. I loved every second of this one. 9/10
The Doctor and Romana attempt to find lost alien technology in Victorian London, but they need the help of two infernal investigators - Jago & Litefoot. The team set out to find out what's going on only to find themselves in the middle of a bloodbath, a vigilante is on the loose, killing the criminals of London with his old 'Bobby' at his side. The Doctor soon finds out that The Justice of Jalxar is involved and if he doesn't interfere soon, all of London could be in danger.
John Dorney has written an incredibly fun story that brings 4, Jago & Litefoot back together alongside the beautiful Romana played by Mary Tamm. This is a hilarious adventure filled with plenty of action, alongside one or two heartfelt moments.
It always warms my heart to see Jago & Litefoot again, since we're most likely not going to get any more with them, especially after the passing of Trevor Baxter in 2017. Trevor was an amazing human being and actor who will forever be missed.
Overall: It's an outstanding adventure that honestly flew by on this second listen. I loved every second of this one. 9/10
December 26, 2014
A steam punk vigilante poses a danger to Victorian London. Can the Doctor and Romana (with some help from a couple of old friends) solve a deadly mystery before things escalate out of control?
Tom Baker gives a masterful performance (there is an interview on the disk that explains how much he enjoyed doing this script) as do the rest of the cast. The script mixes humour and action in a delightful blend. A superb audio book.
Tom Baker gives a masterful performance (there is an interview on the disk that explains how much he enjoyed doing this script) as do the rest of the cast. The script mixes humour and action in a delightful blend. A superb audio book.
February 8, 2015
The story itself is a fairly standard one - advanced tech falling into the hands of a society that isn't ready for it. Such familiarity doesn't really matter here though, thanks to the verve injected by Christopher Benjamin and Trevor Baxter as Jago and Litefoot and the odd witty touch (such as a cabbie being given dialogue from Taxi Driver). A pleasant, nostalgic evening in the company of old friends then.
November 4, 2025
This story really shows the Doctor’s influence on Romana. When they first met, she called out his use of sarcasm as “an adjusted stress reaction”. But in this story, she’s throwing out snide quips left and right.
January 8, 2015
Exciting Victorian romp with Tom Baker, Romana, Jago and Lightfoot, a masked vigilante, and a robot Judge Dredd.
March 2, 2022
The Doctor, Romana, Jago and Lightfoot investigate a series of mysterious doings of a mysterious person taking justice into his own hands.
January 8, 2018
Enjoyable for the back-and-fourth between J&L and the Fourth Doctor. The climax was a bit muddled, though, audio-wise. Sometimes that happens with Big Finish.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews