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Big Finish: Monthly Range #180
Doctor Who: 1963: The Assassination Games
London. The end of November, 1963. A time of change. The old guard are being swept away by the white heat of technology. Political scandals are the talk of the town. Britain tries to maintain its international role; fanatics assassinate charismatic politicians and Group Captain Ian Gilmore is trying to get his fledgling Counter-Measures unit off the ground.
When his life is saved by a familiar umbrella bearing figure, he knows something terrible is going on. Whilst Rachel investigates an enigmatic millionaire and Allison goes undercover in an extremist organisation, Gilmore discovers a sinister plot with roots a century old.
The Doctor and Ace are back in town. A new dawn is coming. It's time for everyone...to see the Light.
When his life is saved by a familiar umbrella bearing figure, he knows something terrible is going on. Whilst Rachel investigates an enigmatic millionaire and Allison goes undercover in an extremist organisation, Gilmore discovers a sinister plot with roots a century old.
The Doctor and Ace are back in town. A new dawn is coming. It's time for everyone...to see the Light.
Audio CD
First published November 30, 2013
About the author
John Dorney
173 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 2, 2021
A brilliantly action-packed story that acts as a prequel to The Counter-Measures spin-off! What a fun story on an action-packed scale! The cast were amazing in this, the writing and directing was even better! I love John Dorney! Always a pleasure to listen to his work! 9/10
April 24, 2025
America is in danger! Doctor Who cares.
October 28, 2019
Just finished listening to Doctor Who: The assassination games by John Dorney and that was some good Ace/Seven political story. I love the House of Card references throughout and after watching this House with Miles Richardson in last year, it was very fitting.
Also loved how this story tells us how they founded Counter Measures group. It’s great getting to know more of them from Remembrance of the daleks.
Next up tomorrow is the After life and I’m not ready for more sad Hex 3
Also loved how this story tells us how they founded Counter Measures group. It’s great getting to know more of them from Remembrance of the daleks.
Next up tomorrow is the After life and I’m not ready for more sad Hex 3
March 24, 2018
This is the last of three releases for the 50th anniversary of
Doctor Who
, each set in the year of that first broadcast, and featuring historical or pop cultural events of the time. In this case, it's not the one that you'd probably think from the title, but rather the theme of nuclear paranoia - with a side-helping of the Profumo Affair.
It's also, as is apparent from the cover, both a sequel to the 25th anniversary TV story Remembrance of the Daleks and a prequel to the audio series Counter-Measures. In fact, the Doctor and Ace make only brief appearances in the first section of the story, which is instead told mainly from the perspectives of Gilmore and Professor Jensen. Alison has, unfortunately, rather less to do; while she may complain about not wanting to be the "damsel-in-distress" character, that's basically what she is.
The story concerns political machinations in the British government that revolve around the testing of a new nuclear missile launch system. Assassinations are involved, and they do at least parallel conspiracy theories about the one in Dallas, TX. It's a twisting, turning, story and it takes some time for it to become clear exactly what the villains are trying to achieve. In some ways, its reminiscent of a more complicated version of the TV story Aliens of London/World War Three.
In fact, the villains' scheme does seem overly complex, and one can certainly argue how plausible it all is. There are also some fairly lengthy scenes of military combat, which rarely works well on audio. Despite these flaws, the mystery is engaging, with a number of real-world touches that, for me, improved the story. To be honest, though, if it wasn't for the characterisation (Ace is particularly good in this one), it'd be just 3 stars. But, as it is, I can justify pushing it to four.
And is it just me, or does the idea of assassinating Alec Douglas-Home not have quite the same political/historical resonance as that of JFK did in reality?
It's also, as is apparent from the cover, both a sequel to the 25th anniversary TV story Remembrance of the Daleks and a prequel to the audio series Counter-Measures. In fact, the Doctor and Ace make only brief appearances in the first section of the story, which is instead told mainly from the perspectives of Gilmore and Professor Jensen. Alison has, unfortunately, rather less to do; while she may complain about not wanting to be the "damsel-in-distress" character, that's basically what she is.
The story concerns political machinations in the British government that revolve around the testing of a new nuclear missile launch system. Assassinations are involved, and they do at least parallel conspiracy theories about the one in Dallas, TX. It's a twisting, turning, story and it takes some time for it to become clear exactly what the villains are trying to achieve. In some ways, its reminiscent of a more complicated version of the TV story Aliens of London/World War Three.
In fact, the villains' scheme does seem overly complex, and one can certainly argue how plausible it all is. There are also some fairly lengthy scenes of military combat, which rarely works well on audio. Despite these flaws, the mystery is engaging, with a number of real-world touches that, for me, improved the story. To be honest, though, if it wasn't for the characterisation (Ace is particularly good in this one), it'd be just 3 stars. But, as it is, I can justify pushing it to four.
And is it just me, or does the idea of assassinating Alec Douglas-Home not have quite the same political/historical resonance as that of JFK did in reality?
July 9, 2022
Oh yes! Quite good! I do so love the Master Manipulator of the Sixth Doctor. Always scheming a dozen steps both behind and ahead of the antagonists. This story handles his personality wonderfully and Ace is just a brilliantly portrayed as always (incidentally, and I know I’m not stating this first, but in so many ways, Ace is the genesis, prototype or template of the Doctor’s companions as they will appear in the new Doctor Who series). Further, this is a kind of backdoor introduction for the Big Finish Countermeasures series. All this and an excellent story with a solid cast that are each firing on all cylinders, with a wonderful soundscape. So, yes! This is definitely quite good.
And this one also includes the usual Big Finish style of bonus features.
I also find it interesting and fascinating how all three feature some aspect do the Cold War in addition to how Doctor Who: 1963: Fanfare for the Common Men is looking at the music mania of 1963, Doctor Who: 1963: The Space Race is looking at the race-to-the-moon contest between the US and the USSR, and Doctor Who: 1963: The Assassination Games is looking at the assassinations that plagued the 1960s.
And this one also includes the usual Big Finish style of bonus features.
I also find it interesting and fascinating how all three feature some aspect do the Cold War in addition to how Doctor Who: 1963: Fanfare for the Common Men is looking at the music mania of 1963, Doctor Who: 1963: The Space Race is looking at the race-to-the-moon contest between the US and the USSR, and Doctor Who: 1963: The Assassination Games is looking at the assassinations that plagued the 1960s.
January 2, 2024
It opens in the aftermath of Kennedy and serves its own version of Profumo. Plus, it has the great notion of Seven having been elected as an MP. (And it’s hard to imagine any other Doctor having the time of patience to go through with all the canvassing.) While along the way there’s a creepy lift from THE MIDWICH CUCKOOS. So it’s a shame that by the end it’s devolved into diabolical villain with a mad plan and a standard run around.
March 25, 2026
Doctor Who and Ace (one of my favorite pairings) are always a rough transition to audiobook, simply because their stories depend on a lot of physical action. This one has the added issue of too many side characters. Some were apparently introduced in a prior story, but not one that I recalled. Thus, it was a muddle of different voices and characters that required way too much attention to follow and enjoy.
February 15, 2026
This story follows on from the TV story Remembrance of the Daleks as we see the development of Group Captain Gilmore's prototype UNIT organisation.
This is an action packed espionage story. Set at the heart of the UK government, it has menace from within as well as without.
An enjoyable tale which rattles along at breakneck speed once you get passed episode 1. An enjoyable romp 7/10
This is an action packed espionage story. Set at the heart of the UK government, it has menace from within as well as without.
An enjoyable tale which rattles along at breakneck speed once you get passed episode 1. An enjoyable romp 7/10
November 23, 2020
I think I prefer the previous two installments of this 1963 trilogy, but it was pretty good overall.
December 5, 2023
Exciting 1960's set thriller which shoe-horns in an alien threat that isn't really necessary.
December 9, 2023
Beautifully-written and acted mid-20th century adventure with a twisty take of espionage and privilege and excellent performances.
December 10, 2023
It was great to revisit the Counter-Measures group, Seven, and Ace in this story.
December 9, 2025
I listened to get the first Counter Measure appearance but without the 1963 trilogy story line some of the plot went over my head but overall still a story that feels like an 80s Who story.
August 10, 2024
This was a good audiobook and was action packed from beginning to end. Nice to meet the counter intelligence gang again.
September 14, 2014
Erneut 1963, dismal aber Doktor Nr 7. Mir jedoch relativ egal, weil ich die alle ohnehin nicht unterscheiden kann und es einfach hinnehme wie es kommt. Dieser Doktor hat anscheinend einen Companion namens Allison und eine gewisse Rachel scheint er wohl auch zu kennen. Zudem scheint der Doktor diesmal schon etwas länger in London zu leben und hat sich eine unauffällige Stelle in Regierungskreisen besorgt, in welcher er mit einem Captain Ian Gilmore von der Polizei zusammenzuarbeiten scheint, bzw. man kennt sich irgendwoher.
Eine böse, unbekannte Elite scheint in UK die Macht an sich gerissen zu haben. Sie haben die Oberschicht unterwandert und verfolgen sinistre Pläne, die Weltherrschaft an sich zu reißen. Diese Pläne waren sehr langfristig und leider, leider kam da WWII dazwischen, in welchen UK die Vormachtstellung als imperiale Weltmacht an die USA abgeben musste. Nun sitzt also diese Elite an potentiellen Weltbeherrschern auf einem plötzlich nicht mehr ganz so mächtigen Eiland fest und muss zusehen, wie die Macht sich in USA konzentriert, ohne dass sie daran teilhaben können. Daher hat man einen ganz einfachen Plan geschmiedet, die USA müssen weg und am einfachsten geht das mit sehr fortschrittlichen Interkontinentalraketen.
Ziemlich viele Wissenslücken tun sich da für meinen Geschmack bei diesem Hörspiel auf. Hier wird einiges an Hintergrundwissen über die Personen vorausgesetzt, dennoch ist das Hörspiel so konzipiert, dass man auch ohne die Figuren zu kennen, der Handlung folgen kann und seinen Spaß hat, sich aber permanent fragt, ob man das nun wissen sollte oder ob die Erklärungen in den Dialogen nur für so unbedarfte Hörer wie mich sind, die die Fernsehserie nicht kennen.
Insgesamt ist die Idee ganz nett, aber nicht neu, nur eine neue Bodysnatcher Variante, die schon länger als Verschwörungstheorie durch das Internet geistert, nachdem eine Außerirdische Rasse uns seit Jahrtausenden beherrscht und im Hintergrund die Fäden zieht. Angeblich haben diese eine Hohe Stirn und strahlend blaue Augen und mittlerweile auch die Regierungen und Banken der Welt infiltiert. Sogar ehemalige Minister aus Kanada und die Wold Bank Wistleblowerin Karen Kahudes behaupten das. Bei dieser Theorie (ich nennen sie mal nicht Verschwörungstheorie, da sich derzeitig zu viele davon bereits als wahr erwiesen haben), haben sich die Macher dieses Hörspiels wohl bedient.
Eine böse, unbekannte Elite scheint in UK die Macht an sich gerissen zu haben. Sie haben die Oberschicht unterwandert und verfolgen sinistre Pläne, die Weltherrschaft an sich zu reißen. Diese Pläne waren sehr langfristig und leider, leider kam da WWII dazwischen, in welchen UK die Vormachtstellung als imperiale Weltmacht an die USA abgeben musste. Nun sitzt also diese Elite an potentiellen Weltbeherrschern auf einem plötzlich nicht mehr ganz so mächtigen Eiland fest und muss zusehen, wie die Macht sich in USA konzentriert, ohne dass sie daran teilhaben können. Daher hat man einen ganz einfachen Plan geschmiedet, die USA müssen weg und am einfachsten geht das mit sehr fortschrittlichen Interkontinentalraketen.
Ziemlich viele Wissenslücken tun sich da für meinen Geschmack bei diesem Hörspiel auf. Hier wird einiges an Hintergrundwissen über die Personen vorausgesetzt, dennoch ist das Hörspiel so konzipiert, dass man auch ohne die Figuren zu kennen, der Handlung folgen kann und seinen Spaß hat, sich aber permanent fragt, ob man das nun wissen sollte oder ob die Erklärungen in den Dialogen nur für so unbedarfte Hörer wie mich sind, die die Fernsehserie nicht kennen.
Insgesamt ist die Idee ganz nett, aber nicht neu, nur eine neue Bodysnatcher Variante, die schon länger als Verschwörungstheorie durch das Internet geistert, nachdem eine Außerirdische Rasse uns seit Jahrtausenden beherrscht und im Hintergrund die Fäden zieht. Angeblich haben diese eine Hohe Stirn und strahlend blaue Augen und mittlerweile auch die Regierungen und Banken der Welt infiltiert. Sogar ehemalige Minister aus Kanada und die Wold Bank Wistleblowerin Karen Kahudes behaupten das. Bei dieser Theorie (ich nennen sie mal nicht Verschwörungstheorie, da sich derzeitig zu viele davon bereits als wahr erwiesen haben), haben sich die Macher dieses Hörspiels wohl bedient.
July 3, 2015
This was a very odd one. A nice introduction to Counter Measures, but because there was so much emphasis on setting and re-introduction of characters the first episode seemed as though not much happened. That said, it did feel a lot more historical than the subsequent parts. Godlike aliens trying to re-establish the British Empire? REALLY? I kinda wish this had been a straight up historical rather than aliens doing everything again. It just felt like too much was going on, especially with all the different groups and possibilities that were being thrown around.
June 18, 2016
The Doctor and Ace get together with Countermeasures to stop a man from destroying the super powers to make England great power again.
July 17, 2015
Lots of build-up, intrigue and fascistic themes, but ultimately fails to deliver like do many McCoy Doctor Whos.
September 11, 2015
The Seventh Doctor meets (the original) House of Cards! But during the height of the Cold War! But really a conspiracy did it. Sigh. Good thing this has Ace or it would lose a star.
March 13, 2016
Nice crossover of Dr Who and the Countermeasures series and revisit of that combination from the original series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews