What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Eyes #2
Doctor Who: Dark Eyes 2
When the Doctor defeated the Dalek Time Controller and its Time Lord ally, the timelines shifted and events changed... but the danger is far from over. And new threats to the continued safety of the universe are emerging.
Molly O'Sullivan carried on with her life as a nursing assistant in World War One. She probably thought she would never see the Doctor in his 'Tardy-box' again...
From the Dalek occupied planet Nixyce VII through Earth's history and to the very edge of the universe, the Doctor's footprints across eternity are being tracked by foes old and new. But when did it all begin and when will it end? Living his life through the complexities of time travel, the Doctor can never be quite sure if he's experiencing his life in the most helpful order. The only certainty appears to be the advance of the powers of evil and the oncoming threat of a fight to the death against forces that would destroy everything the Doctor holds dear.
Molly O'Sullivan carried on with her life as a nursing assistant in World War One. She probably thought she would never see the Doctor in his 'Tardy-box' again...
From the Dalek occupied planet Nixyce VII through Earth's history and to the very edge of the universe, the Doctor's footprints across eternity are being tracked by foes old and new. But when did it all begin and when will it end? Living his life through the complexities of time travel, the Doctor can never be quite sure if he's experiencing his life in the most helpful order. The only certainty appears to be the advance of the powers of evil and the oncoming threat of a fight to the death against forces that would destroy everything the Doctor holds dear.
5 pages, Audio CD
First published February 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Briggs
375 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 24, 2025
2.1 The Traitor by Nicholas Briggs
I actually really enjoyed this story. It’s like being dropped into the middle of a story and the entire thing unfolding around you, and the 8th Doctor is particularly good at puzzling those details out.
While I haven’t listened to Liv’s actual previous Big Finish story referenced in this one, I have listened to her appearances in some 9th Doctor audios (which were pretty great) so I was really looking forward to finally listening to Liv’s “first” proper story with the 8th Doctor. I was not disappointed. I really liked her, and I can’t wait to listen to some more.
The fact this story finishes on a cliffhanger is a little frustrating to me, I’m not normally a fan of this, but I’ve read a few reviews that this box set is structured a little differently to the others, so I don’t think I’ll mind this so much.
Rating - 4.5* / 5*
2.2 The White Room by Alan Barnes
It was nice seeing Molly again, even though I don’t think she was necessarily needed in the series. Well, we’ll see how she goes through the rest of the boxset. I will say that her repeatedly saying “Tardy box” is really really frustrating.
It was nice to see the Viyrans again - the last time I heard anything about them, it was the 6th Doctor and Charley mini run, which was interesting - but they were much less interesting in this story than they were last time, though I did like the ending pretty cool.
Rating - 3* / 5*
2.3 Time’s Horizon by Matt Fitton
Honestly I have no idea what is going on in this story. I was lost early on, and I never really had any idea what was happened.
I did like the team up of the Eighth Doctor, Molly and Liv. I thought they were really cool together. I also really liked how this story clarified the first story as happening in Liv’s past and the Doctor’s future. I know it happens frequently in Doctor Who, but I just think it’s really cool.
Rating - 2* / 5*
2.4 Eyes of the Master by Matt Fitton
I thought this was a really decent finale to the boxset. It was nice for everything to get tied up and explained, and I thought it was written really well.
I do really like Alex MacQueen as the Master. I’ve heard him in Dark Eyes 2 and The Stuff of Legend, and I think he’s such a fantastic Master, like he actually has reasons for doing what he’s doing, and he’s less of a caricature of a character than some other versions of the Master.
Rating - 5* / 5*
Overall Rating - 4* / 5*
I actually really enjoyed this story. It’s like being dropped into the middle of a story and the entire thing unfolding around you, and the 8th Doctor is particularly good at puzzling those details out.
While I haven’t listened to Liv’s actual previous Big Finish story referenced in this one, I have listened to her appearances in some 9th Doctor audios (which were pretty great) so I was really looking forward to finally listening to Liv’s “first” proper story with the 8th Doctor. I was not disappointed. I really liked her, and I can’t wait to listen to some more.
The fact this story finishes on a cliffhanger is a little frustrating to me, I’m not normally a fan of this, but I’ve read a few reviews that this box set is structured a little differently to the others, so I don’t think I’ll mind this so much.
Rating - 4.5* / 5*
2.2 The White Room by Alan Barnes
It was nice seeing Molly again, even though I don’t think she was necessarily needed in the series. Well, we’ll see how she goes through the rest of the boxset. I will say that her repeatedly saying “Tardy box” is really really frustrating.
It was nice to see the Viyrans again - the last time I heard anything about them, it was the 6th Doctor and Charley mini run, which was interesting - but they were much less interesting in this story than they were last time, though I did like the ending pretty cool.
Rating - 3* / 5*
2.3 Time’s Horizon by Matt Fitton
Honestly I have no idea what is going on in this story. I was lost early on, and I never really had any idea what was happened.
I did like the team up of the Eighth Doctor, Molly and Liv. I thought they were really cool together. I also really liked how this story clarified the first story as happening in Liv’s past and the Doctor’s future. I know it happens frequently in Doctor Who, but I just think it’s really cool.
Rating - 2* / 5*
2.4 Eyes of the Master by Matt Fitton
I thought this was a really decent finale to the boxset. It was nice for everything to get tied up and explained, and I thought it was written really well.
I do really like Alex MacQueen as the Master. I’ve heard him in Dark Eyes 2 and The Stuff of Legend, and I think he’s such a fantastic Master, like he actually has reasons for doing what he’s doing, and he’s less of a caricature of a character than some other versions of the Master.
Rating - 5* / 5*
Overall Rating - 4* / 5*
March 8, 2019
I'm 50% done with Doctor Who: It is disappointing going back to listening to these again and the first two stories the ONLY women (among a cast of 6) are the companion in each. It just really shows why only having male writers is a problem.
Finished the first disc and enjoying this a lot. Nicola Walker is brilliant as Liv I'm really loving her character even though I missed her previous adventure. But then I have a bit of a weakness for women who work for the daleks.
Finished disc two. SO wonderful to have Molly back! She is really one of the best companions. I just love her sarcasm. The story itself felt like an episode. Which is odd as Paul didn't have any episodes. But his Doctor is brilliant as always.
Disc 3 I really liked. It was great to have Molly and Liv together. I really liked the adventure as well. Far future space horror is one of my favourite settings for Doctor Who. Going to have to save the last disc till tomorrow.
Disc 4 tied together the story well. I would have liked to have more scenes with the Doctor and Molly. But overall I enjoyed it a lot.
The first Dark Eyes audios were the first Paul McGann audios I heard and I loved them and started listening to all his others. I must admit I didn't think this 2nd series was quite as good as the first, mainly because the stories didn't feel as much like a cohesive whole. But it was lovely to have the Doctor and Molly back. Liv was a brilliant addition to the cast. Definitely one I'd recommend.
August 1, 2023
Doctor Who Dark Eyes 2 - The Traitor
ダーレクが8に“Your compassion is our ally.“って言うのが辛いというか悔しいというか。”Dalek Empire”シリーズにドクターをいれるとどうなるか的な...
ダーレクの占領下、人々は坑道を掘る奴隷にされ、人命を救うために負傷した人々に医療行為をほどこすリィヴ・チェンカをダーレクは労働力を維持する貴重な戦力とみなし、リィヴ・チェンカの要求する医療に必要な道具や設備を手配するので周囲の人間からは裏切りものとみなされていた。あるとき坑道が崩れ落ち、負傷者がリィヴ・チェンカの元に運ばれてくる。それが反乱組織のリーダー、ホークだったため反乱組織メンバーがロボマンに扮装してホークを取り替えそうとするが重傷なため動かせないと突っぱねるリィヴ・チェンカ。そのころドクターもロボマンに扮してダーレクの施設に潜入していて、ダーレクがなぜ人々を動員して坑道を掘っているのか調べていた。それが爆弾の弾道でこの惑星を粉砕してコアエネルギーを回収しようとしていると判明し、ホークらと協力して計画を止めようとするが、坑道を爆破すると大勢の人々が犠牲になるとリヴ・チェンカが反論。人々を逃しつつ坑道を爆破するプランを練るが。
The White room
第二次世界大戦も間も無く終戦を迎えようかという日、ドクターはベイカーストリートの自分家に行くがそこモリーが住んでいて驚く。モリーはイギリスの病院で働いていたがホワイトルームというところ恐ろしい病気に感染させられたという患者をケアしていた。ドクターはこれが異星人の持ち込んだ実験であることに気がつきペイシェントZeroを探す。またまたモリーに振られてたというか旅友になってもらえなかったドクター。
Time’s Horizon
なるほどエピソードごとに時系列がバラバラになっているわけだ。モリーがちょっと旅行したらまた帰るって言ってターディスに乗っていて、で、ターディスが行きたがっているところあると向かったら宇宙船の中でそこでリィヴ・チェンカと再会して。このリィヴ・チェンカは“The Traitor”でドクターがダーレクに選択を迫られていた時よりもずっとあとのリィヴで、この時ドクターはダーレクの武器を壊さなくてダーレクにつかまりリィヴたちの境遇はもっと悪くなりとドクターのことをめちゃくちゃ恨んでいた。でもモリーと旅してるこのドクターにとってそれは未来の話ということで、なかなか壮大な話になってきた。エミネンスというガスなんだけどヒトにとりついて戦争など悪い方向に全てをもってく異世界の存在がこっちに侵入してきていてーと8とは面識のある敵のようなんだけど、これもいまからなのかな
1970年代の地球に戻ることにしたドクターとリィリィヴとモリー。ラストに出てきたサリー・アームストロングはなんかどこかで名前がでてきていた気もするんだけど気のせいかな。
構成がなんかAgent of Shieldっぽい
Eyes of the Master
ダーレクを一掃しようとしてタイムロードが呼び込んだエミネンス。そのエミネンスを自在に操ることはできないかという試みをはじめていたマスター。しかしドクターはマスターの企みを破るべくエミネンスを自分に取り憑かせタイムロードの持つ知識全てを読み込ませる。ドクターはモリーとリィヴ・チェンカに別れを告げる。未来ではドクターが釈放される。初めてリィヴ・チェンカとあい最終兵器をどうするかで結局武器を破壊せずダーレクに投獄された後ぐらいのポイントと思われ。バート・ヒギンズと名乗るドクター。牢を出るとダーディスがある。ドクターはターディスで去る。(ダーレクが置いていったのかどうか謎)
エミネンスとダーレクどっちがマシやねんってなかなか究極の選択すぎて。ドクターの動きがどう反映してくるのかも怖い感じ...。
ダーレクが8に“Your compassion is our ally.“って言うのが辛いというか悔しいというか。”Dalek Empire”シリーズにドクターをいれるとどうなるか的な...
ダーレクの占領下、人々は坑道を掘る奴隷にされ、人命を救うために負傷した人々に医療行為をほどこすリィヴ・チェンカをダーレクは労働力を維持する貴重な戦力とみなし、リィヴ・チェンカの要求する医療に必要な道具や設備を手配するので周囲の人間からは裏切りものとみなされていた。あるとき坑道が崩れ落ち、負傷者がリィヴ・チェンカの元に運ばれてくる。それが反乱組織のリーダー、ホークだったため反乱組織メンバーがロボマンに扮装してホークを取り替えそうとするが重傷なため動かせないと突っぱねるリィヴ・チェンカ。そのころドクターもロボマンに扮してダーレクの施設に潜入していて、ダーレクがなぜ人々を動員して坑道を掘っているのか調べていた。それが爆弾の弾道でこの惑星を粉砕してコアエネルギーを回収しようとしていると判明し、ホークらと協力して計画を止めようとするが、坑道を爆破すると大勢の人々が犠牲になるとリヴ・チェンカが反論。人々を逃しつつ坑道を爆破するプランを練るが。
The White room
第二次世界大戦も間も無く終戦を迎えようかという日、ドクターはベイカーストリートの自分家に行くがそこモリーが住んでいて驚く。モリーはイギリスの病院で働いていたがホワイトルームというところ恐ろしい病気に感染させられたという患者をケアしていた。ドクターはこれが異星人の持ち込んだ実験であることに気がつきペイシェントZeroを探す。またまたモリーに振られてたというか旅友になってもらえなかったドクター。
Time’s Horizon
なるほどエピソードごとに時系列がバラバラになっているわけだ。モリーがちょっと旅行したらまた帰るって言ってターディスに乗っていて、で、ターディスが行きたがっているところあると向かったら宇宙船の中でそこでリィヴ・チェンカと再会して。このリィヴ・チェンカは“The Traitor”でドクターがダーレクに選択を迫られていた時よりもずっとあとのリィヴで、この時ドクターはダーレクの武器を壊さなくてダーレクにつかまりリィヴたちの境遇はもっと悪くなりとドクターのことをめちゃくちゃ恨んでいた。でもモリーと旅してるこのドクターにとってそれは未来の話ということで、なかなか壮大な話になってきた。エミネンスというガスなんだけどヒトにとりついて戦争など悪い方向に全てをもってく異世界の存在がこっちに侵入してきていてーと8とは面識のある敵のようなんだけど、これもいまからなのかな
1970年代の地球に戻ることにしたドクターとリィリィヴとモリー。ラストに出てきたサリー・アームストロングはなんかどこかで名前がでてきていた気もするんだけど気のせいかな。
構成がなんかAgent of Shieldっぽい
Eyes of the Master
ダーレクを一掃しようとしてタイムロードが呼び込んだエミネンス。そのエミネンスを自在に操ることはできないかという試みをはじめていたマスター。しかしドクターはマスターの企みを破るべくエミネンスを自分に取り憑かせタイムロードの持つ知識全てを読み込ませる。ドクターはモリーとリィヴ・チェンカに別れを告げる。未来ではドクターが釈放される。初めてリィヴ・チェンカとあい最終兵器をどうするかで結局武器を破壊せずダーレクに投獄された後ぐらいのポイントと思われ。バート・ヒギンズと名乗るドクター。牢を出るとダーディスがある。ドクターはターディスで去る。(ダーレクが置いていったのかどうか謎)
エミネンスとダーレクどっちがマシやねんってなかなか究極の選択すぎて。ドクターの動きがどう反映してくるのかも怖い感じ...。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2018
While this is, like its predecessor, a single, 4-hour story, it doesn't initially feel much like one, with each of the first three 60 minute "episodes" within it seeming to be distinct. This may be partly because each 60-minute segment has a different main writer, but there's also the fact that they aren't told in chronological order from the Doctor's perspective, so that the connection between the first two isn't apparent until the end of the final one.
It should be noted, though, that the story does take place in chronological order from the perspective of the companions, and that it isn't at all difficult to follow in that respect. Effectively, we start with a flash-forward, and then we (and the companions) spend the rest of the story trying to figure out how we got there, and why the Doctor was doing what he was doing. It's a more sophisticated and plot-justified version of those TV episodes that start with something dramatic and inexplicable happening and then suddenly state "24 hours previously..."
We start on a planet under Dalek occupation, where we are re-introduced to Liv Chenka, a medical technician who previously appeared in the 7th Doctor audio-play Robophobia, and is played by Olivier Award-winning actress Nicola Walker. By itself, it's a fairly straightforward Dalek story, with the only apparent connection to Dark Eyes being the use of the same Dalek commander. In the context of the next three episodes, however, it's both more connected and more significant than it first appears.
Each of the remaining "episodes" brings back a different preexisting villain from the Big Finish canon, most notably (because he's on the cover) the Alex MacQueen version of the Master. There's a different setting for each, too, and we're well over half-way through before the disparate parts begin to come together, and the big picture becomes clearer. In this respect, I felt that the last episode worked best, as we finally move towards the point where we came in - meeting a particularly scary optometrist along the way.
While the story improves as it goes along, and the nature of the over-arcing threat becomes apparent, it doesn't work quite as well as the original Dark Eyes story. Even though there are more connections than there at first seem to be, it isn't as cohesive as the original, and, perhaps because she's no longer the sole companion, Molly doesn't quite have the same chance to shine (although, when she does, she's still very good).
The original was, of course, self-contained, so this sequel has to squeeze in a reason as to why it now has another three "seasons" (counting this one). That works well enough, and, this time round, any such problem is avoided for the future by ending the final part on a cliffhanger. You can listen to Dark Eyes on its own, but you can't do the same with this one.
It should be noted, though, that the story does take place in chronological order from the perspective of the companions, and that it isn't at all difficult to follow in that respect. Effectively, we start with a flash-forward, and then we (and the companions) spend the rest of the story trying to figure out how we got there, and why the Doctor was doing what he was doing. It's a more sophisticated and plot-justified version of those TV episodes that start with something dramatic and inexplicable happening and then suddenly state "24 hours previously..."
We start on a planet under Dalek occupation, where we are re-introduced to Liv Chenka, a medical technician who previously appeared in the 7th Doctor audio-play Robophobia, and is played by Olivier Award-winning actress Nicola Walker. By itself, it's a fairly straightforward Dalek story, with the only apparent connection to Dark Eyes being the use of the same Dalek commander. In the context of the next three episodes, however, it's both more connected and more significant than it first appears.
Each of the remaining "episodes" brings back a different preexisting villain from the Big Finish canon, most notably (because he's on the cover) the Alex MacQueen version of the Master. There's a different setting for each, too, and we're well over half-way through before the disparate parts begin to come together, and the big picture becomes clearer. In this respect, I felt that the last episode worked best, as we finally move towards the point where we came in - meeting a particularly scary optometrist along the way.
While the story improves as it goes along, and the nature of the over-arcing threat becomes apparent, it doesn't work quite as well as the original Dark Eyes story. Even though there are more connections than there at first seem to be, it isn't as cohesive as the original, and, perhaps because she's no longer the sole companion, Molly doesn't quite have the same chance to shine (although, when she does, she's still very good).
The original was, of course, self-contained, so this sequel has to squeeze in a reason as to why it now has another three "seasons" (counting this one). That works well enough, and, this time round, any such problem is avoided for the future by ending the final part on a cliffhanger. You can listen to Dark Eyes on its own, but you can't do the same with this one.
December 23, 2022
Sublime, the second box set of Dark Eyes is imaginative, varied, high concept and brilliantly realised.
This ‘HBO binge series’ style of Paul McGann Doctor Who is pretty much every fan-fantasy for the current series brought to life. Every Twitter grumble is addressed - ‘I wish the new companion was someone not from modern day earth’ (we get two, one is a medic hardened by a Dalek war in the far future, and the other is VOD from the First World War), ‘I wish they had the imagination to do stories that weren’t just set on earth’ (we get a Dalek war in the far future, a surreal time jumping bottle-episode, a battle with a Machiavellian consciousness from the end of time and a horror piece set in an opticians in the 70s), ‘I wish they would acknowledge the shows history more’ (Paul McGann realises because he’s in the 70s he can borrow the Whomobile from the Jon Pertwee incarnation and drive it from location to location) and maybe this is just mine ‘I wish the Master was more sinister and did less dancing about, giggling about how evil he is’ - Alex McQueen has quickly become my absolute, dark-horse, God-tier, favourite male Master; every line delivery is unique, dripping with smarm and malice, yet he blends in so well into the disguise of a charming optician, ingratiating himself convincingly with pensioners and patients in a way which is believable and very unsettling. I rather wish I’d listened to this in the middle of the night in a room lit by a lone, flickering candle.
This ‘HBO binge series’ style of Paul McGann Doctor Who is pretty much every fan-fantasy for the current series brought to life. Every Twitter grumble is addressed - ‘I wish the new companion was someone not from modern day earth’ (we get two, one is a medic hardened by a Dalek war in the far future, and the other is VOD from the First World War), ‘I wish they had the imagination to do stories that weren’t just set on earth’ (we get a Dalek war in the far future, a surreal time jumping bottle-episode, a battle with a Machiavellian consciousness from the end of time and a horror piece set in an opticians in the 70s), ‘I wish they would acknowledge the shows history more’ (Paul McGann realises because he’s in the 70s he can borrow the Whomobile from the Jon Pertwee incarnation and drive it from location to location) and maybe this is just mine ‘I wish the Master was more sinister and did less dancing about, giggling about how evil he is’ - Alex McQueen has quickly become my absolute, dark-horse, God-tier, favourite male Master; every line delivery is unique, dripping with smarm and malice, yet he blends in so well into the disguise of a charming optician, ingratiating himself convincingly with pensioners and patients in a way which is believable and very unsettling. I rather wish I’d listened to this in the middle of the night in a room lit by a lone, flickering candle.
March 12, 2014
I think I liked this one more than the first Dark Eyes, although of course they are both excellent.
July 26, 2022
Though the title Dark Eyes 2 suggests more of the same, another romp through the universe with a smart-mouthed Irish woman being chased by Daleks, the set is nothing of the kind. The Daleks are here, for one of the four episodes, with a cameo return at the end. The smart-mouthed Irish woman is back, but for 3 of the 4 episodes. The structure of this one, though, is an entirely different type of romp from the first. Instead of The Chase being the model for the story, Dark Eyes 2 is structured much more like a New Who season, with an intricate back-and-forth of timey-wimey storytelling. Part 1 The Traitor sees the return of Liv Chenka from Robophobia, now doing her part on a planet under Dalek occupation. The Doctor arrives and at the end seemingly gives in to the Daleks' wishes. Part 2 The White Room takes us to earlier in The Doctor's life, where he meets Molly O'Sullivan again, still taking care of his house, and runs across a time virus and a particularly smarmy physician. The story seemingly has no connection to Part 1. The Doctor and Molly take off and head into Part 3 Time's Horizon. Here is Liv Chenka again, sometime after the events of The Traitor, now on an expedition to the end of the universe. There is not a clear reason for her to be there. She remembers The Doctor and what he did on Nixyce VII, but he has not done those things yet. She no longer trusts The Doctor because of what he has done/has yet to do. Here we meet the villain of the whole thing for the first time - The Eminence. Events in this far future lead The Doctor to take Molly and Liv back to the 1970s for Part 4 Eyes of the Master. Here, the Master is posing as an optometrist giving miracle cures for select patients, but really turning them into potential Infinite Warriors for The Eminence. Or is he? The end of the story takes us back to the beginning where The Doctor takes off for Nixyce VII to do his bit there. We get an open-ended conclusion to set us up for Dark Eyes 3.
Dark Eyes 2, as one can tell, is a kind of grab bag of bits from Dark Eyes 1 and fan-pleasing surprises. It is another chapter in Big Finish's effort to swing Doctor 8 away from traditional Who and into New Who, preparing him for The War Doctor and Doctor 9. Alex Macqueen is great as The Master; I prefer his portrayal to both John Simm's and Michelle Gomez's. His brand of happy, cheeky menace with just a bit of stylish camp seems a logical derivation of the Delgado Master. The Eminence, on the other hand, is one of the most uninteresting villains so far concocted. They/It have/has no convincing rationale for wanting to take over the universe and no desire to do anything else. The whole undead army thing has been done several times already. Compared to The Eminence, Daleks are emotionally deep. The whole combined story suffers a bit from middle-part syndrome, where it seems to work mostly to carry over certain ideas and set up for the rest of the story.
Dark Eyes 2, as one can tell, is a kind of grab bag of bits from Dark Eyes 1 and fan-pleasing surprises. It is another chapter in Big Finish's effort to swing Doctor 8 away from traditional Who and into New Who, preparing him for The War Doctor and Doctor 9. Alex Macqueen is great as The Master; I prefer his portrayal to both John Simm's and Michelle Gomez's. His brand of happy, cheeky menace with just a bit of stylish camp seems a logical derivation of the Delgado Master. The Eminence, on the other hand, is one of the most uninteresting villains so far concocted. They/It have/has no convincing rationale for wanting to take over the universe and no desire to do anything else. The whole undead army thing has been done several times already. Compared to The Eminence, Daleks are emotionally deep. The whole combined story suffers a bit from middle-part syndrome, where it seems to work mostly to carry over certain ideas and set up for the rest of the story.
March 3, 2024
I started listening to the second set of Dark Eyes stories I believe almost half a year ago. Correction that was the first of June 2023 I started, almost nine months ago now. I do not know what kept me from continuing these stories. I adore the eight doctor it’s not that I didn’t want to continue it’s more so a personal problem where I do not continue things I actually love. And then almost a year goes by.
Anyhow I’ve ordered Doom coalition set 3 and 4 meaning I have the entire eight doctor journey starting from Dark Eyes till Stranded and beyond that. So yeah, I’m gonna have a wild marathon.
-Time’s Horizon.
Getting to the actual story of Dark Eyes 2, I’m not totally sure where I last left off.
So, Liv and her buddies awake in a space ship from cyro sleep after nine hundred years, damn. Obviously, things go a miss.
The Doctor and Molly soon arrive on the same space ship.
Last time Liv saw the Doctor he helped the Daleks? Don’t remember that but funny. Also, Doctor and Molly quickly get arrested.
Talk about a Goddess, this is gonna be about zealot, isn’t it?
Molly is such, such a good companion I’ve really missed her.
This episode reminds me a bit of Wild Blue Yonder. End of the universe, space ship, weird fucking creature. I like it a lot, sure not at as atmospheric or isolated as the former but that makes sense when you have more people in the ship.
I’m feeling really, really nostalgic here it’s funny that’s only so little time has past I remember going nuts over big finish early 2022 and playing zombie survival games in the background. Want to bring that back.
Time’s Horizon was a very lovely story, more so to introduce Liv to the Tardis team for reals now. Has some interesting things to say about the end of the universe. Wondering how all of this will end.
EYES OF THE MASTER
Cannot remember if I ever heard the Alex Macqueen master before, maybe I have I’m not sure.
Seeing the story of the Eminence continued here was not something which I expected.
The Master is an eye doctor, the guy is hilarious.
Okay foreshadowing the Time War, this is some pretty cool stuff. Like of course no other part of the show could do this. It makes so much sense but I’ve never seen it before, still haven’t, I guess. Hahahah I’m hilarious.
Love the mention that the Doctor and the Master are running around with unit in the 70s.
The Doctor knowing that Liv knows something about this future and doesn’t want to know any of it is very Doctor Brown of him love it.
Dark Eyes, Molly, Liv, Paul McGann as the eight Doctor, why the hell did I ever stop with this series.
Cannot wait to see this saga continue.
Anyhow I’ve ordered Doom coalition set 3 and 4 meaning I have the entire eight doctor journey starting from Dark Eyes till Stranded and beyond that. So yeah, I’m gonna have a wild marathon.
-Time’s Horizon.
Getting to the actual story of Dark Eyes 2, I’m not totally sure where I last left off.
So, Liv and her buddies awake in a space ship from cyro sleep after nine hundred years, damn. Obviously, things go a miss.
The Doctor and Molly soon arrive on the same space ship.
Last time Liv saw the Doctor he helped the Daleks? Don’t remember that but funny. Also, Doctor and Molly quickly get arrested.
Talk about a Goddess, this is gonna be about zealot, isn’t it?
Molly is such, such a good companion I’ve really missed her.
This episode reminds me a bit of Wild Blue Yonder. End of the universe, space ship, weird fucking creature. I like it a lot, sure not at as atmospheric or isolated as the former but that makes sense when you have more people in the ship.
I’m feeling really, really nostalgic here it’s funny that’s only so little time has past I remember going nuts over big finish early 2022 and playing zombie survival games in the background. Want to bring that back.
Time’s Horizon was a very lovely story, more so to introduce Liv to the Tardis team for reals now. Has some interesting things to say about the end of the universe. Wondering how all of this will end.
EYES OF THE MASTER
Cannot remember if I ever heard the Alex Macqueen master before, maybe I have I’m not sure.
Seeing the story of the Eminence continued here was not something which I expected.
The Master is an eye doctor, the guy is hilarious.
Okay foreshadowing the Time War, this is some pretty cool stuff. Like of course no other part of the show could do this. It makes so much sense but I’ve never seen it before, still haven’t, I guess. Hahahah I’m hilarious.
Love the mention that the Doctor and the Master are running around with unit in the 70s.
The Doctor knowing that Liv knows something about this future and doesn’t want to know any of it is very Doctor Brown of him love it.
Dark Eyes, Molly, Liv, Paul McGann as the eight Doctor, why the hell did I ever stop with this series.
Cannot wait to see this saga continue.
April 15, 2019
Took me a while to figure out who was what and what was going on - obviously, I need to go back and find Liv's first appearance in Big Finish (I love these audios, but sometimes you blunder into the middle of a story arc without knowing what you're doing and you need a little hand-holding as you go). But by the end, I had it figured out. In the true "wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey" tradition of Doctor Who, not everyone meets in the "right" order and not everything happens the way you expect it to. It might take me another listen to understand where the events fit for each character.
But the Eighth Doctor gets another crack at the Master, which sounds awesome so far. I won't complain about that at all.
All that being said, I'm enjoying binge-listening on all these Eighth Doctor audios that I've had sitting in my digital files, but I just haven't gotten around to hearing. But, as the casts of these audios are often fond of saying during the behind-the-scenes interviews, it's like putting on a comfy pair of slippers. Big Finish, Paul McGann, Nicholas Briggs, the other writers and cast members - they're all a delight and a treat to listen to. I'm glad that I've gotten through my pile of other audiobooks for awhile, because I've needed to treat myself to some Big Finish goodness. It's been great!
But the Eighth Doctor gets another crack at the Master, which sounds awesome so far. I won't complain about that at all.
All that being said, I'm enjoying binge-listening on all these Eighth Doctor audios that I've had sitting in my digital files, but I just haven't gotten around to hearing. But, as the casts of these audios are often fond of saying during the behind-the-scenes interviews, it's like putting on a comfy pair of slippers. Big Finish, Paul McGann, Nicholas Briggs, the other writers and cast members - they're all a delight and a treat to listen to. I'm glad that I've gotten through my pile of other audiobooks for awhile, because I've needed to treat myself to some Big Finish goodness. It's been great!
March 2, 2025
The Traitor - 4.5 stars
The White Room - 4.5 stars
Time's Horizon - 4.5 stars
Eyes of the Master - 5 stars
Oh, this was just about as solid as you get from Big Finish, and it is fantastic! Each episode was so well done, and the conclusion was amazing!
I quite adore both Molly and Liv. Having Companions that are not from the "present day" was quite fun, and is something I wish the show would do more often, just to give us a different perspective. Molly's perspective as a VOD from WWI and Liv coming from the far future really freshened things up.
And, of course, there is the Master, played superbly by Alex MacQueen. He and Paul McGann played brilliantly off one another, matching one another's energy level and yet still managing to sound like two ex-lovers who suffered a really bad/awkward breakup and will forever poke and prod at one another. I cannot wait to see how they continue to work off one another!
Overall, such a well-done installment to the series!
The White Room - 4.5 stars
Time's Horizon - 4.5 stars
Eyes of the Master - 5 stars
Oh, this was just about as solid as you get from Big Finish, and it is fantastic! Each episode was so well done, and the conclusion was amazing!
I quite adore both Molly and Liv. Having Companions that are not from the "present day" was quite fun, and is something I wish the show would do more often, just to give us a different perspective. Molly's perspective as a VOD from WWI and Liv coming from the far future really freshened things up.
And, of course, there is the Master, played superbly by Alex MacQueen. He and Paul McGann played brilliantly off one another, matching one another's energy level and yet still managing to sound like two ex-lovers who suffered a really bad/awkward breakup and will forever poke and prod at one another. I cannot wait to see how they continue to work off one another!
Overall, such a well-done installment to the series!
December 30, 2021
This deviates from the last Dark Eyes boxset as each story acts on its own regards more then as a story over the entire box set. It also takes an interesting structure by having the first story somewhat take place after the rest for some of the characters, but before it for others.
The Eighth Doctor, Molly O'Sullivan and Liv Chenka are one of the best audio TARDIS-teams I've ever listened, and I'm glad they're mostly returning for Dark Eyes 3. The Master was an excellent antagonist as well, the Macqueen incarnation is one of my favourites, I can't wait to listen to more with him.
Overall, Dark Eyes 2 was an excellent continuation of the first that was different enough to stay interesting and left off for Dark Eyes 3 to continue the story.
The Eighth Doctor, Molly O'Sullivan and Liv Chenka are one of the best audio TARDIS-teams I've ever listened, and I'm glad they're mostly returning for Dark Eyes 3. The Master was an excellent antagonist as well, the Macqueen incarnation is one of my favourites, I can't wait to listen to more with him.
Overall, Dark Eyes 2 was an excellent continuation of the first that was different enough to stay interesting and left off for Dark Eyes 3 to continue the story.
October 12, 2017
My experience with this wasn't improved by listening in snippets and all manner of weird technical problems with repeating segments, music and whatnot. However, when the story is gripping enough, these problems are overcome.
There were so many elements to like (I mean, The Master!) but I couldn't even work out when an episode had finished because I didn't know what had happened. And I didn't even know when the whole thing was over!
There were so many elements to like (I mean, The Master!) but I couldn't even work out when an episode had finished because I didn't know what had happened. And I didn't even know when the whole thing was over!
July 19, 2017
Dark Eyes 2 is a lot more uneven than the first box set was. It doesn’t help that it seems as though the first box set was planned as a standalone thing and had to retroactively work as the introduction to a whole series of box sets. But aside from that, the stories themselves are uneven. Half of them are just fine, one of them is dreadful, and the other is excellent. All of them have superb soundscapes designed by Wilfredo Acosta and strong directing from Nicolas Briggs and superb acting from all the cast involved, but the scripts often let down the episodes and all those who worked on them.
(Full review at: my website)
(Full review at: my website)
July 21, 2021
This series was a bit confusing. The first story ends on a cliffhanger and then you jump into two seemingly unrelated ones, but it all comes around at the end to kind of wrap things up. And once again we have to deal with Molly saying "tardy box". Even the Doctor seems annoyed by her repeated use of that phrase.
July 26, 2017
This Dark eyes series is very very good. It is everything I wish the TV show was. ...and the New Master is everything I ever wanted from a Master. A Time-Lord with a proper plan and the ruthlessness to carry it through... and he is really funny! Kudos to Alex McQueen!
October 2, 2025
An extremely solid followup to Dark Eyes 1. Sure, it has its problems, but this is some really good stuff. I particularly liked how the stories were ordered by how Liv experienced them, instead of from the Doctor's linear POV.
December 5, 2025
There are some important introductions here and I see Dark Eyes lining up a major villain similar to the Flux from 13's series. This just is not as exciting but for a more "setup" box set for later stories.
June 22, 2017
Entertaining but I found the parts of the overall story arc a bit disjointed at times that it was sometimes hard to follow.
November 16, 2020
This might not be as good as the first Dark Eyes box set, but there’s some good stuff here. Perhaps the Daleks were a bit overused, but this version of The Master kept things interesting.
May 10, 2021
Molly and Liv do not disappoint (plus, the shift away from the Daleks is welcome!). Much to hopefully be made of 8 as the man who finds greatness thrust upon him.
March 29, 2023
2.1 'The Traitor' by Nicholas Briggs: 5*
2.2 'The White Room' by Alan Barnes:4*
2.3 'Time's Horizon' by Matt Fitton: 5*
2.4 'Eyes of the Master' by Matt Fitton: 5*
2.2 'The White Room' by Alan Barnes:4*
2.3 'Time's Horizon' by Matt Fitton: 5*
2.4 'Eyes of the Master' by Matt Fitton: 5*
March 5, 2025
Enjoyed parts 1 and 4 most.
March 2, 2017
3.5 stars.
Love the characters of Molly and Liv. The last story in the set was the strongest.
Love the characters of Molly and Liv. The last story in the set was the strongest.
November 5, 2020
Dark eyes 2 follows on from the original with four connected stories that form the second chapter in the four part series starring Paul McGann's Doctor.
1. The Traitor ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
A simple but effective Dalek story that continues on from the first box set and effectively reintroduces the character of Liv Chenka from the story "Robophobia" from the monthly adventures range. It could have been more eventful, but it managed to make up for that by presenting the majority of the plot from Liv’s point of view. Her character in the dark about the intentions of those around her, including the Doctor creating a sense of mystery that continues into the following stories.
2. The White Room ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Doctor and Molly are reunited and try to help an ill solider displaying unusual symptoms, leading them to the Blackwell Convalescent Home. The result is an intriguing story with some unique ideas that at first appears to be unrelated to the other stories in the set but like the previous story effectively teases what is to come.
3. Time's Horizon ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The first meeting of Liv and Molly takes place on a cryo-ship at the edge of creation and proves to be a slow moving story with mysterious atmosphere. Whilst not being a particularity exiting story Liv and Molly are both strong personality's that work well together and the Eminence prove to be an effective threat. I did however feel that their previous stories could have been referenced more for those of us who are unfamiliar with them, but it still seems that they have an interesting part to play in the grand scheme of things.
4. Eyes of the Master⭐ ⭐
The Doctor returns to Earth in the 1970s where he encounters the Master who is involved in a plot involving Molly and her unusually dark eyes. Alex Macqueen reprises his role of the Master for this set and the banter between him and Paul McGann's Doctor is one of the set’s highlights as is the added insight in to the origins of this incarnation of the Master. Unfortunately the central plot revolves Master posing as an optician which leads to some gruesome moments that I felt were at odds with the general tone of the set as well as the franchise as a whole.
Whilst not a perfect set it is still it is still an intriguing release that is worth a listen for those who who enjoyed the first release. It will also be interesting where the story goes now that the Eminence and the Master have been added to the mix, especially given the dramatic ending.
1. The Traitor ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
A simple but effective Dalek story that continues on from the first box set and effectively reintroduces the character of Liv Chenka from the story "Robophobia" from the monthly adventures range. It could have been more eventful, but it managed to make up for that by presenting the majority of the plot from Liv’s point of view. Her character in the dark about the intentions of those around her, including the Doctor creating a sense of mystery that continues into the following stories.
2. The White Room ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Doctor and Molly are reunited and try to help an ill solider displaying unusual symptoms, leading them to the Blackwell Convalescent Home. The result is an intriguing story with some unique ideas that at first appears to be unrelated to the other stories in the set but like the previous story effectively teases what is to come.
3. Time's Horizon ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The first meeting of Liv and Molly takes place on a cryo-ship at the edge of creation and proves to be a slow moving story with mysterious atmosphere. Whilst not being a particularity exiting story Liv and Molly are both strong personality's that work well together and the Eminence prove to be an effective threat. I did however feel that their previous stories could have been referenced more for those of us who are unfamiliar with them, but it still seems that they have an interesting part to play in the grand scheme of things.
4. Eyes of the Master⭐ ⭐
The Doctor returns to Earth in the 1970s where he encounters the Master who is involved in a plot involving Molly and her unusually dark eyes. Alex Macqueen reprises his role of the Master for this set and the banter between him and Paul McGann's Doctor is one of the set’s highlights as is the added insight in to the origins of this incarnation of the Master. Unfortunately the central plot revolves Master posing as an optician which leads to some gruesome moments that I felt were at odds with the general tone of the set as well as the franchise as a whole.
Whilst not a perfect set it is still it is still an intriguing release that is worth a listen for those who who enjoyed the first release. It will also be interesting where the story goes now that the Eminence and the Master have been added to the mix, especially given the dramatic ending.
May 21, 2021
The Traitor:
6/10
Verdict: Recommended
This story is a bit of a slog to get through, with the exception of a bit of an interesting dilemma at the end. Liv is a great companion, but her introduction is a bit flat. That goes for all the characters in this actually. Necessary for future stories but unfortunately pretty dull.
The White Room:
7/10
Verdict: Recommended
I like the plot for this one but it is a bit slow. Fun but light. The villains have a nice gimmic but generally feel pretty generic.
Time's Horizon:
7/10
Verdict: Recommended
Fun plot with good tension but a pretty naff ending. Liv definitely makes a better impression in this story than in her last.
Eyes of the Master
6/10
Verdict: Recommended
I like the setting and the general plot but it didn't captivate me all that much. I enjoyed the new Master, but not as much as other people seem to love him. I found everything with the Emanence to be quite a bore, which is unfortunate since the dark eyes series sort of relies on you regarding them as a capable threat. Overall, it's alright.
6/10
Verdict: Recommended
This story is a bit of a slog to get through, with the exception of a bit of an interesting dilemma at the end. Liv is a great companion, but her introduction is a bit flat. That goes for all the characters in this actually. Necessary for future stories but unfortunately pretty dull.
The White Room:
7/10
Verdict: Recommended
I like the plot for this one but it is a bit slow. Fun but light. The villains have a nice gimmic but generally feel pretty generic.
Time's Horizon:
7/10
Verdict: Recommended
Fun plot with good tension but a pretty naff ending. Liv definitely makes a better impression in this story than in her last.
Eyes of the Master
6/10
Verdict: Recommended
I like the setting and the general plot but it didn't captivate me all that much. I enjoyed the new Master, but not as much as other people seem to love him. I found everything with the Emanence to be quite a bore, which is unfortunate since the dark eyes series sort of relies on you regarding them as a capable threat. Overall, it's alright.
December 18, 2017
Re-listen 12/17: Still excellent. Got more of the details this second time around. The Master swooning over the Eighth Doctor's appearance is delightful also.
Original review:
I feel like I need to listen to this a second time to properly unpack it. There's a lot going on, and shifts in time are a different experience when it's an audio adventure. One of these days I'll have a lie in with a Dark Eyes 1 and 2 marathon, and I think I'll better see the full scope of the story. Much like the TV show, one often notices more the second time through. That said, I still really loved this, and it's cool to hear Alex Macqueen from The Thick of It and the woman who played Ruth (Nicola Walker) on Spooks/MI-5. Good stuff. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Original review:
I feel like I need to listen to this a second time to properly unpack it. There's a lot going on, and shifts in time are a different experience when it's an audio adventure. One of these days I'll have a lie in with a Dark Eyes 1 and 2 marathon, and I think I'll better see the full scope of the story. Much like the TV show, one often notices more the second time through. That said, I still really loved this, and it's cool to hear Alex Macqueen from The Thick of It and the woman who played Ruth (Nicola Walker) on Spooks/MI-5. Good stuff. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
March 29, 2014
My biggest complaint about Dark Eyes was that it was too cramped -- I wish Molly's story had had the chance to develop more organically, instead of feeling like we were being plowed through it.
My biggest complaint about Dark Eyes 2 is the opposite: I wish it weren't so sprawling and instead focused more on the plot (which, admittedly, it does in the fourth part -- it's the journey to that point that leaves me dissatisfied).
Also, as wonderful as Nicola Walker is, Liv Chenka hasn't really justified her return/inclusion in this series set yet.
My biggest complaint about Dark Eyes 2 is the opposite: I wish it weren't so sprawling and instead focused more on the plot (which, admittedly, it does in the fourth part -- it's the journey to that point that leaves me dissatisfied).
Also, as wonderful as Nicola Walker is, Liv Chenka hasn't really justified her return/inclusion in this series set yet.
October 14, 2014
More complex and unusual than the first Dark Eyes collection Dark Eyes 2 is a great follow-up. Because of a less linear structure this story is best enjoyed by people who either listened to Dark Eyes or are familiar with time-travel fiction.
An excellent production that combines everything good about the first story with some great new situations and characters. Powerful, well paced and emotional.
An excellent production that combines everything good about the first story with some great new situations and characters. Powerful, well paced and emotional.
October 16, 2020
What starts off as three separate stories all finally interlink together as all good Dr Who stories do. Great tales and great acting from all but especially Paul McGann and Ruth Bradley. And what a cliffhanger to leave it on...
November 7, 2014
The first part wasn't what I was in the mood for that day at all, but the second and third were much more enjoyable. I do wish the sound levels didn't vary so wildly, though - hard on the ears.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews