Doctor Who: Operation Werewolf

The Lost Stories #8.2

by Robert Kitts, Douglas Camfield, Jonathan Morris (Adaptation )

The TARDIS has brought the Doctor, Jamie and Zoe to Normandy in France, not in 1066 as intended, but in 1944, three days before the Allies are due to launch the D-Day landings. Joining forces with French partisans, they learn that the Germans have been conducting secret experiments at a nearby chateau. These experiments form part of a plan that German high command believe will enable them to win the Second World War. The name of that plan? Operation Werewolf.
Episode One: The Secret Army
Episode Two: The Chateau of Death
Episode Three: Lair of the Werewolf
Episode Four: Friend or Foe
Episode Five: The Village of Lies
Episode Six: Crossfire
**This title is strictly limited to 2,000 copies**
Based on a storyline submitted to the Doctor Who production office in 1967 by Douglas Camfield and Robert Kitts.

Genres: Doctor Who

Audiobook

Published July 1, 2024

Reviews

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second doctor, Jamie and Zoe arrive in Normandy, France, mere days before D-Day. The doctor falls into the hands of the Nazis. He is mistaken for another doctor, an expert who could aid them in an experiment that could dramatically change the future.

Jamie and Zoe join up with the French resistance, where they meet an interesting English scientist who goes by the codename: the doctor. Though this doctor’s real last name also sounds very familiar.


First things first: I’m not that big a fan of WW2 historical fiction stories. I am however a huge fan of the second doctor. This story is part of the lost stories collection, which means this audio story was based on an actual script from the show that was considered but never filmed for some reason. It’s always so interesting to discover new stories from that era, so I didn’t hesitate to pick this one up.


A recurring trope for time travelling is that someone goes back in time to change the past, to change the future. Here, this doesn’t happen. But the Nazis, after extracting information from Zoe, conclude that this is what the Tardis team is up to. The Nazis think they have won the war in the future, and they think the doctor and his companions have come back to the past to stop that from happening. That’s why the Nazis decide to speed up Operation Werewolf, to ensure their victory. It’s an interesting concept.


Another thing worth mentioning is that the French and German accents reminded me a bit of the sitcom Allo Allo!, as did a few other things to be honest. But it’s played more serious and subtle of course.


This story is more intense and interesting than I was expecting it to be, with some strong twists. The pacing is of course quite slow, though it’s never too slow and the atmospheric setting helps a lot in that regard. The science fiction parts are kept to a minimum, letting the story at hand play out more like a historical story and allowing more time to flesh out the characters. This turned out to be a really good decision. As said, this is not exactly my kind of story, but it is a strong and entertaining one.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Loved it! Absolutely wonderful! Great cast. Wonderful story. Gorgeous soundscape and music. And everything comes together with fantastic synergy. This is prime example of exactly why Big Finish does Doctor Who so well.

[Danny Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Stories is a range I'm extremely fond of, it may not always be the most consistent at Big Finish but it's nice to see unproduced TV stories brought to life. I was disappointed with Big Finish's offerings last year, but I was excited when Deathworld and Operation: Werewolf were announced nonetheless.

Trying to take them to Normandy in 1066, The Doctor instead brings Jamie and Zoe to 1944, a day or so before D-Day. Jamie and Zoe are captured by the French resistance and The Doctor is captured by the Nazis to help with an experiment that could change the course of the war. The Nazis have discovered a way to teleport their troops, but what's their plan? Someone in England is playing a deadly game and hopes to overthrow the prime minister himself.

Jonathan Morris has done an amazing job bringing Robert Kitts and Douglas Camfield's story to life, it's honestly a shame this one didn't make it on TV because it's incredible. An intense historical that doesn't have any aliens, but rather human ingenuity on the wrong side of the conflict. It's a fun story with a terrific cast of characters, atmosphere, and great ideas. Michael Troughton has come a long way with his 2nd Doctor impression, it's almost spooky how much he sounds like his dad now. The cast and crew did a terrific job on this one and the script was excellent.

Overall: It's a brilliant story that I didn't initially expect much from, but honestly I loved it. 10/10

[Billy Martel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listening to Michael Troughton’s Second Doctor after listening to Frasier Hines’ Second Doctor is like eating Ron Swanson’s burger after eating Chris Traeger’s burger. Like I feel bad cause Hines worked so hard to sound like old Pat. And then Troughton comes in with half the effort and just does it near perfect.

That being said, this is just ok. Like most 6 parters it feels overlong and repetitive. But the concepts are fun and it’s always nice to see the manipulative scheming side of the 2nd Doctor.

[Thomas Sherlock · Rating 3 out of 5]

A WW2 storyline which would have fit 60s Who like a glove. Whereas Deathworld, the story released alongside this one, seemed to throw away fitting into the era, this story slots into Season 6 perfectly. It’s a pretty standard wartime thriller of Nazis having an elaborate plan to win the war with a superweapon. Michael Troughton’s take on his father’s Doctor has so far been confined to the atypical 6B era, but he works just as well here in this more TV style setting. Worth a go if you’ve a fondness for 60s Who.

[Samael Kovacs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly no werewolves to be found here but there is a really facinating story to be found here instead.

God this was great, so immersive. It had been a hot second since I listened to a Big Finish Audio drama but I just got sucked in right away with this one and listenend to it all in one go.

It does run a little bit too long, should've been a five parter but eh whatever.

It reminded me a lot of Enemy of the World. Due there not being any monsters or space shenningas in it. Great story and wish it had been made as an episode but I understand why that wasn't the case.

[Steven Shinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I just came off of listening to a Seventh Doctor trilogy about werewolves, but I was kind of expecting more werewolf-related stuff in this. It’s still really good, though. I agree with Padbury that it would’ve been difficult to do this serial justice in the 1960s. Jamie’s connection with one of the characters is something I really didn’t expect. I do wish we could’ve heard Churchill’s voice, but he does get a mention as being on the other end of the phone.

[Joseph S · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were no werewolves….

[Antonio Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good romp of a story. Appreciated the resemblance Michael had to his father. A perfect edition to any 2nd Doctor collection.