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Big Finish: Monthly Range #5
Doctor Who: The Fearmonger
One would-be assassin is in a mental ward. Another's on the run. Their intended victim is stirring up the mobs. Terrorists are planning a strike of their own. A talk-radio host is loving every minute of it. A Whitehall insider whispers about a mysterious UN operative, with a hidden agenda. Everyone's got someone they want to be afraid of. It'll only take a little push for the situation to erupt - and something is doing the pushing. But you can trust the Doctor to put things right. Can't you?
Chronological Placement
This story takes place between the television adventure Survival and the 1996 TV Movie.
NOT A BOOK. NOT AN AUDIO BOOK. This is a full-cast audio play produced by Big Finish Productions.
Audio CD
First published February 28, 2000
2 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Blum
30 books23 followersJonathan Blum is the author of several Doctor Who novels and Big Finish audios. He currently lives in Australia with his wife Kate Orman.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 15, 2019
A being that feeds off fear, thrives on hate by using immigration as a key talking point - sounds familiar?
This early Big Finish story could easily be a take on ‘Brexit Britain’, it’s incredible that this was written and released back in the year 2000.
All the cast give a great performances and it’s nice to have McCoy and Aldred back together.
Special mention to Jacquline Pearce who plays the leader of New Brittania party, her portrayal of Sherilyn Harper doesn’t sound too dissimilar to Theresa May...
This early Big Finish story could easily be a take on ‘Brexit Britain’, it’s incredible that this was written and released back in the year 2000.
All the cast give a great performances and it’s nice to have McCoy and Aldred back together.
Special mention to Jacquline Pearce who plays the leader of New Brittania party, her portrayal of Sherilyn Harper doesn’t sound too dissimilar to Theresa May...
February 7, 2024
"I refuse to be responsible for the fall of every sparrow."
July 26, 2013
Now we're talking! This drama has great pacing - each episode ends on a note of great suspense - and backstory is filled in deftly. There is a lot of sonic interest and drama generated by the use of a radio talk show weaving in and out of the narrative, with its own theme music, and the fact that the story's monster causes you to hear a deep, gruff voice radiating fear and terror over the voice of selected individuals, making for a great effect.
The Seventh Doctor is a Machiavellian schemer with his hearts in the right place,a shadowy figure with a long association with UN black ops, a mysterious trickster who seems to be able to turn up everywhere. Ace is feisty, compassionate, brave and foolhardy. Her feelings for the Doctor are perfectly poised - she has learned to trust and respect him and the worst thing she can imagine is if he is taken over by an evil creature - but she doesn't fancy a quick snog with him. The Doctor is deeply touched by her regard for him, but also doesn't start thinking of a quick smooch. I wonder if the writers of the new Who could achieve this degree of snog-free rapport? Are you listening, hornyheads?
I also like that the Doctor isn't squeaky clean. He's not Christ, he's someone who will do whatever it takes, short of killing, to succeed. He's also not above leaving a particularly nasty politician to deal with consequences of her rhetoric. He doesn't always intervene because he has to leave something for humanity to do for itself, which is both condescending and wise if you think about it. He thinks things are gradually getting better.
The Seventh Doctor is a Machiavellian schemer with his hearts in the right place,a shadowy figure with a long association with UN black ops, a mysterious trickster who seems to be able to turn up everywhere. Ace is feisty, compassionate, brave and foolhardy. Her feelings for the Doctor are perfectly poised - she has learned to trust and respect him and the worst thing she can imagine is if he is taken over by an evil creature - but she doesn't fancy a quick snog with him. The Doctor is deeply touched by her regard for him, but also doesn't start thinking of a quick smooch. I wonder if the writers of the new Who could achieve this degree of snog-free rapport? Are you listening, hornyheads?
I also like that the Doctor isn't squeaky clean. He's not Christ, he's someone who will do whatever it takes, short of killing, to succeed. He's also not above leaving a particularly nasty politician to deal with consequences of her rhetoric. He doesn't always intervene because he has to leave something for humanity to do for itself, which is both condescending and wise if you think about it. He thinks things are gradually getting better.
May 19, 2016
I flat out did not like this one. We've got the real thing going on with Mr. Trump right now. Hearing the SciFi version of the Trump story just wasn't working for me. Listened to about 70% and had to turn it off. Maybe when there's not a presidential election going on with an insane candidate leading the pack...
March 10, 2023
One thing of many that i love about big finish is how they always give McCoy the more darker stories and topics, i don't know if it's his voice or his take on the doctor but he just has a way of dealing with these dark stories that only probably Paul McGann could pull off in audiobook. This was a good story, i had hoped for better because we had the power house of the professor and ace but the story let them down at times but overall a fun and good ride of a modern doctor who story
Read
January 2, 2024Currently updating my reads for the end of 2023, I listened to this and a bunch of other Big Finish Doctor tales (some twice) towards the end of the year, mostly because I was too busy thinking about other things to focus on new stories and the comfort of the familiar voices was a welcome relief from other stresses. Unfortunately I have left it too long to give any story-specific details, but I will inevitably listen to these many more times in future and will hopefully be able to say something more substantial. Suffice it to say that these are just excellent. Production quality is top notch and the storylines are as good and sometimes even better than the TV episodes.
July 16, 2015
In a near future England, a nativist party leader is making a hard push in parliamentary elections. But someone has figured out her secret, she's a monster that feeds on fear. Meanwhile a talk radio host who plays on anti-government distrust has an unexpected guest in the form of a man wearing a question-marked sweater. Can the Doctor stop this monster and can the people of England stop themselves from giving in to fear?
There's a famously camp story from Sylvester McCoy's second season, The Happiness Patrol, which was a clear send-up of the Thatcher administration. This take is a clearly darker bent on the same sort of politics, with the courage to tie it to England, even if it's not one of the present day. In that way it works because, while it's more obvious in what it's doing, the satire can bite harder. For example, the radio host feels much like a Rush Limbaugh type. I don't know that there was anyone like that in the UK in 2000, but it's easy to see the parodies with the U.S. at the time.
What's best about this story though is two things. One, it develops Sylvester McCoy's Seventh Doctor and Sophie Aldred's Ace naturally from where their relationship left off in Survival. These two feel like their characters, more experienced, but undeniably them. Ace was in many ways the precursor of the companions of the 2005 TV relaunch and it continues to show in this volume. Two, despite all the evil monster can and does do in this volume, the writing never leaves out the possibility that people can do evil all by themselves, and that they can stop themselves as well.
There's a famously camp story from Sylvester McCoy's second season, The Happiness Patrol, which was a clear send-up of the Thatcher administration. This take is a clearly darker bent on the same sort of politics, with the courage to tie it to England, even if it's not one of the present day. In that way it works because, while it's more obvious in what it's doing, the satire can bite harder. For example, the radio host feels much like a Rush Limbaugh type. I don't know that there was anyone like that in the UK in 2000, but it's easy to see the parodies with the U.S. at the time.
What's best about this story though is two things. One, it develops Sylvester McCoy's Seventh Doctor and Sophie Aldred's Ace naturally from where their relationship left off in Survival. These two feel like their characters, more experienced, but undeniably them. Ace was in many ways the precursor of the companions of the 2005 TV relaunch and it continues to show in this volume. Two, despite all the evil monster can and does do in this volume, the writing never leaves out the possibility that people can do evil all by themselves, and that they can stop themselves as well.
March 11, 2022
A fun little jaunt into the present from the past, with a story from 2000 that really seems to capture the mood of the present. Rising right-wing, ethnonationalist populist leaders are creating fear of 'others' amongst the British public, causing some people to think that a violent reaction is there only option. What if the cause of this fear though was actually an alien entity that lives of the fear emotion - stokes it in people in order to feed itself. Can the Doctor combat that without falling prey to the fear himself?
August 7, 2013
I really enjoyed this. First you have Jacqueline Pearce as an alcoholic fascist speaking against the tyrannies of Europe and immigration in a surprisingly accurate version of modern Britain. The Doctor and Ace are both Brilliant in this. They are working well together as a team and the ending really builds on both their strengths. The story really captures the fear of both fascism and the anti-terrorism movement. This is definitely increasing my love for both Sophie and Sylvester.
December 17, 2023
After I just listened to Whispers of Terror, here we have another explicitly political story. It’s sharply done, with Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred on fine form as the Doctor and Ace. The use of Ace is smart; of course she of all companions keeps the antifascist end up. Even with the story ending on something of an ellipses, it’s still a standout. Listen for Blake’s 7’s iconic Jacqueline Pearce as the right-wing candidate.
May 17, 2017
Who is the Fearmonger? Could be anyone. Maybe you? Maybe me? Who knows...
October 15, 2025
The Fearmonger is truly a piece of art that is ahead of its time. Obviously racist mobs, right wing extremism and violence were very present at the time of the story; but it feels like this story almost predicted the future we now live in. The story explores these ideas and themes in depth, through subtle exposition, reams of subtext in every scene and by presenting this difficult concept with the correct tone and subtlety it deserves. I am of course biased as Ace and the 7th Doctor are my favourite companion and Doctor of the whole franchise, but it really is the fantastic writing that makes this a story that I like; for more reasons than just two characters I like being in it. Ace really is in a position of trying to mature and the Doctor is at his most Machiavellian, so this really is a dream for any fan whose favourite season of classic who is 26.
The story takes place in what was the future back then and beloved Blake’s 7 actor Jacqueline Pearce plays this right wing leader perfectly. She is so detestable, passing off her racial views with such a casual air. Her needy assistant provides a lot of the plot progression, but it’s the fact his every move is motivated by self interest that really makes him easy to hate. As for the Fearmonger itself, it obviously serves as a metaphor more than a monster but it is responsible for some of the best twists and dramatic scenes in the story. This story definitely excelled on the antagonist front. The fact that all these people/things are presented in way that makes them feel so untouchable is what presents the menace of the situation. The Doctor seems to be able to penetrate any building or group in the story, but when it comes to the villains he can’t even get close; right until the incredibly tense climax.
The supporting characters are pretty much all just people being driven out their minds by the Fearmonger, but even then the acting is so convincing that every scene really has tension. Each potential terrorist act or random malicious violence really makes the story feel adult, without any need for swearing, sexual stuff, etc. These are people presented as something leading them to take retaliation to this societal extremism in the most insane ways, and that really kept me in suspense. Although the Doctor appears as though he has the answers, he doesn’t have any power to save anyone or do anything and that contrast to his usual power over the situation just makes the Fearmonger more terrifying. The story has no happy ending, or neat little ex machina, society moves forward barely having changed with just one less monster in the world spreading fear and hate. If that isn’t beautiful subtext then what is?
Once the elements of conspiracy are introduced, then the whole plot adds another layer of complexity. Thankfully the idea of the whole situation being orchestrated as if there were no monster meshes well with the ongoing themes and narrative. The performances are so convincing that you really are shocked at every cliffhanger, I mean you wouldn’t really watch a William Hartnell story for example and see one of the cliffhangers being someone being shot by a normal bullet. I loved the radio host character, as he really provided McCoy someone to play off against, and the social commentary really is in the gap between each of their sides. The story really emphasises the grey areas of situations where no one can win, and even with smiles on their faces and people making money from it; there’s just division and hate. Something that is all too common now, almost 25 years since this story was released.
My praise for the story is obvious, but I really cannot pick fault anywhere and that delights me. After the previous four monthly adventures being pretty average outings, this story taking Doctor in a more grownup yet appropriate direction is superb. The story is quite bleak, but appreciating the intelligence that goes into treating every controversial ideaI with respect, really does grip the listener rather than just make them sad. I somehow doubt I’ll find any stories that really make me this passionate, but you never know.
The story takes place in what was the future back then and beloved Blake’s 7 actor Jacqueline Pearce plays this right wing leader perfectly. She is so detestable, passing off her racial views with such a casual air. Her needy assistant provides a lot of the plot progression, but it’s the fact his every move is motivated by self interest that really makes him easy to hate. As for the Fearmonger itself, it obviously serves as a metaphor more than a monster but it is responsible for some of the best twists and dramatic scenes in the story. This story definitely excelled on the antagonist front. The fact that all these people/things are presented in way that makes them feel so untouchable is what presents the menace of the situation. The Doctor seems to be able to penetrate any building or group in the story, but when it comes to the villains he can’t even get close; right until the incredibly tense climax.
The supporting characters are pretty much all just people being driven out their minds by the Fearmonger, but even then the acting is so convincing that every scene really has tension. Each potential terrorist act or random malicious violence really makes the story feel adult, without any need for swearing, sexual stuff, etc. These are people presented as something leading them to take retaliation to this societal extremism in the most insane ways, and that really kept me in suspense. Although the Doctor appears as though he has the answers, he doesn’t have any power to save anyone or do anything and that contrast to his usual power over the situation just makes the Fearmonger more terrifying. The story has no happy ending, or neat little ex machina, society moves forward barely having changed with just one less monster in the world spreading fear and hate. If that isn’t beautiful subtext then what is?
Once the elements of conspiracy are introduced, then the whole plot adds another layer of complexity. Thankfully the idea of the whole situation being orchestrated as if there were no monster meshes well with the ongoing themes and narrative. The performances are so convincing that you really are shocked at every cliffhanger, I mean you wouldn’t really watch a William Hartnell story for example and see one of the cliffhangers being someone being shot by a normal bullet. I loved the radio host character, as he really provided McCoy someone to play off against, and the social commentary really is in the gap between each of their sides. The story really emphasises the grey areas of situations where no one can win, and even with smiles on their faces and people making money from it; there’s just division and hate. Something that is all too common now, almost 25 years since this story was released.
My praise for the story is obvious, but I really cannot pick fault anywhere and that delights me. After the previous four monthly adventures being pretty average outings, this story taking Doctor in a more grownup yet appropriate direction is superb. The story is quite bleak, but appreciating the intelligence that goes into treating every controversial ideaI with respect, really does grip the listener rather than just make them sad. I somehow doubt I’ll find any stories that really make me this passionate, but you never know.
January 15, 2021
あらすじ
Part1
ミック・トムソンのラジオ番組を通してシェルリン・ハーパー議員の暗殺未遂容疑で警察に追われているウォルター・ジェイコブと接触を試みるドクター。「私は君の言葉を信じる。モンスターは実在する」と番組に電話をかけてきたジェイコブに語りかけるがジェイコブは怯えるばかりでドクターの言葉を受け入れない。その電話をエースが逆探知し、居場所をつきとめる。ドクターとエースは二人でジェイコブに会いに行くが逃げられてしまう。ドクターはジェイコブが追い詰められて再びハーパー議員を襲うことを心配していた。というのもジェイコブの言うモンスターは実在し、ハーパー議員は単なるホストにすぎず、ハーパー議員を殺せばモンスターは別のホストに乗り換えるだけだからだ。さらにモンスターを退治するためにもモンスターの気配をホストの声から感じ取れるジェイコブの助けが必要だった。しかし、ジェイコブはドクターが懸念した通りハーパー議員の暗殺に向かっていた。
Part2
ハーパーを殺すために自爆テロを試みようとしていたジェイコブだったがエースが思いとどまるよう説得。しかし、会場内で爆発が起こる。ユナイテッド・フロントというテロ組織のリーダー、アレクサンダーが犯行声明を出した。ドクターとエースとジェイコブはポール・ターナの家を訪れ、ハーパーのオフィスに手引きして欲しいと頼む。しかし、指名手配犯であるジェイコブの存在を恐れたポールは３人がハーパーのオフィスに侵入する手引きをしたあと、ハーパーの側近ロドリックに全てを打ち明ける。ロドリックはポールに警察が行くまで３人の側にいるよう指示。ポールはロドリックの言葉に従うが、家に帰った途端、フエアモンガスというハーパーに取り付いているモンスターが姿を現したことに、ドクターやエースが本当のことを話していると知り、ロドリックに告白したことを話し、警察が来るので3人にすぐに逃げるよういう。しかし、逃走中に３人はユナイテッド・フロントに捕まってしまう。ハーパーを排除しなくてはならないというアレクサンダーの言葉に共感したジェイコブはドクターとエースに銃を向ける。エースが説得を試みるが、ジェイコブは発砲する。
Part3
ドクターはジェイコブを説得し、被弾したエースを病院に運ばせる。モンスターの正体はフェアモンガスといい、人に取り憑き、恐怖心を増幅させ周囲にそれを広め、その負のエネルギーを食らう。太古の昔から存在するがホストが死ぬまで憑依し、ホストが死ねば別のホストに乗り移るためになかなか居場所を特定することができない。この機会を逃しては、また特定するまでに時間がかかる。ドクターはポールの手を借りてフェアモンガスを倒すフォース・フィールドを発生させる装置をつくり、インタビューと称してハーパーをミック・トムソンのラジオ番組に呼び出す。しかし、装置を作動させてもモンスターを感知することができない。その頃、病院のエースの元にジェイコブが怪我をさせたことを謝りに訪ねてきていた。エースはドクターがもうすぐモンスターを退治してくれるとジェイコブに話し、二人でラジオ番組を聴く。しかし、いていたジェイコブがモンスターがハーパーではなくミックに乗り憑っていることに気がつく。ジェイコブ同様、ミックの声の中にモンスターのノイズを聞いたエースは、ドクターに知らせようとジェイコブにリスナーを装ってラジオ番組に電話をかけさせる。
Part４
暴動が起こり混乱する中、エースはフェアモンガスの真のホストを倒すためにジェイコブから爆弾を譲り受ける。
感想
とても面白かった。ストーリーがテンポ良く展開し、加えてこちらの予測を小気味よく裏切ってくれる。7thドクターとエースの関係性がとてもかっこいい。ストーリーもよくできていて人間の"恐怖心"や”憎しみ”がどれほどのパワーをもって拡散し、歴史を恐ろしい方向に人々を突き動かすか、とてもわかりやすく描いていたと思う。フェアモンガスは誰の心にも潜んでいるモンスターで、それを打ち負かすに必要なことは何かをとても考えさせられる。呑み込まれないでいることは容易なことではなく、常に自分の心に真摯な気持ちで問いかけ続けなければならない。ひとたび呑み込まれれば、その支配から脱するのはひどく困難、もしくは不可能に近いことなのかもしれないと作品を通して考えさせられた。ドクターやエースの心にもフェアモンガスにつけこまれるような恐怖心は潜んでいて、ドクターはたびかさなる悲しすぎる経験、エースはドクターを信じる強い気持ちが武器となる。エースは本当に強い人でドクターのためならためらうことなく本気で命をかけられる。この絆がどのようにして培われたのか、そしてこの二人の旅はどこに行き着いたのか、ものすごく興味がわいている。7thドクターに関してはあまり好評価を聞いたことがなかったが、この作品で一気に大好きになった。機会があればTV版の方も是非とも見てみたい。
Part1
ミック・トムソンのラジオ番組を通してシェルリン・ハーパー議員の暗殺未遂容疑で警察に追われているウォルター・ジェイコブと接触を試みるドクター。「私は君の言葉を信じる。モンスターは実在する」と番組に電話をかけてきたジェイコブに語りかけるがジェイコブは怯えるばかりでドクターの言葉を受け入れない。その電話をエースが逆探知し、居場所をつきとめる。ドクターとエースは二人でジェイコブに会いに行くが逃げられてしまう。ドクターはジェイコブが追い詰められて再びハーパー議員を襲うことを心配していた。というのもジェイコブの言うモンスターは実在し、ハーパー議員は単なるホストにすぎず、ハーパー議員を殺せばモンスターは別のホストに乗り換えるだけだからだ。さらにモンスターを退治するためにもモンスターの気配をホストの声から感じ取れるジェイコブの助けが必要だった。しかし、ジェイコブはドクターが懸念した通りハーパー議員の暗殺に向かっていた。
Part2
ハーパーを殺すために自爆テロを試みようとしていたジェイコブだったがエースが思いとどまるよう説得。しかし、会場内で爆発が起こる。ユナイテッド・フロントというテロ組織のリーダー、アレクサンダーが犯行声明を出した。ドクターとエースとジェイコブはポール・ターナの家を訪れ、ハーパーのオフィスに手引きして欲しいと頼む。しかし、指名手配犯であるジェイコブの存在を恐れたポールは３人がハーパーのオフィスに侵入する手引きをしたあと、ハーパーの側近ロドリックに全てを打ち明ける。ロドリックはポールに警察が行くまで３人の側にいるよう指示。ポールはロドリックの言葉に従うが、家に帰った途端、フエアモンガスというハーパーに取り付いているモンスターが姿を現したことに、ドクターやエースが本当のことを話していると知り、ロドリックに告白したことを話し、警察が来るので3人にすぐに逃げるよういう。しかし、逃走中に３人はユナイテッド・フロントに捕まってしまう。ハーパーを排除しなくてはならないというアレクサンダーの言葉に共感したジェイコブはドクターとエースに銃を向ける。エースが説得を試みるが、ジェイコブは発砲する。
Part3
ドクターはジェイコブを説得し、被弾したエースを病院に運ばせる。モンスターの正体はフェアモンガスといい、人に取り憑き、恐怖心を増幅させ周囲にそれを広め、その負のエネルギーを食らう。太古の昔から存在するがホストが死ぬまで憑依し、ホストが死ねば別のホストに乗り移るためになかなか居場所を特定することができない。この機会を逃しては、また特定するまでに時間がかかる。ドクターはポールの手を借りてフェアモンガスを倒すフォース・フィールドを発生させる装置をつくり、インタビューと称してハーパーをミック・トムソンのラジオ番組に呼び出す。しかし、装置を作動させてもモンスターを感知することができない。その頃、病院のエースの元にジェイコブが怪我をさせたことを謝りに訪ねてきていた。エースはドクターがもうすぐモンスターを退治してくれるとジェイコブに話し、二人でラジオ番組を聴く。しかし、いていたジェイコブがモンスターがハーパーではなくミックに乗り憑っていることに気がつく。ジェイコブ同様、ミックの声の中にモンスターのノイズを聞いたエースは、ドクターに知らせようとジェイコブにリスナーを装ってラジオ番組に電話をかけさせる。
Part４
暴動が起こり混乱する中、エースはフェアモンガスの真のホストを倒すためにジェイコブから爆弾を譲り受ける。
感想
とても面白かった。ストーリーがテンポ良く展開し、加えてこちらの予測を小気味よく裏切ってくれる。7thドクターとエースの関係性がとてもかっこいい。ストーリーもよくできていて人間の"恐怖心"や”憎しみ”がどれほどのパワーをもって拡散し、歴史を恐ろしい方向に人々を突き動かすか、とてもわかりやすく描いていたと思う。フェアモンガスは誰の心にも潜んでいるモンスターで、それを打ち負かすに必要なことは何かをとても考えさせられる。呑み込まれないでいることは容易なことではなく、常に自分の心に真摯な気持ちで問いかけ続けなければならない。ひとたび呑み込まれれば、その支配から脱するのはひどく困難、もしくは不可能に近いことなのかもしれないと作品を通して考えさせられた。ドクターやエースの心にもフェアモンガスにつけこまれるような恐怖心は潜んでいて、ドクターはたびかさなる悲しすぎる経験、エースはドクターを信じる強い気持ちが武器となる。エースは本当に強い人でドクターのためならためらうことなく本気で命をかけられる。この絆がどのようにして培われたのか、そしてこの二人の旅はどこに行き着いたのか、ものすごく興味がわいている。7thドクターに関してはあまり好評価を聞いたことがなかったが、この作品で一気に大好きになった。機会があればTV版の方も是非とも見てみたい。
June 13, 2022
A Seven and Ace story, which is automatically a good sign. Once again though, Sylvester McCoy had some moments of poor voice acting. The exploration of the relationship between Ace and the Doctor is brilliant, and goes some interesting places. The plot itself was interesting and unfolded very nicely with some interesting twists. The characters were well-drawn, and well-voiced. However it sort of stumbles with the themes. What it says about fear is very accurate. But what it says about racism is sort of undercut by the fact that we never actually hear a speech from Sherilyn Harper, the audio always fades out before she actually says anything specific. So the commentary on racism kinda just ends up being generic stuff like "racism is bad and is inspired by irrational fear." Though it has some nice commentary on the role reactionary politics has in stoking those fears. The worldbuilding is also pretty poor as a result. We can surmise this is a near-ish future Britain, but what's actually going on in regards to the sociopolitical atmosphere of the time is very unclear. There are some vague lines about anti-immigration policies, and more importantly, ethnic cleansing. The latter of which seems like a big deal the story should address and not just gloss over. The final scene is really weird too - it seems to completely undercut the story because Mick hasn't learnt anything. Maybe this is part of the pessimistic attitude towards the idea of change that Ace espouses. The story also feels like it starts in the middle - you're just sorta thrown into the action without understanding what's actually going on. It's pretty disorienting. Overall it's pretty good, probably the best story so far, but the flaws are pretty glaring.
March 24, 2023
when i said with 'whispers of terror' that i'm all for more political doctor who stories, this is what i meant. i mean it had a lot going for it from the get-go: ace and seven,...., seven and ace. ok, yea, basically that's all i knew from the get-go, but that's enough, i'd say.
but, BUT. a political surrounding ace and seven. need i say more? but beyond that, it's genuinely well made. i don't think it's perfect. i think it could do with a few little changes and it'd be a definite 5-star and a favourite doctor who story. but as it is, it's already really fucking good.
it's a definitely recommendation for anyone who doesn't wanna listen to all of big finish like some of us psychos, but just wanna get the "best of". it's amongst the best of, and yes, i can already say that. if not amongst the best of "best of", at least on the list of nods-in-approval-best-of.
i have said a lot without having said anything, haven't i? i have a lot of spoilery thoughts but basically the un-spoilery gist of it is: this felt fresh. it's 23 years old, and we have seen better political stories since, but it still somehow felt fresh. i think it might've helped that it's right after
'the land of the dead' which to me was a very boring basic monster of the week story. and this most certainly isn't monster of the week!
more of this in doctor who. and more of ace and seven in general. i'm all for more of politics when delivered with actually passion about the subject matter, when delivered with authenticity and congruity. and this was it.
but, BUT. a political surrounding ace and seven. need i say more? but beyond that, it's genuinely well made. i don't think it's perfect. i think it could do with a few little changes and it'd be a definite 5-star and a favourite doctor who story. but as it is, it's already really fucking good.
it's a definitely recommendation for anyone who doesn't wanna listen to all of big finish like some of us psychos, but just wanna get the "best of". it's amongst the best of, and yes, i can already say that. if not amongst the best of "best of", at least on the list of nods-in-approval-best-of.
i have said a lot without having said anything, haven't i? i have a lot of spoilery thoughts but basically the un-spoilery gist of it is: this felt fresh. it's 23 years old, and we have seen better political stories since, but it still somehow felt fresh. i think it might've helped that it's right after
'the land of the dead' which to me was a very boring basic monster of the week story. and this most certainly isn't monster of the week!
more of this in doctor who. and more of ace and seven in general. i'm all for more of politics when delivered with actually passion about the subject matter, when delivered with authenticity and congruity. and this was it.
December 3, 2025
Great script! This story perfectly embodies both the character of the Seventh Doctor and the theme of his era as a whole. The Doctor is duty bound to save lives wherever he can - So what does he do when the life that needs saving is a racist politician from assassination attempts?
On top of that already morally grey premise, there's a creepy alien lurking in the background feeding on everyone's fears.
In many ways, this feels like a prototype version of 'LIVE 34', and since that is my favourite BF audio of all time, that says a lot about how I feel about this one.
My only wish is that they had leaned a little more in to making the moral greyness around saving a racist politician's life more of a point in this, as the way it plays out it just feels like the fact that Cherylenne is racist is quite trivial and the Doctor doesn't care about that fact.
Also, the Part 3 cliff-hanger is fantastic and genius. The whole story is worth it just for that moment. More than that though, the way it carries through Part 4, only for the big yet blindingly obvious twist to wrongfoot the listener is just fantastic.
On top of that already morally grey premise, there's a creepy alien lurking in the background feeding on everyone's fears.
In many ways, this feels like a prototype version of 'LIVE 34', and since that is my favourite BF audio of all time, that says a lot about how I feel about this one.
My only wish is that they had leaned a little more in to making the moral greyness around saving a racist politician's life more of a point in this, as the way it plays out it just feels like the fact that Cherylenne is racist is quite trivial and the Doctor doesn't care about that fact.
Also, the Part 3 cliff-hanger is fantastic and genius. The whole story is worth it just for that moment. More than that though, the way it carries through Part 4, only for the big yet blindingly obvious twist to wrongfoot the listener is just fantastic.
February 9, 2025
a doctor who story which is throughly anti-fascist, anti-hate and anti-bigotry.. it’s beyond sad that this one is more relevant than when it was was released.
but it’s also really well written, performed and constructed - the excellent message does not get in the way of the story, but only serves it to be a better and more interesting one. it’s a hard thing to pull off.
and the seventh doctor and ace continue to be one of the best doctor who duos of the whole doctor who universe (I refuse to use the term ‘whoniverse’ screw you rtd). they have so many brilliant moments here, humorous and emotive. I love them
but it’s also really well written, performed and constructed - the excellent message does not get in the way of the story, but only serves it to be a better and more interesting one. it’s a hard thing to pull off.
and the seventh doctor and ace continue to be one of the best doctor who duos of the whole doctor who universe (I refuse to use the term ‘whoniverse’ screw you rtd). they have so many brilliant moments here, humorous and emotive. I love them
October 7, 2025
often electric as drama, easily the freshest and most aesthetically interesting story of Big Finish's first year, and one of the most overtly political Doctor Who stories ever performed, the sort of thing one has to resist the urge to describe with cliches like "more relevant now than ever"; its subject matter certainly continues to take on ever more disturbing resonances 25 years on. its political analysis has moments of sharp insight, but as an overall statement ends up rather muddled, a liberal condemnation of Extremes On All Sides less perceptive or sophisticated, ultimately, than it thinks it is.
December 20, 2019
It's sort of magical how an audio experience can evoke that same feel as the original show without the aid of visuals. But I really felt that way with this particular adventure as it was a classic Seventh Doctor tale that still felt firmly rooted in its original 80s air period. And it's a great story that throws you right into the action from the very beginning as the Doctor and Ace do their best to track down an elusive alien threat that make throw all of Britain into chaos through fear and paranoia.
October 28, 2020
Ace repeating things the doctor says like a nurse handing a surgical instrument to a doctor is peak comedy to me for some reason.
Especially when she tried to guess which took he wanted neck and he turned it into a game.
Ace actually getting injured with repercussions was cool, one of the things I don’t like about doctor who is that they don’t often give any of the main characters injury’s that last more then a cut or a bump on the head and if they do, they somehow get magically healed by the end.
“Doctor are you okay?”
“Of course not, I’m fine.”
Especially when she tried to guess which took he wanted neck and he turned it into a game.
Ace actually getting injured with repercussions was cool, one of the things I don’t like about doctor who is that they don’t often give any of the main characters injury’s that last more then a cut or a bump on the head and if they do, they somehow get magically healed by the end.
“Doctor are you okay?”
“Of course not, I’m fine.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2024
The Fearmonger is a very good Seven & Ace story. The plot moves along at a decent pace, but doesn't seem rushed. There are enough twists and turns to keep it interesting, including some surprising ones. I really like the main theme that was explored, and it was done with heaps of commentary, but it didn't let anyone off the hook. It was great to hear Sophie Aldred back behind the mic as Ace, and even having not played her for a decade, she still had the attitude and spunk that I love from her.
August 1, 2018
This represented my first Big Finish production. It was nice to hear Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldridge reprising their roles in a very well produced Dr. Who adventure. Formatted like a radio play with music, sound effects, a full cast and episodic segments like the old time Dr. Who series, this adventure was well worth the money and is recommended.
October 11, 2018
Der "Fearmonger" produziert keine Angst, er ernäht sich von ihr - und im vorliegenden Abenteuer liefert die sich zur Wahl stellende Parteivorsitzende Harper den Nährboden.
produziert im Jahr 2000, leider noch immer aktuell
sehr gute Darsteller und ich mag die Beziehung zwischen Ace und dem Doctor, u.a. wegen des Gesprächs über den Schmetterlingseffekt und Veränderung
produziert im Jahr 2000, leider noch immer aktuell
sehr gute Darsteller und ich mag die Beziehung zwischen Ace und dem Doctor, u.a. wegen des Gesprächs über den Schmetterlingseffekt und Veränderung
May 7, 2019
An enjoyable listen this one. Is a re-listen, so remembered the twists for the most part, which were quite surprising first time through, but was good to pick up on the hints that were there to indicate what was going to happen. Ace and the Seventh Doctor in good form here, supported by a variety of interesting other characters.
July 18, 2019
Great commentary on the social aspect of fear on the collective. The fault is not directly on politicians or media outlets but more on the listener who chooses to respond with either apathy or action. Those who miss this message may fail to understand where the ultimate responsibility lies for negative activity in the public arena.
Read
March 13, 2021A leisurely-paced story that nevertheless offers some cool twists on the premise and keeps moving in interesting directions. The Doctor and Ace's dynamic was lovely, I really liked both of them (this was my first encounter). And it offered a thought-provoking meditation on fear, politics, media, and violence.
February 10, 2022
I am so excited about the discovery of all the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary shorts which are done by all the authors I already love. It's like the perfect match. I have really enjoyed the variety of worlds and troubles that these adventures explore. I hope to read them all one day.
This was an interesting retro story.
This was an interesting retro story.
April 6, 2025
I think Nigel Farage heard this story and ran with it. Like damn, this 2000 story hits harder now, when the things said in it, are truly happening. It just hits a bit too close to home. I wish these politicians would truly only have an alien creature in them making them say all the horrible shit the do, instead of them just being human and genuinely beleiveing what they are saying.
April 24, 2018
The anarchistic Doctor, pressed for time, formulates a scheme to capture a parasite that feeds off fear while distrust and dislike breed amongst England’s working class in this white-knuckle, action-packed thriller.
September 25, 2019
Okay listened to this in 2019... Does this feel too real to anyone else?! Trump and the alt-right? Super freaky.
I thought Ace wasn't in character. I had trouble telling all of the male characters apart. Story is still good.
I thought Ace wasn't in character. I had trouble telling all of the male characters apart. Story is still good.
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