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The Sixth Doctor Adventures
Doctor Who: The Last Adventure
A very special story which at last provides a heroic exit for Colin Baker's much-loved Time Lord. Four hour-long episodes, connected by the presence of the Valeyard, the entity that exists between the Doctor's twelth and final incarnations.
The End of the Line by Simon Barnard and Paul Morris.
The Doctor and his latest companion Constance investigate a commuter train that has lost its way...
The Red House by Alan Barnes
The Doctor and Charlotte Pollard arrive on a world that is populated by werewolves.
Stage Fright by Matt Fitton
The Doctor and Flip visit Victorian London, where investigators Jago and Litefoot explore theatrical performances that have echoes of the Doctor's past lives...
The Brink of Death by Nicholas Briggs
The Doctor and Mel face the final confrontation with the Valeyard - and the Doctor must make the ultimate sacrifice.
The End of the Line by Simon Barnard and Paul Morris.
The Doctor and his latest companion Constance investigate a commuter train that has lost its way...
The Red House by Alan Barnes
The Doctor and Charlotte Pollard arrive on a world that is populated by werewolves.
Stage Fright by Matt Fitton
The Doctor and Flip visit Victorian London, where investigators Jago and Litefoot explore theatrical performances that have echoes of the Doctor's past lives...
The Brink of Death by Nicholas Briggs
The Doctor and Mel face the final confrontation with the Valeyard - and the Doctor must make the ultimate sacrifice.
Audio CD
First published September 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 13, 2020
The End of the Line - 4.5
The atmosphere and horror of this story, the increasing confusion and impossibility of the situation, and the perversions of time and human nature were absolutely gripping. It’s rare in something like Doctor Who that you can do something that feels new and intense, but they pulled it off here
The Red House - 3.5
I loved hearing Charley with the Sixth Doctor, and once this started to tie into the overall story of the boxset it did raise some interesting questions about whether what The Doctor is doing is right, but I found the actual werewolves quite irritating characters and didn’t really care about their backstory
Stage Fright - 4.5
Total fun. Loved hearing Jago & Litefoot, loved the mystery and especially loved being back in Victorian London. Jago & Litefoot being back is total fan service but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to hear them.
The Brink of Death - 4.5
A story full of tension, surprise and conclusion as it finally addresses the Valeyard’s evil, and his relationship with The Doctor. The story’s constant putting of The Doctor into new dangers and escalating consequences made for an exciting conclusion to this story, but it also highlighted just how much more could have been done with The Doctor and Valeyard’s complicated relationship. It favours the exciting over the complex, and that’s not necessarily a problem but there is much more to this relationship than is on display in this boxset. Still loved it.
The atmosphere and horror of this story, the increasing confusion and impossibility of the situation, and the perversions of time and human nature were absolutely gripping. It’s rare in something like Doctor Who that you can do something that feels new and intense, but they pulled it off here
The Red House - 3.5
I loved hearing Charley with the Sixth Doctor, and once this started to tie into the overall story of the boxset it did raise some interesting questions about whether what The Doctor is doing is right, but I found the actual werewolves quite irritating characters and didn’t really care about their backstory
Stage Fright - 4.5
Total fun. Loved hearing Jago & Litefoot, loved the mystery and especially loved being back in Victorian London. Jago & Litefoot being back is total fan service but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to hear them.
The Brink of Death - 4.5
A story full of tension, surprise and conclusion as it finally addresses the Valeyard’s evil, and his relationship with The Doctor. The story’s constant putting of The Doctor into new dangers and escalating consequences made for an exciting conclusion to this story, but it also highlighted just how much more could have been done with The Doctor and Valeyard’s complicated relationship. It favours the exciting over the complex, and that’s not necessarily a problem but there is much more to this relationship than is on display in this boxset. Still loved it.
June 9, 2021
This set of four stories started brilliantly. The sense of dread was there, and twists in the tale kept me gripped. The second story was a fun reversal tale, enjoyable. The third, fun having the guest stars, but the story was weak, and sadly the final story, the reason we were all here, very disappointing. Confusing and rushed.
March 27, 2019
Among the many problems with the Sixth Doctor's run on TV is the fact that he doesn't get a proper regeneration scene - he just (apparently) bangs his head on the TARDIS console between seasons so that we only see the aftermath. Here, Big Finish fills in that gap by imaging what his final adventure might actually have been like and giving Six a more heroic departure.
This is achieved with four hour-long episodes, three of which form a single plot arc, despite being spread widely across Six's tenure, and featuring a different companion in each one. And, as is clear from the cover, there are also returning characters from the TV series...
* The End of the Line - A spooky and claustrophobic story about passengers trapped on a train as inexplicable and unpleasant events occur around them. The companion here is Constance, who actually made her 'debut' a few weeks later in Criss-Cross. This feels a little disjointed from that one, probably because it's set some time later, so as to avoid her unfamiliarity with time travel overshadowing a story where the focus should be elsewhere. Fortunately, she's written and acted well enough that that doesn't matter; we can accept that there's some gap in there that we haven't seen and just leap into this story. There's a decent twist towards the end, although the connection with the other three stories in the set is rather tacked-on. 4.5 stars.
* The Red House - The Doctor and Charlie arrive on a human colony world that hides an unusual secret. The basic premise is an interesting one, taking a common genre standard and subverting it in an unusual way. The story also has to fit within the relatively brief run where Charlie accompanies Six, referring to, but not relying on, that particular plot arc (which is explained for those unfamiliar with it, but doesn't really affect events too much). Some of the guest characters are a bit weak, and the story isn't really as good as the other three, but it's still decent enough for a one-hour story. 4 stars.
* Stage Fright - This was my favourite story of the four, and there's a lot to like in it. Flip provides a nice contrast with Constance and Charlie, providing a modern eye on the 19th-century setting as well as showing off a dent in her 'daredevil' attitude. She is joined by Jago and Litefoot, who are always a joy to listen to, and are also accompanied here by Ellie from their own series. On top of all of that, as the main villain's plot swings more fully into operation, there are plenty of references to the regeneration scenes for the previous Doctors - it's a bit of fannish self-referentialism, to be sure, but obviously appropriate given the theme of the collection. 5 stars.
* The Brink of Death - So here we have it; the actual regeneration story. Honestly, it is a bit overly complicated, relying on the Matrix and regularly jumping about from place to place as the Valeyard's plan for final victory unfolds. Mel is largely superfluous, here because she obviously needs to be, and is instead largely replaced by a guest character who, in fairness, really works quite well. Much of the story entails the puzzle of how we are going to get to what we see at the beginning of Time and the Rani and, while this isn't the strongest story overall that part at least is well-handled, and gives Six a proper send-off at last. And his final lines are way better than his last utterances on TV... 4 stars.
This is achieved with four hour-long episodes, three of which form a single plot arc, despite being spread widely across Six's tenure, and featuring a different companion in each one. And, as is clear from the cover, there are also returning characters from the TV series...
* The End of the Line - A spooky and claustrophobic story about passengers trapped on a train as inexplicable and unpleasant events occur around them. The companion here is Constance, who actually made her 'debut' a few weeks later in Criss-Cross. This feels a little disjointed from that one, probably because it's set some time later, so as to avoid her unfamiliarity with time travel overshadowing a story where the focus should be elsewhere. Fortunately, she's written and acted well enough that that doesn't matter; we can accept that there's some gap in there that we haven't seen and just leap into this story. There's a decent twist towards the end, although the connection with the other three stories in the set is rather tacked-on. 4.5 stars.
* The Red House - The Doctor and Charlie arrive on a human colony world that hides an unusual secret. The basic premise is an interesting one, taking a common genre standard and subverting it in an unusual way. The story also has to fit within the relatively brief run where Charlie accompanies Six, referring to, but not relying on, that particular plot arc (which is explained for those unfamiliar with it, but doesn't really affect events too much). Some of the guest characters are a bit weak, and the story isn't really as good as the other three, but it's still decent enough for a one-hour story. 4 stars.
* Stage Fright - This was my favourite story of the four, and there's a lot to like in it. Flip provides a nice contrast with Constance and Charlie, providing a modern eye on the 19th-century setting as well as showing off a dent in her 'daredevil' attitude. She is joined by Jago and Litefoot, who are always a joy to listen to, and are also accompanied here by Ellie from their own series. On top of all of that, as the main villain's plot swings more fully into operation, there are plenty of references to the regeneration scenes for the previous Doctors - it's a bit of fannish self-referentialism, to be sure, but obviously appropriate given the theme of the collection. 5 stars.
* The Brink of Death - So here we have it; the actual regeneration story. Honestly, it is a bit overly complicated, relying on the Matrix and regularly jumping about from place to place as the Valeyard's plan for final victory unfolds. Mel is largely superfluous, here because she obviously needs to be, and is instead largely replaced by a guest character who, in fairness, really works quite well. Much of the story entails the puzzle of how we are going to get to what we see at the beginning of Time and the Rani and, while this isn't the strongest story overall that part at least is well-handled, and gives Six a proper send-off at last. And his final lines are way better than his last utterances on TV... 4 stars.
June 9, 2020
"The End of the Line" feels like a classic (or perhaps classic of the modern era) Doctor Who story, as it takes place on a train and The Doctor tries to figure out a murderer. His companion Constance Clarke mentions a show called Professor X when he talks about parallel universes, and apparently this is a show in-universe that is very much like Doctor Who. At first I thought of the X-Men character, so I was confused. The Master also appears in a manner that's quite fitting.
In "Red House," it was funny listening about werewolves after listening to Blood on Santa's Claw and Other Stories. These wolves, however, become human-like in the daylight. So I thought that was a nice twist. Charlotte Pollard is involved, and it's interesting how The Valeyard threatens to reveal her secret that she's a companion to the Eighth Doctor. I haven't finished listening to her adventures with Eighth, so I still have some gaps to fill.
In "Stage Fright," Flip Jackson is the companion, and we get Jago and Litefoot again. It was funny hearing Flip mention Hufflepuff from Harry Potter. And of course, The Valeyard is involved in this story as well. He has to be before the final story.
"The Brink of Death" is a fantastic ending that dovetails into the regeneration in Time and the Rani. The Valeyard tries to take over The Doctor's life, and when he and an echo of The Doctor are in the Matrix, the echo of The Doctor does this magnificent speech as he causes his past self to go into the trajectory that would lead to radiation deadly to Time Lords. With a future overwritten, we get the Sixth Doctor's last words as he accepts that he might die, and then we get hear the Seventh Doctor as he regenerates.
So this, to me, is the definitive ending to the Sixth Doctor's adventures. It's a proper send-off to Colin Baker's Doctor. It's heroic, and it's seamless, and it improves the show. This is a must-have.
In "Red House," it was funny listening about werewolves after listening to Blood on Santa's Claw and Other Stories. These wolves, however, become human-like in the daylight. So I thought that was a nice twist. Charlotte Pollard is involved, and it's interesting how The Valeyard threatens to reveal her secret that she's a companion to the Eighth Doctor. I haven't finished listening to her adventures with Eighth, so I still have some gaps to fill.
In "Stage Fright," Flip Jackson is the companion, and we get Jago and Litefoot again. It was funny hearing Flip mention Hufflepuff from Harry Potter. And of course, The Valeyard is involved in this story as well. He has to be before the final story.
"The Brink of Death" is a fantastic ending that dovetails into the regeneration in Time and the Rani. The Valeyard tries to take over The Doctor's life, and when he and an echo of The Doctor are in the Matrix, the echo of The Doctor does this magnificent speech as he causes his past self to go into the trajectory that would lead to radiation deadly to Time Lords. With a future overwritten, we get the Sixth Doctor's last words as he accepts that he might die, and then we get hear the Seventh Doctor as he regenerates.
So this, to me, is the definitive ending to the Sixth Doctor's adventures. It's a proper send-off to Colin Baker's Doctor. It's heroic, and it's seamless, and it improves the show. This is a must-have.
December 20, 2021
Doctor Who: The Last Adventure - 4.375/5 stars
The Sixth Doctor gets a collection of stories set with 3 of his Big Finish companions with a storyline picking up through the anthology that ties up at the end finishing 6’s run as the Doctor. Big Finish did justice to 6 where the television show didn’t.
The End of the Line by Simon Barnard and Paul Morris - 5/5 stars
Love this story. Characters are taken out of reality and after a bit into the story one realizes the meaningless choices we make don’t matter and starts to go mad, doing whatever they want because its not their problem anymore, its their alternate realities versions problem.
The Red House by Alan Barnes - 4/5 stars
Doctor Who and the Planet of the Were-humans. The Valeyard pops in for a nice cuppa to have a chat with Charlotte. This story is quite fun and has a great concept that twists the whole ‘werewolf’ lore.
Stage Fright by Matt Fitton - 3.5/5 stars
I’ve never really listened to the Jago and Litefoot stories by Big Finish but they’re both quite good in this story. The whole idea of theatre being a tool for the Valeyard to reenact the Doctors traumatic past and take the energy from the performers to charge his machine was entertaining too. Flip and 6 make for a good duo in this story too.
The Brink of Death by Nicholas Briggs - 5/5 stars A wonderful end to a wonderful Doctor. 6 faces the Valeyard one more time and we get to know more about the Valeyard. The end to 6 regenerating into 7 has been tried a couple of times but this story takes all of those possibilities and makes one pretty decent open-ended story that incorporates all of those regenerations. Colin Bakers finest outing as the Sixth Doctor.
The Sixth Doctor gets a collection of stories set with 3 of his Big Finish companions with a storyline picking up through the anthology that ties up at the end finishing 6’s run as the Doctor. Big Finish did justice to 6 where the television show didn’t.
The End of the Line by Simon Barnard and Paul Morris - 5/5 stars
Love this story. Characters are taken out of reality and after a bit into the story one realizes the meaningless choices we make don’t matter and starts to go mad, doing whatever they want because its not their problem anymore, its their alternate realities versions problem.
The Red House by Alan Barnes - 4/5 stars
Doctor Who and the Planet of the Were-humans. The Valeyard pops in for a nice cuppa to have a chat with Charlotte. This story is quite fun and has a great concept that twists the whole ‘werewolf’ lore.
Stage Fright by Matt Fitton - 3.5/5 stars
I’ve never really listened to the Jago and Litefoot stories by Big Finish but they’re both quite good in this story. The whole idea of theatre being a tool for the Valeyard to reenact the Doctors traumatic past and take the energy from the performers to charge his machine was entertaining too. Flip and 6 make for a good duo in this story too.
The Brink of Death by Nicholas Briggs - 5/5 stars A wonderful end to a wonderful Doctor. 6 faces the Valeyard one more time and we get to know more about the Valeyard. The end to 6 regenerating into 7 has been tried a couple of times but this story takes all of those possibilities and makes one pretty decent open-ended story that incorporates all of those regenerations. Colin Bakers finest outing as the Sixth Doctor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2022
"The End of the Line" by Simon Barnard and Paul Morris: The Doctor and Constance investigate a commuter train that has lost its way only to discover the Master and the Valeyard are up to something nefarious.
"The Red House" by Alan Barnes: The Doctor and Charlotte Pollard arrive on a world that is populated by reverse werewolves. This was fairly entertaining. The werewolves were a little bit annoying, but the overall plot was interesting - and the Valeyard was doing something interesting...
"Stage Fright" by Matt Fitton: The Doctor and Flip visit Victorian London, where Jago and Litefoot (from The Talons of Wang Chiang) explore theatrical performances that have echoes of the Doctor's past deaths. This was very entertaining.
"The Brink of Death" by Nicholas Briggs: We get the final battle between the 6th Doctor and the Valeyard... and we finally get a reason for his regeneration!!!
All in all, an entertaining series of interlocked adventures that span the Doctor's timeline as his 6th regeneration. You get to visit with several past companions and it spins right into the beginning of the 7th Doctor's first episode.
"The Red House" by Alan Barnes: The Doctor and Charlotte Pollard arrive on a world that is populated by reverse werewolves. This was fairly entertaining. The werewolves were a little bit annoying, but the overall plot was interesting - and the Valeyard was doing something interesting...
"Stage Fright" by Matt Fitton: The Doctor and Flip visit Victorian London, where Jago and Litefoot (from The Talons of Wang Chiang) explore theatrical performances that have echoes of the Doctor's past deaths. This was very entertaining.
"The Brink of Death" by Nicholas Briggs: We get the final battle between the 6th Doctor and the Valeyard... and we finally get a reason for his regeneration!!!
All in all, an entertaining series of interlocked adventures that span the Doctor's timeline as his 6th regeneration. You get to visit with several past companions and it spins right into the beginning of the 7th Doctor's first episode.
June 11, 2019
The reign of the Sixth Doctor was never properly concluded on TV. He was never given a proper regeneration story. With this box set, Big Finish aims to correct this old slight to Colin Baker. The set is composed of 4 linked stories. Here is what I think of each story:
1. The End of the Line: This story, in tone, fits right in with Colin's era stories in tone. This story features both the Master and the Valeyard. This also happened in one Segment of Tv's Trial of a Timelord.
2. The Red House: This story is a bit weaker than the first one. It features werewolves.
3. Stage Fright: This is a very good story. It is set in Victorian England and features Jago and Litefoot. This story, through the guise of putting on a play, has dramatic readings and reenactments of the Doctor's previous regenerations.
4. The Brink of Death : This story helps to fill in the gaps between the end of Trial of a Timelord and Time and the Rani. The Valeyard features heavily in the lead up to the regeneration. It given Six a proper send off.
1. The End of the Line: This story, in tone, fits right in with Colin's era stories in tone. This story features both the Master and the Valeyard. This also happened in one Segment of Tv's Trial of a Timelord.
2. The Red House: This story is a bit weaker than the first one. It features werewolves.
3. Stage Fright: This is a very good story. It is set in Victorian England and features Jago and Litefoot. This story, through the guise of putting on a play, has dramatic readings and reenactments of the Doctor's previous regenerations.
4. The Brink of Death : This story helps to fill in the gaps between the end of Trial of a Timelord and Time and the Rani. The Valeyard features heavily in the lead up to the regeneration. It given Six a proper send off.
March 17, 2025
This includes four separate (but related) stories that lead up to the regeneration of the 6th Doctor, an event that was never seen because the television show was canceled. This outing is also the first time Colin Baker had revived the Doctor role for Big Finish; there are glimpses of just how good he would be in the format but I have come to expect more after listening to later audiobooks. The stories are solid enough, with a changing cast of companions. Some of my favorite audiobook companions are here, but I found the changing cast and lack of explanation as to how someone who travels with a future Doctor is with the 6th Doctor to be a bit disorienting. In the post-book interviews, someone mentions that this really is the origin story of another character, rather than a story of the 6th Doctor. I wish I had known that before listening as it might have helped to engage me in that connecting thread.
December 4, 2018
Excellent collection of stories that build up to the Sixth Doctor's long overdue farewell story. The stories are loosely linked, though the link gets stronger as they proceed, but give us good little stories with a number of his companions. Coming to this after listening to all the Constance stories, it probably isn't the same as it was for those listening to the character for the first time, but for me at least immediately captured the feel of her other stories. Charlie, Flip, Jago, Litefoot and Mel also good in their stories, and while at least one surprise villain in there for me, the Valeyard was a good menace throughout. In addition, the Sixth Doctor in fine form here, showing his range of character traits well, and ultimately having a noble end. All round, a great collection.
April 22, 2020
This was a great set of stories and eventual regeneration send-off for the Sixth Doctor. He finally gets his moment! All sorts of great companions too. I was very pleased to finally listen to this (though I waited until I was done with the Sixth Doctor's run in my recent Classic Who viewing).
June 13, 2018
This is great!
Four very entertaining stories, well acted and well written and Colin Baker is a joy in this.
Four very entertaining stories, well acted and well written and Colin Baker is a joy in this.
December 20, 2022
Great finale for the sixth doctor!
June 6, 2023
2-3 stars
June 16, 2025
A true and proper ending for Sixth Doctor.
Great how the four separate stories from different eras of Sixth Doctor sync into tear jerking end...
Great how the four separate stories from different eras of Sixth Doctor sync into tear jerking end...
October 23, 2015
The Sixth Doctor's time comes to an end. Big Finish finally gives their view on how the Sixth Doctor regenerated.
The End of the Line by Simon Barnard and Paul Morris. 5 Stars
The Doctor and Constance Clark investigate a train crash and the mysterious fog surrounding it. This adventure kicks off the series on a high note. The suspense builds as something kill people in the fog. This audio combines a few horror and science fiction conventions into a great listen. Constance, in her first released appearance, is an empathetic companion who rounds the occasionally bombastic Sixth Doctor nicely.
The Red House by Alan Barnes 3 Stars
The Doctor and Charlotte Pollard try to discover the mystery of the Red House and why it is experimenting on werewolves. The most stand alone episode of this set is also the weakest. The werewolf supporting characters all come off a stupid, which seems at odds with the final moral of the story. The Doctor also goes off without all the facts thus proving one of the Valeyard's main points against the Doctor. The Valeyard seems more like hero of this piece than the Doctor. It is a fine audio and its biggest strength is in providing ambiguity for the Valeyard.
Stage Fright by Matt Fitton 5 Stars
The Doctor, Flip, Jago, and Litefoot try to discover the reason behind a series of performances mimicking the Doctor's deaths. This adventure is very much for the Audio fans. The Valeyard's reenactments of the fourth, first, third, and second regeneration is marvelously creepy. Flip continues to be a great contrast to the stodgy side of the Sixth Doctor, and this episode has some fantastic old vs. young humor. Jago and Litefoot always bring a smile to my face, and they are in top form in their aide to the Doctor.
The Brink of Death by Nicholas Briggs 4.5 Stars
The Doctor sacrifices himself to destroy the Valeyard forever. Mel is barely in this adventure but is likable in the bit she's in. The replacement companion is great, working as a reminder of the Doctor's past and a reliable aid. This episode provides a great unbeatable situation that is overcome by sacrifice. This sort of scene can often be cheesy or stupid; this ending is selfless and valiant- two things this doctor was not initially known for.
This series is a resounding success with a strange but worthy plot by the Valeyard. The Sixth Doctor gets to shine as do most of the companions. The supporting cast is solidly above par with most of the characters being memorable additions rather than additions to the body count. Ultimately, the tales work to create a fantastic send off to one of my favorite Doctors.
The End of the Line by Simon Barnard and Paul Morris. 5 Stars
The Doctor and Constance Clark investigate a train crash and the mysterious fog surrounding it. This adventure kicks off the series on a high note. The suspense builds as something kill people in the fog. This audio combines a few horror and science fiction conventions into a great listen. Constance, in her first released appearance, is an empathetic companion who rounds the occasionally bombastic Sixth Doctor nicely.
The Red House by Alan Barnes 3 Stars
The Doctor and Charlotte Pollard try to discover the mystery of the Red House and why it is experimenting on werewolves. The most stand alone episode of this set is also the weakest. The werewolf supporting characters all come off a stupid, which seems at odds with the final moral of the story. The Doctor also goes off without all the facts thus proving one of the Valeyard's main points against the Doctor. The Valeyard seems more like hero of this piece than the Doctor. It is a fine audio and its biggest strength is in providing ambiguity for the Valeyard.
Stage Fright by Matt Fitton 5 Stars
The Doctor, Flip, Jago, and Litefoot try to discover the reason behind a series of performances mimicking the Doctor's deaths. This adventure is very much for the Audio fans. The Valeyard's reenactments of the fourth, first, third, and second regeneration is marvelously creepy. Flip continues to be a great contrast to the stodgy side of the Sixth Doctor, and this episode has some fantastic old vs. young humor. Jago and Litefoot always bring a smile to my face, and they are in top form in their aide to the Doctor.
The Brink of Death by Nicholas Briggs 4.5 Stars
The Doctor sacrifices himself to destroy the Valeyard forever. Mel is barely in this adventure but is likable in the bit she's in. The replacement companion is great, working as a reminder of the Doctor's past and a reliable aid. This episode provides a great unbeatable situation that is overcome by sacrifice. This sort of scene can often be cheesy or stupid; this ending is selfless and valiant- two things this doctor was not initially known for.
This series is a resounding success with a strange but worthy plot by the Valeyard. The Sixth Doctor gets to shine as do most of the companions. The supporting cast is solidly above par with most of the characters being memorable additions rather than additions to the body count. Ultimately, the tales work to create a fantastic send off to one of my favorite Doctors.
February 10, 2017
Perhaps a little generous on the rating. Will have to give this another go. (I need to do these in one sitting instead of listening to them in small portions during short commutes.)
But on the whole a great romp through the Sixth Doctor's history. These four interconnected episodes each feature a different traveling companion (Charley, Flip, Mel, and Constance Clarke. Clever how we meet Constance in media res as it were, before her first official meeting with the Doctor due out next month. Echoes of how Mel was introduced). Meanwhile, the Valeyard weaves his master plot throughout these episodes, his plan fully revealed in the final episode.
Barnard and Morris's The End of the Line is a surprisingly serious and dark affair, given the writers' tendency toward levity. (They are the mad geniuses behind The Scarifyers and have been recently contributing to Jago and Litefoot as well. It also introduces new companion Constance Clarke who hasn't actually been introduced yet. But I'm intrigued by how "Mrs." Clarke ends up as a traveling companion.)
The Red House takes us back to Charlotte Pollard's time in the Tardis, and the story fits in nicely to her overall character arc, reminding us that she's keeping secrets from the Doctor -- and intriguingly, the Valeyard knows what those secrets are.
Stage Fright brings back Flip Jackson for a visit to Professor Litefoot and Henry Gordon Jago. Perhaps the best of the set. Flip took some getting used to, but in the end I enjoyed her time in the Tardis and would welcome her return. (With or without Jared.) Add in Jago and Litefoot, and it's quite a fun reunion for the Sixth Doctor. A certain Mr. "Yardvale" has been staging some curious performances at the New Regency theater -- performances that echo several of the Doctor's near-death experiences.
Finally, in The Brink of Death, Nicholas Briggs has the task of wrapping this all up, while getting the Doctor to where he was found at the start of Time of the Rani. It's all the usual high-concept gobbledy gook with the Matrix and some alien maguffins, but it never sinks under the weight of its technobabble thanks to the inclusion of a one-off companion Genesta, a Gallifreyan technician who keeps things light and snappy.
Genesta has so much potential it will be a shame if she doesn't make a reappearance. Though it seems impossible to pair her again with Colin (given that her first appearance is Six's last) I'm sure that a way can be found. Or how about sticking her with Seven or Eight?
But on the whole a great romp through the Sixth Doctor's history. These four interconnected episodes each feature a different traveling companion (Charley, Flip, Mel, and Constance Clarke. Clever how we meet Constance in media res as it were, before her first official meeting with the Doctor due out next month. Echoes of how Mel was introduced). Meanwhile, the Valeyard weaves his master plot throughout these episodes, his plan fully revealed in the final episode.
Barnard and Morris's The End of the Line is a surprisingly serious and dark affair, given the writers' tendency toward levity. (They are the mad geniuses behind The Scarifyers and have been recently contributing to Jago and Litefoot as well. It also introduces new companion Constance Clarke who hasn't actually been introduced yet. But I'm intrigued by how "Mrs." Clarke ends up as a traveling companion.)
The Red House takes us back to Charlotte Pollard's time in the Tardis, and the story fits in nicely to her overall character arc, reminding us that she's keeping secrets from the Doctor -- and intriguingly, the Valeyard knows what those secrets are.
Stage Fright brings back Flip Jackson for a visit to Professor Litefoot and Henry Gordon Jago. Perhaps the best of the set. Flip took some getting used to, but in the end I enjoyed her time in the Tardis and would welcome her return. (With or without Jared.) Add in Jago and Litefoot, and it's quite a fun reunion for the Sixth Doctor. A certain Mr. "Yardvale" has been staging some curious performances at the New Regency theater -- performances that echo several of the Doctor's near-death experiences.
Finally, in The Brink of Death, Nicholas Briggs has the task of wrapping this all up, while getting the Doctor to where he was found at the start of Time of the Rani. It's all the usual high-concept gobbledy gook with the Matrix and some alien maguffins, but it never sinks under the weight of its technobabble thanks to the inclusion of a one-off companion Genesta, a Gallifreyan technician who keeps things light and snappy.
Genesta has so much potential it will be a shame if she doesn't make a reappearance. Though it seems impossible to pair her again with Colin (given that her first appearance is Six's last) I'm sure that a way can be found. Or how about sticking her with Seven or Eight?
August 24, 2015
This was just wonderful. The regeneration story that Old Sixie deserved. I was expecting more of a continuity between the stories but as they were they were similarly themed and each quite self contained. But very enjoyable.
The first story by Simon and Paul was my favourite. It was very atmospheric and a wonderful introduction to the new companion, Constance, who seems very interesting and very capable.
The second story wasn't quite as good. It was wonderful to have Charlie back with the Doctor but the comedy werewolves just didn't feel quite like they belonged in a more serious box set. It would have been a fun individual adventure but just felt a bit out of step with the rest. Still it's I suppose it's not a bad thing to have a few light moments, and it was great to hear Charlie finally address the whole "Edwardian" vs "Georgian" question I've been wondering about since I first came across her.
The third story had Jago and Litefoot and some very interesting theatricals. This was the first Flip story I heard and I must admit I wasn't a fan. Another 21st century teenager, who just seemed a bit of all the worst of Rose and Izzy combined. I couldn't help but think how wonderful this story would have been with Evelyn and the old gentlemen instead. Still it was a good plot and the rest of the characters were great.
The last story was also particularly good. Knowing it was the last one made it seem especially poignant. I loved Mel travelling with the Valeyard. I loved the Yorkshire Time Lass. The Doctor's self sacrifice was lovely and so in keeping with who he was. It felt like the right ending.
One thing I think Big Finish (and Colin) have done exceptionally well is develop the Sixth Doctor. All the other Doctor's (with the possible exception of Paul McGann) are all pretty much stuck as they are after the regeneration settles. Colin's doctor seems to be the only one who grows and changes and lets those around him influence who he is. Especially the wonderful Evelyn. I can't recommend this highly enough.
The first story by Simon and Paul was my favourite. It was very atmospheric and a wonderful introduction to the new companion, Constance, who seems very interesting and very capable.
The second story wasn't quite as good. It was wonderful to have Charlie back with the Doctor but the comedy werewolves just didn't feel quite like they belonged in a more serious box set. It would have been a fun individual adventure but just felt a bit out of step with the rest. Still it's I suppose it's not a bad thing to have a few light moments, and it was great to hear Charlie finally address the whole "Edwardian" vs "Georgian" question I've been wondering about since I first came across her.
The third story had Jago and Litefoot and some very interesting theatricals. This was the first Flip story I heard and I must admit I wasn't a fan. Another 21st century teenager, who just seemed a bit of all the worst of Rose and Izzy combined. I couldn't help but think how wonderful this story would have been with Evelyn and the old gentlemen instead. Still it was a good plot and the rest of the characters were great.
The last story was also particularly good. Knowing it was the last one made it seem especially poignant. I loved Mel travelling with the Valeyard. I loved the Yorkshire Time Lass. The Doctor's self sacrifice was lovely and so in keeping with who he was. It felt like the right ending.
One thing I think Big Finish (and Colin) have done exceptionally well is develop the Sixth Doctor. All the other Doctor's (with the possible exception of Paul McGann) are all pretty much stuck as they are after the regeneration settles. Colin's doctor seems to be the only one who grows and changes and lets those around him influence who he is. Especially the wonderful Evelyn. I can't recommend this highly enough.
September 29, 2015
Quattro avventure per il Sesto Dottore, compresa la sua storia finale, con la rigenerazione che non ha potuto avere in video. Ultima storia, solo cronologicamente per il personaggio, perché si spera che le avventure narrate da Colin Baker continuino ancora a lungo.
Non tutte le quattro storie hanno lo stesso impatto, alcune sono ottime, alcune buone, altre hanno un buon potenziale, ma non adatto allo scenario complessivo del cofanetto.
The End of the Line, di Simon Barnard e Paul Morris, è una storia claustrofibica e a basso costo (se fosse un video), ambientata su un vagone ferroviario e in una stazione piena di nebbia. Ottima storia e inquietante al punto giusto.
The Red House, di Alan Barnes, è risultata quella che mi è piaciuta di meno. Sarebbe stata una buona sotira per un audio singolo ma, a parte il dettaglio che la collega al gran finale, lascia il tempo che trova, nonostante la presenza di Charley sia sempre gradita.
Stage Fright, di Matt Fitton, un po' telefonata ma interessante nel complesso. La compagnia di Jago e Litetfoot merita sempre, anche se avrei dato più spazio a Ellie, trovando Flip poco simpatica (il fatto che fosse la prima volta che la incontravo potrebbe aver peggiorato le cose).
The Brink of Death, di Nicholas Briggs... il confronto finale tra il Dottore e il Valeyard, con la presenza di Mel come companion di transizione, è la cigliegina sulla torta, Complesso e intrivato al punto giusto, con una destinazione finale ben nota ma, nonostate tutto, ottima e sorpendente nel finale.
Le ultime battute sono perfette... e non devo aggiungere altro.
Non tutte le quattro storie hanno lo stesso impatto, alcune sono ottime, alcune buone, altre hanno un buon potenziale, ma non adatto allo scenario complessivo del cofanetto.
The End of the Line, di Simon Barnard e Paul Morris, è una storia claustrofibica e a basso costo (se fosse un video), ambientata su un vagone ferroviario e in una stazione piena di nebbia. Ottima storia e inquietante al punto giusto.
The Red House, di Alan Barnes, è risultata quella che mi è piaciuta di meno. Sarebbe stata una buona sotira per un audio singolo ma, a parte il dettaglio che la collega al gran finale, lascia il tempo che trova, nonostante la presenza di Charley sia sempre gradita.
Stage Fright, di Matt Fitton, un po' telefonata ma interessante nel complesso. La compagnia di Jago e Litetfoot merita sempre, anche se avrei dato più spazio a Ellie, trovando Flip poco simpatica (il fatto che fosse la prima volta che la incontravo potrebbe aver peggiorato le cose).
The Brink of Death, di Nicholas Briggs... il confronto finale tra il Dottore e il Valeyard, con la presenza di Mel come companion di transizione, è la cigliegina sulla torta, Complesso e intrivato al punto giusto, con una destinazione finale ben nota ma, nonostate tutto, ottima e sorpendente nel finale.
Le ultime battute sono perfette... e non devo aggiungere altro.
February 15, 2017
Don't really recall what went on in the first part, but it was very atmospheric. Why have a new companion though?
- Strongly disliked the second story, which was shouty and annoying until the last few minutes. Never liked Charley with 8, and judging from this she's even more intolerable with 6. What were they thinking? Took several months off before finishing it.
- Parts 3 and 4 much better. I'd never heard a Flip story before but she was quite like-able here. 4 was a bit confusing but did a fairly good job bringing it all together.
- Strongly disliked the second story, which was shouty and annoying until the last few minutes. Never liked Charley with 8, and judging from this she's even more intolerable with 6. What were they thinking? Took several months off before finishing it.
- Parts 3 and 4 much better. I'd never heard a Flip story before but she was quite like-able here. 4 was a bit confusing but did a fairly good job bringing it all together.
September 7, 2015
I'm disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it was good antology, but there was a loooooot of wasted potential. Four stories and only one is true regeneration story? Intserting a new companion was, in my opinion mistake, they also did not solve Melanie's timey-wimey issue fully, despite of fact it was almost done - one sentence and there would be it. And Valeyard... He has terrific plan but that plan was not connected with fact, that he's part of the Doctor at all. Well, I'm glad that stories per se were interesting.
September 9, 2015
Exciting battle to the death between the Doctor and the Valeyard.
November 12, 2015
Nice to have a fitting end to the 6th Doctor that doesn't leave his final words as "Carrot Juice, Carrot Juice, Carrot Juice"! I found the overall story a bit disjointed, however.
September 28, 2016
First 2 stories were a bit hit and miss but the latter two were very enjoyable.
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