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UNIT: The New Series #1
UNIT: Extinction
In this four-story box set, Kate Stewart, Osgood and the UNIT team confront an alien invasion by the Nestene Consciousness and its army of plastic Autons...
1. Vanguard by Matt Fitton
While UNIT attend a 'skyfall' incident under the eyes of watchful journalists, reclusive billionaire Simon Devlin is planning a product launch that will change the world...
2. Earthfall by Andrew Smith
Lieutenant Sam Bishop and Osgood are deployed to the Gobi desert in search of a Nestene energy unit. But there are Autons in the sand dunes...
3. Bridgehead by Andrew Smith
Captain Josh Carter has gone undercover inside Devlin Futuretech. But his safety is jeopardised by the activities of investigative journalist Jacqui McGee.
4. Armageddon by Matt Fitton
As UNIT leads the fightback on every front, every continent, against an implacable army, Kate Stewart must look to the past for some clue to defeat the plastic menace.
1. Vanguard by Matt Fitton
While UNIT attend a 'skyfall' incident under the eyes of watchful journalists, reclusive billionaire Simon Devlin is planning a product launch that will change the world...
2. Earthfall by Andrew Smith
Lieutenant Sam Bishop and Osgood are deployed to the Gobi desert in search of a Nestene energy unit. But there are Autons in the sand dunes...
3. Bridgehead by Andrew Smith
Captain Josh Carter has gone undercover inside Devlin Futuretech. But his safety is jeopardised by the activities of investigative journalist Jacqui McGee.
4. Armageddon by Matt Fitton
As UNIT leads the fightback on every front, every continent, against an implacable army, Kate Stewart must look to the past for some clue to defeat the plastic menace.
Audio CD
First published November 9, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 25, 2015
I wasn't going to get UNIT extinction as Big Finish is producing so many things at the moment I'm trying to only buy the ones with my favourite actors in. But then I saw it was written by Matt, whose one of my favourite BF writers, so decided to get it anyway. He said it was very action oriented and if you enjoy a good action story then this is definitely for you.
This has a wonderful feel to is as it's a long continuous story over 4 discs. So it has a good amount of time to develop both the plot and the new characters. There is a definite feel of a Pertwee era story about this, not just the use of Unit and the Autons, but they way it's handled. The premise for this is perfect. 3D printing combined with the Autons, could there be a better match with modern technology for that villain?
One of the best things about UNIT is that they can't simply have the Doctor turn up and save everything for them with a wave of his wand, er I mean Sonic Screwdriver. Here the women of UNIT, notably Kate and Osgood have to use science and diplomacy to defeat the aliens which are a very real threat to the survival of the human race. The audio really captures the strengths of both Kate and Osgood as they were on the show and further develops them. There are also new characters introduced, a woman reporter and a daring UNIT solider. I have to admit I did really like the woman reporter even though she was constantly at odds with the heroes of the story. It did feel like another really good modernisation of the 70s story.
The production values are brilliant. Listening to this feels like watching a high scale production with an unlimited production. A great jumping in point for fans of "nu" who that haven't listened to any of the BF audios yet. But definitely also recommended for fans of BF and the Pertwee Era.
This has a wonderful feel to is as it's a long continuous story over 4 discs. So it has a good amount of time to develop both the plot and the new characters. There is a definite feel of a Pertwee era story about this, not just the use of Unit and the Autons, but they way it's handled. The premise for this is perfect. 3D printing combined with the Autons, could there be a better match with modern technology for that villain?
One of the best things about UNIT is that they can't simply have the Doctor turn up and save everything for them with a wave of his wand, er I mean Sonic Screwdriver. Here the women of UNIT, notably Kate and Osgood have to use science and diplomacy to defeat the aliens which are a very real threat to the survival of the human race. The audio really captures the strengths of both Kate and Osgood as they were on the show and further develops them. There are also new characters introduced, a woman reporter and a daring UNIT solider. I have to admit I did really like the woman reporter even though she was constantly at odds with the heroes of the story. It did feel like another really good modernisation of the 70s story.
The production values are brilliant. Listening to this feels like watching a high scale production with an unlimited production. A great jumping in point for fans of "nu" who that haven't listened to any of the BF audios yet. But definitely also recommended for fans of BF and the Pertwee Era.
May 12, 2023
1.1. Vanguard - Fun and exciting. While this was a good start for this series, there wasn’t anything that really jumped out and begged for me to continue (other than the cliffhanger obviously). Lots of setting up situations and introducing characters. The usual early days necessities. Still, I’ve put off listening to these for too long as it is, long past time to get to it (3/5).
1.2. Earthfall - Just realized the theme song conjures to mind the classic Barry Gray themes for stuff like Thunderbirds and UFO from the 60s & 70s, with a more contemporary feel. Not identical, just some thematic similarities. Again, this one started off a bit slow, but picked up very quickly. Almost too quickly, because it was over way to soon. Very strong characters. Good visualization cues, without leaning on narrative dialogue (this is something that Big Finish usually excels at anyway, so no surprise there) and a plot that feels “classic” and yet is certainly something one might see on TV these days. I was going to try to do just one episode a day, but I may not be able to hold myself back. It’s all just too delicious (4/5).
1.3. Bridgehead - Well, the world got the better of me, and I was able to hold off - but not by my choice, just too many things demanding attention. This chapter features non-stop action and adventure delivered in classic UNIT style. The threat to Earth is looming large and UNIT forces are spread thin, trying to save humanity. Very fun and exciting and, again, was over before I expected it to be with another cliffhanger ending (3/5).
1.4. Armageddon - Listened to this right after the previous chapter, it was just too engaging not to just push through. Exciting and entertaining wrap up for this first storyline. I can hardly wait to start the second box set (4/5).
The box set includes a fifth disc with bonus interviews with cast and crew. Overall this was a brilliant and enormously entertaining start for this series. This UNIT feels simultaneously very similar to the classic UNIT and completely different. It strikes the near perfect balance between playing homage to nostalgia and building something brand new (3/5).
1.2. Earthfall - Just realized the theme song conjures to mind the classic Barry Gray themes for stuff like Thunderbirds and UFO from the 60s & 70s, with a more contemporary feel. Not identical, just some thematic similarities. Again, this one started off a bit slow, but picked up very quickly. Almost too quickly, because it was over way to soon. Very strong characters. Good visualization cues, without leaning on narrative dialogue (this is something that Big Finish usually excels at anyway, so no surprise there) and a plot that feels “classic” and yet is certainly something one might see on TV these days. I was going to try to do just one episode a day, but I may not be able to hold myself back. It’s all just too delicious (4/5).
1.3. Bridgehead - Well, the world got the better of me, and I was able to hold off - but not by my choice, just too many things demanding attention. This chapter features non-stop action and adventure delivered in classic UNIT style. The threat to Earth is looming large and UNIT forces are spread thin, trying to save humanity. Very fun and exciting and, again, was over before I expected it to be with another cliffhanger ending (3/5).
1.4. Armageddon - Listened to this right after the previous chapter, it was just too engaging not to just push through. Exciting and entertaining wrap up for this first storyline. I can hardly wait to start the second box set (4/5).
The box set includes a fifth disc with bonus interviews with cast and crew. Overall this was a brilliant and enormously entertaining start for this series. This UNIT feels simultaneously very similar to the classic UNIT and completely different. It strikes the near perfect balance between playing homage to nostalgia and building something brand new (3/5).
May 22, 2019
Big Finish's first release to be focussed solely on the modern series, after they gained the license in 2014, this is a 4-part release that comprises a single story. Kate Stewart and Osgood are the central characters, joined by three newcomers to fill out the ranks. And what better way to kick off a series about UNIT than with the return of the autons, which also heralded the dawn of the 'UNIT era' proper back in 1970?
The result is, in some respects, a modern updating of Spearhead from Space, with 3D printers and fibre optic internet connections joining the deadly mannequins. There are, of course, plenty of references back to the original series, with the Brigadier being mentioned quite a lot, but nothing that is likely to get in the way of the story for those only familiar with the new one; the only plot point that does rely on a TV episode relates to Rose.
Redgrave and Oliver are both great in their roles, bringing their TV characters back to life. The new captain and lieutenant show promise, although as yet there's little to see in Colonel Shindi, who mainly takes the Brigadier's old role of promoting the military solution. There's also a glossy, modern feel to the story, enhanced by a good theme tune.
The first two parts of the story are probably the strongest, although the second one is unusually short (37 minutes, rather than the usual 45-50). The latter half is, perhaps inevitably, stronger on the action, something that would look spectacular in a properly done film or TV episode, but can sometimes be a little confusing on audio. But even so, it manages to be engaging, with a fast-paced story and some good use of Osgood as scientific advisor. Despite the combat, this does have something of a DW feel, blending some of the original UNIT era's action-oriented style with a modern series aesthetic.
This 4.5 stars rounded up, rather than the straight five, since the story arguably doesn't have any great depth. But it's a great launch to this new spin-off, allowing us to see Earth under threat when the Doctor isn't around, and setting up new characters for the future.
The result is, in some respects, a modern updating of Spearhead from Space, with 3D printers and fibre optic internet connections joining the deadly mannequins. There are, of course, plenty of references back to the original series, with the Brigadier being mentioned quite a lot, but nothing that is likely to get in the way of the story for those only familiar with the new one; the only plot point that does rely on a TV episode relates to Rose.
Redgrave and Oliver are both great in their roles, bringing their TV characters back to life. The new captain and lieutenant show promise, although as yet there's little to see in Colonel Shindi, who mainly takes the Brigadier's old role of promoting the military solution. There's also a glossy, modern feel to the story, enhanced by a good theme tune.
The first two parts of the story are probably the strongest, although the second one is unusually short (37 minutes, rather than the usual 45-50). The latter half is, perhaps inevitably, stronger on the action, something that would look spectacular in a properly done film or TV episode, but can sometimes be a little confusing on audio. But even so, it manages to be engaging, with a fast-paced story and some good use of Osgood as scientific advisor. Despite the combat, this does have something of a DW feel, blending some of the original UNIT era's action-oriented style with a modern series aesthetic.
This 4.5 stars rounded up, rather than the straight five, since the story arguably doesn't have any great depth. But it's a great launch to this new spin-off, allowing us to see Earth under threat when the Doctor isn't around, and setting up new characters for the future.
May 7, 2023
A whole spin off dedicated to UNIT?! Yes. Massive yes please.
I’ve been slowly making my way through the epic Torchwood Big Finish stories and have jumped over to UNIT as I’ve loved seeing UNIT in action over the years in doctor who. I’ve also been rewatching the third doctor’s era with the Brigadier and original UNIT and it made me all nostalgic for the show. So I delved into this one and it was a perfect hit of all things beloved UNIT, alien invasion and drama that the main shows have.
Kate Lethbridge-Stewart is perfect and I love her character. It was great to be back with Osgood too as I’ve always loved her in the show.
The casting and production is spot on and they are so entertaining. Accidentally binged all 4 episodes at once… but it’s okay because there’s loads more lined up to listen to so I am a happy whovian. Or Unitvian. Whatever fits!
It was a great story too, with a familiar enemy most will recognise from the 9th Doc’s time: The Nestene Consciousness. We have autons, living plastic and some rather pesky 3D printers at large… I can’t wait to get stuck into others and I’m always thankful for Big Finish providing us with more content outside of what we get on TV. So worth it!
I’ve been slowly making my way through the epic Torchwood Big Finish stories and have jumped over to UNIT as I’ve loved seeing UNIT in action over the years in doctor who. I’ve also been rewatching the third doctor’s era with the Brigadier and original UNIT and it made me all nostalgic for the show. So I delved into this one and it was a perfect hit of all things beloved UNIT, alien invasion and drama that the main shows have.
Kate Lethbridge-Stewart is perfect and I love her character. It was great to be back with Osgood too as I’ve always loved her in the show.
The casting and production is spot on and they are so entertaining. Accidentally binged all 4 episodes at once… but it’s okay because there’s loads more lined up to listen to so I am a happy whovian. Or Unitvian. Whatever fits!
It was a great story too, with a familiar enemy most will recognise from the 9th Doc’s time: The Nestene Consciousness. We have autons, living plastic and some rather pesky 3D printers at large… I can’t wait to get stuck into others and I’m always thankful for Big Finish providing us with more content outside of what we get on TV. So worth it!
October 3, 2018
UNIT: Extinction is the first box set in the UNIT spin-off series featuring Kate and Osgood from new series Doctor Who, which is separate to the original featuring the Brigadier and later Elisabeth Kline in UNIT Dominion, a character from the Big Finish main range of audio dramas.
It follows the same four hour story format as UNIT Dominion with a behind the scenes interviews on the fifth disc. The main attraction of this set are the main characters Kate Stewart and Osgood who have only appeared in a handful of episodes of Doctor Who so far. It's also interesting to see them against the Autons and the Nestene Consciousness given UNIT's history with them. However they are given a modern spin by there connections in the story to billionaire Simon Devlin who's company is about to launch a revolutionary new gadget. Other new characters are also introduced, all of who add something to the story.
I'm glad that there are now more stories with Kate and Osgood and I'll be happy to listen to the following releases, and hopefully well see more of them back on the small screen one day.
It follows the same four hour story format as UNIT Dominion with a behind the scenes interviews on the fifth disc. The main attraction of this set are the main characters Kate Stewart and Osgood who have only appeared in a handful of episodes of Doctor Who so far. It's also interesting to see them against the Autons and the Nestene Consciousness given UNIT's history with them. However they are given a modern spin by there connections in the story to billionaire Simon Devlin who's company is about to launch a revolutionary new gadget. Other new characters are also introduced, all of who add something to the story.
I'm glad that there are now more stories with Kate and Osgood and I'll be happy to listen to the following releases, and hopefully well see more of them back on the small screen one day.
March 21, 2021
The Moffat-era UNIT battles the Autons. Canapé-loving Kate Stewart and Osgood are joined by Captain Carter, Sam Bishop (Warren Brown from Luther) and Colonel Shindi (Ramon Tikaram). A dodgy tech company is handing out free 3D printers, and one can guess what they'll be printing. It's four episodes of one story than four separate stories. It's enjoyably globe-trotting - "the biggest operation in the history of UNIT" – and I like all the characters but it's fine rather than brilliant. As an actual TV show it would feel a bit 1990s BBC.
April 28, 2021
Once again, as with other books in the big finish catalog, there is no actual Dr. Who appearance in this audio dramma. He is mentioned a time or two, but that's the extent of his participation in the story. As a stand-alone story though, I have no complaints. However, I bought these as a Dr. Who bundle, and not having any Dr. Who in them is rather disappointing for me, since that was supposed to be the whole point of the collection. Otherwise though, the stories are pretty good, and the acting is superb
February 20, 2025
A fun adventure runaround. Happy to spend more time with Kate and Osgood. The new additions to the team could use some more depth, which I hope we’ll get to as the series progresses, but we’re likable enough. The main plot of Autons using 3D printers was a clever spin on the Auton concept. The reporter character was quite irritating, but I think she’s meant to be, in a sense
November 19, 2017
Loved it! New characters, exciting edge-of-seat plotlines, and wonderful theme music.
June 2, 2020
I didn’t feel as invested in the characters, but incorporating Autons and 3D printers was a good idea.
September 5, 2020
Decent non-Doctor story about UNIT.
September 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this audio drama.
December 9, 2021
osgood loml <3
February 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this collection. Both Kate and Osgood weren't overshadowed by the Doctor for once and got to kick ass and take names on their own. Can't wait to start volume 2.
January 12, 2023
Not for me ig
February 7, 2023
This is actually really good.
Very gripping action story.
For me, one of the better UNIT releases- I find them a bit hit and miss, this is why I waited so long to pick this one up.
April 25, 2023
1.1 'Vanguard' by Matt Fitton: 4*
1.2 'Earthfall' by Andrew Smith: 4*
1.3 'Bridgehead' by Andrew Smith: 4*
1.4 'Armageddon' by Matt Fitton: 4*
1.2 'Earthfall' by Andrew Smith: 4*
1.3 'Bridgehead' by Andrew Smith: 4*
1.4 'Armageddon' by Matt Fitton: 4*
August 13, 2023
Like listening to an expensive tv show. Well done.
August 7, 2025
kate stewart could step on me with her heels.
October 13, 2021
In mid-2015, Big Finish got the license to produce audio dramas based on characters from the New Series of Doctor Who (2005-Present). One of the first series that came out of this was "UNIT: The New Series" which focused on Kate Stewart and Osgood from the TV Series leading a regular team of UNIT (Unified Intelligence Taskforce) forces against various extra-terrestrial threats. These new UNIT boxsets feel like major motion pictures and are totally worth picking up.
UNIT: Extinction is set between the TV Stories The Power of Three and The Day of the Doctor for Kate and Osgood and sees Kate pull together a team made up of Colonel Vikram Shindi, Captain Josh Carter and Lieutenant Sam Bishop who will be regulars in this series. Together, they work together to fight off an Auton invasion. It's fitting that the Autons (living plastic creatures) are used to introduce a new era of UNIT as they were the monsters that originally introduced the UNIT era in Spearhead from Space. The plot is excellent, and the action superb. It really does feel like a modern action thriller. If you like Doctor Who and like action movies, then this may be worth a try.
UNIT: Extinction is set between the TV Stories The Power of Three and The Day of the Doctor for Kate and Osgood and sees Kate pull together a team made up of Colonel Vikram Shindi, Captain Josh Carter and Lieutenant Sam Bishop who will be regulars in this series. Together, they work together to fight off an Auton invasion. It's fitting that the Autons (living plastic creatures) are used to introduce a new era of UNIT as they were the monsters that originally introduced the UNIT era in Spearhead from Space. The plot is excellent, and the action superb. It really does feel like a modern action thriller. If you like Doctor Who and like action movies, then this may be worth a try.
December 21, 2016
Autons are trying to take over the earth...again and this time they are helped by 3D printers * shakes fist in their direction* but never mind as Kate, Osgood and the rest of the UNIT lot are on hand to save the day and a ruddy good job they do of if too. This is a delightful listen, there is a gentle humour running through it as well as high drama and has rather jaunty title music which pleased me greatly. I loved Kate Stewart leadership, she's strong, decisive and has a great understanding of her staff and treats them as people and not just workers, she knows about Osgood's chess club for example. This box set manages to show what UNIT are capable of without the help ( hinderance ) of a certain bloke with a blue box. Sadly, this story did fall into the trap of mentioning Kate's dad in her presence every chance they could. I think we all know who her dad is by now can we not just let that lie and have her come into her own, after all there was a reason she dropped the 'Leatherbridge' from her name ( sorry, that's a bee in my bonnet subject lol)
The ending was great and definitely set things in motion for other stories and I've very interested with what they will do with a certain UNIT member after their encounter with the Auton, I do hope the writers don't just forget this particular plot line.
All in all I loved this and can't wait to hear the second series.
The ending was great and definitely set things in motion for other stories and I've very interested with what they will do with a certain UNIT member after their encounter with the Auton, I do hope the writers don't just forget this particular plot line.
All in all I loved this and can't wait to hear the second series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2020
So this is a range I have been meaning to get into for a while now, especially after all the good things I have heard about it and I must say this first set is rather brilliant!
So our first huge story, being a 4 hour epic by Matt Fitton and Andrew Smith really sets up this series really well with its characters and putting them in a global situation with an old who enemy UNIT has faced before The Nestenes/Autons but this time they are being helped by a businessman known as Simon Devlin. Everyone must come together to face off this threat but a journalist by the name of Jacqui McGee not only opposes a threat to the nestene plan but also a threat to UNIT itself!
Overall this was a brilliant 4 part epic with plenty of action and nice great introductions provided by fantastic performances from the cast!
Vanguard: 9/10
Earthfall: 9/10
Bridgehead: 9/10
Armageddon: 9/10
Overall: 36/40
So our first huge story, being a 4 hour epic by Matt Fitton and Andrew Smith really sets up this series really well with its characters and putting them in a global situation with an old who enemy UNIT has faced before The Nestenes/Autons but this time they are being helped by a businessman known as Simon Devlin. Everyone must come together to face off this threat but a journalist by the name of Jacqui McGee not only opposes a threat to the nestene plan but also a threat to UNIT itself!
Overall this was a brilliant 4 part epic with plenty of action and nice great introductions provided by fantastic performances from the cast!
Vanguard: 9/10
Earthfall: 9/10
Bridgehead: 9/10
Armageddon: 9/10
Overall: 36/40
April 14, 2016
Ho sempre amato la UNIT, probabilmente colpa dell'imprintig subito nel 1980 quando il quarto Dottore (e Sarah Jane, Harry Sullivan, il Sergente Benton e il Brig) fece la sua fugace apparizione sul piccolo schermo.
Questo nuovo serial ha la nuova UNIT come protagonista, con Kate Stewart e Osgood in primo piano. I comprimari sono ben definiti, grazie alla storia unica divisa in quattro parti, e l'intreccio si dipana con calma e senza accelerate o frenate improvvise, ma con un aumento costante del ritmo e della tensione.
La scelta degli Auton come primi avversari è perfetta. I primi nemici omaggiano il ritorno della UNIT.
Ennesimo ottimo prodotto della Big Finish.
Questo nuovo serial ha la nuova UNIT come protagonista, con Kate Stewart e Osgood in primo piano. I comprimari sono ben definiti, grazie alla storia unica divisa in quattro parti, e l'intreccio si dipana con calma e senza accelerate o frenate improvvise, ma con un aumento costante del ritmo e della tensione.
La scelta degli Auton come primi avversari è perfetta. I primi nemici omaggiano il ritorno della UNIT.
Ennesimo ottimo prodotto della Big Finish.
May 4, 2016
Loved it! Nice to have Kate and Osgood in their own challenges. And to meet their teammates. Wasn't quite as head over heals as I was with the River Song box set. Part of that was, I think, was perhaps a bit of Autons weariness on my part.
It's hard to beat that Pertwee Auton's story, the first color TV broadcast. (And Pertwee's debut.) And then they were used again as the first villains of the new Doctor Who TV show in the first episode with Christopher Eccleston's debut. Sort of makes the Autons a debut episode tradition at this point with using them in the New UNIT premiere box set.
It's hard to beat that Pertwee Auton's story, the first color TV broadcast. (And Pertwee's debut.) And then they were used again as the first villains of the new Doctor Who TV show in the first episode with Christopher Eccleston's debut. Sort of makes the Autons a debut episode tradition at this point with using them in the New UNIT premiere box set.
November 25, 2015
Interesting way of bringing back the Nestene, and Jemma Redgrave is excellent. Took me a bit at first to get into it, but I liked this story a lot better than some other Doctor Who-related audio dramas.
November 20, 2017
Really loved Kate Stewart and Osgood. Nothing else really stood out. :/
ETA: 07.30.2017
This is a work that really stands out on a re-listen. I love this particular series more having become invested in the others.
ETA: 07.30.2017
This is a work that really stands out on a re-listen. I love this particular series more having become invested in the others.
January 2, 2016
Really good kick-off for a new UNIT series, featuring Jemma Redgrave, Ingrid Oliver and Nick Briggs, what more could you ask for?
June 16, 2020
Fantastic adventure involving the Autons. A must audio listening to any Doctor Who fan. Love the new Unit stories.
December 4, 2021
Love the introduction of the team. It’s great that the first villain is someone we Whovians know.
The complete review follows later 😊
The complete review follows later 😊
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