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The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield #6
Doctor Who: The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield, Vol. 6: Lost in Translation
Bernice Summerfield is back in four new adventures with a Time Lord from another universe.
6.1 Have I Told You Lately? by Tim Foley ~ Bernice and the Doctor find themselves lost in the dark with the only clue to their surroundings a mysterious voice.
6.2 The Undying Truth by JA Prentice ~ A mysterious mission has discovered a body, one that should never be found. Can the Undying really be dead after all?
6.3 Inertia by James Goss ~ A remote island on a dull world. Some boring natives, some uninteresting ruins. Can two time travellers manage to do nothing for a month?
6.4 Gallifrey by Guy Adams and AK Benedict ~ The Doctor has come home. But he doesn’t belong here. And Bernice thinks there’s something very wrong with Gallifrey.
6.1 Have I Told You Lately? by Tim Foley ~ Bernice and the Doctor find themselves lost in the dark with the only clue to their surroundings a mysterious voice.
6.2 The Undying Truth by JA Prentice ~ A mysterious mission has discovered a body, one that should never be found. Can the Undying really be dead after all?
6.3 Inertia by James Goss ~ A remote island on a dull world. Some boring natives, some uninteresting ruins. Can two time travellers manage to do nothing for a month?
6.4 Gallifrey by Guy Adams and AK Benedict ~ The Doctor has come home. But he doesn’t belong here. And Bernice thinks there’s something very wrong with Gallifrey.
Audio CD
First published September 9, 2020
27 people want to read
About the author
Tim Foley
177 books17 followersTim Foley is an artist and illustrator born in Flint, Michigan, in 1962. Over the past quarter century, his clients have included national and international magazines, book publishers, and advertising agencies such as the Wall Street Journal, Cricket Magazine, New York Newsday, LA Weekly, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. He currently lives and works in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 15, 2020
I recently just started listening to Bernice Summerfield audios so this boxset, Lost in Translation, I wasn't expecting much out of this but I am aware how The Unbound Doctor end up with Bernie and how the Doctor got to the Primary Universe (I use the word "Primary" loosely)
Have I Told You Lately? By Tim Foley
I will say this is my favorite story in this release, I have a weak spot when it comes to stories with a two-handler or a three-handler, it's simplistic and doesn't have to be so groundbreaking to be good. I do like the Philosophy around Language and Communication used in this one.
10/10
The Undying Truth by J.A Prentice
This story is good, it's a creepy one, perfect for an October, but I didn't really enjoy as much.
7/10
Inertia by James Goss
This story is by far the most relevant one of the situation of 2020, I was really curious of how this plays out and really well, I mean Goss never to disappoint. It's like the same formulae of the firat one focusing with Benny and the Doctor, and very humorous one as well.
9/10
Gallifrey by Guy Adams & A.K. Benedict
I like Time Lord stories especially ones that take place on Gallifrey (Even know that I didn't listen to the spin-offs) But really this by far the weakest to me, It really did not catch my attention throughout and I might not have enough experience with the Characteristics with Narvin but he does felt way out of character.
4/10
Conclusion - It's a good set and to me a good start with getting a taste to Bernice Summerfield as well along with The Doctor from Sympathy For the Devil.
Have I Told You Lately? By Tim Foley
I will say this is my favorite story in this release, I have a weak spot when it comes to stories with a two-handler or a three-handler, it's simplistic and doesn't have to be so groundbreaking to be good. I do like the Philosophy around Language and Communication used in this one.
10/10
The Undying Truth by J.A Prentice
This story is good, it's a creepy one, perfect for an October, but I didn't really enjoy as much.
7/10
Inertia by James Goss
This story is by far the most relevant one of the situation of 2020, I was really curious of how this plays out and really well, I mean Goss never to disappoint. It's like the same formulae of the firat one focusing with Benny and the Doctor, and very humorous one as well.
9/10
Gallifrey by Guy Adams & A.K. Benedict
I like Time Lord stories especially ones that take place on Gallifrey (Even know that I didn't listen to the spin-offs) But really this by far the weakest to me, It really did not catch my attention throughout and I might not have enough experience with the Characteristics with Narvin but he does felt way out of character.
4/10
Conclusion - It's a good set and to me a good start with getting a taste to Bernice Summerfield as well along with The Doctor from Sympathy For the Devil.
September 12, 2020
I had to add this manually onto good reads as nobody else seemed to have added it so hope I've done this right. T
thoughts on the new benny boxset, episode by episode:
have i told you lately: GREAT start. clever and cool and extremely well-done. WORDS!! violent languages that make your eyes bleed!!! teaching an AI how to lie!!!!!! never let these two raise a real child ever. 9/10 Tim Foley is becoming a new favourite writer of mine and I can't wait to see what he does next.
the undying truth: this boxset is killing it so far. i loved the supporting cast in this, and it was just an extremely good creepy sapce story. space capitalism. Also, another tumblr writer who has been recruited to writing Benny! I follow their blog and they're lovely. 10/10
inertia: eh. very bad ‘alien savages’ trope aside… surprisingly good depiction of what quarantine is like considering it was probably written before this all went down. even down to the sourdough starter. i would like to play board games with the doctor, it sounds lively and fun and benny is a coward. could’ve been worse i guess. 4/10
gallifrey: the first one minute and thirty seconds were honestly the best bit of it. didn’t deliver emotionally at all, did narvin massively dirty, and the doctor denied benny a hug. i am bitter and could write a better story than this in my sleep and they ROBBED us of the slightest mention of Brax. Had high hopes for this story considering I adored Guy Adams Quantum Possibility Enginge. 2/10
But like, Listen, I LOVE LOVE Narvin and him meeting Benny and the Unbound Doctor is great but why are big finish writers recently so insistent on making Narvin a prick again like he was in series 1 after all that amazing character development he went through in Gallfrey series?
I feel like big finish writers are losing sight of Narvin and I’m a bit disappointed there was no reference of Brax in the new Benny boxset.
thoughts on the new benny boxset, episode by episode:
have i told you lately: GREAT start. clever and cool and extremely well-done. WORDS!! violent languages that make your eyes bleed!!! teaching an AI how to lie!!!!!! never let these two raise a real child ever. 9/10 Tim Foley is becoming a new favourite writer of mine and I can't wait to see what he does next.
the undying truth: this boxset is killing it so far. i loved the supporting cast in this, and it was just an extremely good creepy sapce story. space capitalism. Also, another tumblr writer who has been recruited to writing Benny! I follow their blog and they're lovely. 10/10
inertia: eh. very bad ‘alien savages’ trope aside… surprisingly good depiction of what quarantine is like considering it was probably written before this all went down. even down to the sourdough starter. i would like to play board games with the doctor, it sounds lively and fun and benny is a coward. could’ve been worse i guess. 4/10
gallifrey: the first one minute and thirty seconds were honestly the best bit of it. didn’t deliver emotionally at all, did narvin massively dirty, and the doctor denied benny a hug. i am bitter and could write a better story than this in my sleep and they ROBBED us of the slightest mention of Brax. Had high hopes for this story considering I adored Guy Adams Quantum Possibility Enginge. 2/10
But like, Listen, I LOVE LOVE Narvin and him meeting Benny and the Unbound Doctor is great but why are big finish writers recently so insistent on making Narvin a prick again like he was in series 1 after all that amazing character development he went through in Gallfrey series?
I feel like big finish writers are losing sight of Narvin and I’m a bit disappointed there was no reference of Brax in the new Benny boxset.
September 15, 2020
What I really love about this range is the variety, the interesting, different and clever plots and settings.
Every single one of the Benny + Unbound Doctor stories was very intelligent and had a deeper message to it. Some of these stories even drift off into the philosophical.
This is why I really loved the first story "Have I told you lately". It was a very philosophical take on language and communication. What is said, what is not said, how is it said...
Plus, it was a fun story, with lots of humor and some creepy atmosphere.
THIS is why I listen to Big Finish.
THIS is the type of story I am after.
There is no "Dalek go boom!" in this. And to be honest, I am tired and over that type of story.
Luckily, with this range we got something else.
Second story the "Undying".
Again, very interesting story.
Loved how this started out as a creepy horror tale and even through a few twists in there with a nice subversion of expectations.
Also, the interaction of the characters was great and we get another great exploration of the relationship between Benny and the Unbound Doctor.
Third story "Inertia".
Fun, creepy, unexpected.
The soundscape is done just right, and the sea sounds really made you feel as if you were really there. This one even did spread a bit of Lockdown spirit...
Last story "Gallifrey".
I have to say this last story was the weakest of the set.
Maybe because it was the most anticipated, so disappointment was pretty much guaranteed.
The story just did not grab me.
I also do not think that representing a whole planetary government and court in these audio dramas does work. At all. Having only a handful of actors available to represent a whole population does not work for me, it just feels empty and lifeless.
However, the solution and the ending of the story was clever..
I think where this set is strongest is with the small, character driven stories, and we had three almost perfect ones in this set.
I just love the characters of Benny and the grumpy Doctor. They work fantastically together and are played perfectly by Lisa Bowerman and David Warner.
In conclusion- I really loved this. I hope we get many more of these, this continues to be one of my favorite ranges.
Every single one of the Benny + Unbound Doctor stories was very intelligent and had a deeper message to it. Some of these stories even drift off into the philosophical.
This is why I really loved the first story "Have I told you lately". It was a very philosophical take on language and communication. What is said, what is not said, how is it said...
Plus, it was a fun story, with lots of humor and some creepy atmosphere.
THIS is why I listen to Big Finish.
THIS is the type of story I am after.
There is no "Dalek go boom!" in this. And to be honest, I am tired and over that type of story.
Luckily, with this range we got something else.
Second story the "Undying".
Again, very interesting story.
Loved how this started out as a creepy horror tale and even through a few twists in there with a nice subversion of expectations.
Also, the interaction of the characters was great and we get another great exploration of the relationship between Benny and the Unbound Doctor.
Third story "Inertia".
Fun, creepy, unexpected.
The soundscape is done just right, and the sea sounds really made you feel as if you were really there. This one even did spread a bit of Lockdown spirit...
Last story "Gallifrey".
I have to say this last story was the weakest of the set.
Maybe because it was the most anticipated, so disappointment was pretty much guaranteed.
The story just did not grab me.
I also do not think that representing a whole planetary government and court in these audio dramas does work. At all. Having only a handful of actors available to represent a whole population does not work for me, it just feels empty and lifeless.
However, the solution and the ending of the story was clever..
I think where this set is strongest is with the small, character driven stories, and we had three almost perfect ones in this set.
I just love the characters of Benny and the grumpy Doctor. They work fantastically together and are played perfectly by Lisa Bowerman and David Warner.
In conclusion- I really loved this. I hope we get many more of these, this continues to be one of my favorite ranges.
September 1, 2023
More adventures with Bernice Summerfield and the (Unbound) Doctor!
(6.1) Have I Told You Lately? - Three characters. Bernice Summerfield (Lisa Bowerman). The (Unbound) Doctor (the legendary David Warner). The Speaker (Misha Butler: hint to Big Finish: more parts for this guy!). Fascinating. And, of course, with the actors involved, brilliant! (5/5)
(6.2) The Undying Truth - This was a fun one. Almost going to give it 5-stars, but just not quite there. Love the banter between Bernice and the (Unbound) Doctor. And the script has some wonderfully damning things to say about marketing. Shaping up to be an excellent box-set so far. (4/5)
(6.3) Inertia - Another “two-hander” with basically just Bernice & the (Unbound) Doctor. This allows the interplay between the two leads to really take center stage, and it’s delightful. The story itself isn’t much, pretty thin, but the focus really is on the pair in this sci-fi My Dinner With Andre kind of thing. (4/5)
(6.4) Gallifrey - Another spectacular and entertaining production. And a fitting wrap up for this box set featuring a threat to Gallifrey that is both hilariously obvious and delightfully subtle. Script, performances, editing, sound design, music: an excellent job all around. (4/5)
(6.1) Have I Told You Lately? - Three characters. Bernice Summerfield (Lisa Bowerman). The (Unbound) Doctor (the legendary David Warner). The Speaker (Misha Butler: hint to Big Finish: more parts for this guy!). Fascinating. And, of course, with the actors involved, brilliant! (5/5)
(6.2) The Undying Truth - This was a fun one. Almost going to give it 5-stars, but just not quite there. Love the banter between Bernice and the (Unbound) Doctor. And the script has some wonderfully damning things to say about marketing. Shaping up to be an excellent box-set so far. (4/5)
(6.3) Inertia - Another “two-hander” with basically just Bernice & the (Unbound) Doctor. This allows the interplay between the two leads to really take center stage, and it’s delightful. The story itself isn’t much, pretty thin, but the focus really is on the pair in this sci-fi My Dinner With Andre kind of thing. (4/5)
(6.4) Gallifrey - Another spectacular and entertaining production. And a fitting wrap up for this box set featuring a threat to Gallifrey that is both hilariously obvious and delightfully subtle. Script, performances, editing, sound design, music: an excellent job all around. (4/5)
April 2, 2023
The New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield is a range I avoided for far too long because having been going through the range, these past few months has really shown me just what I've been missing out on all this time. It's sad to think we're nearing the end of these adventures, but I've been excited about this set in particular ever since its announcement.
Have I Told You Lately?:
The Doctor and Bernice Summerfield find themselves on a ship shrouded by darkness with only the ominous voice of the ship's interface to help them navigate around. However, things soon turn for the worst and the two will have to come to terms with their relationship to save the day.
Tim Foley has written a very slow-paced but clever script that really dives into The Doctor and Bernice Summerfield's relationship, it's really interesting to see how well they know each other at this point, while also having them coming to terms with their problems. I love how this story has a unique respect for language and what it could mean to a sentient being. It's an atmospheric character piece that's very well written. 9/10
The Undying Truth:
The Doctor and Bernice Summerfield discover a crew of people uncovering the dead body of a god - The Undying. Except, he shouldn't be dead after all he's meant to be immortal. But when ghostly whispers start manipulating the crew back on their spaceship it seems the god might still be alive after all.
JA Prentice has written a really fun and creepy little ghost story on a spaceship. The Undying was a terrific villain, unique and manipulative but most of all terrifying. The character's in this were really likable and the atmosphere was really well done. But the ending honestly felt like an anti-climax to me, unfortunately, I was hoping for a more intense finale with consequences. But overall this was a really solid story with a fantastic idea at its core. 8/10
Inertia:
Attempting to escape The Timelords, The Doctor and Bernice Summerfield land on an unknown world in the hopes of lying low. However it isn't long before the two get interested in their own hobbies, The Doctor helping the local tribe and playing his board games, whilst Bernice tries to uncover what happened to several lost survey teams.
James Goss has written a really fun script that's full of banter, humor, atmosphere, and the occasional creepy moment. You can argue this story isn't anything too groundbreaking but it's a nice little character piece with a terrific cliffhanger. 8.5/10
Gallifrey:
The Timelords have finally caught up with The Doctor. Now he's on trial and Narvin's desperate to get him executed. But something is very off with Gallifrey and only The Doctor can save The Timelords from a devastating catastrophe.
This story had a really solid concept at its core, but ultimately its execution is very off. There are some nice scenes with The Doctor and Bernice Summerfield and a pretty cool threat. But Narvin's so out of character to the point it actually damages this story significantly with a really annoying ending that actually upset me in a way that a story should never do. Great idea, poor execution. 3/10
Overall: 28.5/40
Have I Told You Lately?:
The Doctor and Bernice Summerfield find themselves on a ship shrouded by darkness with only the ominous voice of the ship's interface to help them navigate around. However, things soon turn for the worst and the two will have to come to terms with their relationship to save the day.
Tim Foley has written a very slow-paced but clever script that really dives into The Doctor and Bernice Summerfield's relationship, it's really interesting to see how well they know each other at this point, while also having them coming to terms with their problems. I love how this story has a unique respect for language and what it could mean to a sentient being. It's an atmospheric character piece that's very well written. 9/10
The Undying Truth:
The Doctor and Bernice Summerfield discover a crew of people uncovering the dead body of a god - The Undying. Except, he shouldn't be dead after all he's meant to be immortal. But when ghostly whispers start manipulating the crew back on their spaceship it seems the god might still be alive after all.
JA Prentice has written a really fun and creepy little ghost story on a spaceship. The Undying was a terrific villain, unique and manipulative but most of all terrifying. The character's in this were really likable and the atmosphere was really well done. But the ending honestly felt like an anti-climax to me, unfortunately, I was hoping for a more intense finale with consequences. But overall this was a really solid story with a fantastic idea at its core. 8/10
Inertia:
Attempting to escape The Timelords, The Doctor and Bernice Summerfield land on an unknown world in the hopes of lying low. However it isn't long before the two get interested in their own hobbies, The Doctor helping the local tribe and playing his board games, whilst Bernice tries to uncover what happened to several lost survey teams.
James Goss has written a really fun script that's full of banter, humor, atmosphere, and the occasional creepy moment. You can argue this story isn't anything too groundbreaking but it's a nice little character piece with a terrific cliffhanger. 8.5/10
Gallifrey:
The Timelords have finally caught up with The Doctor. Now he's on trial and Narvin's desperate to get him executed. But something is very off with Gallifrey and only The Doctor can save The Timelords from a devastating catastrophe.
This story had a really solid concept at its core, but ultimately its execution is very off. There are some nice scenes with The Doctor and Bernice Summerfield and a pretty cool threat. But Narvin's so out of character to the point it actually damages this story significantly with a really annoying ending that actually upset me in a way that a story should never do. Great idea, poor execution. 3/10
Overall: 28.5/40
September 17, 2020
This was great overall. I really enjoyed the first three stories. 'Have I Told You Lately?' plays with language in a clever way while at the same time exploring the Doctor and Bernice's relationship very well. 'The Undying Truth' is an engaging horror runaround. 'Inertia' is very funny ("my sourdough starter is DEFINITELY DEAD"). 'Gallifrey' is just a bit boring... has a fairly good ending though. Lisa Bowerman and David Warner are just so good in this, will definitely listen to their other stories. I'm sad that more people haven't heard David Warner's Deeply Grumpy Doctor, because he's excellent.
July 12, 2024
All really great adventures featuring this iconic duo.
September 19, 2020
Truly phenomenal!!!!
And when Bernice punches Narvin, AHAHA Perfection.
And when Bernice punches Narvin, AHAHA Perfection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2020
The doctor and benny travel the universe and get captured by the time lords.
November 3, 2020
I really loved this! A good solid set of adventures for Benny and David Warner Doctor. Long may they continue.
July 31, 2023
Have I Told You Lately? *****
The Undying Truth ****
Inertia ****
Gallifrey ***
The Undying Truth ****
Inertia ****
Gallifrey ***
August 29, 2024
Review by Story…
Have I Told You Lately: Nearly perfect Warner Doctor story. 5/5
The Undying Truth: Fucking great stuff. All the best stuff of New Who but more Cynical. 5/5
Inertia: Apparently this story was written specifically because the fans asked for more scenes highlighting the dynamic between Bernie and this Doctor. I mean, mission accomplished 5/5
Gallifrey: Oof. This set was so strong thill this. The journey is great. Very spooky and scary and alien. But the ending was just kind of nothing and it really took the wind out of my enthusiasm sails. 3/5
Have I Told You Lately: Nearly perfect Warner Doctor story. 5/5
The Undying Truth: Fucking great stuff. All the best stuff of New Who but more Cynical. 5/5
Inertia: Apparently this story was written specifically because the fans asked for more scenes highlighting the dynamic between Bernie and this Doctor. I mean, mission accomplished 5/5
Gallifrey: Oof. This set was so strong thill this. The journey is great. Very spooky and scary and alien. But the ending was just kind of nothing and it really took the wind out of my enthusiasm sails. 3/5
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews