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The Diary of River Song #9
The Diary of River Song: New Recruit
UNIT – the secret organisation established to deal with the odd and unexplained on Earth and beyond.
The redoubtable Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart leads the troops, and for scientific guidance relies on two brilliant advisors: Cambridge genius Dr Elizabeth Shaw, and UNIT’s newest recruit - that mysterious traveller in time and space known as... River Song.
9.1 The Blood Woods by Lizbeth Myles
With the Doctor indisposed, Liz is a little put out to find that the Brigadier has brought in another scientific advisor to take his place.
But when Liz and River investigate otherworldly goings-on in an English village, they soon find themselves relying on each other to survive.
9.2 Terror of the Suburbs by James Kettle
Liz has moved house. It seems she’s found a suburban utopia - until River Song arrives.
There is more to Fetter Bailey than manicured lawns and endless soirees. Dangerous creatures prowl the hedgerows, and something lurks in the freezers...
9.3 Never Alone by Helen Goldwyn
River believes Intertraxia is ahead of its time, but it’s already shipping innovations in entertainment and computing around the world.
When a dead man is found with alien technology implants, UNIT investigates. Liz and River are about to discover that those connected to the network are never alone...
9.4 Rivers of Light by Lisa McMullin
In a Yorkshire mining town, strange temporal distortions and rivers of light crossing forests are enough to get the Brigadier’s attention, and UNIT is mobilised.
But the Doctor is back, and he wants to know who’s been messing around in his laboratory. River’s reasons for being on Earth are about to be revealed...
The redoubtable Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart leads the troops, and for scientific guidance relies on two brilliant advisors: Cambridge genius Dr Elizabeth Shaw, and UNIT’s newest recruit - that mysterious traveller in time and space known as... River Song.
9.1 The Blood Woods by Lizbeth Myles
With the Doctor indisposed, Liz is a little put out to find that the Brigadier has brought in another scientific advisor to take his place.
But when Liz and River investigate otherworldly goings-on in an English village, they soon find themselves relying on each other to survive.
9.2 Terror of the Suburbs by James Kettle
Liz has moved house. It seems she’s found a suburban utopia - until River Song arrives.
There is more to Fetter Bailey than manicured lawns and endless soirees. Dangerous creatures prowl the hedgerows, and something lurks in the freezers...
9.3 Never Alone by Helen Goldwyn
River believes Intertraxia is ahead of its time, but it’s already shipping innovations in entertainment and computing around the world.
When a dead man is found with alien technology implants, UNIT investigates. Liz and River are about to discover that those connected to the network are never alone...
9.4 Rivers of Light by Lisa McMullin
In a Yorkshire mining town, strange temporal distortions and rivers of light crossing forests are enough to get the Brigadier’s attention, and UNIT is mobilised.
But the Doctor is back, and he wants to know who’s been messing around in his laboratory. River’s reasons for being on Earth are about to be revealed...
Audio CD
First published October 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 10, 2021
Everything I've ever wanted ever. Two fabulous women with doctorates solving mysteries, flirting outrageously, and driving a bright yellow vintage car. What a time to be gay.
December 8, 2021
UNIT - l'organizzazione segreta creata per occuparsi dei casi strani e inspiegabili sulla Terra e oltre.
Il formidabile Brigadiere Lethbridge-Stewart guida le truppe, e per la guida scientifica si affida a due brillanti consiglieri: il genio di Cambridge Dr Elizabeth Shaw, e la nuova recluta della UNIT - quella misteriosa viaggiatrice nel tempo e nello spazio nota come... River Song.
1. THE BLOOD WOODS di LIZBETH MYLES
Con il Dottore indisposto, Liz è un po' contrariata nello scoprire che il Brigadiere ha assunto un altro consulente scientifico per prendere il suo posto.
Ma quando Liz e River indagano su eventi ultraterreni in un villaggio inglese, si ritrovano presto a fare affidamento l'una sull'altra per sopravvivere.
2. TERROR OF THE SUBURBS di JAMES KETTLE
Liz ha traslocato. Sembra che abbia trovato un'utopia suburbana - fino all'arrivo di River Song.
Fetter Bailey è ben più che prati curati e feste infinite. Creature pericolose si aggirano per le siepi, e qualcosa si annida nei frigoriferi...
3. NEVER ALONE di HELEN GOLDWYN
River crede che Intertraxia sia avanti coi tempi, ma sta già trasportando innovazioni nell'intrattenimento e nell'informatica in tutto il mondo.
Quando un uomo morto viene trovato con impianti di tecnologia aliena, la UNIT indaga. Liz e River stanno per scoprire che quelli collegati alla rete non sono mai soli...
4. RIVERS OF LIGHT di LISA MCMULLIN
In una città mineraria dello Yorkshire, strane distorsioni temporali e fiumi di luce che attraversano foreste sono sufficienti per attirare l'attenzione del Brigadiere, e l'UNIT è mobilitata.
Ma il Dottore è tornato, e vuole sapere chi si sta divertendo nel suo laboratorio. Le ragioni per cui River è sulla Terra stanno per essere rivelate...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nel nono volume della serie di River Song siamo interamente nell'era della settima stagione classica. In un momento in cui il Dottore si è allontanato dalla UNIT, River viene assunta, con delle referenze che sembrano provenire da lui stesso, per essere l'assistente di Liz. Quest'ultima, inizialmente contrariata di non essere stata consultata, ben presto si ritroverà a rivedere la sua opinione sulla nuova collega.
Nel primo episodio, molto in linea con lo stile classico, le due scienziate sono mandate ad investigare uno strano caso di un giovane ragazzo morto di vecchiaia in mezzo ad un bosco, fatalità dovuta in qualche modo ad uno scavo archeologico in quella zona, e trovando un villaggio pieno di persone che non vogliono scocciatori e una bestia che ricorda il mastino dei Baskerville...
Il secondo episodio è più in linea con lo stile e lo humor dello spin-off di River, anche avendo meno collegamenti diretti con la UNIT. Liz si è trasferita in una surreale e stucchevole periferia, ma non ricorda chi sia River o come si sia venuta a trovare lì. In più, non tutti i suoi nuovi e adorabili vicini sono quello che sembrano. Avere Liz che si dimentica di River così presto poco dopo aver iniziato ad andare d'accordo con lei nell'episodio precedente mi è sembrato un po' precipitoso, e personalmente avrei invertito questo episodio con il terzo, ma comunque è stato molto divertente.
Nel terzo, “Never Alone”, Liz e River sono chiamate ad investigare una morte inspiegabile e una serie di sparizioni, tutti riguardanti giovani e brillanti studenti. A collegare il tutto c'è una società che sta sviluppando delle tecnologie molto in anticipo sui tempi e che potrebbero essere letali. In questo caso c'è un maggiore bilanciamento tra la parte seria e quella più umoristica, con tanto di una scena in cui i protagonisti si ritrovano in un videogioco, accompagnati dal tema musicale di River in 8 bit.
Se nei due episodi centrali non era presente la UNIT e ci si allontanava dallo stile della serie classica, ecco che l'ultimo episodio ci dona le maggiori soddisfazioni non solo con il ritorno del Brigadiere, ma anche del Dottore (e, alla fine, di un villain molto speciale, ma “spoiler!”). Non c'è niente di più divertente che sentire River e il Dottore incontrarsi (o meglio scontrarsi), con River che fa la misteriosa e il Dottore adirato per i suoi maneggi nel suo laboratorio e soprattutto nel suo Tardis. Questa volta, gli strani fenomeni per la quale la UNIT deve intervenire sono direttamente collegati al motivo per il quale River si trova in questa epoca, come conseguenza per i suoi interventi poco ortodossi, e abbiamo una sorpresa finale su quali fossero realmente le sue intenzioni.
È la prima volta nella serie di River che oltre ad avere a che fare con il Dottore, c'è un'interazione anche con i suoi companion. River e Liz sviluppano un bellissimo rapporto, finendo anche per fare comunella contro il Dottore stesso, il quale contrariato dai metodi di River è qui più scorbutico che mai. Soprattutto, Liz ha modo di mostrare le sue abilità senza essere oscurata dal Dottore, ricordandoci che era stata assunta come consulente scientifico ben prima di diventare sua assistente.
Nel complesso è davvero un boxset affascinante. Avevo già sentito Jon Culshaw e Tim Treloar interpretare rispettivamente il Brigadiere e il Terzo Dottore, ma è la prima volta per Daisy Ashford nei panni di Liz e devo dire che la sua interpretazione è eccezionale e molto simile all'originale. Durante l'ascolto faticavo a ricordarmi che fossero in realtà dei recast, permettendomi di immergermi completamente nella storia (forse solo Tim Treloar differisce un po' da Jon Pertwee, ma dopo un po' non ci facevo più caso).
Le storie sono un bel mix tra la sfacciata dinamicità di River con i toni più composti dell'era di Pertwee, creando qualcosa di unico e interessante. Inoltre, è un piacere ritrovare un arco narrativo più coeso all'interno del volume, con dei personaggi ricorrenti e una storia unica, piuttosto che le singole storie raggruppate solo per vaghi temi degli ultimi boxset.
Il formidabile Brigadiere Lethbridge-Stewart guida le truppe, e per la guida scientifica si affida a due brillanti consiglieri: il genio di Cambridge Dr Elizabeth Shaw, e la nuova recluta della UNIT - quella misteriosa viaggiatrice nel tempo e nello spazio nota come... River Song.
1. THE BLOOD WOODS di LIZBETH MYLES
Con il Dottore indisposto, Liz è un po' contrariata nello scoprire che il Brigadiere ha assunto un altro consulente scientifico per prendere il suo posto.
Ma quando Liz e River indagano su eventi ultraterreni in un villaggio inglese, si ritrovano presto a fare affidamento l'una sull'altra per sopravvivere.
2. TERROR OF THE SUBURBS di JAMES KETTLE
Liz ha traslocato. Sembra che abbia trovato un'utopia suburbana - fino all'arrivo di River Song.
Fetter Bailey è ben più che prati curati e feste infinite. Creature pericolose si aggirano per le siepi, e qualcosa si annida nei frigoriferi...
3. NEVER ALONE di HELEN GOLDWYN
River crede che Intertraxia sia avanti coi tempi, ma sta già trasportando innovazioni nell'intrattenimento e nell'informatica in tutto il mondo.
Quando un uomo morto viene trovato con impianti di tecnologia aliena, la UNIT indaga. Liz e River stanno per scoprire che quelli collegati alla rete non sono mai soli...
4. RIVERS OF LIGHT di LISA MCMULLIN
In una città mineraria dello Yorkshire, strane distorsioni temporali e fiumi di luce che attraversano foreste sono sufficienti per attirare l'attenzione del Brigadiere, e l'UNIT è mobilitata.
Ma il Dottore è tornato, e vuole sapere chi si sta divertendo nel suo laboratorio. Le ragioni per cui River è sulla Terra stanno per essere rivelate...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nel nono volume della serie di River Song siamo interamente nell'era della settima stagione classica. In un momento in cui il Dottore si è allontanato dalla UNIT, River viene assunta, con delle referenze che sembrano provenire da lui stesso, per essere l'assistente di Liz. Quest'ultima, inizialmente contrariata di non essere stata consultata, ben presto si ritroverà a rivedere la sua opinione sulla nuova collega.
Nel primo episodio, molto in linea con lo stile classico, le due scienziate sono mandate ad investigare uno strano caso di un giovane ragazzo morto di vecchiaia in mezzo ad un bosco, fatalità dovuta in qualche modo ad uno scavo archeologico in quella zona, e trovando un villaggio pieno di persone che non vogliono scocciatori e una bestia che ricorda il mastino dei Baskerville...
Il secondo episodio è più in linea con lo stile e lo humor dello spin-off di River, anche avendo meno collegamenti diretti con la UNIT. Liz si è trasferita in una surreale e stucchevole periferia, ma non ricorda chi sia River o come si sia venuta a trovare lì. In più, non tutti i suoi nuovi e adorabili vicini sono quello che sembrano. Avere Liz che si dimentica di River così presto poco dopo aver iniziato ad andare d'accordo con lei nell'episodio precedente mi è sembrato un po' precipitoso, e personalmente avrei invertito questo episodio con il terzo, ma comunque è stato molto divertente.
Nel terzo, “Never Alone”, Liz e River sono chiamate ad investigare una morte inspiegabile e una serie di sparizioni, tutti riguardanti giovani e brillanti studenti. A collegare il tutto c'è una società che sta sviluppando delle tecnologie molto in anticipo sui tempi e che potrebbero essere letali. In questo caso c'è un maggiore bilanciamento tra la parte seria e quella più umoristica, con tanto di una scena in cui i protagonisti si ritrovano in un videogioco, accompagnati dal tema musicale di River in 8 bit.
Se nei due episodi centrali non era presente la UNIT e ci si allontanava dallo stile della serie classica, ecco che l'ultimo episodio ci dona le maggiori soddisfazioni non solo con il ritorno del Brigadiere, ma anche del Dottore (e, alla fine, di un villain molto speciale, ma “spoiler!”). Non c'è niente di più divertente che sentire River e il Dottore incontrarsi (o meglio scontrarsi), con River che fa la misteriosa e il Dottore adirato per i suoi maneggi nel suo laboratorio e soprattutto nel suo Tardis. Questa volta, gli strani fenomeni per la quale la UNIT deve intervenire sono direttamente collegati al motivo per il quale River si trova in questa epoca, come conseguenza per i suoi interventi poco ortodossi, e abbiamo una sorpresa finale su quali fossero realmente le sue intenzioni.
È la prima volta nella serie di River che oltre ad avere a che fare con il Dottore, c'è un'interazione anche con i suoi companion. River e Liz sviluppano un bellissimo rapporto, finendo anche per fare comunella contro il Dottore stesso, il quale contrariato dai metodi di River è qui più scorbutico che mai. Soprattutto, Liz ha modo di mostrare le sue abilità senza essere oscurata dal Dottore, ricordandoci che era stata assunta come consulente scientifico ben prima di diventare sua assistente.
Nel complesso è davvero un boxset affascinante. Avevo già sentito Jon Culshaw e Tim Treloar interpretare rispettivamente il Brigadiere e il Terzo Dottore, ma è la prima volta per Daisy Ashford nei panni di Liz e devo dire che la sua interpretazione è eccezionale e molto simile all'originale. Durante l'ascolto faticavo a ricordarmi che fossero in realtà dei recast, permettendomi di immergermi completamente nella storia (forse solo Tim Treloar differisce un po' da Jon Pertwee, ma dopo un po' non ci facevo più caso).
Le storie sono un bel mix tra la sfacciata dinamicità di River con i toni più composti dell'era di Pertwee, creando qualcosa di unico e interessante. Inoltre, è un piacere ritrovare un arco narrativo più coeso all'interno del volume, con dei personaggi ricorrenti e una storia unica, piuttosto che le singole storie raggruppate solo per vaghi temi degli ultimi boxset.
October 29, 2021
I love the 3rd Doctor era, and I love River Song.
Only logical that I would get this release!
Like with the other River sets, we get four stories.
And with the first one, we get thrown right into the 3rd Doctor era, with Liz being in charge as the scientific advisor, since the Doctor is away on some errant. I was surprised how well this worked.
River fits in organically with the UNIT crew, and it helps that River has been toned down a bit.
In the past, some of her performances have been deliberately over the top, but I am happy to say, this is subdued here.
I felt right at home at UNIT HQ, with the grumpy Brigadier and clever and self-confident Liz (who even has no issues of "borrowing" Bessie, no less!).
Liz also has great chemistry with River and this is what, for me at least, elevates the story.
The first story itself....
well, we get sinister goings on with a demonic creature in a rural village with a nasty noble landowner doing his best to be an a$$.
Does this sound familiar?
At least the setting gives me a bit of a deja vu.
My only real issue was with the second story. While I have lived for years in English speaking countries, I am German. I get equally annoyed with bad German accents in Big Finish, as Americans get with the infamous Big Finish "American" accents.
Big Finish has been doing very well in the past years to rectify this and they had hired several German speaking actors, or at least actors who knew some German.
So the second story was a HUGE step back.
It was atrocious, and it threw me so badly out of the story, I barely could finish.
Not only are the accents bad, and the worst cliches about female Easter German athletes are used, but the actors are also charged in mangling the German language in such a way, that a native German speaker like me could barely understand what they were trying to say. I assume the writer used an outdated version of Google translate?
The pinnacle, however, is reached, when the capital of the German state of Baden-Würtemberg, Stuttgart, is moved to EASTERN GERMANY (well, as a small mercy, we did not get a new fictional state like Malebolgia, at least....).
I cannot even call this lazy anymore, or badly researched, not in an age where information like that is one mouse-click away.
I have no words to describe this.
The only words I have are, that I was pretty disappointed with Big Finish in this regard.
They were doing so well.
And this? Shame on you.
There is also a story in there, but is just some generic sci-fi tropes thrown in a blender, really.
Anyways.
Third story- well, I am all for a crazy scientist plot set at a university, and I usually like these type of stories. But I have to admit, this one lacked something. It just came across as pretty generic. I am sad to say that not a single thing did really surprise me.
And the last story- this one was again better. The Doctor fits in harmonically and his bickering with River was refreshing. For me, this could even have been extended a bit. The 3rd Doctor with this grumpy style counterbalances perfectly with River's flirtation attempts.
So yeah, this was quite fun.
As for the story itself, well, again....not many surprised to be had. The plot is serviceable, and it acts as a sufficient setting and vehicle to present some great performances. We get dramatic and exciting bits and scary Gallifreyan technology and we meet again with an old acquaintance, which was nice. But the ending?
Pretty much exactly what I expected.
So in conclusion.
The first story was great, the second one atrocious, the third generic, the fourth had some fun bits.
Overall, we get some fantastic performances. Truth be told, the great performances are what holds this release together and which make up most of the enjoyment.
This is exactly what I wanted to hear, and they deliver. I was also surprised how organically River fits into this era and the UNIT characters.
Not the best River release, but serviceable and apart from the second story which I barely could finish, I enjoyed myself.
Only logical that I would get this release!
Like with the other River sets, we get four stories.
And with the first one, we get thrown right into the 3rd Doctor era, with Liz being in charge as the scientific advisor, since the Doctor is away on some errant. I was surprised how well this worked.
River fits in organically with the UNIT crew, and it helps that River has been toned down a bit.
In the past, some of her performances have been deliberately over the top, but I am happy to say, this is subdued here.
I felt right at home at UNIT HQ, with the grumpy Brigadier and clever and self-confident Liz (who even has no issues of "borrowing" Bessie, no less!).
Liz also has great chemistry with River and this is what, for me at least, elevates the story.
The first story itself....
well, we get sinister goings on with a demonic creature in a rural village with a nasty noble landowner doing his best to be an a$$.
Does this sound familiar?
At least the setting gives me a bit of a deja vu.
My only real issue was with the second story. While I have lived for years in English speaking countries, I am German. I get equally annoyed with bad German accents in Big Finish, as Americans get with the infamous Big Finish "American" accents.
Big Finish has been doing very well in the past years to rectify this and they had hired several German speaking actors, or at least actors who knew some German.
So the second story was a HUGE step back.
It was atrocious, and it threw me so badly out of the story, I barely could finish.
Not only are the accents bad, and the worst cliches about female Easter German athletes are used, but the actors are also charged in mangling the German language in such a way, that a native German speaker like me could barely understand what they were trying to say. I assume the writer used an outdated version of Google translate?
The pinnacle, however, is reached, when the capital of the German state of Baden-Würtemberg, Stuttgart, is moved to EASTERN GERMANY (well, as a small mercy, we did not get a new fictional state like Malebolgia, at least....).
I cannot even call this lazy anymore, or badly researched, not in an age where information like that is one mouse-click away.
I have no words to describe this.
The only words I have are, that I was pretty disappointed with Big Finish in this regard.
They were doing so well.
And this? Shame on you.
There is also a story in there, but is just some generic sci-fi tropes thrown in a blender, really.
Anyways.
Third story- well, I am all for a crazy scientist plot set at a university, and I usually like these type of stories. But I have to admit, this one lacked something. It just came across as pretty generic. I am sad to say that not a single thing did really surprise me.
And the last story- this one was again better. The Doctor fits in harmonically and his bickering with River was refreshing. For me, this could even have been extended a bit. The 3rd Doctor with this grumpy style counterbalances perfectly with River's flirtation attempts.
So yeah, this was quite fun.
As for the story itself, well, again....not many surprised to be had. The plot is serviceable, and it acts as a sufficient setting and vehicle to present some great performances. We get dramatic and exciting bits and scary Gallifreyan technology and we meet again with an old acquaintance, which was nice. But the ending?
Pretty much exactly what I expected.
So in conclusion.
The first story was great, the second one atrocious, the third generic, the fourth had some fun bits.
Overall, we get some fantastic performances. Truth be told, the great performances are what holds this release together and which make up most of the enjoyment.
This is exactly what I wanted to hear, and they deliver. I was also surprised how organically River fits into this era and the UNIT characters.
Not the best River release, but serviceable and apart from the second story which I barely could finish, I enjoyed myself.
December 2, 2021
Anche il nono capitolo del Diario di River Song ha guadagnato un titolo, New Recruit per la precisione e, dopo aver incontrato varie incarnazioni del Dottore ed aver interagito con gli attori che le interpretano, questa volta ci troviamo in epoca U.N.IT. e in compagnia del terzo Dottore, ma nell'impossibilità di avere non solo Jon Pertwee, ma tutto il cast dell'epoca.
La Big Finish ci da tempo abituato al suo clone audio, interpretato da a href="https://tardis.fandom.com/wiki/Tim_Tr... Treloar e, accanto a lui, possiamo ascoltare Jon Culshaw nei panni del
Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart e Daisy Ashford in quelli di Liz Shaw.
9.1 The Blood Woods by Lizbeth Myles
Mentre il Dottore sembra essere indisponibile, sembra che la U.N.I.T. non si fidi del tutto delle capacità di Liz e un nuovo consulente scientifico è introdotto alla base... una certa dottoressa Song.
Ben presto coinvolte in una misteriosa morte nella campagna inglese, le due donne dovranno trovare il modo di collaborare e risolvere la situazione senza portare morte e distruzione nel mondo.
9.2 Terror of the Suburbs by James Kettle
Dopo che Liz si è trasferita in un sobborgo perfetto sembra essere scomparsa dai radar della U.N.I.T. e River viene mandata ad investigare.
Il sobborgo di Fetter Bailey sembra nascondere molto più di quanto il perfetto vicinato lascia intendere e non solo perché non c'è un reparto surgelati nel mercato locale.
9.3 Never Alone by Helen Goldwyn
Un nemico più tecnologico per la coppia d'oro della U.N.I.T., ma sempre con l'intenzione di connettersi ed assorbire quanto più possibile dalla razza umana prima che qualcuno decida di investigare.
9.4 Rivers of Light by Lisa McMullin
Con il ritorno del Dottore si scopre alla fine cosa è venuta a fare River sulla Terra degli anni '70... e non è una cosa tranquilla, come sempre.
Quattro avventure che non sarebbero stonate nelle stagioni di Pertwee, sia come tematiche che come nemici affrontati.
Alieni millenari, I.A. affamate, frigoriferi assassini e una catastrofe che potrebbe distruggere l'universo... normale amministrazione sia per il terzo Dottore che per River.
Le voci dei vari personaggi sono praticamente perfette e sembra veramente di ascoltare gli originali.
Pur non essendo l'era del terzo Dottore una delle mie preferite (troppo James Bond per I miei gusti), le quattro storie sono perfettamente integrate nel periodo a cui si rifanno e, pur nella loro semplicità, non deludono.
Non ci resta che aspettare il prossimo capitolo... chissà che non incontriamo il secondo Dottore. River e Jamie farebbero faville...
La Big Finish ci da tempo abituato al suo clone audio, interpretato da a href="https://tardis.fandom.com/wiki/Tim_Tr... Treloar e, accanto a lui, possiamo ascoltare Jon Culshaw nei panni del
Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart e Daisy Ashford in quelli di Liz Shaw.
9.1 The Blood Woods by Lizbeth Myles
Mentre il Dottore sembra essere indisponibile, sembra che la U.N.I.T. non si fidi del tutto delle capacità di Liz e un nuovo consulente scientifico è introdotto alla base... una certa dottoressa Song.
Ben presto coinvolte in una misteriosa morte nella campagna inglese, le due donne dovranno trovare il modo di collaborare e risolvere la situazione senza portare morte e distruzione nel mondo.
9.2 Terror of the Suburbs by James Kettle
Dopo che Liz si è trasferita in un sobborgo perfetto sembra essere scomparsa dai radar della U.N.I.T. e River viene mandata ad investigare.
Il sobborgo di Fetter Bailey sembra nascondere molto più di quanto il perfetto vicinato lascia intendere e non solo perché non c'è un reparto surgelati nel mercato locale.
9.3 Never Alone by Helen Goldwyn
Un nemico più tecnologico per la coppia d'oro della U.N.I.T., ma sempre con l'intenzione di connettersi ed assorbire quanto più possibile dalla razza umana prima che qualcuno decida di investigare.
9.4 Rivers of Light by Lisa McMullin
Con il ritorno del Dottore si scopre alla fine cosa è venuta a fare River sulla Terra degli anni '70... e non è una cosa tranquilla, come sempre.
Quattro avventure che non sarebbero stonate nelle stagioni di Pertwee, sia come tematiche che come nemici affrontati.
Alieni millenari, I.A. affamate, frigoriferi assassini e una catastrofe che potrebbe distruggere l'universo... normale amministrazione sia per il terzo Dottore che per River.
Le voci dei vari personaggi sono praticamente perfette e sembra veramente di ascoltare gli originali.
Pur non essendo l'era del terzo Dottore una delle mie preferite (troppo James Bond per I miei gusti), le quattro storie sono perfettamente integrate nel periodo a cui si rifanno e, pur nella loro semplicità, non deludono.
Non ci resta che aspettare il prossimo capitolo... chissà che non incontriamo il secondo Dottore. River e Jamie farebbero faville...
June 28, 2023
The Diary of River Song Series 9: New Recruit - 3/5 stars
9.1 The Blood Woods by Lizbeth Myles - 4/5 stars
A fun little introductory story where River and Liz make fun chemistry. Liz is unsure of River and the Brigadier tells her to put up with it. The ongoing plot is a basic imposter story set in a countryside archeological dig. The “plot twist” is obvious but overall is great.
9.2 Terror of the Suburbs by James Kettle - 2/5 stars
A bit like the Torchwood audio drama Serenity but with less chemistry between the characters. I don’t know why the chemistry isn’t as fun as The Blood Woods but I think it could be due to the fact that this story relies on River knowing Liz a bit better and I feel that they should have had this later in the set to solidify their friendship first. Like Serenity the setting is fun but this setting doesn’t really feel as interesting as the monster of the week is mind-controlling freezers.
9.3 Never Alone by Helen Goldwyn - 3/5 stars
The only thing I can really comment on about this one is that the 8-bit version of the Diary of River Song opening and closing theme is really fun. The rest of this story is a bit bland. It’s just feeling the motions, basically River and Liz are on autopilot.
9.4 Rivers of Light by Lisa McMullin - 3/5 stars
A pretty basic ending to this set. 3 and River have fun chemistry here but the highlight of this set is the chemistry between River and Liz.
9.1 The Blood Woods by Lizbeth Myles - 4/5 stars
A fun little introductory story where River and Liz make fun chemistry. Liz is unsure of River and the Brigadier tells her to put up with it. The ongoing plot is a basic imposter story set in a countryside archeological dig. The “plot twist” is obvious but overall is great.
9.2 Terror of the Suburbs by James Kettle - 2/5 stars
A bit like the Torchwood audio drama Serenity but with less chemistry between the characters. I don’t know why the chemistry isn’t as fun as The Blood Woods but I think it could be due to the fact that this story relies on River knowing Liz a bit better and I feel that they should have had this later in the set to solidify their friendship first. Like Serenity the setting is fun but this setting doesn’t really feel as interesting as the monster of the week is mind-controlling freezers.
9.3 Never Alone by Helen Goldwyn - 3/5 stars
The only thing I can really comment on about this one is that the 8-bit version of the Diary of River Song opening and closing theme is really fun. The rest of this story is a bit bland. It’s just feeling the motions, basically River and Liz are on autopilot.
9.4 Rivers of Light by Lisa McMullin - 3/5 stars
A pretty basic ending to this set. 3 and River have fun chemistry here but the highlight of this set is the chemistry between River and Liz.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2021
9.1 The Blood Woods - While didn’t feel as zany or as filled with meta-humor as some previous stories, this was throughly enjoyable. The pacing is definitely different than the usual River Song story, but that kind of makes sense as this one is also a Liz Shaw and U.N.I.T. adventure, so it’s set in the Jon Pertwee years and even though we don’t get the “third” Doctor in this adventure, it does feel like it fits in that era (4/5).
9.2 Terror of the Suburbs - This is certainly more of the typical zany antics with River Song. Non-stop high-jinx and hilarity (3/5).
9.3 Never Alone - Nothing out of the ordinary here. Just another fun, hilarious and outrageous romp with River & Liz (4/5).
9.4 Rivers of Light - Oh Loki, I do love it when they save the BEST for last! For the Big Finish so to speak. Wonderful! This one is once again with River Song at her best (5/5).
9.2 Terror of the Suburbs - This is certainly more of the typical zany antics with River Song. Non-stop high-jinx and hilarity (3/5).
9.3 Never Alone - Nothing out of the ordinary here. Just another fun, hilarious and outrageous romp with River & Liz (4/5).
9.4 Rivers of Light - Oh Loki, I do love it when they save the BEST for last! For the Big Finish so to speak. Wonderful! This one is once again with River Song at her best (5/5).
January 2, 2022
I didn't really enjoy this one much at all. Like putting her in 3rd doctor unit just felt like such a bad choice. Yes it was interesting to see River with Liz but the styles of the show when she's in it vs 70s who are just really too incompatible to get it to work. Also don't understand why Big finish is obsessed with getting new actors to do dead actors parts. Especially when if they wanted to do this era there are still living actors they could have used.
The first story was probably the best. The second one was rather dire, an idea been done a million times before and the dialogue really bad. 3 was ok. And 4 quite disappointing. Can we have River have Rived adventures instead please?
The first story was probably the best. The second one was rather dire, an idea been done a million times before and the dialogue really bad. 3 was ok. And 4 quite disappointing. Can we have River have Rived adventures instead please?
June 5, 2024
Bah... euh... C'était très moyen ? Le début de l'épisode 1 s'annonçait prometteur avec des interactions entre River Song, Liz et le Brigadier vraiment funs et intéressantes à écouter, puis ça a été juste des histoires relativement osef avec des antagonistes inintéressants. Pareil pour la dernière histoire qui ne vaut le coup que pour la rencontre entre le troisième Docteur et River mais ça reste très léger sur le reste. Un seul épisode aurait suffit si c'était juste quelques lignes de dialogues sympathiques plutôt que quatre heures de vide avec quelques poussières de moments agréables à écouter. Trois étoiles parce que c'était pas mauvais, juste particulièrement oubliable tout du long.
November 1, 2021
I always enjoy the River Song Boxsets and to me this is a special treat for it's within one of my favorite Era's of Doctor Who.
The main appreciation for this boxset is it involves Liz Shaw, a companion mistreated on screen is finally given her chance to shine.
Keeping The Doctor until the last episode was a nice touch, it allowed the stories to be full UNIT mysteries without taking any focus away from River and UNIT.
Overall, if you're a fan of the UNIT Era of Doctor Who, i would recommend this boxset, especially given the Villian reveal in the final episode!
The main appreciation for this boxset is it involves Liz Shaw, a companion mistreated on screen is finally given her chance to shine.
Keeping The Doctor until the last episode was a nice touch, it allowed the stories to be full UNIT mysteries without taking any focus away from River and UNIT.
Overall, if you're a fan of the UNIT Era of Doctor Who, i would recommend this boxset, especially given the Villian reveal in the final episode!
November 28, 2021
Series 9 is one of the better sets of episodes in quite awhile. It helps that I really enjoy the Third Doctor/UNIT era of the show, and even though the Doctor himself doesn't show up until the fourth episode, his presence really elevates that episode -- and thus the whole set is brought up.
River and the Third Doctor is the pairing I didn't know I wanted until this set, and now I want more of it.
River and the Third Doctor is the pairing I didn't know I wanted until this set, and now I want more of it.
October 20, 2023
This was such a fun set in one of my favourite eras of Doctor Who. I think the recasting big finish have done here is excellent. Jon Culshaw sounds almost identical to Nicholas Courtney's Brigadier and Daisy Ashford does a great job as Liz, who is my favourite companion to three.
I love River and her interactions with the Doctor's history. This box set did a great job of that element.
I also loved how Terror of the Suburbs had a lot of the Prisoner feel to it!
I love River and her interactions with the Doctor's history. This box set did a great job of that element.
I also loved how Terror of the Suburbs had a lot of the Prisoner feel to it!
August 11, 2024
The River Song audios started off with the titular character going backwards through the Doctor’s timeline in each release, ending with Tom Baker as the oldest living actor. Now that they’re confident enough with their replacement actors, Big Finish here continues that trend with a Third Doctor crossover – four stories in which River turns up at UNIT to act as Liz Shaw’s assistant while the Doctor is away for an unknown reason.
The Blood Woods – The first story inevitably has to carry the burden of setting up the scene for the others, with River arriving and having to overcome Liz’s suspicions and her understandable impression that the Brigadier doesn’t trust her to work as scientific advisor on her own. This results in the central plot, about a man who died under circumstances that imply alien involvement, moving slowly at times, as the interaction between the leads has to take centre stage. Having said which, it’s actually quite a good plot building in more elements in than one might expect under the circumstances, albeit never with the sort of folk horror feel that it’s probably going for.
Liz gets quite a bit to do here, and the chance to show off some of her abilities – she is nominally River’s boss in this, after all. But it remains River’s story, keeping her as the main focus, playing off against both Liz and the Brigadier. The latter has a comparatively minor role, albeit a crucial one to the resolution, which, in all honesty is pretty straightforward and almost anticlimactic. But the characters make up for it, and the pairing works well, the two main characters both contrasting with and complementing each other. 4.5 stars
Terror of the Suburbs – This is a Stepford Wives pastiche, with a dash of The Prisoner. Unfortunately, it's somewhat weakened by the fact that Big Finish has used much the same premise twice before with Jack Harkness (and some German accents that even I can recognise as bad). The explanation for what’s going on is different from those outings, but beyond the ‘70s setting and its accompanying digs at fondue parties and the music of Demis Roussos, the setup is essentially the same. I will say that the villain’s identity is clear from early on, although their motives are not, and the sense of mystery is underplayed possibly because River (but not the audience) already knows what’s going on.
Elements of physical danger through the story feel thrown in at random, and there seems surprisingly little urgency about dealing with them, even allowing for the fact that most of the characters are either brainwashed or complicit in what’s happening. Furthermore, exactly how the villain is supposed to have set all this up in the first place is something that perhaps doesn’t bear too close an examination. So its not the strongest story, and feels like it’s been done before without too much change, although some will doubtless appreciate the almost entirely female cast even if the characters, by the nature of the setting, come across as rather bland. 3 stars.
Never Alone – The next story is, in some respects, a typical Third Doctor story, except for River and Liz taking the lead – and it’s all the better for it. It begins with UNIT investigating an unusual death and then being drawn into the machinations of a mysterious tech company that, among other things, has invented a basic iPod a few decades early. What we get is a good investigatory story, giving Liz and River roughly equal roles that eventually takes a slightly surreal turn as the true nature of the threat becomes apparent.
Although they’re mentioned, UNIT isn’t really in this one, leaving the leads to solve the problems on their own and giving them an opponent that men with guns would be of even less use against than usual. True, the motivations of the monster aren’t especially interesting, but there are some good supporting characters and some nice ideas that pull this distinctly above the average. 4 stars.
Rivers of Light – In the final story, it’s revealed what River has really been doing on Earth, as the Doctor turns up and takes exception to what she’s been up to in his absence. (Understandably so, in fairness to him). Almost immediately, UNIT receives a call about unusual events at a Yorkshire coal mine. River is trying to keep the Doctor out of it, and, while she isn’t entirely successful and Liz and the Brigadier also have significant roles, it’s once again primarily her story.
The explanation for what's happening – all tied in with River’s presence in this time period – is bonkers but does fit in with the show’s larger mythology. A scene at the end tying things further in to the Third Doctor era feels superfluous and was perhaps included only as a test run for something coming in later releases for this Doctor, rather than River. There’s also a thread about the relationship between two of the guest characters that seems significant but is never followed up on.
However, the plot isn’t really the point here; it’s more about seeing River interact with the Third Doctor and having fun with UNIT dating. (For instance, the story is set during the miners’ strike… but even some of the characters are actively unclear as to whether this is the big one from the '80s or one of the shorter ones from the preceding decade). Because of all that, it’s a big and dramatic conclusion to the box set, even if the underlying plot isn’t always the strongest. 4.5 stars.
The Blood Woods – The first story inevitably has to carry the burden of setting up the scene for the others, with River arriving and having to overcome Liz’s suspicions and her understandable impression that the Brigadier doesn’t trust her to work as scientific advisor on her own. This results in the central plot, about a man who died under circumstances that imply alien involvement, moving slowly at times, as the interaction between the leads has to take centre stage. Having said which, it’s actually quite a good plot building in more elements in than one might expect under the circumstances, albeit never with the sort of folk horror feel that it’s probably going for.
Liz gets quite a bit to do here, and the chance to show off some of her abilities – she is nominally River’s boss in this, after all. But it remains River’s story, keeping her as the main focus, playing off against both Liz and the Brigadier. The latter has a comparatively minor role, albeit a crucial one to the resolution, which, in all honesty is pretty straightforward and almost anticlimactic. But the characters make up for it, and the pairing works well, the two main characters both contrasting with and complementing each other. 4.5 stars
Terror of the Suburbs – This is a Stepford Wives pastiche, with a dash of The Prisoner. Unfortunately, it's somewhat weakened by the fact that Big Finish has used much the same premise twice before with Jack Harkness (and some German accents that even I can recognise as bad). The explanation for what’s going on is different from those outings, but beyond the ‘70s setting and its accompanying digs at fondue parties and the music of Demis Roussos, the setup is essentially the same. I will say that the villain’s identity is clear from early on, although their motives are not, and the sense of mystery is underplayed possibly because River (but not the audience) already knows what’s going on.
Elements of physical danger through the story feel thrown in at random, and there seems surprisingly little urgency about dealing with them, even allowing for the fact that most of the characters are either brainwashed or complicit in what’s happening. Furthermore, exactly how the villain is supposed to have set all this up in the first place is something that perhaps doesn’t bear too close an examination. So its not the strongest story, and feels like it’s been done before without too much change, although some will doubtless appreciate the almost entirely female cast even if the characters, by the nature of the setting, come across as rather bland. 3 stars.
Never Alone – The next story is, in some respects, a typical Third Doctor story, except for River and Liz taking the lead – and it’s all the better for it. It begins with UNIT investigating an unusual death and then being drawn into the machinations of a mysterious tech company that, among other things, has invented a basic iPod a few decades early. What we get is a good investigatory story, giving Liz and River roughly equal roles that eventually takes a slightly surreal turn as the true nature of the threat becomes apparent.
Although they’re mentioned, UNIT isn’t really in this one, leaving the leads to solve the problems on their own and giving them an opponent that men with guns would be of even less use against than usual. True, the motivations of the monster aren’t especially interesting, but there are some good supporting characters and some nice ideas that pull this distinctly above the average. 4 stars.
Rivers of Light – In the final story, it’s revealed what River has really been doing on Earth, as the Doctor turns up and takes exception to what she’s been up to in his absence. (Understandably so, in fairness to him). Almost immediately, UNIT receives a call about unusual events at a Yorkshire coal mine. River is trying to keep the Doctor out of it, and, while she isn’t entirely successful and Liz and the Brigadier also have significant roles, it’s once again primarily her story.
The explanation for what's happening – all tied in with River’s presence in this time period – is bonkers but does fit in with the show’s larger mythology. A scene at the end tying things further in to the Third Doctor era feels superfluous and was perhaps included only as a test run for something coming in later releases for this Doctor, rather than River. There’s also a thread about the relationship between two of the guest characters that seems significant but is never followed up on.
However, the plot isn’t really the point here; it’s more about seeing River interact with the Third Doctor and having fun with UNIT dating. (For instance, the story is set during the miners’ strike… but even some of the characters are actively unclear as to whether this is the big one from the '80s or one of the shorter ones from the preceding decade). Because of all that, it’s a big and dramatic conclusion to the box set, even if the underlying plot isn’t always the strongest. 4.5 stars.
March 2, 2022
Rating is more like 2.5 stars.
Only really good story in this set was the first. The second wasn't written well at all (too many holes); the third was better, but not by much; and the last was just okay. Sad, as it seemed to be going so well at the beginning of the set. Oh well... 🤷♀️
Only really good story in this set was the first. The second wasn't written well at all (too many holes); the third was better, but not by much; and the last was just okay. Sad, as it seemed to be going so well at the beginning of the set. Oh well... 🤷♀️
April 1, 2022
River Song and Liz Shaw make such a good duo. Maybe I should explore more of what Big Finish has been doing with this Third Doctor era after all. Also loved the video game music version of The Diary of River Song theme.
November 22, 2021
4 more river adventures though this time she’s working with 1970’s doctor, brigadier, and Liz Shaw.
March 29, 2022
This is the best River Song set in a while! I loved seeing River interact with Liz Shaw, the Brigadier, and of course, the Third Doctor. The surprise cameo at the end was a wonderful touch as well.
June 13, 2022
Love River in the Third Doctor era. The relationship between River and Liz is fun to see developing. Another great production from Big Finish.
December 29, 2022
The first story was great - I love the dynamic of River and Liz. But the other three were rather disappointing. And the 3rd Doctor impersonation was just terrible, sorry!
August 19, 2023
oh my god that ending!! she is forever so slay
May 30, 2024
The Blood Woods - 4 stars
Terror of the Suburbs - 3 stars
Never Alone - 3 stars
River of Light - 4 stars
Terror of the Suburbs - 3 stars
Never Alone - 3 stars
River of Light - 4 stars
February 4, 2025
I loved Rivers of Light, especially the end!!!
March 29, 2025
Review by story…
The Blood Woods: there are so few third doctor audios that actually use the setting well. This folk horror story is one of the best I’ve heard and the Doctor isn’t even in it! 4.5/5
Terror of the Suburbs: Again way better use of the setting than most Third Doctor stuff I’ve heard from Big Finish. Both this and the last one have major season 7 vibes. Which is the highest compliment I can give for a third Doctor story. 3.5/5
Never Alone: fun story, nothing special but great music. 3/5
Rivers of Light: It’s a fine River Song adventure. But I’ll just say it, I don’t like Tim Treloar as the third Doctor. It’s a passable impression, but it doesn’t ever feel like the real character to me.
Also the writing was irritating. 2/5
The Blood Woods: there are so few third doctor audios that actually use the setting well. This folk horror story is one of the best I’ve heard and the Doctor isn’t even in it! 4.5/5
Terror of the Suburbs: Again way better use of the setting than most Third Doctor stuff I’ve heard from Big Finish. Both this and the last one have major season 7 vibes. Which is the highest compliment I can give for a third Doctor story. 3.5/5
Never Alone: fun story, nothing special but great music. 3/5
Rivers of Light: It’s a fine River Song adventure. But I’ll just say it, I don’t like Tim Treloar as the third Doctor. It’s a passable impression, but it doesn’t ever feel like the real character to me.
Also the writing was irritating. 2/5
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