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The War Doctor
Doctor Who: Infernal Devices
In the midst of the Time War, Daleks and Time Lords bring to bear all the weapons they can find, unleashing untold devastation. But if just one of these infernal devices can provide an advantage—however small—that could mean victory. While the Daleks experiment with new ways of waging war, Cardinal Ollistra seeks out arcane and mysterious armaments of her own. And she will have the assistance of Gallifrey's greatest warrior—regardless of whether he is willing to help. As both sides think the unthinkable, the consequences for the universe could be catastrophic. But the Time War must be won, at any cost.
Audiobook
First published February 1, 2016
1 person is currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
John Dorney
166 books26 followersJohn Dorney is a British writer and actor best known for stage roles including the National Theatre, the BBC Radio 4 sitcom My First Planet; and his scripts for the Big Finish Doctor Who range. His script 'Solitaire' was rated the most popular Doctor Who Companion Chronicle of 2010 on the Timescales website and was the runner up in Unreality Sci-fi net's poll for Story of the Year 2010-11.
As well as Doctor Who, he has written for Big Finish's Sapphire and Steel series and on radio co-wrote three series of BBC Radio 4's Recorded for Training Purposes. He won the BBC Show Me the Funny 'Sketch Factor' competition, was a finalist in the BBC 'Laughing Stock' competition, and has performed in Mark Watson's Edinburgh Comedy Award winning long shows as 'The Balladeer'. On stage, he has written plays for the Royal Court Theatre, Hampstead and Soho Theatres.
He trained at LAMDA.
As well as Doctor Who, he has written for Big Finish's Sapphire and Steel series and on radio co-wrote three series of BBC Radio 4's Recorded for Training Purposes. He won the BBC Show Me the Funny 'Sketch Factor' competition, was a finalist in the BBC 'Laughing Stock' competition, and has performed in Mark Watson's Edinburgh Comedy Award winning long shows as 'The Balladeer'. On stage, he has written plays for the Royal Court Theatre, Hampstead and Soho Theatres.
He trained at LAMDA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 16, 2022
Actual rating is 3.5 stars.
This is an audio production that is based on the television series. There are three different stories that have a connection. The Doctor in this one is The War Doctor and John Hurt returns to his role in this audio book. In this one, the Time Lords are in war with the Daleks. What would each side do to achieve victory? And can The War Doctor sit back while these atrocities are committed?
The production for this was amazing and I could listen to John Hurt voice The Doctor forever. The different emotions he emoted while he was speaking was terrific. The other actors and actresses were excellent as well as the sound effects. Big Finish Productions really has these audio productions down to a science. There are three different stories as well as behind the scenes cd that interviews different people involved with this production. I loved the first story as it shows what The Time Lords are willing to do in the name of war. The antagonist was a little cheesy but would it be a Doctor Who story without a little cheesiness. The second story was the Daleks attempt at victory which I thought was a little weaker. The third story was the battle and this story lost me a little bit. That could be my fault. I listened to this in work and I was a little busy during the third story. Maybe I was distracted. The behind the scenes cd provided was basically a fluff piece. It wasn't a bad listen and it did have John Hurt answering questions about his role.
This was a nice entry in this universe and I enjoyed the aspect of spending time with this particular Doctor as his time on the show was very short. Plus, it has John Hurt and that will always be enjoyable. And seriously can you go wrong with having Nicholas Briggs spouting out "Exterminate" in my earbuds. I think I might have said it out loud with him and might have worried some people in my surrounding work area.
This is an audio production that is based on the television series. There are three different stories that have a connection. The Doctor in this one is The War Doctor and John Hurt returns to his role in this audio book. In this one, the Time Lords are in war with the Daleks. What would each side do to achieve victory? And can The War Doctor sit back while these atrocities are committed?
The production for this was amazing and I could listen to John Hurt voice The Doctor forever. The different emotions he emoted while he was speaking was terrific. The other actors and actresses were excellent as well as the sound effects. Big Finish Productions really has these audio productions down to a science. There are three different stories as well as behind the scenes cd that interviews different people involved with this production. I loved the first story as it shows what The Time Lords are willing to do in the name of war. The antagonist was a little cheesy but would it be a Doctor Who story without a little cheesiness. The second story was the Daleks attempt at victory which I thought was a little weaker. The third story was the battle and this story lost me a little bit. That could be my fault. I listened to this in work and I was a little busy during the third story. Maybe I was distracted. The behind the scenes cd provided was basically a fluff piece. It wasn't a bad listen and it did have John Hurt answering questions about his role.
This was a nice entry in this universe and I enjoyed the aspect of spending time with this particular Doctor as his time on the show was very short. Plus, it has John Hurt and that will always be enjoyable. And seriously can you go wrong with having Nicholas Briggs spouting out "Exterminate" in my earbuds. I think I might have said it out loud with him and might have worried some people in my surrounding work area.
June 15, 2016
The legendary John Hurt returns in another Big Finish Doctor Who audio adventure. Hurt has a great voice for audio stories & the first story in this collection (Legion Of The Lost) is his best so far. I look forward to hopefull many more adventures.
December 30, 2017
2.1 Legion of the Lost by John Dorney
Ritroviamo il War Doctor, come sempre impegnato a sventare i piani dei colleghi Time Lord, nel tentativo di mantenere (o riportare) umanità nella battaglia.
Nuovi alleati per i Signori del Tempo, che utilizzano tecniche simili alla magia. Avversari che ricordano altri già visti e situazioni che riportano alla mente gli abomini elencati dal decimo Dottore.
Un buon inizio.
2.2 A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne
Con il War Doctor al guinzaglio, la Cardinale Ollistra cerca di scoprire l'utilizzo dell'ennesima arma dell'arsenale Omega e, già che ci siamo, scoprire anche cosa stanno studiando i Dalek per vincere la guerra.
Due armi che si rivolteranno contro i loro creatori e l'ennesima conferma che, nonostante continui ad affermare il contrario, il Rinnegato è più Dottore che mai.
2.3 The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton
Terza arma degna dell'arsenale Omega. Ollistra cerca di sfruttare nuovamente le capacità del Dottore per recuperare il Neverwhen e metterli in sicurezza, in modo da poter utizzare l'arma su larga scala.
Il Rinnegato ha idee un po' diverse e, nella decisione finale presa, si coglie già l'eco della futura scelta di imbracciare il Momento per concludere l'orrore.
Il secondo cofanetto del War Doctor, conoscendo da personaggi e situazioni, risulta più coinvolgente. John Hurt e Jacqueline Pearce sono una coppia fenomenale.
Ritroviamo il War Doctor, come sempre impegnato a sventare i piani dei colleghi Time Lord, nel tentativo di mantenere (o riportare) umanità nella battaglia.
Nuovi alleati per i Signori del Tempo, che utilizzano tecniche simili alla magia. Avversari che ricordano altri già visti e situazioni che riportano alla mente gli abomini elencati dal decimo Dottore.
Un buon inizio.
2.2 A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne
Con il War Doctor al guinzaglio, la Cardinale Ollistra cerca di scoprire l'utilizzo dell'ennesima arma dell'arsenale Omega e, già che ci siamo, scoprire anche cosa stanno studiando i Dalek per vincere la guerra.
Due armi che si rivolteranno contro i loro creatori e l'ennesima conferma che, nonostante continui ad affermare il contrario, il Rinnegato è più Dottore che mai.
2.3 The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton
Terza arma degna dell'arsenale Omega. Ollistra cerca di sfruttare nuovamente le capacità del Dottore per recuperare il Neverwhen e metterli in sicurezza, in modo da poter utizzare l'arma su larga scala.
Il Rinnegato ha idee un po' diverse e, nella decisione finale presa, si coglie già l'eco della futura scelta di imbracciare il Momento per concludere l'orrore.
Il secondo cofanetto del War Doctor, conoscendo da personaggi e situazioni, risulta più coinvolgente. John Hurt e Jacqueline Pearce sono una coppia fenomenale.
September 27, 2021
“LEGION OF THE LOST”
In tempo di guerra, ogni mezzo per ottenere la vittoria deve essere esplorato. Nella Guerra del Tempo, l'impensabile deve essere pensato, e nessuna delle due parti può permettersi di essere schizzinosa sui loro metodi.
Quando la distruzione di un'arma oscena conduce il Signore del Tempo una volta conosciuto come il Dottore a scoprire una segreta iniziativa gallifreyana, non può credere a ciò che viene considerato.
La vittoria dovrebbe essere cercata ad ogni costo? O ci sono possibilità peggiori che perdere contro i Daleks..?
La sinossi non ha fatto un buon lavoro ad attirare la mia attenzione, perché ormai di armi orripilanti e di Signori del Tempo senza scrupoli se ne sono già visti parecchi durante la Time War. Tuttavia, se all'inizio abbiamo appunto l'ennesimo marchingegno troppo distruttivo per essere usato da una qualsiasi delle due parti, in seguito si aggiungono elementi più accattivanti. Perché i Signori del Tempo hanno chiesto aiuto ad un'antica razza di Tecnomanti che usano una combinazione di scienza e magia così avanzata da considerare perfino i gallifreyani una specie inferiore. Tramite questa alleanza, i Signori del Tempo sperano di sconfiggere la morte stessa, ma il prezzo è così alto che il Dottore non può fare a meno di intervenire.
Ad accompagnarlo nel ruolo di companion one-shot, abbiamo la gallifreyana Collis, restia a combattere ma prona al sacrificio, mentre David Warner assume il ruolo di antagonista nei panni di Shadovar, leader dei Tecnomanti.
Se Ollistra come spesso succede fa soltanto un'apparizione finale, i Dalek quasi non compaiono affatto, lasciando i riflettori puntati su quello che sta succedendo con i Tecnomanti.
Gli intrallazzi con la magia, i sacrifici, la negromanzia e le divinità maligne provenienti da altri universi non sono una novità in Doctor Who (e in particolare l'ultimo punto mi ha ricordato i libri della Virgin di Bernice Summerfield, con un po' di Horns of Nimon), tuttavia nel contesto della Guerra del Tempo rappresenta qualcosa di più innovativo rispetto al solito.
Ancora una volta il War Doctor è stato ben caratterizzato: in situazioni estreme non si tira indietro dall'utilizzare soluzioni drastiche, senza tuttavia essere troppo estraneo dal Dottore che siamo abituati a vedere.
A differenza del primo boxset, che era costituito da un'unica storia divisa in tre parti, in questo caso ogni episodio è a sé stante, ma il cliffhanger finale fa comunque da apripista per il prossimo.
------------------------------------------------------------------
“A THING OF GUILE”
I Dalek stanno sviluppando un'arma segreta sull'asteroide Theta 12. È imperativo che i loro piani siano scoperti.
La cardinale Ollistra ha le mani occupate a studiare la gamma di armamenti antichi e misteriosi che l'universo ha da offrire, ma ne fa una missione personale per indagare il progetto Dalek.
Per questo incarico pericoloso, c'è un Signore del Tempo particolare che vuole al suo fianco - e lui la accompagnerà, che lo voglia o no.
Continua il tema del boxset riguardante le armi più infernali ideate durante la Guerra del Tempo, e se nel primo episodio avevamo visto gli esperimenti dei Signori del Tempo, qui scopriamo cosa stanno ideando i Dalek.
Ollistra, con il Dottore alla sua mercé, organizza un'operazione dietro le linee nemiche per scoprire cosa stanno architettando, scendendo lei stessa in prima linea insieme ad altri due gallifreyani. Parallelamente, viene svolta un'azione diversiva per distrarre i Dalek dall'infiltrazione.
Già da questo si denota una maggiore componente militare rispetto al primo episodio, che accadeva lontano dal fronte.
Gli esperimenti dei Dalek hanno sempre quegli elementi ricorrenti, e in questo caso mi hanno ricordato il culto di Skaro, tanto che non mi sarei stupita se avessero fatto questo collegamento. Quello che ne consegue è quindi prevedibile, e funge anche da deus ex machina per risolvere una situazione altrimenti ineluttabile.
Ciò che ho trovato più interessante è stato però vedere diversi Signori del Tempo che si approcciano alla guerra in maniera diversa: a parte la spietatezza di Ollistra che già conosciamo, abbiamo il capitano Solex che affronta i suoi doveri con coraggio e pragmaticità, l'inettitudine del coordinatore Jared che non avrebbe mai dovuto lasciare l'ufficio, e lo spirito di sacrificio del comandante Telon che ammira la leggenda del Dottore e spera di emularlo. Anche se sono state delle piccole parti e non rivedremo più questi personaggi, con poche scene ognuno ha assunto una propria identità.
Nel complesso tuttavia è la storia più debole del range finora, essendo carente sia di pathos sia di trama, e fa un po' da riempitivo tra gli altri due episodi.
#langolobigfinish
------------------------------------------------------------------
“NEVERWHEN”
In un mondo isolato e devastato dalla battaglia, il tempo stesso è diventato un'arma, distruggendo tutti coloro che vivono e muoiono lì. Le armi e la tecnologia sono in uno stato di flusso - e sembra che la guerra eterna sia la loro unica opzione.
L'arrivo di un malconcio TARDIS Tipo 40 dentro questo incubo offre speranza ai combattenti intrappolati all'interno.
Ma quando scoprirà la verità, gli orrori del Nonquando sconvolgeranno anche il War Doctor...
Questo episodio è quello che finalmente aggiunge l'elemento temporale alla Guerra del Tempo in questo range, e lo fa anche in maniera piuttosto innovativa.
In questo caso – dato che il tema del boxset sono appunto le armi – abbiamo un dispositivo che è stato detonato da una delle due parti in una delle prime fasi della guerra, creando un luogo in cui il tempo è in continuo flusso. Si va quindi a generare una condizione molto instabile in cui sia gallifreyani sia Dalek, nonché la reciproca tecnologia, subiscono dei continui sbalzi tra il futuro e il passato, in un perenne stato di evoluzione e involuzione, morte e rinascita.
In questa baraonda di battaglie combattute sia con armi futuristiche sia con pietre e bastoni, perfino il Dottore si ritrova confuso e orripilato, perché un mondo in eterno conflitto in cui nessuno muore mai permanentemente è la cosa più vicina all'inferno che abbia mai visto.
Pure qui Ollistra svolge un ruolo molto prominente, e con la sua inclemenza c'è sempre un acceso antagonismo con il Dottore il quale, nonostante la solita tiritera “non chiamatemi con quel nome” e il suo conflitto interiore, qui si comporta esattamente come farebbe di solito, cercando di trovare una soluzione pacifica. Non mi dispiacerebbe se, coerentemente con il diniego della sua identità, si andasse ad esplorare aspetti più oscuri della sua personalità, ma al momento non siamo ancora a quel punto.
Inutile dire che sia John Hurt sia Jaqueline Pearce sono stati brillanti nell'interpretare l'acceso dibattito morale tra i due e il loro scontro di volontà, dando gravitas alle argomentazioni di entrambi.
Il plot twist, anche se l'ho visto arrivare, è comunque brillante e costruito progressivamente per tutta la prima metà dell'episodio, fino ad arrivare al fatidico momento di realizzazione.
In sostanza, questo è l'episodio migliore del range finora, anche se c'è ancora spazio per miglioramenti. Iniziamo a vedere atrocità e distorsioni temporali simili a quelle di cui si è parlato nella serie nuova, ma trattandosi di uno spazio contenuto non c'è ancora il senso di scala universale che dovrebbe avere una guerra di questo tipo. Considerando che questa serie è stata è stata la prima esperienza Big Finish nei meandri della Guerra del Tempo, un po' di riserva nel buttarsi in questi temi è comprensibile, ma spero che nei prossimi boxsets si vadano ad affrontare eventi di dimensioni molto più catastrofiche. Per il momento, tuttavia, Infernal Devices fa comunque un ottimo lavoro nell'esporre la natura combattuta del War Doctor tra ciò che era e ciò che è costretto ad essere in tempo di guerra.
In tempo di guerra, ogni mezzo per ottenere la vittoria deve essere esplorato. Nella Guerra del Tempo, l'impensabile deve essere pensato, e nessuna delle due parti può permettersi di essere schizzinosa sui loro metodi.
Quando la distruzione di un'arma oscena conduce il Signore del Tempo una volta conosciuto come il Dottore a scoprire una segreta iniziativa gallifreyana, non può credere a ciò che viene considerato.
La vittoria dovrebbe essere cercata ad ogni costo? O ci sono possibilità peggiori che perdere contro i Daleks..?
La sinossi non ha fatto un buon lavoro ad attirare la mia attenzione, perché ormai di armi orripilanti e di Signori del Tempo senza scrupoli se ne sono già visti parecchi durante la Time War. Tuttavia, se all'inizio abbiamo appunto l'ennesimo marchingegno troppo distruttivo per essere usato da una qualsiasi delle due parti, in seguito si aggiungono elementi più accattivanti. Perché i Signori del Tempo hanno chiesto aiuto ad un'antica razza di Tecnomanti che usano una combinazione di scienza e magia così avanzata da considerare perfino i gallifreyani una specie inferiore. Tramite questa alleanza, i Signori del Tempo sperano di sconfiggere la morte stessa, ma il prezzo è così alto che il Dottore non può fare a meno di intervenire.
Ad accompagnarlo nel ruolo di companion one-shot, abbiamo la gallifreyana Collis, restia a combattere ma prona al sacrificio, mentre David Warner assume il ruolo di antagonista nei panni di Shadovar, leader dei Tecnomanti.
Se Ollistra come spesso succede fa soltanto un'apparizione finale, i Dalek quasi non compaiono affatto, lasciando i riflettori puntati su quello che sta succedendo con i Tecnomanti.
Gli intrallazzi con la magia, i sacrifici, la negromanzia e le divinità maligne provenienti da altri universi non sono una novità in Doctor Who (e in particolare l'ultimo punto mi ha ricordato i libri della Virgin di Bernice Summerfield, con un po' di Horns of Nimon), tuttavia nel contesto della Guerra del Tempo rappresenta qualcosa di più innovativo rispetto al solito.
Ancora una volta il War Doctor è stato ben caratterizzato: in situazioni estreme non si tira indietro dall'utilizzare soluzioni drastiche, senza tuttavia essere troppo estraneo dal Dottore che siamo abituati a vedere.
A differenza del primo boxset, che era costituito da un'unica storia divisa in tre parti, in questo caso ogni episodio è a sé stante, ma il cliffhanger finale fa comunque da apripista per il prossimo.
------------------------------------------------------------------
“A THING OF GUILE”
I Dalek stanno sviluppando un'arma segreta sull'asteroide Theta 12. È imperativo che i loro piani siano scoperti.
La cardinale Ollistra ha le mani occupate a studiare la gamma di armamenti antichi e misteriosi che l'universo ha da offrire, ma ne fa una missione personale per indagare il progetto Dalek.
Per questo incarico pericoloso, c'è un Signore del Tempo particolare che vuole al suo fianco - e lui la accompagnerà, che lo voglia o no.
Continua il tema del boxset riguardante le armi più infernali ideate durante la Guerra del Tempo, e se nel primo episodio avevamo visto gli esperimenti dei Signori del Tempo, qui scopriamo cosa stanno ideando i Dalek.
Ollistra, con il Dottore alla sua mercé, organizza un'operazione dietro le linee nemiche per scoprire cosa stanno architettando, scendendo lei stessa in prima linea insieme ad altri due gallifreyani. Parallelamente, viene svolta un'azione diversiva per distrarre i Dalek dall'infiltrazione.
Già da questo si denota una maggiore componente militare rispetto al primo episodio, che accadeva lontano dal fronte.
Gli esperimenti dei Dalek hanno sempre quegli elementi ricorrenti, e in questo caso mi hanno ricordato il culto di Skaro, tanto che non mi sarei stupita se avessero fatto questo collegamento. Quello che ne consegue è quindi prevedibile, e funge anche da deus ex machina per risolvere una situazione altrimenti ineluttabile.
Ciò che ho trovato più interessante è stato però vedere diversi Signori del Tempo che si approcciano alla guerra in maniera diversa: a parte la spietatezza di Ollistra che già conosciamo, abbiamo il capitano Solex che affronta i suoi doveri con coraggio e pragmaticità, l'inettitudine del coordinatore Jared che non avrebbe mai dovuto lasciare l'ufficio, e lo spirito di sacrificio del comandante Telon che ammira la leggenda del Dottore e spera di emularlo. Anche se sono state delle piccole parti e non rivedremo più questi personaggi, con poche scene ognuno ha assunto una propria identità.
Nel complesso tuttavia è la storia più debole del range finora, essendo carente sia di pathos sia di trama, e fa un po' da riempitivo tra gli altri due episodi.
#langolobigfinish
------------------------------------------------------------------
“NEVERWHEN”
In un mondo isolato e devastato dalla battaglia, il tempo stesso è diventato un'arma, distruggendo tutti coloro che vivono e muoiono lì. Le armi e la tecnologia sono in uno stato di flusso - e sembra che la guerra eterna sia la loro unica opzione.
L'arrivo di un malconcio TARDIS Tipo 40 dentro questo incubo offre speranza ai combattenti intrappolati all'interno.
Ma quando scoprirà la verità, gli orrori del Nonquando sconvolgeranno anche il War Doctor...
Questo episodio è quello che finalmente aggiunge l'elemento temporale alla Guerra del Tempo in questo range, e lo fa anche in maniera piuttosto innovativa.
In questo caso – dato che il tema del boxset sono appunto le armi – abbiamo un dispositivo che è stato detonato da una delle due parti in una delle prime fasi della guerra, creando un luogo in cui il tempo è in continuo flusso. Si va quindi a generare una condizione molto instabile in cui sia gallifreyani sia Dalek, nonché la reciproca tecnologia, subiscono dei continui sbalzi tra il futuro e il passato, in un perenne stato di evoluzione e involuzione, morte e rinascita.
In questa baraonda di battaglie combattute sia con armi futuristiche sia con pietre e bastoni, perfino il Dottore si ritrova confuso e orripilato, perché un mondo in eterno conflitto in cui nessuno muore mai permanentemente è la cosa più vicina all'inferno che abbia mai visto.
Pure qui Ollistra svolge un ruolo molto prominente, e con la sua inclemenza c'è sempre un acceso antagonismo con il Dottore il quale, nonostante la solita tiritera “non chiamatemi con quel nome” e il suo conflitto interiore, qui si comporta esattamente come farebbe di solito, cercando di trovare una soluzione pacifica. Non mi dispiacerebbe se, coerentemente con il diniego della sua identità, si andasse ad esplorare aspetti più oscuri della sua personalità, ma al momento non siamo ancora a quel punto.
Inutile dire che sia John Hurt sia Jaqueline Pearce sono stati brillanti nell'interpretare l'acceso dibattito morale tra i due e il loro scontro di volontà, dando gravitas alle argomentazioni di entrambi.
Il plot twist, anche se l'ho visto arrivare, è comunque brillante e costruito progressivamente per tutta la prima metà dell'episodio, fino ad arrivare al fatidico momento di realizzazione.
In sostanza, questo è l'episodio migliore del range finora, anche se c'è ancora spazio per miglioramenti. Iniziamo a vedere atrocità e distorsioni temporali simili a quelle di cui si è parlato nella serie nuova, ma trattandosi di uno spazio contenuto non c'è ancora il senso di scala universale che dovrebbe avere una guerra di questo tipo. Considerando che questa serie è stata è stata la prima esperienza Big Finish nei meandri della Guerra del Tempo, un po' di riserva nel buttarsi in questi temi è comprensibile, ma spero che nei prossimi boxsets si vadano ad affrontare eventi di dimensioni molto più catastrofiche. Per il momento, tuttavia, Infernal Devices fa comunque un ottimo lavoro nell'esporre la natura combattuta del War Doctor tra ciò che era e ciò che è costretto ad essere in tempo di guerra.
December 7, 2017
В очередной раз Военный Доктор подтверждает статус самой интересной инкарнации - как с точки зрения острой, режущей глаз и слух амбивалентности, так и самых сложных и неоднозначных ситуаций, из которых не выкрутиться простой финтифлюшкой с применением звуковой отвертки и побуждающей на подвиги болтовни. Есть хорошие сюжеты у других Докторов и в сериале, и в аудио/книгах, но почему-то только у Военного оно выстреливает на 200% и драма превалирует. Все как я люблю.
Legion of the Lost by John Dorney
Каждая из трех историй в Infernal Devices рассказывает об оружии в войне таймлордов и далеков. Местами даже не в прямом значении, а как нечто, способное одним своим существованием повернуть ход войны. В Legion of the Lost все довольно тривиально и оружие - это и правда штука, способная изощренным способом уничтожать целые народы. Я не очень впечатлилась (наверное, потому что слишком уж расплывчата техническая сторона и конечное применение смахивает на сворачивание всей истории в трубочку). Зато концепция техномансеров просто замечательна. Ну, в смысле, это все ужасно и противоестественно, но если выкинуть из уравнения этику, то отрицать гениальность задумки сложно.
A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne
Самая обычная зацепка - далеки строят неведомое оружие на заброшенном астероиде - тихонько наращивает обо��оты, стремясь к неведомому катарсису, чтобы в конце просто кивнуть и уйти. После ревелейшена такого порядка ждешь еще немножко пояснений о мотивации, но их нет. Героям надо бежать дальше :[ Намеки на человечность неизбежно выходят на поверхность, но так и не получают необходимого освещения со стороны главных действующих лиц. И, наверное, не надо - потому что это интересно, но до чертиков страшно. Внезапно враг ведет себя иначе, и неспособность предсказать его поведение - это будет пострашнее любой бойни.
The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton
Одна из лучших идей, что мне встречались в whoniverse. Удивительно, но один отлично вписанный твист поднимает всю книгу на уровень, а то и два выше, меняя точку восприятия. Прекрасно разыгранная партия с практически необъятным потенциалом трагедии. История является прямым продолжением предыдущего выпуска (A Thing of Guile) и после ростков надежды, расцветающих на (казалось бы) бесплодной почве, смотреть на очередное изобретение, превращенное в смертельное оружие, вдвойне жутко. За идею и умело ввернутый твист - все 10 баллов.
lukk.svbtle
Legion of the Lost by John Dorney
Каждая из трех историй в Infernal Devices рассказывает об оружии в войне таймлордов и далеков. Местами даже не в прямом значении, а как нечто, способное одним своим существованием повернуть ход войны. В Legion of the Lost все довольно тривиально и оружие - это и правда штука, способная изощренным способом уничтожать целые народы. Я не очень впечатлилась (наверное, потому что слишком уж расплывчата техническая сторона и конечное применение смахивает на сворачивание всей истории в трубочку). Зато концепция техномансеров просто замечательна. Ну, в смысле, это все ужасно и противоестественно, но если выкинуть из уравнения этику, то отрицать гениальность задумки сложно.
A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne
Самая обычная зацепка - далеки строят неведомое оружие на заброшенном астероиде - тихонько наращивает обо��оты, стремясь к неведомому катарсису, чтобы в конце просто кивнуть и уйти. После ревелейшена такого порядка ждешь еще немножко пояснений о мотивации, но их нет. Героям надо бежать дальше :[ Намеки на человечность неизбежно выходят на поверхность, но так и не получают необходимого освещения со стороны главных действующих лиц. И, наверное, не надо - потому что это интересно, но до чертиков страшно. Внезапно враг ведет себя иначе, и неспособность предсказать его поведение - это будет пострашнее любой бойни.
The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton
Одна из лучших идей, что мне встречались в whoniverse. Удивительно, но один отлично вписанный твист поднимает всю книгу на уровень, а то и два выше, меняя точку восприятия. Прекрасно разыгранная партия с практически необъятным потенциалом трагедии. История является прямым продолжением предыдущего выпуска (A Thing of Guile) и после ростков надежды, расцветающих на (казалось бы) бесплодной почве, смотреть на очередное изобретение, превращенное в смертельное оружие, вдвойне жутко. За идею и умело ввернутый твист - все 10 баллов.
lukk.svbtle
March 21, 2017
Enjoyed this but feel like it should have gone further. In the special features, there's talk that the War Doctor is still the Doctor and that his only un-Doctory act is triggering the Moment at the end of the Time War but I disagree. I think he triggers the Moment because he's been pushed gradually to that extreme and doesn't see another way out. Still, these are good stories and a little different from the usual Doctor Who fare
July 31, 2016
The War Doctor is on his way to being the best of Doctors based on his small canon of work so far.
June 28, 2020
The Doctor tries again to get a peace between the Timelords and the Daleks.
July 24, 2019
Unlike its predecessor, this second release consists of three separate, hour-long stories, each by a different author. Each of the stories is based around the theme of secret weapons, and the first two end on cliffhangers that lead directly into the next one, but even so, they are essentially distinct.
* Legion of the Lost - The Doctor stumbles across an alliance between the Time Lords and another advanced culture that plans to use a terrible weapon to win the war against the Daleks. The Daleks themselves aren't in this one, which does at least give some variety, although the technomancers providing the new weapon are at least as clichéd themselves, which doesn't help. There are some moral arguments in here about the justification for using the weapon, but we're never really in any doubt that the Doctor is right to oppose it. Good performances and the context of the wider conflict help to raise this above the average.
* A Thing of Guile - This time it's the Daleks who are building the secret weapon, although exactly what it is is left a mystery for most of the episode. Here, as in the first volume, we're right back into war story territory, with the Doctor and other Time Lords trying to infiltrate the Daleks' base and find out what they're up to. This turns out to be similar to a Dalek plan used in an episode of the new series, although, to be fair, the methodology is different, and there's no indication that they're supposed to be connected in any way. With a subplot concerning a spaceship trying to escape from the Daleks, this is a fast-paced tale that once again probes the boundaries of how ruthless the War Doctor is prepared to be.
* The Neverwhen - The strongest story of the three, and just about nudging the overall collection into five-star territory, this focuses on a nightmarish front line in the Time War. A significant message here is just how low the Time Lords in general - and recurring villain Cardinal Ollistra in particular - are willing to stoop. While this, too, is a war story, it's one about the horror of war rather than a typical action-adventure, although this is conveyed more by implication than by being explicitly shown. And, once again, there are moments when the War Doctor's morality is called into question as well as some scenes highlighting his differences from (and similarities to) his other incarnations.
* Legion of the Lost - The Doctor stumbles across an alliance between the Time Lords and another advanced culture that plans to use a terrible weapon to win the war against the Daleks. The Daleks themselves aren't in this one, which does at least give some variety, although the technomancers providing the new weapon are at least as clichéd themselves, which doesn't help. There are some moral arguments in here about the justification for using the weapon, but we're never really in any doubt that the Doctor is right to oppose it. Good performances and the context of the wider conflict help to raise this above the average.
* A Thing of Guile - This time it's the Daleks who are building the secret weapon, although exactly what it is is left a mystery for most of the episode. Here, as in the first volume, we're right back into war story territory, with the Doctor and other Time Lords trying to infiltrate the Daleks' base and find out what they're up to. This turns out to be similar to a Dalek plan used in an episode of the new series, although, to be fair, the methodology is different, and there's no indication that they're supposed to be connected in any way. With a subplot concerning a spaceship trying to escape from the Daleks, this is a fast-paced tale that once again probes the boundaries of how ruthless the War Doctor is prepared to be.
* The Neverwhen - The strongest story of the three, and just about nudging the overall collection into five-star territory, this focuses on a nightmarish front line in the Time War. A significant message here is just how low the Time Lords in general - and recurring villain Cardinal Ollistra in particular - are willing to stoop. While this, too, is a war story, it's one about the horror of war rather than a typical action-adventure, although this is conveyed more by implication than by being explicitly shown. And, once again, there are moments when the War Doctor's morality is called into question as well as some scenes highlighting his differences from (and similarities to) his other incarnations.
January 24, 2023
The second War Doctor trilogy is a step up from the first. Perhaps using three writers rather than one made a difference in this case. There is a story arc and central theme of the "infernal devices," horrifying weapons. The catch is that the weapons are being developed by the Time Lords, not by the Daleks. This goes along with the theme of the moral drop of the Time Lords as the Time War continues. It also helps to provide rationale for the moral dilemma the War Doctor faces in Day of the Doctor. The conscious effort to explain how the Doctor becomes that person works well in this set of adventures.
It starts with Legion of the Lost, in which the Time Lords try to create a zombie army that can be eternally resurrected. David Warner plays the high priest/planetary leader of the planet that uses "magic" mixed with technology. They have tapped into something from the dark times. Have the Time Lords gone too far?
Next is the Alastair MacLean secret mission story A Thing of Guile. The Time Lords have stumbled on a secret Dalek base, so secret that Dalek High Command does not even seem to know about it. A team of commandos, including Prisoner 001, the Doctor now charged with war crimes, must sneak in to find out what the Dalek secret weapon might be.
Third is a return to the eternally resurrected army concept with The Neverwhen. This time, the Time Lords are using their own technology. As far as the War Doctor is concerned, that only makes it worse.
Despite being written by three different hands, there is a nice continuity of quality in this set. John Hurt is suitably impressive, as is Jacqueline Pearce as his High Council foil, Cardinal Ollistra. The acting all around is quite good. Big Finish also really have sound design down to a fine art. The two point deduction from me on this has to do with the limitations placed by having the series in the Time War scenario. I know this cannot be helped, but it does rather limit what the Doctor can do, and what the writers can do with him. The Doctor is in constant state of moral outrage, and must say that everything is "horrifying" just a little too often. So, the formula becomes "present situation that will suitably horrify the Doctor, have him say how horrifying it is, have him forced into doing something against his moral code, and then have him agonize about doing it." These elements are just a little too predictable. Otherwise, this box set is quite enjoyable.
It starts with Legion of the Lost, in which the Time Lords try to create a zombie army that can be eternally resurrected. David Warner plays the high priest/planetary leader of the planet that uses "magic" mixed with technology. They have tapped into something from the dark times. Have the Time Lords gone too far?
Next is the Alastair MacLean secret mission story A Thing of Guile. The Time Lords have stumbled on a secret Dalek base, so secret that Dalek High Command does not even seem to know about it. A team of commandos, including Prisoner 001, the Doctor now charged with war crimes, must sneak in to find out what the Dalek secret weapon might be.
Third is a return to the eternally resurrected army concept with The Neverwhen. This time, the Time Lords are using their own technology. As far as the War Doctor is concerned, that only makes it worse.
Despite being written by three different hands, there is a nice continuity of quality in this set. John Hurt is suitably impressive, as is Jacqueline Pearce as his High Council foil, Cardinal Ollistra. The acting all around is quite good. Big Finish also really have sound design down to a fine art. The two point deduction from me on this has to do with the limitations placed by having the series in the Time War scenario. I know this cannot be helped, but it does rather limit what the Doctor can do, and what the writers can do with him. The Doctor is in constant state of moral outrage, and must say that everything is "horrifying" just a little too often. So, the formula becomes "present situation that will suitably horrify the Doctor, have him say how horrifying it is, have him forced into doing something against his moral code, and then have him agonize about doing it." These elements are just a little too predictable. Otherwise, this box set is quite enjoyable.
December 11, 2024
“You’ve sacrificed many more than I ever have, and for much less cause. The difference is I weigh the choice before every decision. I’m fully aware that I’ve become a monster.”
“I don’t need authority! I have a screwdriver!”
—
This “box set,” as they call it, is much more stilted and unorganized than the first. While the first was serialized, this was almost purely episodic, and the first two episodes were not very good. The first had a good idea — the consequences of bringing people back to life is always an interesting theme — but it was not well-written. I was bored with the script and confused about the magical technology. The second episode was very forgettable. The stakes seemed very low and the story had no consequences, it seemed.
The third, “The Neverwhen” by Matt Fitton was actually quite good! The story was unique and inventive, and we saw the Doctor struggle with the cost of saving lives, which is always nice. The problem is that the ending is very rushed. We spend so little time in the Neverwhen and so much time with the Doctor and Ollistra, and it would have been incredible if the world was developed more. I think this could have thrived as a whole box set story, there’s just so much potential. Because both the Time Lords and the Daleks were in a time flux, it was really cool to see the pre-Dalek humanoid Kaled species — if this were a whole box set story, the Doctor could have befriended a Kaled and they could have been the temporary companion until the very end when they turn into a modern Dalek.
Overall, this was a disappointing box set. It was an okay Doctor Who collection, but it’s nowhere near the top-tier of Doctor Who novels/audios.
“I don’t need authority! I have a screwdriver!”
—
This “box set,” as they call it, is much more stilted and unorganized than the first. While the first was serialized, this was almost purely episodic, and the first two episodes were not very good. The first had a good idea — the consequences of bringing people back to life is always an interesting theme — but it was not well-written. I was bored with the script and confused about the magical technology. The second episode was very forgettable. The stakes seemed very low and the story had no consequences, it seemed.
The third, “The Neverwhen” by Matt Fitton was actually quite good! The story was unique and inventive, and we saw the Doctor struggle with the cost of saving lives, which is always nice. The problem is that the ending is very rushed. We spend so little time in the Neverwhen and so much time with the Doctor and Ollistra, and it would have been incredible if the world was developed more. I think this could have thrived as a whole box set story, there’s just so much potential. Because both the Time Lords and the Daleks were in a time flux, it was really cool to see the pre-Dalek humanoid Kaled species — if this were a whole box set story, the Doctor could have befriended a Kaled and they could have been the temporary companion until the very end when they turn into a modern Dalek.
Overall, this was a disappointing box set. It was an okay Doctor Who collection, but it’s nowhere near the top-tier of Doctor Who novels/audios.
September 4, 2020
Legion of the Lost - 3.5
David Warner is typically great as the arrogant and powerful villain, and I like how this views the crimes of the Time War in a more spiritual way, but really it’s all just over so fast that it’s not enough.
A Thing of Guile - 4
Intense, intriguing, and one that really embodies the loss of humanity and desperation of the Time War. Big Finish have really put their imaginations to creating the most ghastly horrors for these Time War boxsets.
The Neverwhen - 4
Brings to a close this boxsets themes with a fascinating and genuinely original situation, if not an entirely interesting story. We see the effects of choosing war over humanity, are in horror at the state that people have been degraded to, and see the true terror when technology and the desperate need to win go hand in hand.
David Warner is typically great as the arrogant and powerful villain, and I like how this views the crimes of the Time War in a more spiritual way, but really it’s all just over so fast that it’s not enough.
A Thing of Guile - 4
Intense, intriguing, and one that really embodies the loss of humanity and desperation of the Time War. Big Finish have really put their imaginations to creating the most ghastly horrors for these Time War boxsets.
The Neverwhen - 4
Brings to a close this boxsets themes with a fascinating and genuinely original situation, if not an entirely interesting story. We see the effects of choosing war over humanity, are in horror at the state that people have been degraded to, and see the true terror when technology and the desperate need to win go hand in hand.
February 21, 2023
2. Doctor Who: The War Doctor: Infernal Devices - 3.34/5 stars
This set was much weaker than the first.
2.1 Legion of the Lost by John Dorney - 2/5 stars
A bit of a bland story using some race of greater beings that use magic that the Doctor destroys at the end. Interesting cliffhanger, will be fun to see how this plays out.
2.2 A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne - 4/5 stars
Daleks try to reverse the mutation of the species they were mutated from. This story was a bit more engaging and fun with the mind games the Warrior and Ollistra played with each other.
2.3 The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton - 2/5 stars
An average story that ends the boxset. It was a bit of a slog to get through.
This set was much weaker than the first.
2.1 Legion of the Lost by John Dorney - 2/5 stars
A bit of a bland story using some race of greater beings that use magic that the Doctor destroys at the end. Interesting cliffhanger, will be fun to see how this plays out.
2.2 A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne - 4/5 stars
Daleks try to reverse the mutation of the species they were mutated from. This story was a bit more engaging and fun with the mind games the Warrior and Ollistra played with each other.
2.3 The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton - 2/5 stars
An average story that ends the boxset. It was a bit of a slog to get through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2021
Legion of the Lost:
6/10
Verdict: Optional
This story is fine, the Doctor is great as usual but this is a below average story. The time Lords are generically meddling in things again, messing with nature and they're fooling themselves into thinking it's justified. You've seen the plot before and so have I. I thought the enemies, side characters and events of the plot were all generally forgettable, but It's still functional and is mildly interesting at times.
A Thing of Guile:
6/10
Verdict: Optional
Again, this story is fine, nothing spectacular. In the words of Davis, "Alistra has the doctor on a leash, the Doctor doesn't want to be on a leash." The threats from this one are big worm and worse Dalek Sec. Can't say I can recommend this one.
The Neverwhen:
6/10
Verdict: Optional
This story has a great concept and some good scenes, but it's incredibly slow with big sections where not a lot happens. I guess there's some decent moral dilemmas in this, but on the whole I wasn't too interested.
6/10
Verdict: Optional
This story is fine, the Doctor is great as usual but this is a below average story. The time Lords are generically meddling in things again, messing with nature and they're fooling themselves into thinking it's justified. You've seen the plot before and so have I. I thought the enemies, side characters and events of the plot were all generally forgettable, but It's still functional and is mildly interesting at times.
A Thing of Guile:
6/10
Verdict: Optional
Again, this story is fine, nothing spectacular. In the words of Davis, "Alistra has the doctor on a leash, the Doctor doesn't want to be on a leash." The threats from this one are big worm and worse Dalek Sec. Can't say I can recommend this one.
The Neverwhen:
6/10
Verdict: Optional
This story has a great concept and some good scenes, but it's incredibly slow with big sections where not a lot happens. I guess there's some decent moral dilemmas in this, but on the whole I wasn't too interested.
September 26, 2018
This is the first Big Finish Audio that I have listened to and hopefully not the last. My only complaint is that the stories are too short, or maybe its that I'm used to audio novels rather than dramas. Also, I had a tear in my eye listening to the bonus disc and everyone praise John Hurt. RIP
February 21, 2021
Listening to these makes me wish Cardinal Ollistra could have been in the Gallifrey: Time War audios, it would have been fantastic to hear her interact with Narvin and Romana, as well as Livia and Rassilon
July 11, 2021
I don't know if I was as hooked as I was in the first volume of stories with the War Doctor, but this was still very, very good. I think I liked John Dorney's story the best, but I tend to like loads of his stuff!
February 3, 2023
Mam wrażenie, że tutaj jest mniej spójna ta fabuła niż w poprzednim sezonie. Teoretycznie wszystko kręci się wokół podobnego tematu, ale jednak nie jest to jakaś spójna historia w 100%, a 3 osobne nawiązujące do siebie.
February 8, 2017
Legion of the Lost: 4/5
A Thing of Guile: 4/5
The Neverwhen: 5/5
If any single thing could be considered Gallifrey’s deadliest weapon and greatest hope, it’s him.
A Thing of Guile: 4/5
The Neverwhen: 5/5
If any single thing could be considered Gallifrey’s deadliest weapon and greatest hope, it’s him.
October 12, 2019
Just superb.
January 23, 2021
Only the Monstrous was so good that Infernal Devices kinda fell short for me.
June 15, 2022
2.1 Legion of the Lost by John Dorney: 5*
2.2 A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne: 5*
2.3 The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton: 4*
2.2 A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne: 5*
2.3 The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton: 4*
December 9, 2023
Heartbreaking tales of the Doctor who won’t-let-himself-be-the-Doctor with some superlative performances from both John Hurt and Jaqueline Pearce
December 16, 2025
The second story drags but other than that The Neverwhen is one of Hurt's best stories and Legion of the Lost is a good standard War Doctor story.
January 3, 2019
Having listened to all the War Doctor audios, I have to say that this one is my favorite.
Great effort and very original stories.
Great effort and very original stories.
February 22, 2016
Legion of the Lost by John Dorney
David Warner as a techno mage was wonderful casting. It was good to see the war taken away from the daleks and other bad guys brought in. An interesting setting and a good mixture of adventure and philosophy, and science and magic. Rather disappointing that there was only one woman part (aside for Ollistra in the last few minutes). As John Hurt's doctor is a doctor from the 21st century it would be nice if he visited planets that had women on them. Doctor who got away with that in the 70s but really shouldn't in 2016!
A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne
Nice little Down and Safe reference. It was great to have Ollistra finally join in for a full adventure. Especially putting the War Doctor on a leash. This was such a wonderfully visual adventure. It was so easy to picture them all wandering through the underground tunnels, to picture the bridge of the ship. It was also extra nice to have the older characters down and exploring the dangerous planet in search of the secret weapons.
The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton
This was definitely my favourite. A wonderful and disturbing setting by Matt with a lot of twists. It was lovely to see Ollistra and the Doctor together again. I'm so glad she got more to do in this box set! This one had great gender balance. It felt exactly what the Time War should be. Jacqueline Pearce and John Hurt are just perfect together.
David Warner as a techno mage was wonderful casting. It was good to see the war taken away from the daleks and other bad guys brought in. An interesting setting and a good mixture of adventure and philosophy, and science and magic. Rather disappointing that there was only one woman part (aside for Ollistra in the last few minutes). As John Hurt's doctor is a doctor from the 21st century it would be nice if he visited planets that had women on them. Doctor who got away with that in the 70s but really shouldn't in 2016!
A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne
Nice little Down and Safe reference. It was great to have Ollistra finally join in for a full adventure. Especially putting the War Doctor on a leash. This was such a wonderfully visual adventure. It was so easy to picture them all wandering through the underground tunnels, to picture the bridge of the ship. It was also extra nice to have the older characters down and exploring the dangerous planet in search of the secret weapons.
The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton
This was definitely my favourite. A wonderful and disturbing setting by Matt with a lot of twists. It was lovely to see Ollistra and the Doctor together again. I'm so glad she got more to do in this box set! This one had great gender balance. It felt exactly what the Time War should be. Jacqueline Pearce and John Hurt are just perfect together.
January 11, 2017
Enjoyed the first disc very much. I'm nearly to the end of disc two and it's been disappointing, run of the mill basic Time War warfare gambits. Hope things pick up for it's ending and in the third and final disc.
Disc 2 did have a solid ending and both tie into the last story which happily is the strongest of the collection.
Love my John Hurt as the War Doctor!
November 19, 2020
Another solidly entertaining Big Finish audio production. Just wonderful stuff. John Hurt is fantastic as the Warrior (aka The War Doctor) and the other actors all delivery delightful performances. I was particularly pleased with David Warner's contributions. He's always been a welcome addition to any cast. Looking forward to the third set.
March 2, 2016
Quite a fantastic listen from @bigfinish. I'm looking forward to the next stories as well as re-listening to these episodes.
Deny it he may, but he is undoubtedly The Doctor.
Deny it he may, but he is undoubtedly The Doctor.
March 26, 2023
BBC Radio 4 Extra version.
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