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The War Master #7
The War Master: Self-Defense
The Time War incarnation of the Doctor’s best enemy is back, and the two Time Lords face each other once more - but who remembers whom?
7.1 The Forest of Penitence by Lou Morgan
Waking in an unusual forest with no memory of how he arrived there, the Master has little choice but to seek help from other survivors. But what is it they’ve all survived?
7.2 The Players by Una McCormack
On the planet Trabus, the Master discovers a society where nobody is innocent and the only true crime is to be a less successful villain than those around you.
7.3 Boundaries by Lizbeth Myles
As his companion Cole attempts to save a world, the Master discovers an extraterrestrial entity that threatens to spread across the globe.
7.4 The Last Line by Lizzie Hopley
At the mercy of an ancient and powerful race, the Master calls upon his oldest friend in his hour of need. The problem is he doesn’t recognise this incarnation of the Doctor… while the Doctor knows this Master all too well.
7.1 The Forest of Penitence by Lou Morgan
Waking in an unusual forest with no memory of how he arrived there, the Master has little choice but to seek help from other survivors. But what is it they’ve all survived?
7.2 The Players by Una McCormack
On the planet Trabus, the Master discovers a society where nobody is innocent and the only true crime is to be a less successful villain than those around you.
7.3 Boundaries by Lizbeth Myles
As his companion Cole attempts to save a world, the Master discovers an extraterrestrial entity that threatens to spread across the globe.
7.4 The Last Line by Lizzie Hopley
At the mercy of an ancient and powerful race, the Master calls upon his oldest friend in his hour of need. The problem is he doesn’t recognise this incarnation of the Doctor… while the Doctor knows this Master all too well.
Audio CD
First published June 17, 2022
4 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Lou Morgan
45 books94 followersLou Morgan is an award-nominated adult and YA author. Her first novel, Blood and Feathers – an adult urban fantasy – was published by Solaris Books in 2012 and the follow-up, Blood and Feathers: Rebellion, was released in the summer of 2013.
Her first YA novel, Sleepless, is published by Stripes / Little Tiger Press as part of their Red Eye horror series.
She has appeared at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and has been nominated for three British Fantasy Awards (Best Newcomer and twice for Best Fantasy Novel).
Her short stories have appeared in anthologies from Solaris Books, PS Publishing and Jurassic, amongst others. She has also written genre novel-related features for magazines including Future Publishing’s SFX and is a long- and shortlist reader for the Bath Novel Award.
Born in Wales and a graduate of University College London, she now lives in Bath with her family.
She is represented by Juliet Mushens at The Agency Group / UTA.
Her first YA novel, Sleepless, is published by Stripes / Little Tiger Press as part of their Red Eye horror series.
She has appeared at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and has been nominated for three British Fantasy Awards (Best Newcomer and twice for Best Fantasy Novel).
Her short stories have appeared in anthologies from Solaris Books, PS Publishing and Jurassic, amongst others. She has also written genre novel-related features for magazines including Future Publishing’s SFX and is a long- and shortlist reader for the Bath Novel Award.
Born in Wales and a graduate of University College London, she now lives in Bath with her family.
She is represented by Juliet Mushens at The Agency Group / UTA.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 29, 2024
7.1 The Forest of Penitence - You know those episodes, they’re in almost any sci-fi series, but I’m thinking of The Twilight Zone specifically, where a group of people find themselves in a limited space and they’re just left to their own interactions? Actors enjoy these things. Some of are quite good. Some are not, because it’s kind of become a trope of sci-fi. Well, that’s what we’ve got here, and this one is definitely one of the former. Brilliant and fascinating (5/5).
7.2 The Players - This one was fine. Good performances, but it didn’t really grab me. Part of that might be because of how much I loved the previous episode, this one had an uphill battle (3/5).
7.3 Boundaries - Similar reaction to the second chapter (3/5).
7.4 The Last Line - Another brilliant script. A lot of this one is really just The War Master and The (Tenth) Doctor debating back and forth. Brilliant stuff (5/5).
7.2 The Players - This one was fine. Good performances, but it didn’t really grab me. Part of that might be because of how much I loved the previous episode, this one had an uphill battle (3/5).
7.3 Boundaries - Similar reaction to the second chapter (3/5).
7.4 The Last Line - Another brilliant script. A lot of this one is really just The War Master and The (Tenth) Doctor debating back and forth. Brilliant stuff (5/5).
July 31, 2025
The Forest Of Penitence -
I didn’t really expect too much of this story, nor the set if I’m being honest. Some of the writers have written things I despise in past and that really formed my preemptive impression of what this set was going to be. The only real surprise then was when it turned out that the opening story m, The Forest Of Penitence, turned out to be quite good. Immediately I can point out the biggest flaw with the story and that is characters, namely all the side characters. The War Master is written superbly, with all the usual malice and quiet evil, but everyone else is so bland. You get a timid girl who harbours evil powers, her mother, some random space convict, and two others (whose individual character traits are lost to my memory). Some of the characters have interesting contributions to the narrative but for the most part they’re all there only to be antagonistic towards one another. The space convict just spends his entire time threatening people and being a bit creepy, then vanishes and his contribution to the plot is not missed at all. Same goes in varying fashions for the rest of the cast really. It’s clearly because between the mystery of the appearing trees and the resolution, 40 minutes or so desperately needed things to happen so bickering it is. Thankfully the actual runtime plays out a little more interestingly, with the War Master sitting back and observing events before coming in with perfect timing to take control and manipulate people. Derek Jacobi shines in this story, and with some great dark twists to play with; it really gives him a lot to do, and some fantastic dialogue in the last 15 minutes or so. The lack of unique or memorable characters does drag this story down a bit for me, but some of the drama and things I can’t spoil really do elevate the story from exhausting to enjoyable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
The Players -
Despite this story being most definitely original, The Players really did not feel original at all. The main reason is certainly because it felt like a pastiche of generic stories where a bad guy is the protagonist but also because things are quite predictable. There are so many typical tropes of Master stories, him stealing an identity, picking off people one by one to get closer to his goal, etc… so I didn’t find there to be many original ideas here. Admittedly the climax does have some surprising moments and I did enjoy them, but on the whole it’s just the Master being vaguely evil and manipulating people. What was very clever then was to use this very liminal plot in the same was Trial Of A Time Lord did. Granted the Master has a far harder time proving he isn’t evil because…. He is. That doesn’t stop it being clever though, that through each interlude of the story he tries to warp events so that it is believed he isn’t being sadistically evil. Those scenes are a lot of fun, and I appreciate in that sense something new being done with the character. Ultimately though it is the main plot being generic and forgettable that makes this story decent, but not something I’m rushing to listen to again anytime soon.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Boundaries -
This story really did disappoint on its expected premise, but surprisingly delivered quite well in unexpected ways. The story was marketed as taking place during the third War Master story ‘The Sky Man’ and featuring his companion from that, Cole. Unfortunately anyone expecting something to build upon the plot or narrative of that superb story would be sorely disappointed, as the story really is just the Master with new characters; having a small self-contained adventure. The story does play upon the perception of the listener, with small nods and clues as to what’s happening, but those don’t really change the fact that the story is just an old man wandering around a forest. Derek Jacobi definitely carries the story as ever, delivering even the most mundane monologues with such energy that they become so compelling. He has his temporary companion for the story (sort of) and although she does have some charm, she doesn’t really do much except provide exposition. There really is just a lot of characters talking back and forth and that does really stop the story really advancing, leaving little time for developing the characters of those who disappear halfway through the runtime. It was very nice to have Jonny Green back as Cole and he does have some fun scenes with the Master, especially ones which are clearly right from the narrative of The Sky Man, but even he just vanishes from the story right up until the end. There is the satisfaction of the Master playing the people who think they’re playing him, but across more than an hour, it ends up feeling more like a novelty than an invigorating idea. The overall ‘Master on trial’ storyline is advanced via this plot, and did thankfully provide more than just being a different idea; in this case providing an absolutely brilliant cliffhanger.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Last Line -
I am in no way a fan on the 10th Doctor, so unlike most I was not really excited for the final story of the set. Oh boy was I in for a shock then, when it turned out this was one of the best War Master stories to date. The 10th Doctor here is written as I wish he has been on TV, a complex multilayered character with lots of pathos; not just some tedious quip machine. David Tennant gives a phenomenal performance here and plays against Derek Jacobi with better chemistry than any of the Doctors prior to him. The culmination of the ‘Master on trial’ story arc comes to satisfying conclusion and with more complexity and genius than even the end of the ‘Doctor on trial’ season 23. That’s the highest praise I can give really as The Ultimate Foe is my favourite Colin Baker story. This story has the Master exact one of his most creative and clever plots to date, and really tapping into his manipulative best to guilt trip a post-time war Doctor into being the key to his escape. To me, the best scenes were hands down the scenes with the Master and Doctor in the cell just talking; something done before very well in past, but with the extra dimension of the dialogue about time lord past and future. The Master really makes the most of this Doctors sickeningly compassionate nature and it is just delightful to see him move the pieces of the plan into place. Severine is an interesting character, her timid nature does really reduce her impact on the narrative for a large part of the story but being key to the Master’s plan allowed for some excellent scenes between them, and her and the Doctor. This story really delivered twice what I expected and can happily say I’ll listen to it again gladly for the intelligent plot, the fantastic dialogue, excellent music, and wonderful performances all round.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I didn’t really expect too much of this story, nor the set if I’m being honest. Some of the writers have written things I despise in past and that really formed my preemptive impression of what this set was going to be. The only real surprise then was when it turned out that the opening story m, The Forest Of Penitence, turned out to be quite good. Immediately I can point out the biggest flaw with the story and that is characters, namely all the side characters. The War Master is written superbly, with all the usual malice and quiet evil, but everyone else is so bland. You get a timid girl who harbours evil powers, her mother, some random space convict, and two others (whose individual character traits are lost to my memory). Some of the characters have interesting contributions to the narrative but for the most part they’re all there only to be antagonistic towards one another. The space convict just spends his entire time threatening people and being a bit creepy, then vanishes and his contribution to the plot is not missed at all. Same goes in varying fashions for the rest of the cast really. It’s clearly because between the mystery of the appearing trees and the resolution, 40 minutes or so desperately needed things to happen so bickering it is. Thankfully the actual runtime plays out a little more interestingly, with the War Master sitting back and observing events before coming in with perfect timing to take control and manipulate people. Derek Jacobi shines in this story, and with some great dark twists to play with; it really gives him a lot to do, and some fantastic dialogue in the last 15 minutes or so. The lack of unique or memorable characters does drag this story down a bit for me, but some of the drama and things I can’t spoil really do elevate the story from exhausting to enjoyable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
The Players -
Despite this story being most definitely original, The Players really did not feel original at all. The main reason is certainly because it felt like a pastiche of generic stories where a bad guy is the protagonist but also because things are quite predictable. There are so many typical tropes of Master stories, him stealing an identity, picking off people one by one to get closer to his goal, etc… so I didn’t find there to be many original ideas here. Admittedly the climax does have some surprising moments and I did enjoy them, but on the whole it’s just the Master being vaguely evil and manipulating people. What was very clever then was to use this very liminal plot in the same was Trial Of A Time Lord did. Granted the Master has a far harder time proving he isn’t evil because…. He is. That doesn’t stop it being clever though, that through each interlude of the story he tries to warp events so that it is believed he isn’t being sadistically evil. Those scenes are a lot of fun, and I appreciate in that sense something new being done with the character. Ultimately though it is the main plot being generic and forgettable that makes this story decent, but not something I’m rushing to listen to again anytime soon.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Boundaries -
This story really did disappoint on its expected premise, but surprisingly delivered quite well in unexpected ways. The story was marketed as taking place during the third War Master story ‘The Sky Man’ and featuring his companion from that, Cole. Unfortunately anyone expecting something to build upon the plot or narrative of that superb story would be sorely disappointed, as the story really is just the Master with new characters; having a small self-contained adventure. The story does play upon the perception of the listener, with small nods and clues as to what’s happening, but those don’t really change the fact that the story is just an old man wandering around a forest. Derek Jacobi definitely carries the story as ever, delivering even the most mundane monologues with such energy that they become so compelling. He has his temporary companion for the story (sort of) and although she does have some charm, she doesn’t really do much except provide exposition. There really is just a lot of characters talking back and forth and that does really stop the story really advancing, leaving little time for developing the characters of those who disappear halfway through the runtime. It was very nice to have Jonny Green back as Cole and he does have some fun scenes with the Master, especially ones which are clearly right from the narrative of The Sky Man, but even he just vanishes from the story right up until the end. There is the satisfaction of the Master playing the people who think they’re playing him, but across more than an hour, it ends up feeling more like a novelty than an invigorating idea. The overall ‘Master on trial’ storyline is advanced via this plot, and did thankfully provide more than just being a different idea; in this case providing an absolutely brilliant cliffhanger.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Last Line -
I am in no way a fan on the 10th Doctor, so unlike most I was not really excited for the final story of the set. Oh boy was I in for a shock then, when it turned out this was one of the best War Master stories to date. The 10th Doctor here is written as I wish he has been on TV, a complex multilayered character with lots of pathos; not just some tedious quip machine. David Tennant gives a phenomenal performance here and plays against Derek Jacobi with better chemistry than any of the Doctors prior to him. The culmination of the ‘Master on trial’ story arc comes to satisfying conclusion and with more complexity and genius than even the end of the ‘Doctor on trial’ season 23. That’s the highest praise I can give really as The Ultimate Foe is my favourite Colin Baker story. This story has the Master exact one of his most creative and clever plots to date, and really tapping into his manipulative best to guilt trip a post-time war Doctor into being the key to his escape. To me, the best scenes were hands down the scenes with the Master and Doctor in the cell just talking; something done before very well in past, but with the extra dimension of the dialogue about time lord past and future. The Master really makes the most of this Doctors sickeningly compassionate nature and it is just delightful to see him move the pieces of the plan into place. Severine is an interesting character, her timid nature does really reduce her impact on the narrative for a large part of the story but being key to the Master’s plan allowed for some excellent scenes between them, and her and the Doctor. This story really delivered twice what I expected and can happily say I’ll listen to it again gladly for the intelligent plot, the fantastic dialogue, excellent music, and wonderful performances all round.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 2, 2022
Really atmospheric series, with lots of action, lots of intreague and lots of Derek Jacobi being a perfectly cast evil-genius. Loved the build up of the first three episodes (especially the chilling episode one) and episode four was a nice climax. Some great interaction between Tennant and Jacobi, however I think Ten could definitely have been more utilised. I'm hoping for another taste of this duo at Big Finish in the future - maybe The War Master could be the big bad of the next 'Tenth Doctor Adventures' series?
June 20, 2022
The Forest of Penitence:
8/10
Verdict: Recommended
I can't stress enough how amazing of an actor Jacobi is, he brings his A game to every one of these audios and is able to enhance every story, no matter the quality of the plot or other elements. This story is no different, The Master is properly great in this, even when he's found himself in an unfamiliar and hostile place with people he doesn't know without any memories, he is able to snake his way around people and rise to the top of the chain. I have to say the best part of this story is the dialogue from The Master, every sentence feels like it has multiple intentions behind it, he doesn't play his full hand until the end of the story and you can tell at multiple points he knows significantly more than he's letting on. This plot is also seriously good, an ongoing murder mystery with a band of characters that are all distinct with individual personalities and actions that feel fitting for all of them, some of my favourites are the daughter, the Irish woman and the hardened criminal character. With the last one, I wasn't sure what to think about them for the majority of the plot, It felt like the acting went against the character, since I was being told they were a grizzled good for nothing dirt bag but their voice told me that they were a young man acting as a hardened criminal, and after thinking about the ending to the plot and how they are portrayed, I feel that enhances their character significantly, giving an extra layer to them that isn't expressly spelled out. In regards to the ending, while the overall conclusion to the mystery wasn't the best for me, The Master brings it back with a brilliant sequence that reinforces everything he has been up till now. Overall, this is probably in my top three War Master stories and a very strong contender for number one.
The Players:
5/10
Verdict: Optional
It's a shame that this story is so dull, it's another story where the Master infiltrates an evil beurocratic government where everyone is a boring politician or hopeless do-gooder. The majority of this story was putting me to sleep, but the very end of the story did make me perk my ears.
Boundaries:
6/10
Verdict: Optional
This story has a great setting and even though I've never really been a Cole fan, it's nice to see him back, he's a big step up from the other side characters we've gotten in this series. The other side character in this story is decently captivating, especially coming to the end of the story. While the plot is pretty predictable, it's still pretty fun, the main antagonist is pretty good and has a good arc. The Master has a properly great moment at the end of this story, but until this I don't think he's at his best. Can't call this story amazing or anything but was decently fun.
The Last Line:
6/10
Verdict: Optional
It's a shame I can't recommend this more, while the first half with the court room drama had me decently attentive and I loved the conflict between The Master and The Doctor, I couldn't help but feel that the 'plot' was pretty contrived. The Doctor's actions in the second half technically make sense and I suppose they fit his arc, but it does make him look like a complete dumbass. The side characters were pretty solid in this, and the ending was pretty great, but again, the artifical nature of the conflict made it feel a bit cheaper than it probably should have.
8/10
Verdict: Recommended
I can't stress enough how amazing of an actor Jacobi is, he brings his A game to every one of these audios and is able to enhance every story, no matter the quality of the plot or other elements. This story is no different, The Master is properly great in this, even when he's found himself in an unfamiliar and hostile place with people he doesn't know without any memories, he is able to snake his way around people and rise to the top of the chain. I have to say the best part of this story is the dialogue from The Master, every sentence feels like it has multiple intentions behind it, he doesn't play his full hand until the end of the story and you can tell at multiple points he knows significantly more than he's letting on. This plot is also seriously good, an ongoing murder mystery with a band of characters that are all distinct with individual personalities and actions that feel fitting for all of them, some of my favourites are the daughter, the Irish woman and the hardened criminal character. With the last one, I wasn't sure what to think about them for the majority of the plot, It felt like the acting went against the character, since I was being told they were a grizzled good for nothing dirt bag but their voice told me that they were a young man acting as a hardened criminal, and after thinking about the ending to the plot and how they are portrayed, I feel that enhances their character significantly, giving an extra layer to them that isn't expressly spelled out. In regards to the ending, while the overall conclusion to the mystery wasn't the best for me, The Master brings it back with a brilliant sequence that reinforces everything he has been up till now. Overall, this is probably in my top three War Master stories and a very strong contender for number one.
The Players:
5/10
Verdict: Optional
It's a shame that this story is so dull, it's another story where the Master infiltrates an evil beurocratic government where everyone is a boring politician or hopeless do-gooder. The majority of this story was putting me to sleep, but the very end of the story did make me perk my ears.
Boundaries:
6/10
Verdict: Optional
This story has a great setting and even though I've never really been a Cole fan, it's nice to see him back, he's a big step up from the other side characters we've gotten in this series. The other side character in this story is decently captivating, especially coming to the end of the story. While the plot is pretty predictable, it's still pretty fun, the main antagonist is pretty good and has a good arc. The Master has a properly great moment at the end of this story, but until this I don't think he's at his best. Can't call this story amazing or anything but was decently fun.
The Last Line:
6/10
Verdict: Optional
It's a shame I can't recommend this more, while the first half with the court room drama had me decently attentive and I loved the conflict between The Master and The Doctor, I couldn't help but feel that the 'plot' was pretty contrived. The Doctor's actions in the second half technically make sense and I suppose they fit his arc, but it does make him look like a complete dumbass. The side characters were pretty solid in this, and the ending was pretty great, but again, the artifical nature of the conflict made it feel a bit cheaper than it probably should have.
May 27, 2024
A set of four stories linked by the framing device of the Master offering defence at a trial to try and prove he's a conscientious and empathetic man who is only trying to leave the universe and better place. Which, when you're the Master, is quite a challenge.
The Forest of Penitence - The first story sees the Master waking up in a forest with no recollection of how he got there, and soon being joined by other people in the same situation. It's perhaps the strongest story of the set, feeling like a supernatural horror mystery (although the eventual explanation is soft sci-fi). For once, the Master is trapped in somebody else's scheme, and there's some strong character interaction with the other victims, whose connection becomes clear as the story goes on. He's an anti-hero, not likeable, but not, on this occasion, the villain of the piece. 4.5 stars.
The Players - It's with this story that the framing device takes off, and the Master has to present his defence and show that he's really a heroic figure. Although the narration is a light touch, it's clear that we're hearing his version of events, in this case showing how he supposedly fought against tyranny on a far-future colony world. This means that we can't trust the accuracy of his account, although not much is made of this and it's still easy to see what his real motives must have been. Something of a missed opportunity, perhaps, using the War Master's superficially affable persona without much of a counterpoint and the schemes being disappointingly transparent. Not bad, certainly, but not one of the stronger War Master stories. 3 stars.
Boundaries - The next part of the Master's defence reveals a diversion that took place during the Master-lite episode in the first War Master volume. It brings back one of the other main characters from that story, although in such a way that he doesn't notice what's going on. Again, there is some suspicion that his narration of the story may be self-serving, or even entirely fictional. This time, however, his real persona is more apparent even though, as if in the first story, he isn't the real villain, facing a monster that he has to fight only because it's threatening him, too. It's a more complex portrayal, in a story with some nice ideas and one in which the Master fills the role that would normally be taken by the Doctor... but handles things very differently. 4 stars.
The Last Line - The big finale delivers what we're promised on the cover: David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor. In fact, this is told almost entirely from his point of view, summoned to use his compassion and ability to forgive to defend his old foe. It pulls the framing device of the first two stories to the fore and includes plenty of dialogue that explores the Doctor's attitude towards his enemy and asks just how far his forgiveness can go. (Which might be different were he, say, Five, instead of Ten). And here, we get some real scheming from the Master, seeking to manipulate everyone around him to avoid his fate. 4 stars.
The Forest of Penitence - The first story sees the Master waking up in a forest with no recollection of how he got there, and soon being joined by other people in the same situation. It's perhaps the strongest story of the set, feeling like a supernatural horror mystery (although the eventual explanation is soft sci-fi). For once, the Master is trapped in somebody else's scheme, and there's some strong character interaction with the other victims, whose connection becomes clear as the story goes on. He's an anti-hero, not likeable, but not, on this occasion, the villain of the piece. 4.5 stars.
The Players - It's with this story that the framing device takes off, and the Master has to present his defence and show that he's really a heroic figure. Although the narration is a light touch, it's clear that we're hearing his version of events, in this case showing how he supposedly fought against tyranny on a far-future colony world. This means that we can't trust the accuracy of his account, although not much is made of this and it's still easy to see what his real motives must have been. Something of a missed opportunity, perhaps, using the War Master's superficially affable persona without much of a counterpoint and the schemes being disappointingly transparent. Not bad, certainly, but not one of the stronger War Master stories. 3 stars.
Boundaries - The next part of the Master's defence reveals a diversion that took place during the Master-lite episode in the first War Master volume. It brings back one of the other main characters from that story, although in such a way that he doesn't notice what's going on. Again, there is some suspicion that his narration of the story may be self-serving, or even entirely fictional. This time, however, his real persona is more apparent even though, as if in the first story, he isn't the real villain, facing a monster that he has to fight only because it's threatening him, too. It's a more complex portrayal, in a story with some nice ideas and one in which the Master fills the role that would normally be taken by the Doctor... but handles things very differently. 4 stars.
The Last Line - The big finale delivers what we're promised on the cover: David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor. In fact, this is told almost entirely from his point of view, summoned to use his compassion and ability to forgive to defend his old foe. It pulls the framing device of the first two stories to the fore and includes plenty of dialogue that explores the Doctor's attitude towards his enemy and asks just how far his forgiveness can go. (Which might be different were he, say, Five, instead of Ten). And here, we get some real scheming from the Master, seeking to manipulate everyone around him to avoid his fate. 4 stars.
January 8, 2023
I am a huge fan of The War Master range, such a wonderfully dark series of adventures beautifully performed by Derek Jacobi with such a consistent track record of brilliant stories, it's by far my favorite Doctor Who spinoff, but admittedly Jago & Litefoot comes very close in that regard as well. I didn't get a chance to listen to Self-Defense last year, so this is me making up for it!
The Forest of Penitence:
Waking up in a forest full of strangers, a selection of their memories removed, The Master discovers that they are all in serious danger as a monster stalks the forest and the trees themselves have a sinister purpose, but it seems the real threat are those around him and it'll take his cunning and ingenuity to get out alive.
Lou Morgan is a very underrated writer and by far one of my favorite writers for this range, her stories are wonderfully dark and disturbing and this is no different, a very creepy, claustrophobic story with terrifying imagery and a very cruel depiction of The Master. Brilliant stuff and a great opener for this set! 10/10
The Players:
The Master is now on trial and to defend himself, he tells a story of a time when he arrived as an official for a confederation to deal with a planet where the biggest crime is being a lesser criminal, but what he is up to and why?
Una McCormack has written a very fun but unsettling story about horrible people, political corruption, and terrifying weaponry. It's an underrated story where we see The Master in some cases being outplayed which I found terribly interesting considering how he usually has the upper hand in this incarnation: 8.5/10
Boundaries:
While Cole attempts to save the world, The Master tends to his vineyard but when meteors crashland onto the planet and start affecting the wildlife and forest, it seems not only is his vineyard in danger but the world.
This was a solid and fun story with some creepy imagery and a terrifying moment from The Master towards the end, it's not quite as good as I was expecting but a good time nonetheless and it's nice to see Cole back one last time. 8/10
The Last Line:
The Doctor has been called to defend The Master on trial, however, it's a different incarnation and The Tenth Doctor is being brought back into The Time War to face up to his traumas, whilst trying to save his oldest friend from execution.
Lizzie Hopley has written an incredibly intelligent, yet dark psychological trial piece that's very clever and traumatic. 10 and The War Master work so well together, seeing Derek Jacobi and David Tennant having a proper chance at bouncing off each other with their characters is amazing! Brilliant stuff! 10/10
Overall: 36.5/40
The Forest of Penitence:
Waking up in a forest full of strangers, a selection of their memories removed, The Master discovers that they are all in serious danger as a monster stalks the forest and the trees themselves have a sinister purpose, but it seems the real threat are those around him and it'll take his cunning and ingenuity to get out alive.
Lou Morgan is a very underrated writer and by far one of my favorite writers for this range, her stories are wonderfully dark and disturbing and this is no different, a very creepy, claustrophobic story with terrifying imagery and a very cruel depiction of The Master. Brilliant stuff and a great opener for this set! 10/10
The Players:
The Master is now on trial and to defend himself, he tells a story of a time when he arrived as an official for a confederation to deal with a planet where the biggest crime is being a lesser criminal, but what he is up to and why?
Una McCormack has written a very fun but unsettling story about horrible people, political corruption, and terrifying weaponry. It's an underrated story where we see The Master in some cases being outplayed which I found terribly interesting considering how he usually has the upper hand in this incarnation: 8.5/10
Boundaries:
While Cole attempts to save the world, The Master tends to his vineyard but when meteors crashland onto the planet and start affecting the wildlife and forest, it seems not only is his vineyard in danger but the world.
This was a solid and fun story with some creepy imagery and a terrifying moment from The Master towards the end, it's not quite as good as I was expecting but a good time nonetheless and it's nice to see Cole back one last time. 8/10
The Last Line:
The Doctor has been called to defend The Master on trial, however, it's a different incarnation and The Tenth Doctor is being brought back into The Time War to face up to his traumas, whilst trying to save his oldest friend from execution.
Lizzie Hopley has written an incredibly intelligent, yet dark psychological trial piece that's very clever and traumatic. 10 and The War Master work so well together, seeing Derek Jacobi and David Tennant having a proper chance at bouncing off each other with their characters is amazing! Brilliant stuff! 10/10
Overall: 36.5/40
April 5, 2024
3.5, rounding up to 4
7.1 The Forest of Penitence by Lou Morgan - 4/5
Waking in an unusual forest with no memory of how he arrived there, the Master has little choice but to seek help from other survivors. But what is it they've all survived?
This is a cool premise, and even though the outcome is really easy to see coming, Derek Jacobi makes it a pleasure to watch the Master scheme even when you know exactly what he's doing.
7.2 The Players by Una McCormack- 2/5
On the planet Trabus, the Master discovers a society where nobody is innocent and the only true crime is to be a less successful villain than those around you.
I hate to say it but I found this one very dull. Characters were forgettable, the stakes and psycho-investigations ill-defined, and I wasn't too much a fan of how it ended; not because the Master shouldn't be put in that position, but honestly because (vague to avoid spoilers) I had moments of doubting what character I was listening to and what was even going on!
7.3 Boundaries by Lizbeth Myles - 3/5
As his companion Cole attempts to save a world, the Master discovers an extraterrestrial entity that threatens to spread across the globe.
We're back with Cole.... sort of. Not exactly a "Yay" moment as I was never too much a fan of that box-set, but luckily he plays a side-role. This one at least had a fairly interesting mystery/threat at hand. But the characterization felt like it threw me for a loop, something I'll get into at the end.
7.4 The Last Line by Lizzie Hopley 5/5
At the mercy of an ancient and powerful race, the Master calls upon his oldest friend in his hour of need. The problem is he doesn't recognize this incarnation of the Doctor... while the Doctor knows this Master all too well.
Ahh, the saving grace of this box set, and the bow that makes the framing device of the "trial" worth it. It felt rather forced up until now, and the characterization of the Master as trying to make himself seem like a "good guy" felt like a flimsy excuse for some strange moments that I would call out of character in this set. But getting to have David Tennant and Sir Derek Jacobi together... just wonderful! The resolution is as hand-wavy as most Doctor Who stories get but just the pair of actors here makes the whole thing worth it. Can't get enough of either of them (even if David Tennant really doesn't get to DO very much in this story).
7.1 The Forest of Penitence by Lou Morgan - 4/5
Waking in an unusual forest with no memory of how he arrived there, the Master has little choice but to seek help from other survivors. But what is it they've all survived?
This is a cool premise, and even though the outcome is really easy to see coming, Derek Jacobi makes it a pleasure to watch the Master scheme even when you know exactly what he's doing.
7.2 The Players by Una McCormack- 2/5
On the planet Trabus, the Master discovers a society where nobody is innocent and the only true crime is to be a less successful villain than those around you.
I hate to say it but I found this one very dull. Characters were forgettable, the stakes and psycho-investigations ill-defined, and I wasn't too much a fan of how it ended; not because the Master shouldn't be put in that position, but honestly because (vague to avoid spoilers) I had moments of doubting what character I was listening to and what was even going on!
7.3 Boundaries by Lizbeth Myles - 3/5
As his companion Cole attempts to save a world, the Master discovers an extraterrestrial entity that threatens to spread across the globe.
We're back with Cole.... sort of. Not exactly a "Yay" moment as I was never too much a fan of that box-set, but luckily he plays a side-role. This one at least had a fairly interesting mystery/threat at hand. But the characterization felt like it threw me for a loop, something I'll get into at the end.
7.4 The Last Line by Lizzie Hopley 5/5
At the mercy of an ancient and powerful race, the Master calls upon his oldest friend in his hour of need. The problem is he doesn't recognize this incarnation of the Doctor... while the Doctor knows this Master all too well.
Ahh, the saving grace of this box set, and the bow that makes the framing device of the "trial" worth it. It felt rather forced up until now, and the characterization of the Master as trying to make himself seem like a "good guy" felt like a flimsy excuse for some strange moments that I would call out of character in this set. But getting to have David Tennant and Sir Derek Jacobi together... just wonderful! The resolution is as hand-wavy as most Doctor Who stories get but just the pair of actors here makes the whole thing worth it. Can't get enough of either of them (even if David Tennant really doesn't get to DO very much in this story).
February 13, 2023
Another set of adventures featuring the evil escapades of the War Master.
As per usual, the performances are top notch, and Derek Jacobi does deliciously evil just so perfectly well.
If you enjoyed the other releases in this series, you know what you are in for.
I think I actually liked the first and last stories best.
In the first story, the Master on the back foot, chased through the forest by a monster, the others of the group picked off one by one....
well, I think everyone familiar with the range will know how this will go.
And of course it ends exactly how I expected.
But it was the journey getting there. And the Master does not hold back, he is as nasty and merciless and evil as one expects, he forms a theory, sacrifices some guinea pigs to test that theory and then closes in for the kill.
Very dark and claustrophobic and full of atmosphere.
And in the last story, the Master is on trial, facing execution.
Of course we know that the Master will have a plan and we also know he will survive (because he always does). But it is fun to figure out how he will do it!
I also very much enjoyed his interactions with the 10th Doctor.
The middling two stories, while still enjoyable and very well performed are, however, more "middling". Especially the sequel (?) to Sky Man was a bit.... superfluous.
As usual, the tone of the stories is dark, it is brutal, it is pitiless.
However, I have to say that this set does not come close to the very first set.... which managed to make me feel cold inside from all the evil.
Compared to that, this set is actually a "fun romp".
As per usual, the performances are top notch, and Derek Jacobi does deliciously evil just so perfectly well.
If you enjoyed the other releases in this series, you know what you are in for.
I think I actually liked the first and last stories best.
In the first story, the Master on the back foot, chased through the forest by a monster, the others of the group picked off one by one....
well, I think everyone familiar with the range will know how this will go.
And of course it ends exactly how I expected.
But it was the journey getting there. And the Master does not hold back, he is as nasty and merciless and evil as one expects, he forms a theory, sacrifices some guinea pigs to test that theory and then closes in for the kill.
Very dark and claustrophobic and full of atmosphere.
And in the last story, the Master is on trial, facing execution.
Of course we know that the Master will have a plan and we also know he will survive (because he always does). But it is fun to figure out how he will do it!
I also very much enjoyed his interactions with the 10th Doctor.
The middling two stories, while still enjoyable and very well performed are, however, more "middling". Especially the sequel (?) to Sky Man was a bit.... superfluous.
As usual, the tone of the stories is dark, it is brutal, it is pitiless.
However, I have to say that this set does not come close to the very first set.... which managed to make me feel cold inside from all the evil.
Compared to that, this set is actually a "fun romp".
March 23, 2023
The War Master is probarly my favourite thing off all Big Finish.
Derick Jacobi is such an fantastic actor I continue to be suprised and scared by him.
Well then the 7th boxset of my favourite master.
Story One : The Forest of Penitence.
This is without a doubt the best story in this boxset. The mystery is just that engaging. I don't wanna say anything more.
8/10
Story Two : The Players.
2/10
I literally do not remeber anything about this story. It was very boring.
Story Three : Boundaries:
5/10
I really, really loved the concept of going back to the Vineyard of boxset 1 and the story itself could have been great. It's okay.
Story Four : The Last Line
5.5-6/10
Man I wished I loved this one more, just like everyone else I was most looking forward to having David Tennant and Derick Jacobi back together again. And man...
There scenes literally feel like: Hello I know you know this but I will say it out loud anyway for no reason at all.
I get the whole appeal of the Doctor and the Master is that they are polar opposites but they overdid it.
Loved the ending however.
Sadly I have to say that this is the weakest boxset so far, literally pick any other one and you're golden.
Derick Jacobi is such an fantastic actor I continue to be suprised and scared by him.
Well then the 7th boxset of my favourite master.
Story One : The Forest of Penitence.
This is without a doubt the best story in this boxset. The mystery is just that engaging. I don't wanna say anything more.
8/10
Story Two : The Players.
2/10
I literally do not remeber anything about this story. It was very boring.
Story Three : Boundaries:
5/10
I really, really loved the concept of going back to the Vineyard of boxset 1 and the story itself could have been great. It's okay.
Story Four : The Last Line
5.5-6/10
Man I wished I loved this one more, just like everyone else I was most looking forward to having David Tennant and Derick Jacobi back together again. And man...
There scenes literally feel like: Hello I know you know this but I will say it out loud anyway for no reason at all.
I get the whole appeal of the Doctor and the Master is that they are polar opposites but they overdid it.
Loved the ending however.
Sadly I have to say that this is the weakest boxset so far, literally pick any other one and you're golden.
November 28, 2022
The War Master: Self-Defence is a good set if you’re looking for an entry into a new part of the Whoniverse. The entire set has the essence of Doctor Who all over it, however, provides a more intimate look into The Doctor’s greatest foe.
Derek Jacobi is truly excellent in every story, bringing humor and light-heartedness along with the dark sinister side fans know from The Master. As my first entry into the world of audio dramas from Big Finish, I was pleasantly surprised by the adventures Self-Defence took me on, allowing me to absorb more Doctor Who into my life.
Read the full review at: https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/revie...
Derek Jacobi is truly excellent in every story, bringing humor and light-heartedness along with the dark sinister side fans know from The Master. As my first entry into the world of audio dramas from Big Finish, I was pleasantly surprised by the adventures Self-Defence took me on, allowing me to absorb more Doctor Who into my life.
Read the full review at: https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/revie...
June 26, 2022
At first, I wasn't 100% sure this was as amazing as the previous War Master sets of stories — yes, everything was still really good, but I wondered if it would have that OMG factor that previous stories had. Then things really kick off in the third story and I was 1000% IN.
Also fun to watch him poke at the Tenth Doctor in the last story, since it's so easy for him to do. And Abigail Thaw is in this, and I enjoy her on the show Endeavour.
Also fun to watch him poke at the Tenth Doctor in the last story, since it's so easy for him to do. And Abigail Thaw is in this, and I enjoy her on the show Endeavour.
June 17, 2023
Not quite Trial of the War Master, but good enough, if not a little bit formulaic as far as the structure of the whole boxset story is concerned. The last part is obviously the best one, investing heavily in the moral ambiguity of the Doctor's nature, which pays off.
June 25, 2022
“Your desire to appear merciful has been your undoing.” - The War Master
Incredible work. Some of Big Finish’s best ever.
Incredible work. Some of Big Finish’s best ever.
July 17, 2022
The master lands on a planet that judges weather people should live. He gets put on trial where he fights for his life. He ends up calling the doctor to help save him.
January 24, 2023
The main draw for this is the Tenth Doctor interacting with the War Master again, but it's not as exciting as expected.
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