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The Ninth Doctor Adventures #2.4
Doctor Who: Shades of Fear
Alien threats come in many forms - and many different hues. A charity shop where customers vanish, a 1920s gentleman's club besieged by giant plants, and a distant colony planet where death hides in darkness - wherever they manifest, the Doctor is on hand to fight every shade of fear...
4.1 The Colour of Terror by Lizzie Hopley
Mrs Bevell wants to keep the star rating for her charity shop at any cost - but why does she stock so many items of one particular shade?
When West Morebry residents start to notice disappearances, the Doctor assembles a motley band to do battle... with the colour red!
4.2 The Blooming Menace by James Kettle
Toby Entwhistle and his bachelor chums in the Fellows Club are falling victim to a plague - of marriage!
The chaps are all besotted by giant flowers - but Toby’s new valet seems to know what’s going on. The Doctor could be London's only hope...
4.3 Red Darkness by Roy Gill
The sunlight from Solis Kailya could revolutionise colony farming. While his mother researches its properties, Callen and his seeing (and talking!) dog Doyle meet a new arrival - and discover an impending threat...
The Vashta Nerada are closing in, and they are not alone.
4.1 The Colour of Terror by Lizzie Hopley
Mrs Bevell wants to keep the star rating for her charity shop at any cost - but why does she stock so many items of one particular shade?
When West Morebry residents start to notice disappearances, the Doctor assembles a motley band to do battle... with the colour red!
4.2 The Blooming Menace by James Kettle
Toby Entwhistle and his bachelor chums in the Fellows Club are falling victim to a plague - of marriage!
The chaps are all besotted by giant flowers - but Toby’s new valet seems to know what’s going on. The Doctor could be London's only hope...
4.3 Red Darkness by Roy Gill
The sunlight from Solis Kailya could revolutionise colony farming. While his mother researches its properties, Callen and his seeing (and talking!) dog Doyle meet a new arrival - and discover an impending threat...
The Vashta Nerada are closing in, and they are not alone.
Audio CD
First published February 8, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 11, 2023
A new set of 3 stories for the 9th Doctor at Big Finish.
For me, this is one of the consistently great ranges.
Color of Terror:
I really appreciate that we get some stories that are out of the ordinary.
With an unusual threat, clever use of ordinary items and situations and putting them into a creepy new context.
This was well done here.
Performances are also fine.
Yes, it is a good old base under siege story, but with an unusual setting and with an interesting adversary to overcome.
Plus the evil shop lady reminded me a bit of Mrs. Gilliflower (? Is that her name, something like that).
Good start to the set.
The Blooming menace:
Another good story!
This shapes up to be a good set with lots to enjoy.
This one is more comedy than action drama.
One of these old fashioned comedies with the gender confusion.
Still, very well acted and executed.
I loved that the story and the villain / monsters were so weird. But weird in a good way.
Red Darkness:
The character of the talking dog was an amazing idea. Very clever, also the use of the sound effects for the dog claws. It is just lucky they have no squirrels on that planet!
The monster is also making use of a new idea for the Vashta Nerada, not repeating previous ideas, but expanding and building on them.
All in all well acted, with some nice claustrophobic atmosphere and a real sense of dread.
You can nearly hear the darkness.
This definitely is better than the previous 9th Doctor sets I have listened to and we are back to old strengths! All three stories were gripping and clever and served me with sufficient weirdness. This remains a very strong range. I hope for more soon!
For me, this is one of the consistently great ranges.
Color of Terror:
I really appreciate that we get some stories that are out of the ordinary.
With an unusual threat, clever use of ordinary items and situations and putting them into a creepy new context.
This was well done here.
Performances are also fine.
Yes, it is a good old base under siege story, but with an unusual setting and with an interesting adversary to overcome.
Plus the evil shop lady reminded me a bit of Mrs. Gilliflower (? Is that her name, something like that).
Good start to the set.
The Blooming menace:
Another good story!
This shapes up to be a good set with lots to enjoy.
This one is more comedy than action drama.
One of these old fashioned comedies with the gender confusion.
Still, very well acted and executed.
I loved that the story and the villain / monsters were so weird. But weird in a good way.
Red Darkness:
The character of the talking dog was an amazing idea. Very clever, also the use of the sound effects for the dog claws. It is just lucky they have no squirrels on that planet!
The monster is also making use of a new idea for the Vashta Nerada, not repeating previous ideas, but expanding and building on them.
All in all well acted, with some nice claustrophobic atmosphere and a real sense of dread.
You can nearly hear the darkness.
This definitely is better than the previous 9th Doctor sets I have listened to and we are back to old strengths! All three stories were gripping and clever and served me with sufficient weirdness. This remains a very strong range. I hope for more soon!
April 18, 2023
Am I getting too old for big finish? Or am I just becoming a bitter person? (kidding).
Well, after listening to Rose Tyler boxsets, I'm back on the 9th doctor ones, the latest being Shades of Fear. As we all know, the 9th Doctor adventures have been a roller-coaster ups and down stories for me. Maybe it's because the stories have to be written in such a short time frame due to Chris's scheduling. Is it the boxset arcs? Who even knows. I love Nine, I really do and think Chris is a great actor and person and is local to my area. But somehow, the boxsets don't quite hit it on the head for me.
Somehow Shades of Fear is a middle ground for me. None of the stories weren't terrible actually, I just felt like they didn't reach the full potential I know they could have done.
4.1 The Colour of Terror by Lizzie Hopley
Mrs Bevell wants to keep the star rating for her charity shop at any cost - but why does she stock so many items of one particular shade?
When West Morebry residents start to notice disappearances, the Doctor assembles a motley band to do battle... with the colour red!
This was a full-set of cast of characters. I thought Robbie was interesting, but the conversation between him and the Doctor about his criminal past didn't quite hit the sentimental mark for me the way it could with 9. I'm not aware of Frank Skinner as an actor, but I am aware he's a biggish name in the acting community so his presence in the story as Pete was lost to me, but he played a decent role named Pete looking for his ginger cat who got lost in the charity shop. It was an interesting concept featuring the Colour red in a charity shop.
I wasn't foo fussed by the character Cath though and Mrs Bevall. I felt we could have done without.
Did like the local atmosphere feel and how you could feel the community banding together.
4.2 The Blooming Menace by James Kettle
Toby Entwhistle and his bachelor chums in the Fellows Club are falling victim to a plague - of marriage!
I felt like this was the weakest of the stories. Set in 1923 in a gentlemen's club. I liked the idea of the idea of the plants and the references of the seeds of doom (and also im getting flashbacks too Braxiatel In Love with Brax being engaged to Veronica bland who was...a weed). Again, nothing bad or good about the story, but just there to fit in with Red Darkness.
4.3 Red Darkness by Roy Gill
The sunlight from Solis Kailya could revolutionise colony farming. While his mother researches its properties, Callen and his seeing (and talking!) dog Doyle meet a new arrival - and discover an impending threat...
The Vashta Nerada are closing in, and they are not alone.
It's interesting to hear the Vashta Nerada on audio again. I always remember the Silence in the library episodes when they first came out all those years ago and what a concept they were. I thought Roy interested a good set of characters, and interesting to have a talking dog that wasn't robotic.
I don't know. I felt like this boxset had great ideas and I felt like we really could have pushed the Red Darkness into full horror as that would have been interesting to see like they did with Embrace the Darkness, but I guess the BBC are really toning it down lately.
Otherwall, good 3/5 for the set of stories. Enjoyable to listen to pass the time :)
Well, after listening to Rose Tyler boxsets, I'm back on the 9th doctor ones, the latest being Shades of Fear. As we all know, the 9th Doctor adventures have been a roller-coaster ups and down stories for me. Maybe it's because the stories have to be written in such a short time frame due to Chris's scheduling. Is it the boxset arcs? Who even knows. I love Nine, I really do and think Chris is a great actor and person and is local to my area. But somehow, the boxsets don't quite hit it on the head for me.
Somehow Shades of Fear is a middle ground for me. None of the stories weren't terrible actually, I just felt like they didn't reach the full potential I know they could have done.
4.1 The Colour of Terror by Lizzie Hopley
Mrs Bevell wants to keep the star rating for her charity shop at any cost - but why does she stock so many items of one particular shade?
When West Morebry residents start to notice disappearances, the Doctor assembles a motley band to do battle... with the colour red!
This was a full-set of cast of characters. I thought Robbie was interesting, but the conversation between him and the Doctor about his criminal past didn't quite hit the sentimental mark for me the way it could with 9. I'm not aware of Frank Skinner as an actor, but I am aware he's a biggish name in the acting community so his presence in the story as Pete was lost to me, but he played a decent role named Pete looking for his ginger cat who got lost in the charity shop. It was an interesting concept featuring the Colour red in a charity shop.
I wasn't foo fussed by the character Cath though and Mrs Bevall. I felt we could have done without.
Did like the local atmosphere feel and how you could feel the community banding together.
4.2 The Blooming Menace by James Kettle
Toby Entwhistle and his bachelor chums in the Fellows Club are falling victim to a plague - of marriage!
I felt like this was the weakest of the stories. Set in 1923 in a gentlemen's club. I liked the idea of the idea of the plants and the references of the seeds of doom (and also im getting flashbacks too Braxiatel In Love with Brax being engaged to Veronica bland who was...a weed). Again, nothing bad or good about the story, but just there to fit in with Red Darkness.
4.3 Red Darkness by Roy Gill
The sunlight from Solis Kailya could revolutionise colony farming. While his mother researches its properties, Callen and his seeing (and talking!) dog Doyle meet a new arrival - and discover an impending threat...
The Vashta Nerada are closing in, and they are not alone.
It's interesting to hear the Vashta Nerada on audio again. I always remember the Silence in the library episodes when they first came out all those years ago and what a concept they were. I thought Roy interested a good set of characters, and interesting to have a talking dog that wasn't robotic.
I don't know. I felt like this boxset had great ideas and I felt like we really could have pushed the Red Darkness into full horror as that would have been interesting to see like they did with Embrace the Darkness, but I guess the BBC are really toning it down lately.
Otherwall, good 3/5 for the set of stories. Enjoyable to listen to pass the time :)
December 27, 2025
Listened as part of ‘Ecclethon’, a marathon of Ninth Doctor audios and TV episodes to commemorate the 20th anniversary of New Who
Despite the title leading me into thinking this was going to be a trilogy of terrifying horror tales, that’s all reserved for the season two finale Red Darkness by Roy Gill in which Nine gets pitted against the Vashta Nerada (teaming up with the villain of the first story in this set, some good continuity) and gets a new companion in the form of Callen and his talking dog Doyle, the former being voiced by Whotuber Adam Martyn which makes it worth listening even if the story wasn’t much cop, which is not the case since it takes an antagonist I didn’t think would work on audio and bringing them back with terrifying finesse. The other two are some of the quirkiest out of the 9DA library thus far; Lizzie Hopley’s The Colour of Terror sees Nine and a ragtag team of misfits go up against a killer shade of the colour red in a way reminiscent of how the Boneless in Flatline invaded via two-dimension, and a lot of The Blooming Menace’s comedy seems to stem from the comedic overly-posh accents of the guest cast than James Kettle’s writing which carries on his streak of not taking full potential of its ideas (however, shout-out to the likes of Frank Skinner and Max from The Goes Wrong Show making guest appearances!).
And that’s about it for 2025’s reviews on here, see y’all next year for when Nine meets up with some … pioneers. Can’t think of a good pun this time, sorry.
Despite the title leading me into thinking this was going to be a trilogy of terrifying horror tales, that’s all reserved for the season two finale Red Darkness by Roy Gill in which Nine gets pitted against the Vashta Nerada (teaming up with the villain of the first story in this set, some good continuity) and gets a new companion in the form of Callen and his talking dog Doyle, the former being voiced by Whotuber Adam Martyn which makes it worth listening even if the story wasn’t much cop, which is not the case since it takes an antagonist I didn’t think would work on audio and bringing them back with terrifying finesse. The other two are some of the quirkiest out of the 9DA library thus far; Lizzie Hopley’s The Colour of Terror sees Nine and a ragtag team of misfits go up against a killer shade of the colour red in a way reminiscent of how the Boneless in Flatline invaded via two-dimension, and a lot of The Blooming Menace’s comedy seems to stem from the comedic overly-posh accents of the guest cast than James Kettle’s writing which carries on his streak of not taking full potential of its ideas (however, shout-out to the likes of Frank Skinner and Max from The Goes Wrong Show making guest appearances!).
And that’s about it for 2025’s reviews on here, see y’all next year for when Nine meets up with some … pioneers. Can’t think of a good pun this time, sorry.
March 4, 2023
The Ninth Doctor Adventures is by far one of the most consistent and greatest ranges Big Finish has produced in a long time. I found the 10th Doctor stuff aside from Dalek Universe to be really standard and nothing too exciting or inventive, but their treatment of the 9th Doctor has been exceptional! It's sad to see another series end, but hopefully, we'll have a series 3!
The Colour of Terror:
Mrs. Bevell is very protective of her little charity shop in West Morebry, so when The Tardis arrives with The Doctor it soon turns out that her little shop is the gateway to an alien invasion. The Doctor needs the help of a group of very different people in order to prevent the Vermine hiding within the color red from taking over not only the Earth but the entire universe.
Lizzie Hopley has written an incredible script that's scary, tense, hilarious, and most importantly heartwarming. It's such an underrated adventure for the range that introduces a very unique and terrifying enemy with the Vermine where the color red alone is the enemy. It's such an amazing little story where everything falls into place incredibly well. Christopher Eccleston is on fire here and the rest of the cast including Frank Skinner get an amazing opportunity as well, performance wise to really make this story more fantastic than it already is! 10/10
The Blooming Menace:
Something strange is happening in London, men from a gentleman club are falling in love with walking plants, a scientist works hard in the attic and a very bizarre love story unfolds, whilst The Doctor tries to save humanity again.
James Kettle has written a very funny script that tackles the misogynistic nature of a gentleman's club, and the unfairness of inclusivity whilst being a very bouncy and fast-paced adventure that's a lot of fun. I really liked the love story that unfolded in this tale, it was a tad silly but it was meant to be and the comedic moments really work. I find James Kettle to be a very miss and hit writer, but this is by far one of my favorites from him. 8/10
Red Darkness:
Callen and his dog Doyle who can talk to him with a communicator go out to a farm one evening on Solis Kailya where they bump into The Doctor. It seems he has come right on time for a devastating force is about to wipe out the last survivors of this world and time is running out, The Vashta Narada are coming but this time they're deadlier than ever.
Roy Gill has written a very unique, intense, and terrifying tale with The Vashta Narada that connects to the first story in this set in a really interesting way. It's a story with terrific characterization, horror, and some really heartbreaking moments toward the end. It's a very bleak and dark way to end the set, but I really liked the ending to this. Hopefully, Callen and Doyle get to spend some more time with The Ninth Doctor, but only if Eccleston decides to do more sets of course! 10/10
Overall: The adventures with The Ninth Doctor continue to be fantastic and I really hope this range doesn't come to an end anytime soon! 28/30
The Colour of Terror:
Mrs. Bevell is very protective of her little charity shop in West Morebry, so when The Tardis arrives with The Doctor it soon turns out that her little shop is the gateway to an alien invasion. The Doctor needs the help of a group of very different people in order to prevent the Vermine hiding within the color red from taking over not only the Earth but the entire universe.
Lizzie Hopley has written an incredible script that's scary, tense, hilarious, and most importantly heartwarming. It's such an underrated adventure for the range that introduces a very unique and terrifying enemy with the Vermine where the color red alone is the enemy. It's such an amazing little story where everything falls into place incredibly well. Christopher Eccleston is on fire here and the rest of the cast including Frank Skinner get an amazing opportunity as well, performance wise to really make this story more fantastic than it already is! 10/10
The Blooming Menace:
Something strange is happening in London, men from a gentleman club are falling in love with walking plants, a scientist works hard in the attic and a very bizarre love story unfolds, whilst The Doctor tries to save humanity again.
James Kettle has written a very funny script that tackles the misogynistic nature of a gentleman's club, and the unfairness of inclusivity whilst being a very bouncy and fast-paced adventure that's a lot of fun. I really liked the love story that unfolded in this tale, it was a tad silly but it was meant to be and the comedic moments really work. I find James Kettle to be a very miss and hit writer, but this is by far one of my favorites from him. 8/10
Red Darkness:
Callen and his dog Doyle who can talk to him with a communicator go out to a farm one evening on Solis Kailya where they bump into The Doctor. It seems he has come right on time for a devastating force is about to wipe out the last survivors of this world and time is running out, The Vashta Narada are coming but this time they're deadlier than ever.
Roy Gill has written a very unique, intense, and terrifying tale with The Vashta Narada that connects to the first story in this set in a really interesting way. It's a story with terrific characterization, horror, and some really heartbreaking moments toward the end. It's a very bleak and dark way to end the set, but I really liked the ending to this. Hopefully, Callen and Doyle get to spend some more time with The Ninth Doctor, but only if Eccleston decides to do more sets of course! 10/10
Overall: The adventures with The Ninth Doctor continue to be fantastic and I really hope this range doesn't come to an end anytime soon! 28/30
May 10, 2023
Shades of Fear is the final boxset of Series 2 of the Ninth Doctor Adventures starring Christopher Eccleston from Big Finish. These three stories see the Ninth Doctor traveling alone in a period before Series 1. The first is The Colour of Terror by Lizzie Hopley, which sees the Doctor investigating disappearances in a Charity Shop and doing battle with aliens that invade through the wavelength of the color red. It's a fun story with an interesting villain that definitely gets the set going. The second story, The Blooming Menace by James Kettle, sees the Doctor battling killer plants in a 1920s Gentlemen's Club. It's a silly premise and a lot of fun, but probably my least favorite of the set. The reasoning behind the alien menace is interesting and the story is just a lot of fun, but the other two stories are just a lot better in my opinion. The final story, Red Darkness by Roy Gill, sees the Doctor do battle against the Vashta Nerada on a world were the red sunlight could revolutionize farming. This is the best story of the set and is really good story. All together, these three stories make for a really good boxset. Eccleston has found his groove as the Doctor again and is in fine form, sounding like he's having an absolute blast. If you like the Ninth Doctor, then this is definitely a set to pick up.
March 28, 2023
The Colour of Terror:
5/10
Verdict: Should Skip
Extremely gimmicky premise that doesn't do anything creative past the basic concept. Talking of the concept, they take it very seriously for the most part and I really can't as a listener. The characters are fine but very forgettable, with the exception of the main villain who's pretty terrible. Feels like a worse Undead Quiet mixed with some Empty Child. Can't recommend listening to this one.
The Blooming Menace:
5/10
Verdict: Optional
Good characters but a somewhat dull plot though good new creature. These plants have legs but this story isn't the one to let them grow. I really enjoyed the upperclass English gentlemen in this story, the lead of this one is extremely fun to listen to, and the story behind the 'gentlelady' was engaging too. The main villain wasn't great though. Overall, it's an alright story with some really great elements.
Red Darkness:
7/10
Verdict: Optional
YEEESSS FINALLY! This story rocks, a clashing of creatures that leads to a properly great base under siege / zombie survival storyline that's done properly well. The characters are endearing, the threat is menacing, the voice acting is phenomenal and while the ending isn't great, it was still a very fun ride.
5/10
Verdict: Should Skip
Extremely gimmicky premise that doesn't do anything creative past the basic concept. Talking of the concept, they take it very seriously for the most part and I really can't as a listener. The characters are fine but very forgettable, with the exception of the main villain who's pretty terrible. Feels like a worse Undead Quiet mixed with some Empty Child. Can't recommend listening to this one.
The Blooming Menace:
5/10
Verdict: Optional
Good characters but a somewhat dull plot though good new creature. These plants have legs but this story isn't the one to let them grow. I really enjoyed the upperclass English gentlemen in this story, the lead of this one is extremely fun to listen to, and the story behind the 'gentlelady' was engaging too. The main villain wasn't great though. Overall, it's an alright story with some really great elements.
Red Darkness:
7/10
Verdict: Optional
YEEESSS FINALLY! This story rocks, a clashing of creatures that leads to a properly great base under siege / zombie survival storyline that's done properly well. The characters are endearing, the threat is menacing, the voice acting is phenomenal and while the ending isn't great, it was still a very fun ride.
August 2, 2025
Story 1: 3.5/5 - liked the characters, the setting was fun with some nice bits on loneliness and reforming. Villian felt like something that was supposed to be clever but really just didnt work too well. Overall I enjoyed it, not a bad opener.
Story 2: 3/5 - very middle of the road. Had some really fun elements in Toby and Phil that were explored nicely, was fairly commedic but ultimately it just wasn't a story that particularly interested me and one that was done that well.
Story 3: 2.5/5 - Again as with the other two there were really good elements mixed with a lot of really bad. The meh villians from Ep 1 are back but this time with a twist pairing with a classic monster that just didnt work for me. They tried to combine two enemies but the concept didnt really feel explored and I really dont think they combined very well. They felt clunky and forced as a concept. Base under siege with some fun characters but ultimatly a weak end to the box set.
Story 2: 3/5 - very middle of the road. Had some really fun elements in Toby and Phil that were explored nicely, was fairly commedic but ultimately it just wasn't a story that particularly interested me and one that was done that well.
Story 3: 2.5/5 - Again as with the other two there were really good elements mixed with a lot of really bad. The meh villians from Ep 1 are back but this time with a twist pairing with a classic monster that just didnt work for me. They tried to combine two enemies but the concept didnt really feel explored and I really dont think they combined very well. They felt clunky and forced as a concept. Base under siege with some fun characters but ultimatly a weak end to the box set.
May 28, 2023
another 9th doctor boxset i rly enjoyed :)
1. the colour of terror - 4/5
this was such good fun! frank skinner is such a great actor. so lovely to hear his voice. thought this one was terrifying, intimate and insane. great job!
2. the blooming menace - 3/5
i got a little bored of this one, sorry. but, it was okay. triffids meets pg wodehouse. it was a little crazy!
3. red darkness - 5/5
AMAZING. a great end to the boxset. such great characters, story and acting. loved seeing the vashta nerada and a call back to story one. excellent work.
overall, this earns a 4/5
1. the colour of terror - 4/5
this was such good fun! frank skinner is such a great actor. so lovely to hear his voice. thought this one was terrifying, intimate and insane. great job!
2. the blooming menace - 3/5
i got a little bored of this one, sorry. but, it was okay. triffids meets pg wodehouse. it was a little crazy!
3. red darkness - 5/5
AMAZING. a great end to the boxset. such great characters, story and acting. loved seeing the vashta nerada and a call back to story one. excellent work.
overall, this earns a 4/5
February 18, 2025
8.1 The Colour of Terror - This was FUN! Love the cast. Fast paced story. Very much reminiscent of that 2005 season of Doctor Who. Wonderful. (4/5)
8.2 The Blooming Menace - Absolutely hilarious. One of the funniest episodes ever done for Doctor Who. (4/5)
8.3 Red Darkness - Loved this one! Brilliant! Looking forward to more with Callen and Doyle! (5/5)
This release includes the usual behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew.
8.2 The Blooming Menace - Absolutely hilarious. One of the funniest episodes ever done for Doctor Who. (4/5)
8.3 Red Darkness - Loved this one! Brilliant! Looking forward to more with Callen and Doyle! (5/5)
This release includes the usual behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew.
February 17, 2023
Some creative ideas, but it was really only the third story that did much for me. It ends with the idea of another person traveling with The Doctor, but it was kinda disappointing when the behind the scenes stuff revealed it’s something to be left to the imagination between CDs. However, the “between CDs” part gives me hope that we may be getting a third series of Ninth Doctor Adventures.
March 12, 2023
This instalment of the Ninth Doctor Adventure was fine. Just fine. It’s very much the tried and tested style for this range, has some neat concepts and Eccleston is on fine form, with supporting cast performing well to match. No particular highs, but no lows either; just happily cruising at the average for this range.
February 17, 2023
Really great. A new alien entity, a classic evil plant story, and the Vashta Nerada show up. What's not to like?
February 25, 2023
Great stories but second story was under 50 minutes so docking 1 star
March 10, 2023
There's a lot to like in this set and it's certainly welcome after the previous one, though I wasn't particularly gripped by the stories therein.
February 11, 2024
The Colour Of Terror - ⭐️⭐️
The Colour Of Terror was what is now typical for the 9th Doctor Big Finish audios, a not very good and forgettable story. Everything red is infected by aliens, and there’s some character drama; that’s literally it. On reflection there’s only one thing that stuck with me after having listened so that says a lot. That was that the woman who pretty much aids the aliens and tries to kill everyone gets away with it. I know there’s supposed to be this upbeat tone for the 9DAs else presumably Eccleston will refuse to do them but it’s ridiculous that the reaction to one of the antagonists having learned no lesson and still be vile is ‘oh well’. Frank Skinner is a great actor so makes a nice guest star, but there’s just nothing to really get invested about in any of these characters because they’re just very unremarkable. Every set of side characters in the 9DAs are a group of people who you cannot name pretty much immediately once you move onto the next story as there is literally nothing to stick them to mind. Still, it wasn’t abysmal so that is the positive I suppose.
The Blooming Menace - ⭐️⭐️
This story is basically just a copy and paste template at this point. ‘Look how horrible men were to women in the 20th century and then a woman goes too far getting revenge’. Some generic alien plants show up and do nothing that has any real impact on the plot, the evil woman is revealed and the story just ends abruptly (thankfully). These stories are just so lazy, and how exactly is it empowering the women when the doctor; a man, does all the work. The aliens are terrible and so very forgettable, and the evil lady is just a pantomime villain. There are some witty remarks and touching lines of dialogue here and there but apart from Eccleston being the only good thing about this story, there is nothing here. A trace of a touching love story is woven through the plot but given this story is shorter than usual that means it is so rushed that all emotional value is lost. It’s always the way with all these stories where you just completely wipe your mind clean of them once they’re over.
Red Darkness - ⭐️⭐️
This story has the distinction of being terrible in a very different way to most 9DAs. This is the terrible and forgettable villain from a previous audio teams up with a fantastic monster from TV, and ruins them by association. The new temporary companion is textbook bland, and oh look he has a talking dog, isn’t that so quirky! (Eye roll). The Vashta Nerada do literally nothing in this story, they are just sort of there to kill off characters who you have no attachment to because they’ve had about four lines of dialogue each. They have one big scene in a village then it’s back to the Tardis for a whole different kind of sod all to occur. I think maybe the 1/4th of the story discussing colour spectrums was a stupid idea but given they other 3/4ths was a conversation in a laboratory and a chase scene across a field, it’s unsurprising. Funny how the story to sell the set was by far the worst one.
Ultimately, a boring and uninspired set of stories that don’t justify the price tag. I’m likely to relisten to lots of mediocre but generally pleasant Big Finish stories over time, and these 3 are 100% not included.
The Colour Of Terror was what is now typical for the 9th Doctor Big Finish audios, a not very good and forgettable story. Everything red is infected by aliens, and there’s some character drama; that’s literally it. On reflection there’s only one thing that stuck with me after having listened so that says a lot. That was that the woman who pretty much aids the aliens and tries to kill everyone gets away with it. I know there’s supposed to be this upbeat tone for the 9DAs else presumably Eccleston will refuse to do them but it’s ridiculous that the reaction to one of the antagonists having learned no lesson and still be vile is ‘oh well’. Frank Skinner is a great actor so makes a nice guest star, but there’s just nothing to really get invested about in any of these characters because they’re just very unremarkable. Every set of side characters in the 9DAs are a group of people who you cannot name pretty much immediately once you move onto the next story as there is literally nothing to stick them to mind. Still, it wasn’t abysmal so that is the positive I suppose.
The Blooming Menace - ⭐️⭐️
This story is basically just a copy and paste template at this point. ‘Look how horrible men were to women in the 20th century and then a woman goes too far getting revenge’. Some generic alien plants show up and do nothing that has any real impact on the plot, the evil woman is revealed and the story just ends abruptly (thankfully). These stories are just so lazy, and how exactly is it empowering the women when the doctor; a man, does all the work. The aliens are terrible and so very forgettable, and the evil lady is just a pantomime villain. There are some witty remarks and touching lines of dialogue here and there but apart from Eccleston being the only good thing about this story, there is nothing here. A trace of a touching love story is woven through the plot but given this story is shorter than usual that means it is so rushed that all emotional value is lost. It’s always the way with all these stories where you just completely wipe your mind clean of them once they’re over.
Red Darkness - ⭐️⭐️
This story has the distinction of being terrible in a very different way to most 9DAs. This is the terrible and forgettable villain from a previous audio teams up with a fantastic monster from TV, and ruins them by association. The new temporary companion is textbook bland, and oh look he has a talking dog, isn’t that so quirky! (Eye roll). The Vashta Nerada do literally nothing in this story, they are just sort of there to kill off characters who you have no attachment to because they’ve had about four lines of dialogue each. They have one big scene in a village then it’s back to the Tardis for a whole different kind of sod all to occur. I think maybe the 1/4th of the story discussing colour spectrums was a stupid idea but given they other 3/4ths was a conversation in a laboratory and a chase scene across a field, it’s unsurprising. Funny how the story to sell the set was by far the worst one.
Ultimately, a boring and uninspired set of stories that don’t justify the price tag. I’m likely to relisten to lots of mediocre but generally pleasant Big Finish stories over time, and these 3 are 100% not included.
December 22, 2024
Three stories featuring the Ninth Doctor travelling alone, with one each set in the present, past, and future.
The Colour of Terror – Which is ‘red’ apparently, and not, say, yellow, as Robert W. Chambers and the Green Lantern comics would have it. The story is set in and around a charity shop with a decidedly uncharitable owner, where something unpleasant – and red-themed – has been growing in power. The premise behind it all is rather daft, although perhaps no more so than some other audios; the bigger issue is that it would have likely worked better with visuals, given the importance of colour to the story. Having said that, a significant element is how the Doctor brings a disparate group of ordinary people together to help solve the problem, and this part works well, mirroring some of the themes of the Ninth Doctor’s TV run. For me, this raised it above the middling, even if the story is more Boom Town than it is The Empty Child. 4 stars.
The Blooming Menace – The second story is a comedy and reactions will depend on whether the listener finds it works as such. It’s obviously inspired by the ‘Jeeves and Wooster’ stories of P.G. Wodehouse, something that Big Finish more effectively pastiched with The Auntie Matter for the Fourth Doctor. The basis here is that some rather dim wealthy young men in the 1920s are suddenly getting engaged to… well, something they shouldn’t even if they weren’t confirmed bachelors. The men in question, one of whom is a main character in the story, are drawn with very broad strokes and use exaggerated accents both of which ramp up the feeling of farce. Yes, there’s an alien menace, and some hints in the story linking back to themes of the relevant TV era, but the daftness was all a bit too overplayed for me. 3 stars.
Red Darkness – The concluding episode takes us to a human colony world where the colonists are mysteriously vanishing. Like the first story, this has colour as a central theme, although the setup here makes it easier to visualise what’s going on. Given the premise, it’s unsurprising that this soon turns into a base under siege story, albeit with much of the ‘base’ actually being open countryside. The monster here draws on an element from the Tenth Doctor’s run but combines it with something else to create a different kind of story that feels more menacing than the prior two in the collection. The biggest highlight however, is the uplifted Border Collie able to talk through an electronic device around its neck; it’s really fun hearing a dog’s perspective on what’s going on and it’s easily the most memorable and original character in the story. (Plus, there's some great canine soundscaping). 5 stars… one of which is purely for the dog.
The Colour of Terror – Which is ‘red’ apparently, and not, say, yellow, as Robert W. Chambers and the Green Lantern comics would have it. The story is set in and around a charity shop with a decidedly uncharitable owner, where something unpleasant – and red-themed – has been growing in power. The premise behind it all is rather daft, although perhaps no more so than some other audios; the bigger issue is that it would have likely worked better with visuals, given the importance of colour to the story. Having said that, a significant element is how the Doctor brings a disparate group of ordinary people together to help solve the problem, and this part works well, mirroring some of the themes of the Ninth Doctor’s TV run. For me, this raised it above the middling, even if the story is more Boom Town than it is The Empty Child. 4 stars.
The Blooming Menace – The second story is a comedy and reactions will depend on whether the listener finds it works as such. It’s obviously inspired by the ‘Jeeves and Wooster’ stories of P.G. Wodehouse, something that Big Finish more effectively pastiched with The Auntie Matter for the Fourth Doctor. The basis here is that some rather dim wealthy young men in the 1920s are suddenly getting engaged to… well, something they shouldn’t even if they weren’t confirmed bachelors. The men in question, one of whom is a main character in the story, are drawn with very broad strokes and use exaggerated accents both of which ramp up the feeling of farce. Yes, there’s an alien menace, and some hints in the story linking back to themes of the relevant TV era, but the daftness was all a bit too overplayed for me. 3 stars.
Red Darkness – The concluding episode takes us to a human colony world where the colonists are mysteriously vanishing. Like the first story, this has colour as a central theme, although the setup here makes it easier to visualise what’s going on. Given the premise, it’s unsurprising that this soon turns into a base under siege story, albeit with much of the ‘base’ actually being open countryside. The monster here draws on an element from the Tenth Doctor’s run but combines it with something else to create a different kind of story that feels more menacing than the prior two in the collection. The biggest highlight however, is the uplifted Border Collie able to talk through an electronic device around its neck; it’s really fun hearing a dog’s perspective on what’s going on and it’s easily the most memorable and original character in the story. (Plus, there's some great canine soundscaping). 5 stars… one of which is purely for the dog.
January 3, 2026
4.1 The Colour of Terror by Lizzie Hopley
Mrs Bevell wants to keep the star rating for her charity shop at any cost - but why does she stock so many items of one particular shade? When West Morebry residents start to notice disappearances, the Doctor assembles a motley band to do battle... with the colour red!
Rating: 3/5 - This was a pretty fun story but I couldn’t get a clear read on the companion people. A big cast of characters but not enough stood out.
4.2 The Blooming Menace by James Kettle
Toby Entwhistle and his bachelor chums in the Fellows Club are falling victim to a plague - of marriage!
The chaps are all besotted by giant flowers – but Toby’s new valet seems to know what’s going on. The Doctor could be London's only hope...
Rating: 4.5/5 - I really liked this one. The solution that saved the day ended up being a little trite, but the villain was interesting and it was FUNNY!!! It’s kind of rare to find a Big Finish story that actually made me laugh out loud multiple times. Great acting.
4.3 Red Darkness by Roy Gill
The sunlight from Solis Kailya could revolutionise colony farming. While his mother researches its properties, Callen and his seeing (and talking!) dog Doyle meet a new arrival - and discover an impending threat...
The Vashta Nerada are closing in, and they are not alone.
Rating: 4/5 - Love the Vashta Nerada and I think they did a fine job of bringing them back in an audio-only format. I do wish they hadn’t been given a voice but I understand the desire to personify. And the tie-in with the previous story this set was nice.
Mrs Bevell wants to keep the star rating for her charity shop at any cost - but why does she stock so many items of one particular shade? When West Morebry residents start to notice disappearances, the Doctor assembles a motley band to do battle... with the colour red!
Rating: 3/5 - This was a pretty fun story but I couldn’t get a clear read on the companion people. A big cast of characters but not enough stood out.
4.2 The Blooming Menace by James Kettle
Toby Entwhistle and his bachelor chums in the Fellows Club are falling victim to a plague - of marriage!
The chaps are all besotted by giant flowers – but Toby’s new valet seems to know what’s going on. The Doctor could be London's only hope...
Rating: 4.5/5 - I really liked this one. The solution that saved the day ended up being a little trite, but the villain was interesting and it was FUNNY!!! It’s kind of rare to find a Big Finish story that actually made me laugh out loud multiple times. Great acting.
4.3 Red Darkness by Roy Gill
The sunlight from Solis Kailya could revolutionise colony farming. While his mother researches its properties, Callen and his seeing (and talking!) dog Doyle meet a new arrival - and discover an impending threat...
The Vashta Nerada are closing in, and they are not alone.
Rating: 4/5 - Love the Vashta Nerada and I think they did a fine job of bringing them back in an audio-only format. I do wish they hadn’t been given a voice but I understand the desire to personify. And the tie-in with the previous story this set was nice.
April 12, 2023
Generous four stars.
First episode: "The Colour of Terror" -- I'm not sure the concept really worked: the color red as the antagonist. Okay, maybe it was some alien consciousness that was able to inhabit the color red. I didn't quite get it. Anyway, red things get taken over. Maybe explode? I just got confused after awhile and started tuning out. Didn't help that this was once again "The Doctor Saves Lesbians." BF's obsession with pushing el-jibbity content at listeners is legendary. Give it a rest, guys. You're beyond cringe now. I'd call this episode skippable except . . .
Second episode: "The Blooming Menace" -- Might be one of the best of the Ninth Doctor series so far. Kind of a Wodehouse/Waugh pastiche mashed up with Doctor Who. Wonderfully acted by Dave Hearn playing the slightly dim Toby Entwhistle.
Third episode: "Red Darkness" -- . . . except to really get this episode you might need to have listened to the first episode. So "The Colour of Terror" isn't skippable after all. Which is a shame because it's lame. Meanwhile this episode is quite good, and features a talking dog. And also the Vashta Nerada. And I'm pleased to learn that Callan and Doyle's adventures with the Doctor do not end here. Would be great if they became the Doctor's regular companions. A blind(ish) young man and his talking dog? How cool would that be for series regulars?
First episode: "The Colour of Terror" -- I'm not sure the concept really worked: the color red as the antagonist. Okay, maybe it was some alien consciousness that was able to inhabit the color red. I didn't quite get it. Anyway, red things get taken over. Maybe explode? I just got confused after awhile and started tuning out. Didn't help that this was once again "The Doctor Saves Lesbians." BF's obsession with pushing el-jibbity content at listeners is legendary. Give it a rest, guys. You're beyond cringe now. I'd call this episode skippable except . . .
Second episode: "The Blooming Menace" -- Might be one of the best of the Ninth Doctor series so far. Kind of a Wodehouse/Waugh pastiche mashed up with Doctor Who. Wonderfully acted by Dave Hearn playing the slightly dim Toby Entwhistle.
Third episode: "Red Darkness" -- . . . except to really get this episode you might need to have listened to the first episode. So "The Colour of Terror" isn't skippable after all. Which is a shame because it's lame. Meanwhile this episode is quite good, and features a talking dog. And also the Vashta Nerada. And I'm pleased to learn that Callan and Doyle's adventures with the Doctor do not end here. Would be great if they became the Doctor's regular companions. A blind(ish) young man and his talking dog? How cool would that be for series regulars?
January 29, 2025
Ronpich un peu ; c'est pas mauvais mais c'est pas bon pour autant.
November 30, 2025
eccleston's doctor does wodehouse, as he'd say hisself: fantastic!
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