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Rani Takes on the World #2
Rani Takes on the World: The Revenge of Wormwood
Rani Chandra, Clyde Langer and Luke Smith rendezvous with a familiar foe...
Time Schisms! by Lizbeth Myles - Podcast fan Anna thinks there’s a time traveller working in her local post office. So, who else should she ask to investigate other than Rani Chandra? Unconvinced at first, Rani is shocked when an old friend warns her off. If UNIT don’t want her looking into it, there must be something to the phenomena… But will Rani’s quest for the truth drive a wedge between her and Luke?
The Star-Crossed Diversion by Alison Winter - After falling asleep on the night tube, Rani and Clyde wake in a nightmare – a future in which the Bane have succeeded in taking over the Earth. Humans are docile cattle, the planet’s resources sold to the highest bidder. Bane Uncle Crispin believes all opposition has been crushed, but the new arrivals are ready to fight. Are they the last hope of resistance? And how can Rani and Clyde ever return home?
The Ghost of Bannerman Road by Jonathan Morris - 13 Bannerman Road. The place where it all began, where Rani, Clyde and Luke fought alien menaces with Sarah Jane. Now it’s locked up, derelict and under the watch of UNIT, because top scientists are mysteriously disappearing, and items of alien technology are being stolen from laboratories. An old friend is planning to make her return... and Rani and Clyde have to face their own ghosts.
Time Schisms! by Lizbeth Myles - Podcast fan Anna thinks there’s a time traveller working in her local post office. So, who else should she ask to investigate other than Rani Chandra? Unconvinced at first, Rani is shocked when an old friend warns her off. If UNIT don’t want her looking into it, there must be something to the phenomena… But will Rani’s quest for the truth drive a wedge between her and Luke?
The Star-Crossed Diversion by Alison Winter - After falling asleep on the night tube, Rani and Clyde wake in a nightmare – a future in which the Bane have succeeded in taking over the Earth. Humans are docile cattle, the planet’s resources sold to the highest bidder. Bane Uncle Crispin believes all opposition has been crushed, but the new arrivals are ready to fight. Are they the last hope of resistance? And how can Rani and Clyde ever return home?
The Ghost of Bannerman Road by Jonathan Morris - 13 Bannerman Road. The place where it all began, where Rani, Clyde and Luke fought alien menaces with Sarah Jane. Now it’s locked up, derelict and under the watch of UNIT, because top scientists are mysteriously disappearing, and items of alien technology are being stolen from laboratories. An old friend is planning to make her return... and Rani and Clyde have to face their own ghosts.
- GenresDoctor WhoAudiobook
Audio CD
First published September 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 4, 2024
Time Schisms! - ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
The reintroduction of Luke Smith was the big selling point of the set (and the Bane obviously) so it’s great to have him back and in the midst of things right away. The story set up quite quickly that this was going to be a loosely linked three part story boxset as opposed to the first Rani Takes On The World set which was three solo stories. Clyde is only present for a scene and the main focus is on Rani and her companions for the story, and Luke with UNIT. UNIT are portrayed very oddly in this story, not all happy and endearing like New Who UNIT usually are, here they’re a ruthless militia willing to do whatever to achieve their goal. It’s a bit weird to be honest and obviously one of the reasons for this was to highlight how Luke is such a good person even if he has to be at loggerheads with Rani for this story. Finally Rani leads from the front and is investigating, being a proper journalist; after three stories… One of the detracting factors is the story having one of the stupidest twists in all of Doctor Who. It’s weirdly not even played as a comedic element so it just makes it even more strange, but all serves a purpose just to establish something is messing around with time. The plot is a bit middling, and the character drama never really goes anywhere, but it’s more something that I was aware of afterwards reflecting on the story. The ending however is great, and sets up the following stories in such an exciting way, which really left me feeling positive going forward with the set.
The Star-Crossed Diversion - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story was a real blockbuster, like a Sarah Jane Adventures story sans Sarah Jane. Clyde and Rani fall asleep on the tube and wake up in a dystopia where the Bane rule the world. No Luke here which was kind of coded given the final story of the set here is about Mrs Wormwood, but that was no bad thing as Daniel Anthony and Anjili Mohindra excel in this one. They investigate, a twist and then a confrontation that wraps everything up neatly. I still don’t like Rani’s friend, I just find her annoying but she was well used in this one, and the other characters all add to the stories in meaningful ways. The chemistry between Clyde and Rani is palpable and oh god I hope in one of these sets they end up together as their ignorant flirting is always fun, and they make such a good team. The fact that music from the SJA was used here for the action moments just made the child in me rattle with joy, such a small detail but made me happy so worth noting. The Bane are just as smug and self-satisfied as they always have been in past so I loved the consistency and although their plan is bit odd they do present a good threat; given they can literally eat you. This story was hardly a masterpiece but it was so much fun and it’s hard to deny that it’s a lovely tale.
The Ghost Of Bannerman Road - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The final story of the set delivered perfectly as a conclusion to the narrative but did lack in satisfyingly concluding the character drama. Luke is barely present in the story which did surprise me given its Mrs Wormwood story and only appears in the final scene where they all have a fond reminiscence of the old days. The UNIT story comes to a conclusion as they start to trust and let Rani and Clyde help, and having them all working together was an interesting dynamic. The idea of Wormwood luring people to being her mindless helpers by tricking them to change their pasts for what they want was a nice idea, human vanity being always a believable concept. Clyde and Rani having the separate realisations about their love for one another and the will they, wont they romance was incredibly tantalising. The problem was that it isn’t resolved, the character dynamic goes right back to the beginning which really defeats the point of all their development through the story. It’s obvious that one of the reasons this was done was because once Clyde and Rani get together then where is there to go with the characters really, but just needlessly milking the character drama in the hopes of recommission for the series is just a bit stupid. The resolution was lovely and quite clever with Wormwood not being dispensed with easily, and actually having there be a real point and meaning through the climax, but the final scene being more reminiscence over the Sarah Jane Adventure Days makes me start to think that this series is just a nostalgia trip and there isn’t much to be offered else wise. That’s not a sin or anything, but it means going forward not really being invested in story and just hoping for more touching SJA callbacks and villains, and not caring for the stories.
The reintroduction of Luke Smith was the big selling point of the set (and the Bane obviously) so it’s great to have him back and in the midst of things right away. The story set up quite quickly that this was going to be a loosely linked three part story boxset as opposed to the first Rani Takes On The World set which was three solo stories. Clyde is only present for a scene and the main focus is on Rani and her companions for the story, and Luke with UNIT. UNIT are portrayed very oddly in this story, not all happy and endearing like New Who UNIT usually are, here they’re a ruthless militia willing to do whatever to achieve their goal. It’s a bit weird to be honest and obviously one of the reasons for this was to highlight how Luke is such a good person even if he has to be at loggerheads with Rani for this story. Finally Rani leads from the front and is investigating, being a proper journalist; after three stories… One of the detracting factors is the story having one of the stupidest twists in all of Doctor Who. It’s weirdly not even played as a comedic element so it just makes it even more strange, but all serves a purpose just to establish something is messing around with time. The plot is a bit middling, and the character drama never really goes anywhere, but it’s more something that I was aware of afterwards reflecting on the story. The ending however is great, and sets up the following stories in such an exciting way, which really left me feeling positive going forward with the set.
The Star-Crossed Diversion - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story was a real blockbuster, like a Sarah Jane Adventures story sans Sarah Jane. Clyde and Rani fall asleep on the tube and wake up in a dystopia where the Bane rule the world. No Luke here which was kind of coded given the final story of the set here is about Mrs Wormwood, but that was no bad thing as Daniel Anthony and Anjili Mohindra excel in this one. They investigate, a twist and then a confrontation that wraps everything up neatly. I still don’t like Rani’s friend, I just find her annoying but she was well used in this one, and the other characters all add to the stories in meaningful ways. The chemistry between Clyde and Rani is palpable and oh god I hope in one of these sets they end up together as their ignorant flirting is always fun, and they make such a good team. The fact that music from the SJA was used here for the action moments just made the child in me rattle with joy, such a small detail but made me happy so worth noting. The Bane are just as smug and self-satisfied as they always have been in past so I loved the consistency and although their plan is bit odd they do present a good threat; given they can literally eat you. This story was hardly a masterpiece but it was so much fun and it’s hard to deny that it’s a lovely tale.
The Ghost Of Bannerman Road - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The final story of the set delivered perfectly as a conclusion to the narrative but did lack in satisfyingly concluding the character drama. Luke is barely present in the story which did surprise me given its Mrs Wormwood story and only appears in the final scene where they all have a fond reminiscence of the old days. The UNIT story comes to a conclusion as they start to trust and let Rani and Clyde help, and having them all working together was an interesting dynamic. The idea of Wormwood luring people to being her mindless helpers by tricking them to change their pasts for what they want was a nice idea, human vanity being always a believable concept. Clyde and Rani having the separate realisations about their love for one another and the will they, wont they romance was incredibly tantalising. The problem was that it isn’t resolved, the character dynamic goes right back to the beginning which really defeats the point of all their development through the story. It’s obvious that one of the reasons this was done was because once Clyde and Rani get together then where is there to go with the characters really, but just needlessly milking the character drama in the hopes of recommission for the series is just a bit stupid. The resolution was lovely and quite clever with Wormwood not being dispensed with easily, and actually having there be a real point and meaning through the climax, but the final scene being more reminiscence over the Sarah Jane Adventure Days makes me start to think that this series is just a nostalgia trip and there isn’t much to be offered else wise. That’s not a sin or anything, but it means going forward not really being invested in story and just hoping for more touching SJA callbacks and villains, and not caring for the stories.
November 28, 2025
Three stories featuring the adult Rani Chandra, connected by an arc about the Bane and Wormwood (both visible on the cover).
Time Schisms
The initial story sees Rani contacted about a man suspected of being a time traveller on apparently flimsy evidence. The question rapidly becomes whether or not his accuser is on to something, or merely a conspiracy theorist with too much time on her hands – and, then, either way, what Rani is going to do about it. There are a few twists in the story, some predictable, some less so, but it works as something showcasing Rani as a character, even if the ending is a little pat. Unlike the previous collection, Luke has a key role in this one, with Clyde having just a few lines on the end of a phone. Fans of UNIT may not appreciate the brusque approach of his new commanding officer – her approach to Rani is notably different from Kate Stewart’s to Jacqui McGee, especially considering the former is a near-companion of the Doctor. But it is an underlying part of the tension. 4 stars.
The Star-Crossed Diversion
The second story ties in closer to the plot arc, with a strange diversion to a possible future where humanity is enslaved by the game apps on their phones. This is reminiscent of those Doctor Who stories where something familiar is made frightening, although here it comes across as finger-wagging. Luke is replaced by Clyde in this one, in a story with stronger connections to events in the original TV series. The setting away from our real world provides the opportunity for a story that’s more along the lines of a resistance, trying to find and shut down the source of the gaming apps. The main villain comes across as bland and uninteresting, but the ties to the Bane may be a plus for fans of the original. 3 stars.
The Ghost of Bannerman Road
As in the previous collection, it’s the last episode, drawing together the threads and hints from the previous two, that’s the strongest. It’s another UNIT story, although none of the regulars from that season are present (I can see why the story wouldn’t work with them, but still, one wonders where they are) and even Luke is barely in it. In addition to literal ghostly figures, however, the story also deals with the shadows of Rani and Clyde’s past, giving us a more nuanced look at them than we might get were they still teenagers. In particular, the story addresses the will-they-won’t-they tease of the previous collection, although it would be a spoiler to say how happy (or not) any shippers might be by the end of it. Nonetheless, this is both a mystery and a character piece, drawing on the TV series’ own mythology. 4 stars.
Time Schisms
The initial story sees Rani contacted about a man suspected of being a time traveller on apparently flimsy evidence. The question rapidly becomes whether or not his accuser is on to something, or merely a conspiracy theorist with too much time on her hands – and, then, either way, what Rani is going to do about it. There are a few twists in the story, some predictable, some less so, but it works as something showcasing Rani as a character, even if the ending is a little pat. Unlike the previous collection, Luke has a key role in this one, with Clyde having just a few lines on the end of a phone. Fans of UNIT may not appreciate the brusque approach of his new commanding officer – her approach to Rani is notably different from Kate Stewart’s to Jacqui McGee, especially considering the former is a near-companion of the Doctor. But it is an underlying part of the tension. 4 stars.
The Star-Crossed Diversion
The second story ties in closer to the plot arc, with a strange diversion to a possible future where humanity is enslaved by the game apps on their phones. This is reminiscent of those Doctor Who stories where something familiar is made frightening, although here it comes across as finger-wagging. Luke is replaced by Clyde in this one, in a story with stronger connections to events in the original TV series. The setting away from our real world provides the opportunity for a story that’s more along the lines of a resistance, trying to find and shut down the source of the gaming apps. The main villain comes across as bland and uninteresting, but the ties to the Bane may be a plus for fans of the original. 3 stars.
The Ghost of Bannerman Road
As in the previous collection, it’s the last episode, drawing together the threads and hints from the previous two, that’s the strongest. It’s another UNIT story, although none of the regulars from that season are present (I can see why the story wouldn’t work with them, but still, one wonders where they are) and even Luke is barely in it. In addition to literal ghostly figures, however, the story also deals with the shadows of Rani and Clyde’s past, giving us a more nuanced look at them than we might get were they still teenagers. In particular, the story addresses the will-they-won’t-they tease of the previous collection, although it would be a spoiler to say how happy (or not) any shippers might be by the end of it. Nonetheless, this is both a mystery and a character piece, drawing on the TV series’ own mythology. 4 stars.
February 1, 2024
Time Schisms!: Easily one of my favourite Big Finish audios. It concerns a woman called Anna who believes a local post office worker is a time traveller, and contacts Rani Chandra. It's a really fun premise, with shades of the Bill And Ted movies when the post office worker turns out to be Napoleon.
It's also wonderful to hear Tommy Knight back as Luke, alongside Daniel Anthony as Clyde. Interesting angle to take with Rani and Luke having a bit of rivalry, due to Luke's UNIT job stopping him from helping Rani in her investigations.
The Star-Crossed Diversion: This story is like a love letter to The Sarah Jane Adventures, with references to everything from Invasion Of The Bane to The Man Who Never Was. Rani and Clyde are as fun a partnership as ever, and they're joined by a new young recruit called Jude, who is a very interesting character as a human-Bane hybrid.
The Bane's return is an excellent plot, selling the Earth's resources whilst the human race are literally looking the other way on their phones. There's some great social commentary about how people spend too long looking at their devices, which is something The Sarah Jane Adventures always did well.
The Ghost Of Bannerman Road: An exciting finale to the second box set. It has Wormwood at her most devious, manipulating Clyde and others into changing their own timelines. Clyde's reaction to UNIT's Tower of London base is a lot of fun, and makes me want to see/hear him visiting the new UNIT Tower.
My only criticism of the story is that Luke is a little underused. He doesn't really contribute anything to the narrative, and most of the audio concerns Rani and Clyde investigating without Luke present.
It's also wonderful to hear Tommy Knight back as Luke, alongside Daniel Anthony as Clyde. Interesting angle to take with Rani and Luke having a bit of rivalry, due to Luke's UNIT job stopping him from helping Rani in her investigations.
The Star-Crossed Diversion: This story is like a love letter to The Sarah Jane Adventures, with references to everything from Invasion Of The Bane to The Man Who Never Was. Rani and Clyde are as fun a partnership as ever, and they're joined by a new young recruit called Jude, who is a very interesting character as a human-Bane hybrid.
The Bane's return is an excellent plot, selling the Earth's resources whilst the human race are literally looking the other way on their phones. There's some great social commentary about how people spend too long looking at their devices, which is something The Sarah Jane Adventures always did well.
The Ghost Of Bannerman Road: An exciting finale to the second box set. It has Wormwood at her most devious, manipulating Clyde and others into changing their own timelines. Clyde's reaction to UNIT's Tower of London base is a lot of fun, and makes me want to see/hear him visiting the new UNIT Tower.
My only criticism of the story is that Luke is a little underused. He doesn't really contribute anything to the narrative, and most of the audio concerns Rani and Clyde investigating without Luke present.
February 25, 2024
2.1 Time Schisms! - I was really enjoying this at first, and I loved having Luke back. And then … and then there’s the revelation of who the mysterious Post Office worker is and I just kind of lost interest. Meh. But the stuff with Luke helps hold things up and keeps it enjoyable. (3/5)
2.2 The Star-Crossed Diversion - Rani & Clyde fall asleep on the train and end up in a parallel reality. This is pretty standard, but it was still an entertaining romp. (3/5)
2.3 The Ghost of Bannerman Road - This was probably my favorite of this set, but I’m realizing what it is that doesn’t quite grab me about this series. It’s definitely the continuation of The Sarah Jane Adventures, with all of the same sensibilities and weaknesses. It was a show targeted at kids and made for kids. And it never really reached beyond those parameters. This audio series feels very much exactly along those same lines. Both the good and the not so good. This one deals with regrets and lost opportunities. And we do have Luke back again, sadly he’s yet again not used very much. (3/5)
2.2 The Star-Crossed Diversion - Rani & Clyde fall asleep on the train and end up in a parallel reality. This is pretty standard, but it was still an entertaining romp. (3/5)
2.3 The Ghost of Bannerman Road - This was probably my favorite of this set, but I’m realizing what it is that doesn’t quite grab me about this series. It’s definitely the continuation of The Sarah Jane Adventures, with all of the same sensibilities and weaknesses. It was a show targeted at kids and made for kids. And it never really reached beyond those parameters. This audio series feels very much exactly along those same lines. Both the good and the not so good. This one deals with regrets and lost opportunities. And we do have Luke back again, sadly he’s yet again not used very much. (3/5)
April 21, 2025
Much like the first release, the second volume of "Rani Takes On The World" features, in my opinion, two very basic stories, with the final one being the most interesting. The Clani dynamic is finally addressed in proper, but doesn't quite come to fruition, so it was a nice balance.
And, of course, Mrs Wormwood is back. Along with the Trickster, she was probably one of the most iconic villains to come from SJA. They do something different with her which isn't focused on Luke, which I appreciated. In fact, I'm pretty sure she only mentioned him once.
Perhaps calling it "The Revenge Of Wormwood" and then trying to tease her throughout the first two stories as a mysterious, anonymous background threat was a contradictory idea, since I doubt anybody didn't realise immediately who the big bad of the box set was going to be.
There's also a sweet nod to Sarah Jane. It's a teeny tiny bit forced, but I'll never diss any respect paid to Elisabeth Sladen.
And, of course, Mrs Wormwood is back. Along with the Trickster, she was probably one of the most iconic villains to come from SJA. They do something different with her which isn't focused on Luke, which I appreciated. In fact, I'm pretty sure she only mentioned him once.
Perhaps calling it "The Revenge Of Wormwood" and then trying to tease her throughout the first two stories as a mysterious, anonymous background threat was a contradictory idea, since I doubt anybody didn't realise immediately who the big bad of the box set was going to be.
There's also a sweet nod to Sarah Jane. It's a teeny tiny bit forced, but I'll never diss any respect paid to Elisabeth Sladen.
January 3, 2024
another nostalgic gem thanks to big finish!!
1. time schisms! - 3.5/5
i enjoyed this story. i loved the return of luke - and the introduction of major hadley. i thought the story was a good bit of fun. fr need more podcast-style episodes.
2. the star crossed diversion - 4.5/5
really loved this AU story. i felt like it lost its way toward the end, but nevertheless !! i love a clani story. also, nice to see (or hear) some non-binary representation.
3. the ghost of bannerman road - 4/5
a what if? and whodunnit? all rolled into one… thought there would be a grander return for mrs wormwood and more for luke to do - but nevertheless, the story was pretty solid. i loved the theme of regret fuelling the story, making it push further. clani forever. UGH.
4/5
1. time schisms! - 3.5/5
i enjoyed this story. i loved the return of luke - and the introduction of major hadley. i thought the story was a good bit of fun. fr need more podcast-style episodes.
2. the star crossed diversion - 4.5/5
really loved this AU story. i felt like it lost its way toward the end, but nevertheless !! i love a clani story. also, nice to see (or hear) some non-binary representation.
3. the ghost of bannerman road - 4/5
a what if? and whodunnit? all rolled into one… thought there would be a grander return for mrs wormwood and more for luke to do - but nevertheless, the story was pretty solid. i loved the theme of regret fuelling the story, making it push further. clani forever. UGH.
4/5
January 14, 2024
I was going to give this box set a lower rating due to some very one dimensional voice acting (from the woman at UNIT in particular) and some average stories.
But writer Jonathan Morris comes in to save the day in the final instalment by understanding what makes a good SJA story - one that focuses on the characters’ lives and relationships.
Ghost of Bannerman Road was brilliantly written and as always Anjli and Danny knock it out of the park!
But writer Jonathan Morris comes in to save the day in the final instalment by understanding what makes a good SJA story - one that focuses on the characters’ lives and relationships.
Ghost of Bannerman Road was brilliantly written and as always Anjli and Danny knock it out of the park!
January 9, 2024
It was like being back with the Sarah Jane adventures, they all stepped back into the roles as if they never left. Wormwood is just as terrifying now as she was when I was little, with an understanding that comes with being older. They deal with issues that matter to the generation who grew up watching SJA at the age we are now
December 22, 2023
The first set was great but felt like something was missing— with Luke added in this set, it finally feels whole! And all three episodes were awesomely written, especially the final episode. Really felt like a season finale! I hope we get more. 5/5 stars
December 21, 2023
We finally get Luke Smith in this series. Interesting cerebral questions when it comes to the Napoleon seen here. Clyde and Rani feel like overgrown kids, but that’s kind of my gen in a nutshell.
December 26, 2023
Time Schisms! ****
The Star-Crossed Diversion *****
The Ghost of Bannerman Road *****
The Star-Crossed Diversion *****
The Ghost of Bannerman Road *****
December 30, 2023
My fave girlboss
January 2, 2024
What a great treat seeing the cast back.
3 brilliant stories with a great villain seeded through it all.
Such a joy of a boxset!
3 brilliant stories with a great villain seeded through it all.
Such a joy of a boxset!
January 11, 2024
Time Schisms! by Lizbeth Myles - 3/5 Stars
The Star-Crossed Diversion by Alison Winter - 3/5 Stars
The Ghost of Bannerman Road by Jonathan Morris - 5/5 Stars
The Star-Crossed Diversion by Alison Winter - 3/5 Stars
The Ghost of Bannerman Road by Jonathan Morris - 5/5 Stars
January 21, 2024
Mrs. Wormwood is back recking havoc.
January 28, 2024
Rather lovely boxset, this.
December 6, 2024
Time Schisms! 3.5
The Star-Crossed Diversion 3.5
The Ghost of Bannerman Road 3
found on a podcast app
The Star-Crossed Diversion 3.5
The Ghost of Bannerman Road 3
found on a podcast app
August 4, 2024
My first audio drama review of the year is the sequel to Rani Takes on the World, The Revenge of Wormwood - Big Finish reunites Anjli Mohindra, Daniel Anthony and Tommy Knight with the fantastic Samantha Bond making a superb
What I enjoy about this series is that it explores the complexities of adulthood (it's rare and somewhat refreshing to relate to characters the same age as you). Regret is a core theme throughout the episodes. I would say the first volume was my favourite, but I eagerly anticipate more from this franchise.
What I enjoy about this series is that it explores the complexities of adulthood (it's rare and somewhat refreshing to relate to characters the same age as you). Regret is a core theme throughout the episodes. I would say the first volume was my favourite, but I eagerly anticipate more from this franchise.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews