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Big Finish: Monthly Range #50
Doctor Who: Zagreus
Zagreus sits inside your head.
Zagreus lives among the dead…
Zagreus sees you in your bed
And eats you when you're sleeping.
Following directly from the events of Neverland, the casket of anti-time which was destined for Gallifrey had exploded within the confines of the TARDIS. It seems that the Eighth Doctor and Charley have saved Gallifrey, and that the paradox of Charley's existence had been resolved, but the Doctor begins behaving strangely — he has been taken over by Zagreus.
Chronological Placement: This story takes place after the 1996 Doctor Who TV Movie and after the Big Finish audio adventure Neverland.
Zagreus lives among the dead…
Zagreus sees you in your bed
And eats you when you're sleeping.
Following directly from the events of Neverland, the casket of anti-time which was destined for Gallifrey had exploded within the confines of the TARDIS. It seems that the Eighth Doctor and Charley have saved Gallifrey, and that the paradox of Charley's existence had been resolved, but the Doctor begins behaving strangely — he has been taken over by Zagreus.
Chronological Placement: This story takes place after the 1996 Doctor Who TV Movie and after the Big Finish audio adventure Neverland.
4 pages, Audio CD
First published November 1, 2003
4 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Alan Barnes
100 books15 followersAlan Barnes is a British writer and editor, particularly noted for work in the field of cult film and television. Barnes served as the editor of Judge Dredd Megazine from 2001 until December 2005, during which time the title saw a considerable increase in the number of new strip pages. Among other strips, Barnes originally commissioned The Simping Detective. He also wrote a handful of Judge Dredd stories involving alternate universes or featuring a young Dredd.
He worked for five years at Doctor Who Magazine and progressed from writing strips to becoming joint editor in 1998 and sole editor from 2000 until 2002. He subsequently contributed the ongoing Fact of Fiction series of articles to the magazine. Barnes has also written or co-written a number of Doctor Who audio plays for Big Finish Productions.
He has written a number of books on cult films (including James Bond, Quentin Tarantino and Sherlock Holmes) and his book The Hammer Story, co-written with Marcus Hearn, was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award for Best Non-Fiction in 1997.
He worked for five years at Doctor Who Magazine and progressed from writing strips to becoming joint editor in 1998 and sole editor from 2000 until 2002. He subsequently contributed the ongoing Fact of Fiction series of articles to the magazine. Barnes has also written or co-written a number of Doctor Who audio plays for Big Finish Productions.
He has written a number of books on cult films (including James Bond, Quentin Tarantino and Sherlock Holmes) and his book The Hammer Story, co-written with Marcus Hearn, was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award for Best Non-Fiction in 1997.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 27, 2016
This is an eighth Doctor story with Charley Pollard as the companion and is both #50 in the Big Finish main range and a commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the show. It features parts played by many previous Doctor Who actors, some playing their original roles, others playing new roles for this recording. Notably, there are parts for the fifth, sixth and seventh Doctors as well as some audio lifted from the third Doctor.
At the end of Doctor Who: Neverland the Doctor had sacrificed himself by taking the anti-time explosion that was being forced into our universe and letting it explode within his TARDIS. It finished with the revelation that he had become saturated with anti-time and was now referring to himself as Zagreus, a time lord fairy-tale boogieman, with Charley trapped in the TARDIS with him.
In this it's revealed that both the Doctor and the TARDIS have been infected with anti-time and they've both developed something of a split personality. It's also put forward that the Doctor can no longer return to normal space without destroying all of space-time. Cue a series of disjointed scenes holographically projected inside the TARDIS for the benefit of Charley by a hologram embodying the TARDIS itself as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. But is Charley being manipulated by our version of the TARDIS or an evil anti-time version of it? And what's going on with the Doctor? Can he overcome Zagreus? And what are the time lords doing about this impending threat to all of space-time?
This story is controversial, mostly because it's an absolute mess. There's so many actors that need to be squeezed in and so much fan-service that needs to be served up ("If we live like animals, we'll die like animals", "There should have been another way") that there really isn't room for coherence in the narrative. On one hand, it doesn't really matter. I get to spend four hours playing "whose voice is that?" and drifting in pure nostalgia. It's also a multi-Doctor story with 5 through 8 represented and that just has me grinning from ear-to-ear regardless of content. On the other hand, the story is easily the most confused anniversary episode to date and in many ways is just bad.
Ultimately it comes down to why you listen to these. A continuation of the Doctor's story, with an expectation of the quality that came before or after it? Then it's 3 stars at best. Or a nostalgia-fueled exploration of what could have been with each of these actors had they lasted in the role and had the budgets to explore the sort of things these episodes do? This is a 5 star story.
I fall in both camps, so I'll give it 4 stars.
At the end of Doctor Who: Neverland the Doctor had sacrificed himself by taking the anti-time explosion that was being forced into our universe and letting it explode within his TARDIS. It finished with the revelation that he had become saturated with anti-time and was now referring to himself as Zagreus, a time lord fairy-tale boogieman, with Charley trapped in the TARDIS with him.
In this it's revealed that both the Doctor and the TARDIS have been infected with anti-time and they've both developed something of a split personality. It's also put forward that the Doctor can no longer return to normal space without destroying all of space-time. Cue a series of disjointed scenes holographically projected inside the TARDIS for the benefit of Charley by a hologram embodying the TARDIS itself as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. But is Charley being manipulated by our version of the TARDIS or an evil anti-time version of it? And what's going on with the Doctor? Can he overcome Zagreus? And what are the time lords doing about this impending threat to all of space-time?
This story is controversial, mostly because it's an absolute mess. There's so many actors that need to be squeezed in and so much fan-service that needs to be served up ("If we live like animals, we'll die like animals", "There should have been another way") that there really isn't room for coherence in the narrative. On one hand, it doesn't really matter. I get to spend four hours playing "whose voice is that?" and drifting in pure nostalgia. It's also a multi-Doctor story with 5 through 8 represented and that just has me grinning from ear-to-ear regardless of content. On the other hand, the story is easily the most confused anniversary episode to date and in many ways is just bad.
Ultimately it comes down to why you listen to these. A continuation of the Doctor's story, with an expectation of the quality that came before or after it? Then it's 3 stars at best. Or a nostalgia-fueled exploration of what could have been with each of these actors had they lasted in the role and had the budgets to explore the sort of things these episodes do? This is a 5 star story.
I fall in both camps, so I'll give it 4 stars.
September 25, 2024
"Welcome to your insanity!"
January 18, 2024
"Leela, after today, I think it's the start of a beautiful friendship." Romana to Leela <3
Romana: Why did Rassilon chose you as a go-between, I wonder?
Leela: Because I know of ghosts? Off the hunting grounds beyond?
Romana: *Sighs* Yes, I'm sure that's just about your level. The difference is, if I see a mystery, I want it explained. When I last saw Rassilon, the Doctor was dead. Now you tell me that Rassilon has news of the greatest importance. Now tell me, what's more important than death?
Leela: *Clearly upset at the news* The Doctor is dead?!
Romana: Sorry, didn't you know?
Romana and Leela in Zagreus
“Kill me.” // “It’s me. I’m the bravest person here” // “Kill me…” // “Goodbye, Doctor.” // “Go-goodbye, Charley….Thank you…”
I love how Romana writes fanfiction that one time in Zagreus, and is never mentioned again throughout the Gallifrey series. She totally writes during her downtime to let out her frustrations.
Brax's giggle to her writing is also so cute.
zagreus. he is in your head. you agree
Romana: Why did Rassilon chose you as a go-between, I wonder?
Leela: Because I know of ghosts? Off the hunting grounds beyond?
Romana: *Sighs* Yes, I'm sure that's just about your level. The difference is, if I see a mystery, I want it explained. When I last saw Rassilon, the Doctor was dead. Now you tell me that Rassilon has news of the greatest importance. Now tell me, what's more important than death?
Leela: *Clearly upset at the news* The Doctor is dead?!
Romana: Sorry, didn't you know?
Romana and Leela in Zagreus
“Kill me.” // “It’s me. I’m the bravest person here” // “Kill me…” // “Goodbye, Doctor.” // “Go-goodbye, Charley….Thank you…”
I love how Romana writes fanfiction that one time in Zagreus, and is never mentioned again throughout the Gallifrey series. She totally writes during her downtime to let out her frustrations.
Brax's giggle to her writing is also so cute.
zagreus. he is in your head. you agree
April 1, 2021
Paul McGann, Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker, Peter Davidson, Jon Pertwee, India Fisher, Louise Jameson, Lalla Ward and more all took part in voicing their respective characters in this audiobook to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Doctor Who.
(As much as I love Charley, I do not ship her with the 8th Doctor. Same with Rose. River is pretty much the only one I ship the doctor with.)
(As much as I love Charley, I do not ship her with the 8th Doctor. Same with Rose. River is pretty much the only one I ship the doctor with.)
April 30, 2008
This is a very controversial audio and considered by most to be awful. Well, it's not. It is however, strange, experimental, compelling, boring, confusing, self indulgent, and a million other things good and bad. Does is lead to some questionable decisions for the future of the 8th Doctor's line? Yes. However, I find I cannot say this is bad. IT simply is what it is: Unique.
October 18, 2017
As others have noted, this story has to be rated in two seperate ways. First, as a narrative success or failure and second as a romp through the history of Doctor Who.
Let's take on the first, first. I disagree with folks who've described this as incomprehensible. It's really not. It's very very dense and I would think that one would need, at least, some familiarity with the prior stories "Neverland" and the televised "The Five Doctors", "The Brain of Morbius" and "State of Decay". A few other Eighth Doctor/Charlie stories couldn't hurt and neither could the "ramp up" story "Omega". That all said, though, I thought the story worked relatively well, though I had to back up a number of times to recheck what had happened. It has a lightness to it that you could read as frivilous (Romana even calls the narrative out on that exact point eventually.) and that mioght not be to everyone's tastes, but for me it stayed just shy of crossing over from "The Matrix" to "The Matrix:Reloaded" and that's a pretty sweet spot for me.
But now let's jump onto the real point of Zagreus... Swimming in the absolute nerdiest nostalgia that Doctor Who has to offer. We get voices from more Doctor Who alums than you ever thought could be put together. We get references to episodes from across the entire 26 year run and references to The Virgin New Adventures and references to the comics and lots and lots of references to Big Finish's history itself.
It's an abundance of riches for the Doctor Who fan! I mean, the Brigadeer as the voice of the Tardis?! C'mon! The teaming of Leela and Romana?! How about yeah?! There are so many delights here that once feels almost overwhelmed.
And then we get to the heart of the relationship between the Eighth Doctor and Charlie. While their stories have been spotty, the two of them have never failed to shine together and this is a triumph for the two of them. One of the finest Doctor/Companion teams ever.
The whole thing is messy in some ways. The Uncle Winky thing is a little strained, for example. But I love the Rassilon/Divergent backstory, The Eighth and Charlie, Leela and Romana, the Tardis/Brigadeer, the flood of actors from the show's past, the giddy references to great moments throughout the show's history ("There should've been another way.")... I'm pretty die hard and I just love it.
Your mileage may vary depending on your nerdiness. If you have only passing interest in Doctor Who (or have only experienced it via the new series), it's 3 stars at best. Perhaps two. If you have fond nostalgic memories of watching the show a lot in the 70s or 80s, let's call it 4. And if you're still trying to argue that there are things about "Trial of a Time Lord" that weren't so bad... Buddy, this one's for you!
Let's take on the first, first. I disagree with folks who've described this as incomprehensible. It's really not. It's very very dense and I would think that one would need, at least, some familiarity with the prior stories "Neverland" and the televised "The Five Doctors", "The Brain of Morbius" and "State of Decay". A few other Eighth Doctor/Charlie stories couldn't hurt and neither could the "ramp up" story "Omega". That all said, though, I thought the story worked relatively well, though I had to back up a number of times to recheck what had happened. It has a lightness to it that you could read as frivilous (Romana even calls the narrative out on that exact point eventually.) and that mioght not be to everyone's tastes, but for me it stayed just shy of crossing over from "The Matrix" to "The Matrix:Reloaded" and that's a pretty sweet spot for me.
But now let's jump onto the real point of Zagreus... Swimming in the absolute nerdiest nostalgia that Doctor Who has to offer. We get voices from more Doctor Who alums than you ever thought could be put together. We get references to episodes from across the entire 26 year run and references to The Virgin New Adventures and references to the comics and lots and lots of references to Big Finish's history itself.
It's an abundance of riches for the Doctor Who fan! I mean, the Brigadeer as the voice of the Tardis?! C'mon! The teaming of Leela and Romana?! How about yeah?! There are so many delights here that once feels almost overwhelmed.
And then we get to the heart of the relationship between the Eighth Doctor and Charlie. While their stories have been spotty, the two of them have never failed to shine together and this is a triumph for the two of them. One of the finest Doctor/Companion teams ever.
The whole thing is messy in some ways. The Uncle Winky thing is a little strained, for example. But I love the Rassilon/Divergent backstory, The Eighth and Charlie, Leela and Romana, the Tardis/Brigadeer, the flood of actors from the show's past, the giddy references to great moments throughout the show's history ("There should've been another way.")... I'm pretty die hard and I just love it.
Your mileage may vary depending on your nerdiness. If you have only passing interest in Doctor Who (or have only experienced it via the new series), it's 3 stars at best. Perhaps two. If you have fond nostalgic memories of watching the show a lot in the 70s or 80s, let's call it 4. And if you're still trying to argue that there are things about "Trial of a Time Lord" that weren't so bad... Buddy, this one's for you!
February 10, 2017
I have to give this four stars just for the sheer audacity of the thing.
Following on directly from Neverland, Zagreus was the 40th Anniversary story from Big Finish, featuring not only the Eighth Doctor, but the Seventh, Sixth, Fifth, and even the Third (in the form of the late Jon Pertwee's voice, lifted from who knows where).
I'm not sure if the story makes sense at all. In terms of the ongoing story arc, what matters most is what happens in the final moments. The rest of it is, at times, complete through-the-looking-glass nonsense. Keep an ear out for the appearances of a busload of Doctor Who regulars in unfamiliar roles. (Sophie Aldred playing Ace as a Theme-Park Character in a sort of Battlefield: Disneyland? What? Nicholas Courtney playing the Brigadier as a personification of the TARDIS itself? I don't get it?)
It's completely nuts, and it goes on way too long, and most of the time Paul McGann is by himself while the other actors at least get to interact.
But it's part of the story, and you have to get through it if you want to get on to the Divergent Universe Arc that follows.
Following on directly from Neverland, Zagreus was the 40th Anniversary story from Big Finish, featuring not only the Eighth Doctor, but the Seventh, Sixth, Fifth, and even the Third (in the form of the late Jon Pertwee's voice, lifted from who knows where).
I'm not sure if the story makes sense at all. In terms of the ongoing story arc, what matters most is what happens in the final moments. The rest of it is, at times, complete through-the-looking-glass nonsense. Keep an ear out for the appearances of a busload of Doctor Who regulars in unfamiliar roles. (Sophie Aldred playing Ace as a Theme-Park Character in a sort of Battlefield: Disneyland? What? Nicholas Courtney playing the Brigadier as a personification of the TARDIS itself? I don't get it?)
It's completely nuts, and it goes on way too long, and most of the time Paul McGann is by himself while the other actors at least get to interact.
But it's part of the story, and you have to get through it if you want to get on to the Divergent Universe Arc that follows.
February 23, 2025
2020 52 Book Challenge - 17) Written By More Than One Author
I cannot describe how much I loved this book. It celebrates 40 years of Doctor Who and you can clearly tell with the mass amount of previous Doctors and previous companions. It was fantastic.
I also really loved Evil!Eight and the TARDIS arguing with people. It was just amazing.
I cannot describe how much I loved this book. It celebrates 40 years of Doctor Who and you can clearly tell with the mass amount of previous Doctors and previous companions. It was fantastic.
I also really loved Evil!Eight and the TARDIS arguing with people. It was just amazing.
March 24, 2024
Insane. What a ride. I had been looking forward to reading this and it didn't let me down at all. The whole concept was very surprising to me and it connected up with loads of the stories that lead up to it, from the last Eight story we heard to the more recent Omega story and heaps from in between. And if having all four of the audio Doctors together wasn't exciting enough then wait until you find out about the inclusion of the Brigadier and K9! I think this classifies as a real tour de force.
September 4, 2020
Doctor Who: Zagreus parte da dove Doctor Who: Neverland era terminato, con il Dottore e il Tardis impagnati ad evitare il disastro che un ordigno di antitempo poteva arrecare a Gallifrey, permettento a Zagreus (creatura dell'antiverso) di infettarli.
La storia (preceduta dalla cordata di Cinque, Sei e Sette alle prese con Omega, Davros e il Maestro che hanno preparato il terreno a qualcosa di impegnativo) è caotica e assurda ma, essendo Alice nel paese delle meraviglie e Attraverso lo specchio il filo conduttore dell'intera storia, avrebbe più deluso una storia coerente e facile da seguire.
Guidata/depistata dal Tardis, personificatosi con l'aspetto del Brig di Nicholas Courtney, Charlie viene catapultata da un universo olografico all'altro, con l'apparente missione di scoprire e sconfiggere l'entità che sta divorando sia il Dottore che il Tardis stesso.
Diviso in tre diverse parti (Wonderland, Heartland e Wasteland), Zagreus accoglie un numero spropositato di gueststars, a partire da Peter Davison, Colin Baker e Sylvester McCoy (che non interpreteranno mai il Dottore), passando per Lalla Ward e Louise Jameson (nei loro ruoli abituali) a la voce disincarnata di Jon Pertwee (ottenuta da un fan audio e adattata alla situazione). Poi Sophie Aldred, Lisa Bowerman, Nicola Bryant, Bonnie Langford, Elisabeth Sladen, Mark Strickson, Sarah Sutton, Anneke Wills... per nominare solo chi è comparso nella serie tv.
Il che rende divertente anche solo cercare di riconoscere chi è chi nel corso della storia (alcuni più facile di altri, dopo l'assida frequentazione della Big Finish).
Pur non scendendo nel dettaglio, ogni parte della storia riconduce Charlie, Romana e Leela al momento della creazione della frattura che porta al contatto del nostro universo con l'antiverso e del ruolo, ambiguo come sempre, del solito Rassilon.
Come al solito il Dottore deve evitare la distruzione dell'universo conosciuto, come al solito rischiando la vita.
Il finale, lieto o meno lo deciderete se l'ascolterete, porta alle nuove avventure del Dottore di McGann nell'antiverso.
In conclusione, considerando tutto, non ho trovato più contorta del solito la storia e le citazioni sono state facili da cogliere. Inoltre la caccia alla voce è stata divertente.
Paul McGann e India Fisher restano una gran coppia.
La storia (preceduta dalla cordata di Cinque, Sei e Sette alle prese con Omega, Davros e il Maestro che hanno preparato il terreno a qualcosa di impegnativo) è caotica e assurda ma, essendo Alice nel paese delle meraviglie e Attraverso lo specchio il filo conduttore dell'intera storia, avrebbe più deluso una storia coerente e facile da seguire.
Guidata/depistata dal Tardis, personificatosi con l'aspetto del Brig di Nicholas Courtney, Charlie viene catapultata da un universo olografico all'altro, con l'apparente missione di scoprire e sconfiggere l'entità che sta divorando sia il Dottore che il Tardis stesso.
Diviso in tre diverse parti (Wonderland, Heartland e Wasteland), Zagreus accoglie un numero spropositato di gueststars, a partire da Peter Davison, Colin Baker e Sylvester McCoy (che non interpreteranno mai il Dottore), passando per Lalla Ward e Louise Jameson (nei loro ruoli abituali) a la voce disincarnata di Jon Pertwee (ottenuta da un fan audio e adattata alla situazione). Poi Sophie Aldred, Lisa Bowerman, Nicola Bryant, Bonnie Langford, Elisabeth Sladen, Mark Strickson, Sarah Sutton, Anneke Wills... per nominare solo chi è comparso nella serie tv.
Il che rende divertente anche solo cercare di riconoscere chi è chi nel corso della storia (alcuni più facile di altri, dopo l'assida frequentazione della Big Finish).
Pur non scendendo nel dettaglio, ogni parte della storia riconduce Charlie, Romana e Leela al momento della creazione della frattura che porta al contatto del nostro universo con l'antiverso e del ruolo, ambiguo come sempre, del solito Rassilon.
Come al solito il Dottore deve evitare la distruzione dell'universo conosciuto, come al solito rischiando la vita.
Il finale, lieto o meno lo deciderete se l'ascolterete, porta alle nuove avventure del Dottore di McGann nell'antiverso.
In conclusione, considerando tutto, non ho trovato più contorta del solito la storia e le citazioni sono state facili da cogliere. Inoltre la caccia alla voce è stata divertente.
Paul McGann e India Fisher restano una gran coppia.
March 6, 2020
This might be the most controversial Doctor Who audio made. Half of us hate it, and the other half of us are stuck between criticizing and loving it. And that’s what it’s all about. This was made for the 40th anniversary of the show, so we get to hear a lot of previous characters and doctors which is really nice. BUT it’s in some wonderland dilemma. You can make out that the Brigadier is supposed to be the tardis and that it’s making these worlds for Charley, but other than that you can’t really tell what’s going on. A lot of Lewis Carroll references that I loved as a reader, but that being said there was some nonsense bits that got boring. But then we have Paul McGann. Oh my, his acting in this audio was through the roof. He displayed confusion, dread, terror, sadness, and creepiness amazingly. His battle with Zagreus was so incredibly fascinating to me. And also slightly tiring. But the bit where he’s scared? And where he begs Charley to kill him and avoids her questioning? Well, that was priceless. In the end, you can look over all the boring and nonsense of it to recognize it for what it is. It’s unique and important to the storyline. This story is absolutely essential and had so many great moments. You simply have to listen to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2018
Listened a 2nd time and I really enjoyed it even more. They were all so good. It was great to have a Doctor Who story, especially an anniversary special, with such great roles for the companions. And it did have the best interaction between Leela and Romana ever,
“I will carve my name on both your hearts!” “What in joined up writing”
And I forgot that Anneke was in the first part. And that lovely Maggie Stables played a witch. Very glad I decided to listen to it again.
On first listen.
Zagreus is Very Very odd but ultimately I think I liked it. Nick Courtney was wonderful as the voice of the TARDIS/Zagreus and it was lovely to see the start of Leela and Romana's friendship. The doctors and the not-doctors took a bit of getting used to. I found all the simulations and alternate time in the first two sections to be very odd indeed. The toys may have been a bit too over the top but I kinda like that they went with something silly for the 40th. It was fun to have everyone playing different parts. Definitely worth another listen.
“I will carve my name on both your hearts!” “What in joined up writing”
And I forgot that Anneke was in the first part. And that lovely Maggie Stables played a witch. Very glad I decided to listen to it again.
On first listen.
Zagreus is Very Very odd but ultimately I think I liked it. Nick Courtney was wonderful as the voice of the TARDIS/Zagreus and it was lovely to see the start of Leela and Romana's friendship. The doctors and the not-doctors took a bit of getting used to. I found all the simulations and alternate time in the first two sections to be very odd indeed. The toys may have been a bit too over the top but I kinda like that they went with something silly for the 40th. It was fun to have everyone playing different parts. Definitely worth another listen.
October 7, 2022
Wow was this a mess. I know that sometimes DW stories can get cerebral but this was beyond nonsensical. The story involved the Doctor being possessed by an anti-time entity, three past Doctors in different roles, the Brigadeer as the Tardis, Rassillon, and Leela, Romana and K9 on top of all that. There could have been a good story with all of these characters and amazing voice actors. Sadly, this wasn't it. The voice acting was certainly the best part of this audioplay. McCoy is rolling the crap out of his R's, Baker's the self-important egoist, and Davison is his meek diplomatic self. Not to mention the amazing job done by Louise Jameson, Lalla Ward, Nicholas Courtney and a small cameo by Sophie Aldred. I just wish there was something better for them to do rather than play out some twisted version of Alice in Wonderland. The story itself gets a 1.5, and the voice acting gets a 4. So, let's call it a 3.
February 9, 2025
perhaps the most controversial doctor who anniversary special that’s ever been made? fans who have listened to it can’t decide if it’s an inventive masterpiece or a crazy, messy oddity. I’m on the side that likes it - it’s just so ambitious, you have to give it credit. I much prefer a story that really goes for it, and falls a bit short, than one that just takes the safe but expected route.
plus this does actually have lots of great fan service in it on top of the insane plot, and some really good performances from all the cast. and again…eight and charley!!
plus this does actually have lots of great fan service in it on top of the insane plot, and some really good performances from all the cast. and again…eight and charley!!
April 2, 2024
INSANEEEE......INSANEEEEEE
July 17, 2024
mean mcgann
"please stop doing that."
"no 😏"
"please stop doing that."
"no 😏"
January 22, 2021
1. Wonderland
あらすじ
目覚めたチャーリーは母親のルィーザ・ポラードから悪いところを治してもらうために手術を受けなくてはならないから病院に行ってドクターに会いに行くと言われる。言われるままについて行くものの、チャーリーは自分のどこが悪くて手術を受けることになったのか全く覚えがなく母親に尋ねるが呆れられ、姉妹のマーガレットやロマーナのようになぜ優秀ではないのかと落胆される。マーガレットは確かに妹だがロマーナの名前が出てきたことに驚くチャーリー。母親から“不思議の国のアリス”の本を渡され、1999年のクリスマスに祖母からもらった本と思い出し、チャーリーは懐かしむ。病院で、チャーリーはドクター・ザグレゥスの診察室の前に連れて行かれ、チャーリーがザグレゥスはドクターが名乗った名前だということを思い出す。扉が開き中から出てきたのはブリゲディアだった。
一方ザグレゥスとなったドクターはターディスの名前すら忘れていた。自分がどこにいるのかも、それまでの経緯も全く覚えておらず、ターディスを“船（シップ）”とよび、自分がマスターなのだから自分に従い、自分を助けろと乱暴に言い放つ。しかし、すぐに弱々しい声となり、助けを求めるその様子は元通りのドクターのようでもあった。話かけてきた“声”に誘導されるがままドクターは書庫の扉を開く。そこでドクターは、何も書かれていない白紙の歴史書を見つける。
その頃、チャーリーは病院ではなくターディスの中にいることに気がつき、ブリゲディアと話していくうちにアンチタイムのことや、ドクターが自分を助けるために犠牲になったことを思い出す。一方ドクターも聞き覚えのある声に導かれ、書棚から“不思議の国のアリス”の本を手に取る。クリスマスのメッセージが書かれているのを読むと扉が開き、ドクターはクリスマスのトキメキとアンチタイムのことを思い出す。ドクターは自分に話かけている声が同時に他の誰かも助けていることを見抜く。
一方チャーリーはドクターがザグレゥスと名乗り自分を殴り罵ったことを思い出して沈み込んでいた。さらに行方不明になった自分を探す母親の様子を見せられ、ようやくチャーリーはブリゲディアがブリゲディアの姿を借りたターディスであることに気がつく。取り込んだアンチタイム・エネルギーのせいでこれまでになく不安定になっていたターディスだが、アンチタイム爆弾を内側で爆発させたことによって起こった事となぜドクターがゼグレゥスとなったのか理由を突き止め、チャーリーとドクターを助けようとしていた。アンチタイムやチャーリーのことを思い出したドクターも、自分の意識の中のザグレゥスと対峙していた。
感想
全てはアンチタイム爆弾のエネルギーを内包させたターディスの中で進行している物語。ターディスがこの危機を脱するために思い出せるドクターの記憶を元に擬似世界を作り出し、ドクターとチャーリー、それぞれに事態を打開する方法を模索させる。
チャーリーがクリスマスに祖母からもらった“不思議の国のアリス”のアリスのようにドクターとチャーリーはそれぞれ猫やウサギに導かれ、あの爆発で起こったことを見極めようとする。チャーリーはブリゲディア(ターディス)と共に冷戦時代の防衛省に潜入。そこでレヴェレントという科学アドバイザーが暴走し、とんでもない爆発を起こしてしまうという現場を目標することになるが、この一連の騒動がアンチタイムやドクター、チャーリー自身のこととどう繋がっていくのかは今のところ不明だ。
ドクターが次にターディスの外に出る時、ザグレゥスであればアンチタイムの勝利ということになる。ブリゲディアことターディスの様子だと、あの爆発でターディスも同じくダメージを受けているようなので、ターディスがアンチタイム爆弾のエネルギーを内包し続けていられるうちにドクターとチャーリーは解決方法を見つける必要があるということなのだと思うけれど、果たして可能なのか。結果的にチャーリーはあの飛行船の事故で死んだはずであって、ドクターと出会うというタイムラインを存在させてはいけないという答えしかもし導き出せないのだとしたら悲しすぎる。あとレヴェレント(声：Peter Davison) がドクターのメタファーなのかどうかも気になるところ。
2. Heartland
あらすじ
ドクターは今やザグレゥスと化し、外に出て世界を滅ぼす方法を模索している。世界を滅ぼされないためにもターディスに封じ込めておくしかない。チャーリーも同様にターディスの中に閉じ込められており、それはラシロンが仕組んだことだったが、その理由を突き止めることでドクターを救う手がかりを得られるかもとブリゲディア。
その頃、ドクターは退屈しのぎに森の木を切っていた。猫と対話していくうちにターディスが同じくターディスの中にいる何かに気がつかれないように自分に何か伝えようとしていると悟るドクター。さらにドクターはアンチタイム侵されたのは自分だけではなくターディスも同様にザグレゥスと化しているのだと気がつく。
一方、次に訪れたターディスの記憶による疑似ワールドでチャーリーはラシロンとなっていた。ギャリフレイの宿敵、ヴァンパイアのテペッシュ卿とグレート・マザーに脅されるようにして、ラシロンの秘密の作業場の扉をあける。そこでラシロンがハイランクのギャリフレイ人の細胞を密かに操作し、レジェネレーションの能力をもたらしたことがあかされる。
その頃ドクターはターディスのコンポーネントを破壊していくことで、ザグレゥスと化したターディスをあぶり出そうとしていた。ドクターの狙い通り、ブリゲディアの姿をしたターディスが姿を現す。チャーリーの居場所と黒幕正体を聞き出そうとするが、ブリゲディアは大型の化け物にドクターを襲わせ、チャーリーの監視に戻る。しかし、チャーリーもブリゲディアが味方でないことに気がつく。
大爆発がおこり、チャーリーは宇宙船の司令官として目覚める。チャーリーが彷徨い込んだのは人間型ロボットと動物型ロボットが戦争している世界だった。アニメイターと呼ばれる存在を両サイド共探していたが、ブリゲディアの助けで人間型ロボットがアニメイターことウォルター・ウインクルを先に見つけ、チャーリー達の宇宙船を占拠しようとする。ウォルター・ウインクルは子供達を楽しませるために生み出したウインクル・ワンダーランドのロボット同士が争っていることを嘆き哀しむ。チャーリーはウインクル・ワンダーランドがギャリフレイのメタファーであることに気がつく。ブリゲディアは人間型ロボットにチャーリーを殺すように命じるが、闘いをやめないロボット達にウインクルはクリエイター権限でスイッチを切る。しかし、世界自体も壊れ始める。ブリゲディアも消え、崩壊する世界で途方にくれたチャーリーの耳にドクターの声が聴こえる。
ついに再会を果たした2人だったが、チャーリーはドクターがザグレゥスと疑い信用しない。ドクターは自分ではなくブリゲディアがザグレゥスとチャーリーに訴えるが、ブリゲディアはドクターがザグレゥスだといい、さらにターディスとしてこのままアンチタイムに侵されたドクターを永遠に内包し続けることはできないとラシロンに説得され、ドクターのコントロール下からラシロンの船になることに決めたという。ドクターが大切にしていた本などのコレクション、そしてチャーリーすらもターディスの中から放り出されてしまう。ドクターはターディスの中から出された時に自分がアンチタイムとなって世界を崩壊させてしまうと怯えるが、ラシロンがついているのだから何も心配することはないとブリゲディアに宥められる。
その頃、ギャリフレイのロマーナの元にドクターのターディスが跡形も無く消えたと報告が入る。驚くロマーナの元にリーラが伝言を携えて訪ねてくる。ターディスの中から放り出されたチャーリーは雨の中、暗い荒野で目覚めていた。そこでウィンクルとレヴェレントとテペッシュの3人と再会する。テペッシュはダークタワーを指差し、ここはギャリフレ��だと告げる。
感想
メタファー話がわかるようなわからないようなで悶々としつつ聴き続けていたが、ようやくメタファーの旅も終わり、ラシロンに、どうやらドクターらしいウインクルとレヴェレントとテペッシュの3人がそろい、こちらのテンションが上がってくる。みんなで8thを助けに行くのかな？ 豪華メンバーなのだが声だけだと咄嗟に誰かわからないのが難点。さすがにドクター達はすぐわかるけれどコンパニオン達はその名の通り出てくれなかったら難易度が高かった。どのようにオチがつくのか続きが楽しみ。
3. Wasteland
あらすじ
ダーク・タワーを目指そうとしたチャーリーとウインクルとレヴェレントとテペッシュはジャバウォックに襲われるが、なんとか手なづけジャバウォックの背に乗ってダークタワーを目指すことにする。ラシロンは自分がプレジデントの座に戻るためロマーナに退位を迫る。断ればリーラに喉を搔き切らせると脅す。ラシロンはさらにロマーナにザグレゥスを後継者に推薦するようにいう。
ダーク・タワーについたチャーリーとウィンクルとレヴェレントとテペッシュはラシロンの謎かけを解きながら前に進む。すると、襲われているロマーナを見つけ、助ける。ロマーナはここがダーク・タワーではなくマトリクスの中だという。ロマーナは4人にラシロンを見つけドクターを取り戻すか、取り戻せなければドクターを殺そうと提案する。
その頃、ドクターは地下に鎖で繋がれていた。ブリゲディアの姿をしたターディスはドクターがチャーリーを救うためにアンチタイム爆弾を自分の中で爆発させたことで長年の友情を裏切られたと感じていた。それをきいてドクターはターディスがチャーリーとのことで嫉妬しているのだと気がつく。ドクターはターディスを信じていたからこそアンチタイムのエネルギーを内包できると信じていたし、まさか自分の命まで救われるとは思っていなかったとターディスに自分の思いをぶつけるが届かずラシロンの元に連れて行かれる。
ラシロンの居場所を探して進むチャーリーとロマーナ。謎を解いていくウインクルとレヴェレントとテペッシュに、チャーリーは3人がターディスが記憶から再現したドクターだと知る。しかし、そこにブリゲディアが立ち塞がるが、チャーリーとロマーナとリーラが妨害している間にドクターを救い出すよう3人、5th、6th、7thドクターに望みを託す。
3人のドクターはダガーを造っている8thドクターを見つける。自分はザグレゥスと思い込んでいる8thドクターを3人はドクターだと説得しようとするが、そこにラシロンが現れ、ドクターはアンチタイム爆弾が爆発した時に死に、彼はザグレゥスだといい、8thドクターに3人のドクターを殺すよう命じる。3人のドクターはラシロンが恐れているのは違う宇宙からタイムロードよりも力を持った種族にこの世界に侵入され、ギャリフレイを滅ぼされることだと言い当てる。ラシロンはザグレゥスを別の世界からの侵略者を排除するための武器として誕生させたことを明かす。それをきいた8thドクターはラシロンのために殺しはしないとドクターとしての自分を取り戻す。しかしラシロンに3人のドクターを殺され、ドクターはザグレゥスとしてラシロンに服従する。
その頃、ロマーナとリーラとチャーリーはザグレゥスと化したターディスを倒すことに成功する。チャーリーはついにドクターを見つけるが、ドクターは再びザグレゥスと化していた。そしてドクターはチャーリーにザグレゥスをコントロールできない自分を殺してくれと懇願する。チャーリーはドクターが自分が愛するように自分を愛してくれていると悟りドクターを殺す。
8thドクターは3人のドクターの中で目覚める。“殺されたならリジェネするんじゃない？“と3人のドクターに軽く言われるが、リジェネする様子はない。8thドクターはようやくチャーリーに嫌われてしまったことがショックでザグレゥスであることを自ら受け入れてしまったことを悟る。諦めないことがドクターであることでドクターである限り諦めないと3人のドクターに励まされ、8thドクターは3人のドクターの力を得て真の意味でザグレゥスとなり、ラシロンに立ち向かう。
ザグレゥスの力を利用して神として君臨しようとしているラシロンを他の宇宙へ追放する。ザグレゥスの力を行使したドクターは再び凶暴化してしまうが、ザグレゥスの影響下から解放されたターディスことブリゲディアが現れ、ドクターに“Drink-me-potion”を飲ませる。ドクターは正気を取り戻し、ターディス本来の姿を取り戻す。しかし、アンチタイムの力を持ったザグレゥスであることに変わりのないドクターはもうこの世界にいることはできなかった。ドクターはチャーリーに別れを告げるがチャーリーは到底受け入れられない。
感想
とても長い長いお話だったけれども、ラストのこの心地のいいカタルシスを味わうためなら何度でも聞き返したくなる。アンチタイム・エネルギーを内包したドクターはこの宇宙にとってはもはや脅威でしかなく、ドクターはターディスと共に生まれたての別の宇宙に行くことを決める。ドクターはチャーリーをこの世界から引き離すことはできないとチャーリーに別れを告げる。この時に喧嘩をしてしまい傷つくドクターが切ない。ギャリフレイやタイムロードへの失望をロマーナに吐露するシーンももう泣ける。そして向こうの世界に旅立ち1人ターディスに話かけるドクターがもうどんでもなく切ない。しかし、そしてリーラに背中を押されてターディスに密かに乗り込んだチャーリーの独白で物語は幕を閉じる。ドクターはまだチャーリーの存在を知らない。チャーリーはまだドクターには言わないでとターディスに語りかけながら、ドクターのことを見守っている。その締めくくりがとても可愛らしいのだ。時間すらない新しい宇宙でもチャーリーとドクターなら、2人一緒なら大丈夫。8thドクターとチャーリー・ポラード、聴き始めた頃はこんなに大好きな組み合わせになりとは思わなかった！
“Don’t tell him, Tardis. Not yet. Me? I left something behind. That’s all. Does it matter? All that does matter is..., It’s just You and me now. You and me and him. Until always. Until forever.”
あらすじ
目覚めたチャーリーは母親のルィーザ・ポラードから悪いところを治してもらうために手術を受けなくてはならないから病院に行ってドクターに会いに行くと言われる。言われるままについて行くものの、チャーリーは自分のどこが悪くて手術を受けることになったのか全く覚えがなく母親に尋ねるが呆れられ、姉妹のマーガレットやロマーナのようになぜ優秀ではないのかと落胆される。マーガレットは確かに妹だがロマーナの名前が出てきたことに驚くチャーリー。母親から“不思議の国のアリス”の本を渡され、1999年のクリスマスに祖母からもらった本と思い出し、チャーリーは懐かしむ。病院で、チャーリーはドクター・ザグレゥスの診察室の前に連れて行かれ、チャーリーがザグレゥスはドクターが名乗った名前だということを思い出す。扉が開き中から出てきたのはブリゲディアだった。
一方ザグレゥスとなったドクターはターディスの名前すら忘れていた。自分がどこにいるのかも、それまでの経緯も全く覚えておらず、ターディスを“船（シップ）”とよび、自分がマスターなのだから自分に従い、自分を助けろと乱暴に言い放つ。しかし、すぐに弱々しい声となり、助けを求めるその様子は元通りのドクターのようでもあった。話かけてきた“声”に誘導されるがままドクターは書庫の扉を開く。そこでドクターは、何も書かれていない白紙の歴史書を見つける。
その頃、チャーリーは病院ではなくターディスの中にいることに気がつき、ブリゲディアと話していくうちにアンチタイムのことや、ドクターが自分を助けるために犠牲になったことを思い出す。一方ドクターも聞き覚えのある声に導かれ、書棚から“不思議の国のアリス”の本を手に取る。クリスマスのメッセージが書かれているのを読むと扉が開き、ドクターはクリスマスのトキメキとアンチタイムのことを思い出す。ドクターは自分に話かけている声が同時に他の誰かも助けていることを見抜く。
一方チャーリーはドクターがザグレゥスと名乗り自分を殴り罵ったことを思い出して沈み込んでいた。さらに行方不明になった自分を探す母親の様子を見せられ、ようやくチャーリーはブリゲディアがブリゲディアの姿を借りたターディスであることに気がつく。取り込んだアンチタイム・エネルギーのせいでこれまでになく不安定になっていたターディスだが、アンチタイム爆弾を内側で爆発させたことによって起こった事となぜドクターがゼグレゥスとなったのか理由を突き止め、チャーリーとドクターを助けようとしていた。アンチタイムやチャーリーのことを思い出したドクターも、自分の意識の中のザグレゥスと対峙していた。
感想
全てはアンチタイム爆弾のエネルギーを内包させたターディスの中で進行している物語。ターディスがこの危機を脱するために思い出せるドクターの記憶を元に擬似世界を作り出し、ドクターとチャーリー、それぞれに事態を打開する方法を模索させる。
チャーリーがクリスマスに祖母からもらった“不思議の国のアリス”のアリスのようにドクターとチャーリーはそれぞれ猫やウサギに導かれ、あの爆発で起こったことを見極めようとする。チャーリーはブリゲディア(ターディス)と共に冷戦時代の防衛省に潜入。そこでレヴェレントという科学アドバイザーが暴走し、とんでもない爆発を起こしてしまうという現場を目標することになるが、この一連の騒動がアンチタイムやドクター、チャーリー自身のこととどう繋がっていくのかは今のところ不明だ。
ドクターが次にターディスの外に出る時、ザグレゥスであればアンチタイムの勝利ということになる。ブリゲディアことターディスの様子だと、あの爆発でターディスも同じくダメージを受けているようなので、ターディスがアンチタイム爆弾のエネルギーを内包し続けていられるうちにドクターとチャーリーは解決方法を見つける必要があるということなのだと思うけれど、果たして可能なのか。結果的にチャーリーはあの飛行船の事故で死んだはずであって、ドクターと出会うというタイムラインを存在させてはいけないという答えしかもし導き出せないのだとしたら悲しすぎる。あとレヴェレント(声：Peter Davison) がドクターのメタファーなのかどうかも気になるところ。
2. Heartland
あらすじ
ドクターは今やザグレゥスと化し、外に出て世界を滅ぼす方法を模索している。世界を滅ぼされないためにもターディスに封じ込めておくしかない。チャーリーも同様にターディスの中に閉じ込められており、それはラシロンが仕組んだことだったが、その理由を突き止めることでドクターを救う手がかりを得られるかもとブリゲディア。
その頃、ドクターは退屈しのぎに森の木を切っていた。猫と対話していくうちにターディスが同じくターディスの中にいる何かに気がつかれないように自分に何か伝えようとしていると悟るドクター。さらにドクターはアンチタイム侵されたのは自分だけではなくターディスも同様にザグレゥスと化しているのだと気がつく。
一方、次に訪れたターディスの記憶による疑似ワールドでチャーリーはラシロンとなっていた。ギャリフレイの宿敵、ヴァンパイアのテペッシュ卿とグレート・マザーに脅されるようにして、ラシロンの秘密の作業場の扉をあける。そこでラシロンがハイランクのギャリフレイ人の細胞を密かに操作し、レジェネレーションの能力をもたらしたことがあかされる。
その頃ドクターはターディスのコンポーネントを破壊していくことで、ザグレゥスと化したターディスをあぶり出そうとしていた。ドクターの狙い通り、ブリゲディアの姿をしたターディスが姿を現す。チャーリーの居場所と黒幕正体を聞き出そうとするが、ブリゲディアは大型の化け物にドクターを襲わせ、チャーリーの監視に戻る。しかし、チャーリーもブリゲディアが味方でないことに気がつく。
大爆発がおこり、チャーリーは宇宙船の司令官として目覚める。チャーリーが彷徨い込んだのは人間型ロボットと動物型ロボットが戦争している世界だった。アニメイターと呼ばれる存在を両サイド共探していたが、ブリゲディアの助けで人間型ロボットがアニメイターことウォルター・ウインクルを先に見つけ、チャーリー達の宇宙船を占拠しようとする。ウォルター・ウインクルは子供達を楽しませるために生み出したウインクル・ワンダーランドのロボット同士が争っていることを嘆き哀しむ。チャーリーはウインクル・ワンダーランドがギャリフレイのメタファーであることに気がつく。ブリゲディアは人間型ロボットにチャーリーを殺すように命じるが、闘いをやめないロボット達にウインクルはクリエイター権限でスイッチを切る。しかし、世界自体も壊れ始める。ブリゲディアも消え、崩壊する世界で途方にくれたチャーリーの耳にドクターの声が聴こえる。
ついに再会を果たした2人だったが、チャーリーはドクターがザグレゥスと疑い信用しない。ドクターは自分ではなくブリゲディアがザグレゥスとチャーリーに訴えるが、ブリゲディアはドクターがザグレゥスだといい、さらにターディスとしてこのままアンチタイムに侵されたドクターを永遠に内包し続けることはできないとラシロンに説得され、ドクターのコントロール下からラシロンの船になることに決めたという。ドクターが大切にしていた本などのコレクション、そしてチャーリーすらもターディスの中から放り出されてしまう。ドクターはターディスの中から出された時に自分がアンチタイムとなって世界を崩壊させてしまうと怯えるが、ラシロンがついているのだから何も心配することはないとブリゲディアに宥められる。
その頃、ギャリフレイのロマーナの元にドクターのターディスが跡形も無く消えたと報告が入る。驚くロマーナの元にリーラが伝言を携えて訪ねてくる。ターディスの中から放り出されたチャーリーは雨の中、暗い荒野で目覚めていた。そこでウィンクルとレヴェレントとテペッシュの3人と再会する。テペッシュはダークタワーを指差し、ここはギャリフレ��だと告げる。
感想
メタファー話がわかるようなわからないようなで悶々としつつ聴き続けていたが、ようやくメタファーの旅も終わり、ラシロンに、どうやらドクターらしいウインクルとレヴェレントとテペッシュの3人がそろい、こちらのテンションが上がってくる。みんなで8thを助けに行くのかな？ 豪華メンバーなのだが声だけだと咄嗟に誰かわからないのが難点。さすがにドクター達はすぐわかるけれどコンパニオン達はその名の通り出てくれなかったら難易度が高かった。どのようにオチがつくのか続きが楽しみ。
3. Wasteland
あらすじ
ダーク・タワーを目指そうとしたチャーリーとウインクルとレヴェレントとテペッシュはジャバウォックに襲われるが、なんとか手なづけジャバウォックの背に乗ってダークタワーを目指すことにする。ラシロンは自分がプレジデントの座に戻るためロマーナに退位を迫る。断ればリーラに喉を搔き切らせると脅す。ラシロンはさらにロマーナにザグレゥスを後継者に推薦するようにいう。
ダーク・タワーについたチャーリーとウィンクルとレヴェレントとテペッシュはラシロンの謎かけを解きながら前に進む。すると、襲われているロマーナを見つけ、助ける。ロマーナはここがダーク・タワーではなくマトリクスの中だという。ロマーナは4人にラシロンを見つけドクターを取り戻すか、取り戻せなければドクターを殺そうと提案する。
その頃、ドクターは地下に鎖で繋がれていた。ブリゲディアの姿をしたターディスはドクターがチャーリーを救うためにアンチタイム爆弾を自分の中で爆発させたことで長年の友情を裏切られたと感じていた。それをきいてドクターはターディスがチャーリーとのことで嫉妬しているのだと気がつく。ドクターはターディスを信じていたからこそアンチタイムのエネルギーを内包できると信じていたし、まさか自分の命まで救われるとは思っていなかったとターディスに自分の思いをぶつけるが届かずラシロンの元に連れて行かれる。
ラシロンの居場所を探して進むチャーリーとロマーナ。謎を解いていくウインクルとレヴェレントとテペッシュに、チャーリーは3人がターディスが記憶から再現したドクターだと知る。しかし、そこにブリゲディアが立ち塞がるが、チャーリーとロマーナとリーラが妨害している間にドクターを救い出すよう3人、5th、6th、7thドクターに望みを託す。
3人のドクターはダガーを造っている8thドクターを見つける。自分はザグレゥスと思い込んでいる8thドクターを3人はドクターだと説得しようとするが、そこにラシロンが現れ、ドクターはアンチタイム爆弾が爆発した時に死に、彼はザグレゥスだといい、8thドクターに3人のドクターを殺すよう命じる。3人のドクターはラシロンが恐れているのは違う宇宙からタイムロードよりも力を持った種族にこの世界に侵入され、ギャリフレイを滅ぼされることだと言い当てる。ラシロンはザグレゥスを別の世界からの侵略者を排除するための武器として誕生させたことを明かす。それをきいた8thドクターはラシロンのために殺しはしないとドクターとしての自分を取り戻す。しかしラシロンに3人のドクターを殺され、ドクターはザグレゥスとしてラシロンに服従する。
その頃、ロマーナとリーラとチャーリーはザグレゥスと化したターディスを倒すことに成功する。チャーリーはついにドクターを見つけるが、ドクターは再びザグレゥスと化していた。そしてドクターはチャーリーにザグレゥスをコントロールできない自分を殺してくれと懇願する。チャーリーはドクターが自分が愛するように自分を愛してくれていると悟りドクターを殺す。
8thドクターは3人のドクターの中で目覚める。“殺されたならリジェネするんじゃない？“と3人のドクターに軽く言われるが、リジェネする様子はない。8thドクターはようやくチャーリーに嫌われてしまったことがショックでザグレゥスであることを自ら受け入れてしまったことを悟る。諦めないことがドクターであることでドクターである限り諦めないと3人のドクターに励まされ、8thドクターは3人のドクターの力を得て真の意味でザグレゥスとなり、ラシロンに立ち向かう。
ザグレゥスの力を利用して神として君臨しようとしているラシロンを他の宇宙へ追放する。ザグレゥスの力を行使したドクターは再び凶暴化してしまうが、ザグレゥスの影響下から解放されたターディスことブリゲディアが現れ、ドクターに“Drink-me-potion”を飲ませる。ドクターは正気を取り戻し、ターディス本来の姿を取り戻す。しかし、アンチタイムの力を持ったザグレゥスであることに変わりのないドクターはもうこの世界にいることはできなかった。ドクターはチャーリーに別れを告げるがチャーリーは到底受け入れられない。
感想
とても長い長いお話だったけれども、ラストのこの心地のいいカタルシスを味わうためなら何度でも聞き返したくなる。アンチタイム・エネルギーを内包したドクターはこの宇宙にとってはもはや脅威でしかなく、ドクターはターディスと共に生まれたての別の宇宙に行くことを決める。ドクターはチャーリーをこの世界から引き離すことはできないとチャーリーに別れを告げる。この時に喧嘩をしてしまい傷つくドクターが切ない。ギャリフレイやタイムロードへの失望をロマーナに吐露するシーンももう泣ける。そして向こうの世界に旅立ち1人ターディスに話かけるドクターがもうどんでもなく切ない。しかし、そしてリーラに背中を押されてターディスに密かに乗り込んだチャーリーの独白で物語は幕を閉じる。ドクターはまだチャーリーの存在を知らない。チャーリーはまだドクターには言わないでとターディスに語りかけながら、ドクターのことを見守っている。その締めくくりがとても可愛らしいのだ。時間すらない新しい宇宙でもチャーリーとドクターなら、2人一緒なら大丈夫。8thドクターとチャーリー・ポラード、聴き始めた頃はこんなに大好きな組み合わせになりとは思わなかった！
“Don’t tell him, Tardis. Not yet. Me? I left something behind. That’s all. Does it matter? All that does matter is..., It’s just You and me now. You and me and him. Until always. Until forever.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2022
A Big Finish full cast drama that really should come with a stronger warning. It's one that does not lack ambition, recasting known voices in a high surreal wonderland inspired by Lewis Carol's Alice and quite possibly James Joyce's Ulyssees. Yet the deep end staging and minimal exposition (after the fact) makes it nigh incomprehensible to this soft Finish fan. That's the central bug. It feels perhaps workable as a screenplay but little comfort to the audio format. At four hours it does not benefit from the practical need to detach and return. The precursors to the story are all particularly capable, sadly not here. A third of the way through I got some clarity by going to read a plot synopsis but it was also dense and hard to follow. Sorry. I'm a non drinker and I have only so much patience and time. This is an investment and a demanding one.
November 13, 2021
Zagreus is an absolute behemoth. Nearly four hours of high-concept, sci-fi shenanigans, and I loved it. Paul McGann pulls out a spectacular performance, basically going completely mad, and you could tell he was having such fun with it. Davison, Baker and McCoy also get to explore new characters with each being a priest, a vampire and basically Walt Disney/Willy Wonka respectively, despite all being facets of the Doctor's mind. This is an excellent story and well worth the preparation and reading required to experience it.
Whilst I've heard that some people have issues with it, I'm looking forwards to delving into the Divergent storyline, especially Scherzo which seems right up my alley.
Whilst I've heard that some people have issues with it, I'm looking forwards to delving into the Divergent storyline, especially Scherzo which seems right up my alley.
June 18, 2023
There are some who are very harsh on this story, and I don’t think it’s earned the reputation it has on Reddit. Tonally it can induce whiplash as the narrative flips from Charley’s POV to the Doctor’s, but I think it’s fine. It works, it’s charming when it’s at its best.
Paul McGann really unlocked his Pathetic Wet Cat Voice this episode, and genuinely he was incredible to listen to. The whole cast— as big as it was— was given enough to do to keep the plot moving, but I’ve never found the story’s gimmick to be that interesting.
I can see exactly why so many defend this one, just as I can see why other’s think it sucks. I think I’m in the middle; I wouldn’t skip this on a series relisten, but I also don’t see myself seeking this story out either.
Paul McGann really unlocked his Pathetic Wet Cat Voice this episode, and genuinely he was incredible to listen to. The whole cast— as big as it was— was given enough to do to keep the plot moving, but I’ve never found the story’s gimmick to be that interesting.
I can see exactly why so many defend this one, just as I can see why other’s think it sucks. I think I’m in the middle; I wouldn’t skip this on a series relisten, but I also don’t see myself seeking this story out either.
May 17, 2021
7/10
Verdict: Recommended
This audio is a real mixed bag. Extremely entertaining one moment, completely baffling the next and the moment before all that it was really pretentious and fan bait-y. I love it though. This audio definitely deserves multiple listens, as with how complex yet simple the plot is, you can easily get lost in all the tehnobabblings and deus ex machinas. I have to say though, the resolution to the threat is like a slap to the face.
Verdict: Recommended
This audio is a real mixed bag. Extremely entertaining one moment, completely baffling the next and the moment before all that it was really pretentious and fan bait-y. I love it though. This audio definitely deserves multiple listens, as with how complex yet simple the plot is, you can easily get lost in all the tehnobabblings and deus ex machinas. I have to say though, the resolution to the threat is like a slap to the face.
August 6, 2016
3.25 stars, the second time around.
May 6, 2024
✅88% = Great! = Essential!
Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!
This time: a multi-Doctor adventure to celebrate 50 monthly audio drama releases and 40 years of Doctor Who, with Paul McGann playing the bad guy!
Zagreus represents the climax of a narrative arc that revolves around a Gallifreyan nursery rhyme, hints of which have been present in several previous Main Range releases. It has the air of a season finale while also celebrating 40 years of Doctor Who by including past Doctors and companions in the story. It also deepens the lore of the Time Lords and Rassilon, with concepts such as the Divergence.
Told through three separate parts, each clocking in at over 70 minutes, Zagreus is a complex, bizarre storyline, juggling comedic elements, scary aspects, and sci-fi concepts liberally. The Doctor’s parts mess around with familiar children’s stories (such as Alice in Wonderland), while Charley's parts deal with surprising takes on familiar characters.
Part 1 alternates between an amnesiac Doctor/Zagreus trying to figure out who he is and what is going on, and Charley joining a hologram of the Brigadier and attempting to connect the dots on her end. It’s somewhat hard to follow at times, as the listener is effectively as lost as the characters.
Part 2 takes a different turn as we head to Gallifrey and join the Great Mother, the High Priestess Cassandra, and Provost Tepesh (all played by familiar voices…) as well as Charley, in the guise of Rassilon. Simultaneously, the Doctor gradually unravels the mystery at his end, realising that his personality and the TARDIS have undergone a split. I cannot comprehend the exact nature of the situation or its purpose.
The latter half of Part 2 switches locations again, as Charley appears in another strange story, with animatronic animal soldiers in a theme park and the Jabberwock attacking the Doctor in the TARDIS. We still have no idea what’s going on, but the entire thing is bizarre, inventive, and strangely engaging.
Part 3 finally brings the three alternate Doctors and companions together for the finale, which takes place in the Death Zone. This one drops plenty of references to past stories and monsters, and I love how the three Doctors bicker and banter while Charley, Leela, and Romana try to keep everything together.
While it's not easy to always follow along and capture every detail of the narrative, I love the epic scope of the story and its majestic feel, as well as how everything fits together nicely in the last part.
Overflowing with characters, most of them old Doctors and companions in slightly different roles, Zagreus can feel a bit overwhelming at times, and it isn't always easy to follow along with the various voices and characters.
In one of his very best performances for Big Finish, Paul McGann is a creepy presence. He captures his confused, broken, and desperate nature with great accuracy, delivering a sprawling and altogether impressive performance as Zagreus. India Fisher, meanwhile, effortlessly carried the rest of the story in one of her strongest performances as Charley.
Past Doctors and companions appear in new roles, which is equally interesting and confusing. Peter Davison is Reverend Townsend, but he plays him like the Doctor. Colin Baker, in particular, is an absolute delight as Tepesh, and Sylvester McCoy is joyful as the Walt Disney-inspired Walton Winkle.
Nicholas Courtney is fantastic as a hologram popping in and out of the story, and he turns scary as he voices Zagreus and the evil TARDIS, providing one of his finest performances in the franchise.
Pretty much every single character is played by a Doctor or companion actor (including rarely heard voices such as Anneke Wills and Elisabeth Sladen). It’s fun trying to spot them all and listen to how each one of them provides wild and inventive performances.
Most of Zagreus is complex, strange, and confusing, but Part 3 feels the most like a traditional Doctor Who adventure and brings our favourite characters together against Rassilon and a bunch of fun monsters.
Even after the epic adventure in this story, Zagrerus takes a heartbreaking turn as the Doctor throws Charley out, only for her to sneak back onto the TARDIS…
RANDOM OBSERVATIONS:
This is the longest Main Range release and the second longest Big Finish story, after Dominion, at just shy of four hours.
Sadly, this is also the only Main Range release to feature Elisabeth Sladen and John Leeson as K9. It’s also the Big Finish debut for Louise Jameson as Leela.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Zagreus is an epic and complex celebration of 40 years of Doctor Who, and while it's divisive within the fandom, it certainly feels like a celebratory adventure with big stakes and superb performances.
Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!
This time: a multi-Doctor adventure to celebrate 50 monthly audio drama releases and 40 years of Doctor Who, with Paul McGann playing the bad guy!
Zagreus represents the climax of a narrative arc that revolves around a Gallifreyan nursery rhyme, hints of which have been present in several previous Main Range releases. It has the air of a season finale while also celebrating 40 years of Doctor Who by including past Doctors and companions in the story. It also deepens the lore of the Time Lords and Rassilon, with concepts such as the Divergence.
Told through three separate parts, each clocking in at over 70 minutes, Zagreus is a complex, bizarre storyline, juggling comedic elements, scary aspects, and sci-fi concepts liberally. The Doctor’s parts mess around with familiar children’s stories (such as Alice in Wonderland), while Charley's parts deal with surprising takes on familiar characters.
Part 1 alternates between an amnesiac Doctor/Zagreus trying to figure out who he is and what is going on, and Charley joining a hologram of the Brigadier and attempting to connect the dots on her end. It’s somewhat hard to follow at times, as the listener is effectively as lost as the characters.
Part 2 takes a different turn as we head to Gallifrey and join the Great Mother, the High Priestess Cassandra, and Provost Tepesh (all played by familiar voices…) as well as Charley, in the guise of Rassilon. Simultaneously, the Doctor gradually unravels the mystery at his end, realising that his personality and the TARDIS have undergone a split. I cannot comprehend the exact nature of the situation or its purpose.
The latter half of Part 2 switches locations again, as Charley appears in another strange story, with animatronic animal soldiers in a theme park and the Jabberwock attacking the Doctor in the TARDIS. We still have no idea what’s going on, but the entire thing is bizarre, inventive, and strangely engaging.
Part 3 finally brings the three alternate Doctors and companions together for the finale, which takes place in the Death Zone. This one drops plenty of references to past stories and monsters, and I love how the three Doctors bicker and banter while Charley, Leela, and Romana try to keep everything together.
While it's not easy to always follow along and capture every detail of the narrative, I love the epic scope of the story and its majestic feel, as well as how everything fits together nicely in the last part.
Overflowing with characters, most of them old Doctors and companions in slightly different roles, Zagreus can feel a bit overwhelming at times, and it isn't always easy to follow along with the various voices and characters.
In one of his very best performances for Big Finish, Paul McGann is a creepy presence. He captures his confused, broken, and desperate nature with great accuracy, delivering a sprawling and altogether impressive performance as Zagreus. India Fisher, meanwhile, effortlessly carried the rest of the story in one of her strongest performances as Charley.
Past Doctors and companions appear in new roles, which is equally interesting and confusing. Peter Davison is Reverend Townsend, but he plays him like the Doctor. Colin Baker, in particular, is an absolute delight as Tepesh, and Sylvester McCoy is joyful as the Walt Disney-inspired Walton Winkle.
Nicholas Courtney is fantastic as a hologram popping in and out of the story, and he turns scary as he voices Zagreus and the evil TARDIS, providing one of his finest performances in the franchise.
Pretty much every single character is played by a Doctor or companion actor (including rarely heard voices such as Anneke Wills and Elisabeth Sladen). It’s fun trying to spot them all and listen to how each one of them provides wild and inventive performances.
Most of Zagreus is complex, strange, and confusing, but Part 3 feels the most like a traditional Doctor Who adventure and brings our favourite characters together against Rassilon and a bunch of fun monsters.
Even after the epic adventure in this story, Zagrerus takes a heartbreaking turn as the Doctor throws Charley out, only for her to sneak back onto the TARDIS…
RANDOM OBSERVATIONS:
This is the longest Main Range release and the second longest Big Finish story, after Dominion, at just shy of four hours.
Sadly, this is also the only Main Range release to feature Elisabeth Sladen and John Leeson as K9. It’s also the Big Finish debut for Louise Jameson as Leela.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Zagreus is an epic and complex celebration of 40 years of Doctor Who, and while it's divisive within the fandom, it certainly feels like a celebratory adventure with big stakes and superb performances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
50 stories into Big Finish and I only now realise I can log these on Goodreads. Well I'm not digging back through the first 49, so I guess I'll start here: at the big 40th Anniversary special of Doctor Who.
As far as anniversaries go for this show, they're usually more miss than hit - with the exception of Day of the Doctor And as that story is inspired heavily by A Christmas Carol, this one wears the inspiration of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland on its sleeve - even referencing it many times in the story.
Don't let the cover of this one fool you, it's not a multi-doctor story; in fact, it barely even has one doctor. It does, however, have the actors of these doctors, their respective companions, and then some. The catch is that they're all playing completely new roles in this four-hour epic.
It wasn't until after I had listened to this that I was shocked to find out how controversial it is. To be clear, I love nearly everything about it. With the Doctor gone, Charlotte takes the lead, and India Fisher gives her best performance yet. I loved that she gained her own companion in the anthropomorphised TARDIS, even if I slightly bemoan a few "revelations" with that character towards the end.
It's not a story to just jump into, either. Firstly, it's a direct sequel to Neverland and the culmination of Charlie's adventures so far. It also requires one has a decent amount of knowledge of Gallifrey and its ancient history. If you do, that knowledge pays off in dividends here.
I think the most important thing to note is just how fun and high-concept the whole thing is. The story weaves in and out of things like a literal Schrödinger's Cat, a carry-on parody of a cryogenically frozen Walt Disney, warring animatronic animals, and Carrol's fictional Jabberwocky. It sounds insane, and it is, but the pacing of the drama ensures you are never overwhelmed.
For me, this takes the top spot in the ranking of Anniversary specials, just about edging Day of the Doctor. There are flaws, don't get me wrong. Jon Pertwee's posthumous, robotic, disembodied voice is indecipherable; the story struggles to neatly wrap itself up towards the end; and Zagreb's itself didn't really feel like the grand villain that had been hyped up for so long.
It's a miracle they pulled this story off, and I'm glad they did.
As far as anniversaries go for this show, they're usually more miss than hit - with the exception of Day of the Doctor And as that story is inspired heavily by A Christmas Carol, this one wears the inspiration of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland on its sleeve - even referencing it many times in the story.
Don't let the cover of this one fool you, it's not a multi-doctor story; in fact, it barely even has one doctor. It does, however, have the actors of these doctors, their respective companions, and then some. The catch is that they're all playing completely new roles in this four-hour epic.
It wasn't until after I had listened to this that I was shocked to find out how controversial it is. To be clear, I love nearly everything about it. With the Doctor gone, Charlotte takes the lead, and India Fisher gives her best performance yet. I loved that she gained her own companion in the anthropomorphised TARDIS, even if I slightly bemoan a few "revelations" with that character towards the end.
It's not a story to just jump into, either. Firstly, it's a direct sequel to Neverland and the culmination of Charlie's adventures so far. It also requires one has a decent amount of knowledge of Gallifrey and its ancient history. If you do, that knowledge pays off in dividends here.
I think the most important thing to note is just how fun and high-concept the whole thing is. The story weaves in and out of things like a literal Schrödinger's Cat, a carry-on parody of a cryogenically frozen Walt Disney, warring animatronic animals, and Carrol's fictional Jabberwocky. It sounds insane, and it is, but the pacing of the drama ensures you are never overwhelmed.
For me, this takes the top spot in the ranking of Anniversary specials, just about edging Day of the Doctor. There are flaws, don't get me wrong. Jon Pertwee's posthumous, robotic, disembodied voice is indecipherable; the story struggles to neatly wrap itself up towards the end; and Zagreb's itself didn't really feel like the grand villain that had been hyped up for so long.
It's a miracle they pulled this story off, and I'm glad they did.
May 20, 2020
I’d heard mixed things about this audio, but it turned out to be a great 40th anniversary story! At first, the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Doctors appeared to be other characters, but it ends up making sense. There was even some archive audio of Jon Pertwee thrown into the mix at a certain instance. And there are many other familiar voices.
You can really sense the toll that the Zagreus identity takes on the Eighth Doctor. And his relationship with Charley gets strained at certain points. She is put to good use in this. And there’s a funny moment where the music is dramatic and it seems like someone’s dying, but then the music fizzles out when it’s revealed not to be a death.
Strangely, it sounds harsher in hindsight hearing The Doctor exile himself and say he never wants to see or hear about Gallifrey again. Especially when one takes into account pretty much everything that happens in series 1-12 of the TV show.
My favorite quote would have to be from Peter Davison’s Reverend Matthew Townsend:
God isn't all hymns and long bible passages, you know. It's about LIVING. About smelling flowers, enjoying friendships. It's about seeing beyond the here and now and embracing all that is positive in life whilst helping others deal with the negatives."
I also loved hearing Paul McGann say, “I HATE people who write in book.”
You can really sense the toll that the Zagreus identity takes on the Eighth Doctor. And his relationship with Charley gets strained at certain points. She is put to good use in this. And there’s a funny moment where the music is dramatic and it seems like someone’s dying, but then the music fizzles out when it’s revealed not to be a death.
Strangely, it sounds harsher in hindsight hearing The Doctor exile himself and say he never wants to see or hear about Gallifrey again. Especially when one takes into account pretty much everything that happens in series 1-12 of the TV show.
My favorite quote would have to be from Peter Davison’s Reverend Matthew Townsend:
God isn't all hymns and long bible passages, you know. It's about LIVING. About smelling flowers, enjoying friendships. It's about seeing beyond the here and now and embracing all that is positive in life whilst helping others deal with the negatives."
I also loved hearing Paul McGann say, “I HATE people who write in book.”
January 6, 2023
The Doctor and Charley drop some acid and stick a Classic Doctor Who marathon on BritBox. Charley has been reading some Alice in Wonderland and The Doctor has been browsing his Time Lord history. In over three hours Alan Barnes and Gary Russel chart the crazy hallucinations that ensue. It’s fun and entertaining but you don’t have to worry too much about the plot. Sylvester McCoy, Peter Davison and Colin Baker lead the guest cast getting to explore other aspects of their range, teaming up in a unique way which nobody really would have asked for. Again, it’s fun. The highlights for me are Lalla Ward and Louise Jameson as their classic Who characters Romana and Leela, two Gallifreyan women from opposite ends of the class system. I enjoyed their dynamic and would like to hear more.
November 22, 2023
Far from perfect, but possibly the best one could ask for as an unofficial 40th anniversary celebration. A lot of Doctor Who alums come together in this one to perform completely different characters to what they're used to, and what comes out is a weird and wacky adventure that takes a lot of inspiration from Alice in Wonderland at points. The narrative device of the Tardis pulling past companions in to recreate events works wonders, and there are some fantastic lore reveals here that really work for the much darker tone these audio dramas angle for. The set up for the Gallifrey series of audio dramas is here too, and it makes me want to check those out eventually as well. Maybe after I've caught up to McGanns adventures.
August 23, 2024
DNF 50%
After a great season of Eighth doctor audios, I was really looking forward to the "season finale". However, after over 2 hours of listening, (only half way through,) I just can't finish it. After the strong opening, it's just an incoherent mess. So many characters are thrown in, and random settings and stories that have nothing to do with the main plot take precedence. If it had an hour or two shaved off its runtime, I think it would have been a story I'd enjoy.
Unfortunately, it felt like a waste of an afternoon. Hopefully Scherzo will be better, and it's only 2 hours.
I'll never complain about the length of a classic Who serial again, lol.
After a great season of Eighth doctor audios, I was really looking forward to the "season finale". However, after over 2 hours of listening, (only half way through,) I just can't finish it. After the strong opening, it's just an incoherent mess. So many characters are thrown in, and random settings and stories that have nothing to do with the main plot take precedence. If it had an hour or two shaved off its runtime, I think it would have been a story I'd enjoy.
Unfortunately, it felt like a waste of an afternoon. Hopefully Scherzo will be better, and it's only 2 hours.
I'll never complain about the length of a classic Who serial again, lol.
March 1, 2021
Certainly has its moments but goes on way too long and doesn't fully come together.
Said moments:
Paul McGann's performance. Not that it's ever not great but wow.
"He who lives inside of your head...he who...he who...does something else...and eats...bread"
Romana!
Leela!
Romana and Leela working together! (Now I need to listen to the Gallifrey series).
The Doctor and Charlie's relationship. It was definitely tested and I'm interested to see where is goes from now on.
Charlie also got a lot to do.
The first part with the Alice in Wonderland stuff was very interesting and meta.
The idea behind the other settings was interesting (but not as enjoyable to listen to) and At least it was a fun let's try to recognize voices challenge, even though I mostly failed.
Said moments:
Paul McGann's performance. Not that it's ever not great but wow.
"He who lives inside of your head...he who...he who...does something else...and eats...bread"
Romana!
Leela!
Romana and Leela working together! (Now I need to listen to the Gallifrey series).
The Doctor and Charlie's relationship. It was definitely tested and I'm interested to see where is goes from now on.
Charlie also got a lot to do.
The first part with the Alice in Wonderland stuff was very interesting and meta.
The idea behind the other settings was interesting (but not as enjoyable to listen to) and At least it was a fun let's try to recognize voices challenge, even though I mostly failed.
November 2, 2021
Pretty much everyone other than Charley, Romana and Leela are playing a different role than they usually do in DW, and every actor absolutely smashes it.
I thought Nicholas Courtney and Paul McGann were particularly brilliant, and they got to play much darker characters than the Brigadier and the Doctor. Everyone worked really well together and I think it was a lovely treat for the fans.
The plot was a bit confusing, but I think I understood it all by the end; although, it could have been a bit clearer.
I thought Nicholas Courtney and Paul McGann were particularly brilliant, and they got to play much darker characters than the Brigadier and the Doctor. Everyone worked really well together and I think it was a lovely treat for the fans.
The plot was a bit confusing, but I think I understood it all by the end; although, it could have been a bit clearer.
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