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Big Finish: Monthly Range #16
Doctor Who: Storm Warning
October, 1930. His Majesty's Airship, the R101, sets off on her maiden voyage to the farthest-flung reaches of the British Empire, carrying the brightest lights of the Imperial fleet. Carrying the hopes and dreams of a breathless nation.
Not to mention a ruthless spy with a top-secret mission, a mysterious passenger who appears nowhere on the crew list, a would-be adventuress destined for the Singapore Hilton... and a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey.
There's a storm coming. There's something unspeakable, something with wings, crawling across the stern. Thousands of feet high in the blackening sky, the crew of the R101 brace themselves. When the storm breaks, their lives won't be all that's at stake...
The future of the galaxy will be hanging by a thread.
Chronological Placement: This story takes place after the 1996 TV Movie.
Not to mention a ruthless spy with a top-secret mission, a mysterious passenger who appears nowhere on the crew list, a would-be adventuress destined for the Singapore Hilton... and a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey.
There's a storm coming. There's something unspeakable, something with wings, crawling across the stern. Thousands of feet high in the blackening sky, the crew of the R101 brace themselves. When the storm breaks, their lives won't be all that's at stake...
The future of the galaxy will be hanging by a thread.
Chronological Placement: This story takes place after the 1996 TV Movie.
Audio Play
First published January 1, 2001
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184 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 129 reviews
July 3, 2025
My Favourite Doctor
"You feel that pounding in your heart? That tightness in the pit of your stomach? The blood rushing to your head, do you know what that is? That's adventure. The thrill and the fear, and the joy of stepping into the unknown. That's why we're all here, and that's why we're alive!"
"You feel that pounding in your heart? That tightness in the pit of your stomach? The blood rushing to your head, do you know what that is? That's adventure. The thrill and the fear, and the joy of stepping into the unknown. That's why we're all here, and that's why we're alive!"
May 20, 2019
What a great story for The Eighth Doctor to make his Big Finish debut!
McGann was my Doctor, I’m so pleased that he’s incarnation is able to continue traveling in the TARDIS with these audio dramas after only one TV movie.
This story also introduces new companion Charley Pollard as The Doctor arrives on the doomed airship R101.
I always like stories that has an element of fact as the basis of the story features the R101 which did indeed crash in France during October 1930.
The additional Sci-Fi element adds an enjoyable layer to the story.
Both McGann and Fisher strike an instant rapport, they’ve got potential to be a great TARDIS team.
A fun perfect starting point for those that want to enjoy more travels with this Doctor.
McGann was my Doctor, I’m so pleased that he’s incarnation is able to continue traveling in the TARDIS with these audio dramas after only one TV movie.
This story also introduces new companion Charley Pollard as The Doctor arrives on the doomed airship R101.
I always like stories that has an element of fact as the basis of the story features the R101 which did indeed crash in France during October 1930.
The additional Sci-Fi element adds an enjoyable layer to the story.
Both McGann and Fisher strike an instant rapport, they’ve got potential to be a great TARDIS team.
A fun perfect starting point for those that want to enjoy more travels with this Doctor.
December 17, 2019
(Nofember 12, 2013:) I have a deep soft spot for Paul McGann's version of the Doctor in "Doctor Who." He was the eighth actor to ever play the role, and while he didn't get to play the role very _long_ (he had one made-for-TV movie to his credit, and it wasn't even a particularly GOOD movie), he was easily one of my favorite Doctors. He *got* the character, shining in the role not because of the script, but rather in spite of it.
Luckily for us Eighth Doctor fans, Big Finish went ahead and released over 70 audio plays starring McGann back in the role of the Doctor. I have a passion for audiobooks, and for audio plays in particular -- it's the fun of actors' performances, but with your own imagination still providing the story's world, a fascinating combination -- so these felt sort of made for me.
It's taken me forever to get round to them, however, probably because such a large number of plays (to be listened to in order) seemed to be something of a daunting task. However, the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who looms closer, putting me in a definitively "Whovian" frame of mind, and so now seemed to be the time to start.
And this was a lovely beginning. McGann's Doctor is back, and just as starry-eyed, ethereal, fun-loving, and utterly selfless as I remembered him. His new Companion, Charley, turned out to be just the right mix of "cocky adventurer" and "real human character with layers and details." The dialogue is quite snappy, the setting of an Edwardian airship a great first adventure for this Victorian-styled Doctor, and the ending had my heart in my mouth. (There's some details we find out that seem almost certain to be of import later.) It was a crackerjack start to this Doctor's audio adventures, and was such a blast, my hand was reaching for the next audio adventure before this one had finished rolling the end credits. Highly recommended to Whovians and audiobook aficionados!
Luckily for us Eighth Doctor fans, Big Finish went ahead and released over 70 audio plays starring McGann back in the role of the Doctor. I have a passion for audiobooks, and for audio plays in particular -- it's the fun of actors' performances, but with your own imagination still providing the story's world, a fascinating combination -- so these felt sort of made for me.
It's taken me forever to get round to them, however, probably because such a large number of plays (to be listened to in order) seemed to be something of a daunting task. However, the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who looms closer, putting me in a definitively "Whovian" frame of mind, and so now seemed to be the time to start.
And this was a lovely beginning. McGann's Doctor is back, and just as starry-eyed, ethereal, fun-loving, and utterly selfless as I remembered him. His new Companion, Charley, turned out to be just the right mix of "cocky adventurer" and "real human character with layers and details." The dialogue is quite snappy, the setting of an Edwardian airship a great first adventure for this Victorian-styled Doctor, and the ending had my heart in my mouth. (There's some details we find out that seem almost certain to be of import later.) It was a crackerjack start to this Doctor's audio adventures, and was such a blast, my hand was reaching for the next audio adventure before this one had finished rolling the end credits. Highly recommended to Whovians and audiobook aficionados!
July 12, 2018
While hunting for a book to read the Tardis goes puff again No surprise & the Doctor see 's a receded ship caught in a time loop going no where over & over again so he tries to nudge them out But .....
Air ships were very unstable the famous Hindenburg is a perfect example. So in 1930 the R-101 sets off on her maiden voyage to far ends of sky with blue box on board.
With Lord Tamworth (voiced by Gareth Thomas of Blake fame from Blake's Seven) & The 8th Doctor with his side kick Charley (voiced by India Fisher) looking for spies & hell of lot worse with Rathbone & crazy three part aliens.
Air ships were very unstable the famous Hindenburg is a perfect example. So in 1930 the R-101 sets off on her maiden voyage to far ends of sky with blue box on board.
With Lord Tamworth (voiced by Gareth Thomas of Blake fame from Blake's Seven) & The 8th Doctor with his side kick Charley (voiced by India Fisher) looking for spies & hell of lot worse with Rathbone & crazy three part aliens.
December 3, 2025
In 1997 a new Doctor graced our television screens, the 7th Doctor regenerated into the eight Doctor and started his one tv episode. It was a decent tale that offered so much promise that was never realized.
Then in 2001 this Big Finish audiobook arrived in which Paul McGann returns to the part of the Doctor. A part he still plays in 2025
As we reaquaint with this Doctor he is meandering through his library and his TARDIS gets caught in a timevortex where a ship is stuck and wanting to save the crew from forever dying, he tries to nudge the destroyed vessel the TARDIS is swooped into 1930 where it lands in a ballast tank of an Airship the R101. The timeship gets flushed away and leaves the Doctor stranded on this ancient but doomed airship on her maiden voyage.
Charlotte, Charlie, Pollard is a stowaway disguised as a crewmember and is discovered when she meets this odd man called the Doctor.
Pretty soon she & the Doctor discover that the R101 airship on its maiden voyage to Karachi has some extra tasks on her way.
The airship is carrying an alien that is being returned to a rendez-vous with its people.
This advanced race with a complicated family structure has a different idea and sadly so do the humans.
When the dust finaly settles the Doctor saves Charlotte from a certain dead. And thus creating a paradox in time.
And then there is a certain flying dinosaurus from the timevortex called Ramsey who has to be return to said vortex.
The story is set up for the future and so ends the first new story with the 8th Doctor
A great tale with roots in actual history.
The Eight Doctor is truly amazing in this new series of stories that lead to 2013's regeneration scene just before the 50th Annicversary of the show. This little film, the 8th second time on film was even released on Paul McGanns' 50th birthday.
The eigth Doctor started this amazing wonderfull adventure in 2000 in the 16th BF production.
Then in 2001 this Big Finish audiobook arrived in which Paul McGann returns to the part of the Doctor. A part he still plays in 2025
As we reaquaint with this Doctor he is meandering through his library and his TARDIS gets caught in a timevortex where a ship is stuck and wanting to save the crew from forever dying, he tries to nudge the destroyed vessel the TARDIS is swooped into 1930 where it lands in a ballast tank of an Airship the R101. The timeship gets flushed away and leaves the Doctor stranded on this ancient but doomed airship on her maiden voyage.
Charlotte, Charlie, Pollard is a stowaway disguised as a crewmember and is discovered when she meets this odd man called the Doctor.
Pretty soon she & the Doctor discover that the R101 airship on its maiden voyage to Karachi has some extra tasks on her way.
The airship is carrying an alien that is being returned to a rendez-vous with its people.
This advanced race with a complicated family structure has a different idea and sadly so do the humans.
When the dust finaly settles the Doctor saves Charlotte from a certain dead. And thus creating a paradox in time.
And then there is a certain flying dinosaurus from the timevortex called Ramsey who has to be return to said vortex.
The story is set up for the future and so ends the first new story with the 8th Doctor
A great tale with roots in actual history.
The Eight Doctor is truly amazing in this new series of stories that lead to 2013's regeneration scene just before the 50th Annicversary of the show. This little film, the 8th second time on film was even released on Paul McGanns' 50th birthday.
The eigth Doctor started this amazing wonderfull adventure in 2000 in the 16th BF production.
August 29, 2022
I loved Paul McGann's portrayal of The Doctor in the single TV movie that was made featuring him. He was also excellent in the surprise mini episode just before Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary. Like many others have said, it would have been fantastic to see him in his own Doctor Who series, but sadly it was never to be. However, we do have these audio plays by Big Finish that I'd been thinking about trying for some time.
The eighth Doctor finds himself aboard an Edwardian airship on its first mission, where he first meets Charley, who I believe goes on to become a companion. The voice acting all around is terrific, despite a bit of a strange accent from Rathbone (was he supposed to be South African?). Paul McGann himself is of course fantastic, and gets lots of lines where he speaks to himself allowing the listener to know what's going on (I've seen someone joke somewhere about how The Doctor picked up the speaking to himself trait in his eighth incarnation!).
The story itself is nothing too complicated, and features an intriguing alien race called the Triskele who The Doctor is meeting for the first time. They don't appear to be much of a threat until the conclusion of the third act and their voiced quite creepily using distorted sound effects that may put off some listeners.
The eighth Doctor finds himself aboard an Edwardian airship on its first mission, where he first meets Charley, who I believe goes on to become a companion. The voice acting all around is terrific, despite a bit of a strange accent from Rathbone (was he supposed to be South African?). Paul McGann himself is of course fantastic, and gets lots of lines where he speaks to himself allowing the listener to know what's going on (I've seen someone joke somewhere about how The Doctor picked up the speaking to himself trait in his eighth incarnation!).
The story itself is nothing too complicated, and features an intriguing alien race called the Triskele who The Doctor is meeting for the first time. They don't appear to be much of a threat until the conclusion of the third act and their voiced quite creepily using distorted sound effects that may put off some listeners.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2022
This was so much fun to relisten and revisit! It's been a while since I listened to the 8th Doctor main range and thinking of doing another relisten to it.
I love Charley and the Doctor's first meeting and them adopting Ramsey is the sweetest.
Not to be Like That™, but...
I, too, would be tempted by Eight's "yummy Time Lord blood."
Smell the vortex on me, can't you? Smell the space-time in my blood...
!!!!
I mean, fine, I'm sold. Guess I'm a vampire now.
I love Charley and the Doctor's first meeting and them adopting Ramsey is the sweetest.
Not to be Like That™, but...
I, too, would be tempted by Eight's "yummy Time Lord blood."
Smell the vortex on me, can't you? Smell the space-time in my blood...
!!!!
I mean, fine, I'm sold. Guess I'm a vampire now.
May 26, 2024
2024
relistened as preparation for continuing the rest of the series! still trying to figure out the best time to listen, but i’m hoping the rest of the series lives up to this engaging and sometimes hilarious story
2021
genuinely very enjoyable, and I am now very excited for charley’s stint in the tardis!
relistened as preparation for continuing the rest of the series! still trying to figure out the best time to listen, but i’m hoping the rest of the series lives up to this engaging and sometimes hilarious story
2021
genuinely very enjoyable, and I am now very excited for charley’s stint in the tardis!
April 16, 2025
2019 52 Book Challenge - 20) A Book About Time Travel
I thought that this was a really great introduction to Charley, and I think she was a really interesting character.
However, I did find the plot to be quite confusing, and for at least the second half of the book, I had no idea what was going on or happening.
I thought that this was a really great introduction to Charley, and I think she was a really interesting character.
However, I did find the plot to be quite confusing, and for at least the second half of the book, I had no idea what was going on or happening.
September 26, 2017
I became aware of Doctor Who seconds before the episode Rose aired on BBC 1, 7:00 Saturday 26th March 2005 and fell in love with the show during the Doctor's first scene. I remember thinking about the mythos and mystery behind this strange man who'd found himself intertwined within so many historical events, so many planets, so many civilisations were safer because one man and his box popped by to save the world.
Pretty soon after the first series had ended, I had become aware of classic era. Doctor Who introduced me to the wonders of search engines - This is 2005 we're talking about - so I started researching Doctor Who, it's history, though strangely enough, I was completely unaware of Virgin Publishings until 2013 through a vlog on YouTube. As for Big Finish, a friend told me about a few free giveaways. I did not start collecting Big Finish until late 2016 and then I realised what a world I was missing out on all these years So many Doctor Who productions, all worth collectively around seven thousand pounds over eighteen years of Big Finish so it ain't cheap, but I had to start somewhere and I have YouTube vlogger Stubagul to thank. I'm going to see what I can find by just focusing on the eighth Doctor's adventures and see what I can find starting with Storm Warning, the first Eighth Doctor Adventure and what a find.
The Doctor finds himself on the R-101, an airship doomed to crash. The Doctor finds himself without a TARDIS, getting involved in a mysterious plot involving a curiously strange passenger. Let us not forget the space pterodactyls!
When it comes to Paul McGann, I've only ever seen him play the Doctor in the TV Movie. I thought the story was pretty blasphemous, but all in all, okay. Paul McGann overplayed his character on the occasion but I knew he was capable of better from the other films he's worked on so I was willing to give him a chance under a better team with Big Finish so I walked into Storm Warnings with rather high hopes, noting Big Finish's reputation in their early days for delivering experimental a usually decent productions.
Paul Barnes' script didn't come across to me as blasphemous like the TV movie or embarrassingly referential to Doctor Who like most fan fictions, but it did come across as a serious science fiction with this famiarity in it towards the classic era through its format and the McGann's Doctor's usual sparkly dialogue. This story manages to be bizarre and quite serious at the same time.
Pretty soon after the first series had ended, I had become aware of classic era. Doctor Who introduced me to the wonders of search engines - This is 2005 we're talking about - so I started researching Doctor Who, it's history, though strangely enough, I was completely unaware of Virgin Publishings until 2013 through a vlog on YouTube. As for Big Finish, a friend told me about a few free giveaways. I did not start collecting Big Finish until late 2016 and then I realised what a world I was missing out on all these years So many Doctor Who productions, all worth collectively around seven thousand pounds over eighteen years of Big Finish so it ain't cheap, but I had to start somewhere and I have YouTube vlogger Stubagul to thank. I'm going to see what I can find by just focusing on the eighth Doctor's adventures and see what I can find starting with Storm Warning, the first Eighth Doctor Adventure and what a find.
The Doctor finds himself on the R-101, an airship doomed to crash. The Doctor finds himself without a TARDIS, getting involved in a mysterious plot involving a curiously strange passenger. Let us not forget the space pterodactyls!
When it comes to Paul McGann, I've only ever seen him play the Doctor in the TV Movie. I thought the story was pretty blasphemous, but all in all, okay. Paul McGann overplayed his character on the occasion but I knew he was capable of better from the other films he's worked on so I was willing to give him a chance under a better team with Big Finish so I walked into Storm Warnings with rather high hopes, noting Big Finish's reputation in their early days for delivering experimental a usually decent productions.
Paul Barnes' script didn't come across to me as blasphemous like the TV movie or embarrassingly referential to Doctor Who like most fan fictions, but it did come across as a serious science fiction with this famiarity in it towards the classic era through its format and the McGann's Doctor's usual sparkly dialogue. This story manages to be bizarre and quite serious at the same time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2022
McGann was a much under-used Doctor in the screen world, but he came into his own in the audiobook adventures world of BigFinish and this, his first outing, gives a good suggestion that he might have been a better Doctor than his TVM suggested. Also, the introduction of Charlotte Pollard as his new companion (voiced by India Fisher, also the voice of Masterchef) hints of good adventures to come for the pair of them...
Read
June 5, 2022Paul mcganns underrated and brilliant doctor has lived a hidden life in the audio adventures for the past twenty years. Following a single appearance in an anachronistic American-produced television movie, the ‘current’ doctor lived on in novels licensed by the BBC. But what Big Finish do with him is an absolute gem and one of the best runs in the franchise’s history it all starts here.
Pre-dating the tenth doctor’s stint on the Titanic by 5 years the Eighth Doctor lands on the doomed British airship the R101 where he gets embroiled in a plot to ensure the British Empire makes first contact with an alien species. There’s everything you could want from a historical, exploration of class dynamics, funny vocal patterns, grand scope and a gumtious girl-adventurer. The pilot story introduces a number of ongoing elements for the early years of mcganns audio run, a vortisaur that looks like Ramsay McDonald, and hints that the Charlie the doctors new friend should have died her continued existence causing damage to the fabric of space time.
I love the understated enthusiasm that mcgann brings to the role, in the minds eye this could easily be the next instalment of a television show continuing on from 1996. That said, the big finish crew have taken into consideration a number of elements of the classic and the television film to evoke a continuity which you don’t necessarily feel with a lot of their titles (the doctors are older and decades of adventures take place between one or two scenes, wherever they can cram a bit of adventure into the cracks in continuity. This feels sincerely like the missing chapters in the shows time off-air to me. I believe wholeheartedly that tenant’s doctor and capaldis sometimes stop and think about Charley and their times as Edwardian adventurers. The fact that Charley got a shoutout in the webisode Night of the Doctor is just icing on the cake.
Pre-dating the tenth doctor’s stint on the Titanic by 5 years the Eighth Doctor lands on the doomed British airship the R101 where he gets embroiled in a plot to ensure the British Empire makes first contact with an alien species. There’s everything you could want from a historical, exploration of class dynamics, funny vocal patterns, grand scope and a gumtious girl-adventurer. The pilot story introduces a number of ongoing elements for the early years of mcganns audio run, a vortisaur that looks like Ramsay McDonald, and hints that the Charlie the doctors new friend should have died her continued existence causing damage to the fabric of space time.
I love the understated enthusiasm that mcgann brings to the role, in the minds eye this could easily be the next instalment of a television show continuing on from 1996. That said, the big finish crew have taken into consideration a number of elements of the classic and the television film to evoke a continuity which you don’t necessarily feel with a lot of their titles (the doctors are older and decades of adventures take place between one or two scenes, wherever they can cram a bit of adventure into the cracks in continuity. This feels sincerely like the missing chapters in the shows time off-air to me. I believe wholeheartedly that tenant’s doctor and capaldis sometimes stop and think about Charley and their times as Edwardian adventurers. The fact that Charley got a shoutout in the webisode Night of the Doctor is just icing on the cake.
August 13, 2020
3.5 stars
February 9, 2025
charley and eight meeting for the first time …… it’s like holy scripture to me now. my beloveds
May 29, 2021
Big Finish does such a wonderful job on their audioplays. I become so immersed in the story and it feels like I'm actually there. Add in fantastic script writers and Paul McGann's buttery voice as the Doctor and you really can't lose. In this particular story, The Doctor meets Charley for the first time, in 1930 England in the fated Royal Airship RT 101. There's a little bit of everything here- a runaway teen, time monsters, the military, aliens and, as usual, the Doctor attempting to keep the web of time on keel. It's fast-paced, and before you know it, the two hours are over, and you're left wanting more of the Doctor and Charley. I can't wait to listen to the next one.
January 3, 2024
This was as good the second time around, maybe even better because I've come to love these particular audiodramas.
Original Review................................
Yeahh, so let's start with the quick disclaimer: Audio dramas are not my thing.
That said, I thought this was quite a bit of fun. The scenario is classic and a little bit very silly. The Doctor finds himself at a moment in Earth history which isn't playing out the way he remembers it and so he must figure out what's going on with his new companion.
Hard to say whether Doc Eight was in form because we don't have much content to compare with but it was convincing enough for me and I'm stoked that these exist as a way to explore his character further.
The new companion is Charley and she seems pretty cool. A bit of a badass, like a 1930s Ace.
All of the characters and voices were really great, apart from one dude with a horrible fake accent. One of the other characters goes from being a dislikeable, pompous ass at the beginning to a bearable, pompous ass at the end but it's kind of humorous how that progresses.
There are a few bits of forced sentimentality that just don't work, but they are easy enough to let slide. For example, near the end Doc mentions that his new companion knows him better than anyone else on board, which may be technically true, but only by about 5 minutes.
I am usually not bothered with half star ratings but I'd love to give this a 3.5, it's better than the handful of other BF DW audio dramas that I've tried so it gets a solid 4 on GR.
Keep an ear open for the reference to the 1976 film, 'Network'. It's hard to miss if you know it. Roarrrr.
I came upon this because I wanted to check out the Big Finish 'Cyberman' series of audio dramas. That series focuses on a war in the Orion system and I was led back to 'Sword Of Orion' (BF DW 017), which either starts that thread or at least precedes it chronologically. I noted that 'Sword of Orion' is set right after this story, and this one also appears to be McGann's first audio drama, so I thought I should check it out and see if there was anything about the Orion War in this. There isn't, in case you too were wondering, (I'm sure you weren't), and also there's probably a fan wiki which could have saved me the trouble but now I'm set to do all the Doc Eight adventures in order and I'm set to branch off in the Orion War direction. So my overthinking mind is temporarily at ease.
Original Review................................
Yeahh, so let's start with the quick disclaimer: Audio dramas are not my thing.
That said, I thought this was quite a bit of fun. The scenario is classic and a little bit very silly. The Doctor finds himself at a moment in Earth history which isn't playing out the way he remembers it and so he must figure out what's going on with his new companion.
Hard to say whether Doc Eight was in form because we don't have much content to compare with but it was convincing enough for me and I'm stoked that these exist as a way to explore his character further.
The new companion is Charley and she seems pretty cool. A bit of a badass, like a 1930s Ace.
All of the characters and voices were really great, apart from one dude with a horrible fake accent. One of the other characters goes from being a dislikeable, pompous ass at the beginning to a bearable, pompous ass at the end but it's kind of humorous how that progresses.
There are a few bits of forced sentimentality that just don't work, but they are easy enough to let slide. For example, near the end Doc mentions that his new companion knows him better than anyone else on board, which may be technically true, but only by about 5 minutes.
I am usually not bothered with half star ratings but I'd love to give this a 3.5, it's better than the handful of other BF DW audio dramas that I've tried so it gets a solid 4 on GR.
Keep an ear open for the reference to the 1976 film, 'Network'. It's hard to miss if you know it. Roarrrr.
I came upon this because I wanted to check out the Big Finish 'Cyberman' series of audio dramas. That series focuses on a war in the Orion system and I was led back to 'Sword Of Orion' (BF DW 017), which either starts that thread or at least precedes it chronologically. I noted that 'Sword of Orion' is set right after this story, and this one also appears to be McGann's first audio drama, so I thought I should check it out and see if there was anything about the Orion War in this. There isn't, in case you too were wondering, (I'm sure you weren't), and also there's probably a fan wiki which could have saved me the trouble but now I'm set to do all the Doc Eight adventures in order and I'm set to branch off in the Orion War direction. So my overthinking mind is temporarily at ease.
April 18, 2016
'Storm Warning' not only saw me my first introduction into the world of Big Finish audios, but also into audio books in general. And boy, was it a good place to start such an adventure!
First things first, thank goodness for Big Finish; who continued to pick up from the Doctor Who movie and expand on McGann's Eighth Doctor, breathing even more life into the character and letting fans explore his adventures in a way that the movie and series was unfortunately never able to. 'Storm Warning' isn't just the story of where the listener is first introduced to the Eighth Doctor post 90's movie, but it also see's the introduction of Charley Pollard, his companion.
The story itself is a great and interesting one also. Following on from the set up and mood of the Classic Who era, it is set up into four 'episodes'. As you continue on further into listening to the story develop, the listener discovers more twists and secrets unraveled, much like one would when watching the televised show.
Without saying too much about what happens, the audio begins with the Doctor finding himself on an airship, and of course in his normal curious nature, the Doctor decides to take a little detour to explore, eventually finding himself involved with a bigger plot afoot. Yet while he's exploring, Charley herself has managed to sneak aboard the ship as a stowaway, only to quickly be discovered.
A great introduction into the world of the Eighth Doctor's stories, and shows exactly what McGann can bring to the role when given the opportunity to develop the character more in his own space. A wonderful cast of voice actors at work here too, and I have say that if there is anyone out there thinking about starting these stories but slightly on the hesitant side about if they would enjoy them or not -- try out a download or order the first CD and see what you think. It's only £5 on the Big Finish website (cheaper for a digital download), and you never know. You might just find yourself beginning to enjoy a series you've always loved from a whole new perspective!
First things first, thank goodness for Big Finish; who continued to pick up from the Doctor Who movie and expand on McGann's Eighth Doctor, breathing even more life into the character and letting fans explore his adventures in a way that the movie and series was unfortunately never able to. 'Storm Warning' isn't just the story of where the listener is first introduced to the Eighth Doctor post 90's movie, but it also see's the introduction of Charley Pollard, his companion.
The story itself is a great and interesting one also. Following on from the set up and mood of the Classic Who era, it is set up into four 'episodes'. As you continue on further into listening to the story develop, the listener discovers more twists and secrets unraveled, much like one would when watching the televised show.
Without saying too much about what happens, the audio begins with the Doctor finding himself on an airship, and of course in his normal curious nature, the Doctor decides to take a little detour to explore, eventually finding himself involved with a bigger plot afoot. Yet while he's exploring, Charley herself has managed to sneak aboard the ship as a stowaway, only to quickly be discovered.
A great introduction into the world of the Eighth Doctor's stories, and shows exactly what McGann can bring to the role when given the opportunity to develop the character more in his own space. A wonderful cast of voice actors at work here too, and I have say that if there is anyone out there thinking about starting these stories but slightly on the hesitant side about if they would enjoy them or not -- try out a download or order the first CD and see what you think. It's only £5 on the Big Finish website (cheaper for a digital download), and you never know. You might just find yourself beginning to enjoy a series you've always loved from a whole new perspective!
May 29, 2024
This was my first foray into the 8th Doctor's stories beyond what had been depicted on screen. I did really enjoy this although I never got the chance to keep going due to not having a good way to listen to Big Finish besides buying the stories and/or paying for a service like Spotify. Would certainly like to try again some day.
March 26, 2016
My first 8th Doctor audio adventure! This one's very well regarded. A new classic. I'm still bit of a novice to Big Finish outside of Dorian Gray. Did find this well worth the $2.99 for the download.
December 6, 2021
Wonderful. I really enjoyed this, especially the charm of the 8th doctor which is really strong in this work.
July 23, 2023
It's nice to see the 8th doctor having an adventure. The villains are not very imagined but are still scary. A good starting point for No.8.
July 17, 2024
The Perfect Reintroduction To The 8th Doctor On Audio.
After getting into some of Paul's later stories at Big Finish I was very nervous to go back to the very beginning of the 8th Doctor on audio but to say I was surprisingly impressed is an understatement. For a Doctor that was barley established in his own appearance Alan Barnes manages to reintroduce The 8th Doctor in the perfect way whilst also staying true to the campy, bizarre aesthetic and style of the movie. From the beautifully introduction of Charlie Pollard to the unique setting of R101.
Before I get into the good, I do have some critiques that I feel it important to address.
First the sound editing. I can partially excuse this due to the version I listen to being unabridged but wether free or under a pay wall it's important every listener has a fair experience. The editing felt very clunky and it really took me out of the listening and emersion sometimes. The voice filter on the Aliens made it super tricky picking out what they were saying and each member of the species felt indistinguishable from the other. There were times I also felt the music came in at the wrong time.
I also think the pacing and order was a bit messy. Without spoilers some scenes felt really disjoint and out of place for example I feel like the R101 should have been the very first thing introduced. I also think the main plotline of the story was not given enough time to be developed and fleshed and it also would have been better if people other than Charlie knew about these plot points. It felt like a mix of ET and Titanic but we didn't have enough time to develop the titanic part of the story. It felt a bit anticlimactic.
Other than that though I really enjoyed this audio as it truly felt like the beginning of the 8th Doctor's own era that was robbed from him unjustly. It feels so fresh and creative and is also a really good to what fans dub "The Charlie Arc". Barnes created a truly fantastic historical Doctor Who episode and wrote it with great care. It's so hard to nail down my favourite aspects but these are just a few of the audios strengths.
First the writing and characterisation of the 8th Doctor. Although Paul MacGann has been able to flesh out the 8th Doctor's character through mutiple audio stories, Storm Warning is the beginning of that well needed fleshing out. Barnes had the challenge of developing a Doctor, who had been high on regeneration for the whole of his first story so therefore didn't have much personality and passed the test with flying colours. It's not easy feet but from the opening moments Eigth becomes the typical Doctor we all know and leave. Elevated by Paul MacGanns performance you can tell in this audio there's a strong edge of loneliness in the character and he works better with friends by his side. You can see that familiar spark in The Doctor's personality once he meets Charlie. He also has the same camp flamboyance from the TV movie but he also shows his dangerous and villianous side. This story really plants the ground routes of who the 8th Doctor as a character.
Secondly the historical setting. This truly felt your classic doctor who episode with your typical formula and that's a good. Storm Warning gave me true 2005, Doctor Who vibes and that's definitely due to the incredible historical setting. It had all the building blocks that make an interesting historical episode. I also felt like the time period was handled respectfully as well. Showing the darkside of the British Empire is not only a brave and bold thing to do but it's also accurate to history. From the aesthetic of the 1930s to the sounds everything I'd accurate to a tea which allows you to feel immersed in the story as a result. It also helps through the incredible performances of the side cast who perfect emulate British people from the 30s. The historical setting is perfect for the story as it allows for the Triskele to point a mirror back at the crew of the R101. This story is definitely worth it for the historical setting.
Finally the Triskele. When I say this story gives off titanic meets E.T I absolutely mean it. Doctor Who loves to come up with fascinating Aliens and the Triskele are no exception. It's really hard to make appealing orginal Aliens on audio but Barnes manages to do it with the Triskele really well in the story. Its such a typical Doctor Who thing to do to have an unknown alien hitch a ride on an old historical ship. The lore for the creatures are also really fascinating and something that is very gripping to listen to and it's relatable to The Doctor's character in a way too. Their role exposes how us a humans would truly respond to the arrival of extra terrestrial creatures.
Overall a fantastic historical audio that perfect sets up Eight and Charlie's adventures as well as allowing for a Doctor who got no development to gain some. It's a wild listen that will leave you thrills, heartbreak and excitement.
Definitely an audio I'd recommend to give a listen.
(The first 50 of the main range are on Spotify for free so I definitely recommend checking it out)
After getting into some of Paul's later stories at Big Finish I was very nervous to go back to the very beginning of the 8th Doctor on audio but to say I was surprisingly impressed is an understatement. For a Doctor that was barley established in his own appearance Alan Barnes manages to reintroduce The 8th Doctor in the perfect way whilst also staying true to the campy, bizarre aesthetic and style of the movie. From the beautifully introduction of Charlie Pollard to the unique setting of R101.
Before I get into the good, I do have some critiques that I feel it important to address.
First the sound editing. I can partially excuse this due to the version I listen to being unabridged but wether free or under a pay wall it's important every listener has a fair experience. The editing felt very clunky and it really took me out of the listening and emersion sometimes. The voice filter on the Aliens made it super tricky picking out what they were saying and each member of the species felt indistinguishable from the other. There were times I also felt the music came in at the wrong time.
I also think the pacing and order was a bit messy. Without spoilers some scenes felt really disjoint and out of place for example I feel like the R101 should have been the very first thing introduced. I also think the main plotline of the story was not given enough time to be developed and fleshed and it also would have been better if people other than Charlie knew about these plot points. It felt like a mix of ET and Titanic but we didn't have enough time to develop the titanic part of the story. It felt a bit anticlimactic.
Other than that though I really enjoyed this audio as it truly felt like the beginning of the 8th Doctor's own era that was robbed from him unjustly. It feels so fresh and creative and is also a really good to what fans dub "The Charlie Arc". Barnes created a truly fantastic historical Doctor Who episode and wrote it with great care. It's so hard to nail down my favourite aspects but these are just a few of the audios strengths.
First the writing and characterisation of the 8th Doctor. Although Paul MacGann has been able to flesh out the 8th Doctor's character through mutiple audio stories, Storm Warning is the beginning of that well needed fleshing out. Barnes had the challenge of developing a Doctor, who had been high on regeneration for the whole of his first story so therefore didn't have much personality and passed the test with flying colours. It's not easy feet but from the opening moments Eigth becomes the typical Doctor we all know and leave. Elevated by Paul MacGanns performance you can tell in this audio there's a strong edge of loneliness in the character and he works better with friends by his side. You can see that familiar spark in The Doctor's personality once he meets Charlie. He also has the same camp flamboyance from the TV movie but he also shows his dangerous and villianous side. This story really plants the ground routes of who the 8th Doctor as a character.
Secondly the historical setting. This truly felt your classic doctor who episode with your typical formula and that's a good. Storm Warning gave me true 2005, Doctor Who vibes and that's definitely due to the incredible historical setting. It had all the building blocks that make an interesting historical episode. I also felt like the time period was handled respectfully as well. Showing the darkside of the British Empire is not only a brave and bold thing to do but it's also accurate to history. From the aesthetic of the 1930s to the sounds everything I'd accurate to a tea which allows you to feel immersed in the story as a result. It also helps through the incredible performances of the side cast who perfect emulate British people from the 30s. The historical setting is perfect for the story as it allows for the Triskele to point a mirror back at the crew of the R101. This story is definitely worth it for the historical setting.
Finally the Triskele. When I say this story gives off titanic meets E.T I absolutely mean it. Doctor Who loves to come up with fascinating Aliens and the Triskele are no exception. It's really hard to make appealing orginal Aliens on audio but Barnes manages to do it with the Triskele really well in the story. Its such a typical Doctor Who thing to do to have an unknown alien hitch a ride on an old historical ship. The lore for the creatures are also really fascinating and something that is very gripping to listen to and it's relatable to The Doctor's character in a way too. Their role exposes how us a humans would truly respond to the arrival of extra terrestrial creatures.
Overall a fantastic historical audio that perfect sets up Eight and Charlie's adventures as well as allowing for a Doctor who got no development to gain some. It's a wild listen that will leave you thrills, heartbreak and excitement.
Definitely an audio I'd recommend to give a listen.
(The first 50 of the main range are on Spotify for free so I definitely recommend checking it out)
June 12, 2021
Starring Paul McGann as the 8th Doctor in his first Big Finish production, here is where he meets Edwardian adventuress, future companion and stowaway on airship R101's maiden flight, Charlotte Pollard (played by India Fisher)
It's a brilliant story that chucks the doctor in, quite literally, through a gap in time, pulling a Vortisaur in with him, to this airship which has been modified in ways that history has not recorded. There are supposed to be 53 passengers but the 54th (Charley) shouldn't be there. Because, the Doctor knows that this voyage does not have a safe landing in it's future. What does this have to do with German spies, travellers out of time, a very dodgy South African passenger who is in charge of the mysterious occupant of cabin 45...
Featuring many of the time lord's trademarks-quips about a man's nose being as red as Lenin's pyjamas are met with 'they were mauve when I met him...', revelations about the Russian Tsarina being excellent at tiddly winks, have the casual listener recognising that Paul McGann is the Doctor. His enthusiasm and grip of the role-non violent, using guns is against everything he stands for-is immediate and genuine. Many people still consider him a one hit wonder, star of the ill fated TV Movie and a brief cameo in the 50th anniversary special
However, if you add up all the stories that Big Finish have recorded solely with him, as well as collabs with other iterations of the Doctor, then actually, I believe he is the longest serving actor in the role.
The beauty of the audio books are that special effects are a combination of the narration being explanatory, yet not expositional, and the listener's imagination. There are some brilliant and hair raising moments, and a twist in the tale which leads you to think that Charley and the Doctor might not plainly sail through their companionship...
The interactions and chemistry between the two leads is fantastic, they banter and bicker like old friends, instead of people who have only just met. Pulled to Charley by her empathy as well as her thirst for adventure, this sets up one of the most poignant relationships in modern Who.
I have listened to a lot of the 8th Doctor Adventures, and, on one occasion met Paul McGann (honestly, such a beautiful and friendly man, my daughter and I nearly cried, he was so lovely!)but never heard the Charley/8 origin story.
I listened to it on Spotify, and it is also available on the Big Finish website, running time is 1 hour and 56 minutes over 4 parts! Highly recommended!
It's a brilliant story that chucks the doctor in, quite literally, through a gap in time, pulling a Vortisaur in with him, to this airship which has been modified in ways that history has not recorded. There are supposed to be 53 passengers but the 54th (Charley) shouldn't be there. Because, the Doctor knows that this voyage does not have a safe landing in it's future. What does this have to do with German spies, travellers out of time, a very dodgy South African passenger who is in charge of the mysterious occupant of cabin 45...
Featuring many of the time lord's trademarks-quips about a man's nose being as red as Lenin's pyjamas are met with 'they were mauve when I met him...', revelations about the Russian Tsarina being excellent at tiddly winks, have the casual listener recognising that Paul McGann is the Doctor. His enthusiasm and grip of the role-non violent, using guns is against everything he stands for-is immediate and genuine. Many people still consider him a one hit wonder, star of the ill fated TV Movie and a brief cameo in the 50th anniversary special
However, if you add up all the stories that Big Finish have recorded solely with him, as well as collabs with other iterations of the Doctor, then actually, I believe he is the longest serving actor in the role.
The beauty of the audio books are that special effects are a combination of the narration being explanatory, yet not expositional, and the listener's imagination. There are some brilliant and hair raising moments, and a twist in the tale which leads you to think that Charley and the Doctor might not plainly sail through their companionship...
The interactions and chemistry between the two leads is fantastic, they banter and bicker like old friends, instead of people who have only just met. Pulled to Charley by her empathy as well as her thirst for adventure, this sets up one of the most poignant relationships in modern Who.
I have listened to a lot of the 8th Doctor Adventures, and, on one occasion met Paul McGann (honestly, such a beautiful and friendly man, my daughter and I nearly cried, he was so lovely!)but never heard the Charley/8 origin story.
I listened to it on Spotify, and it is also available on the Big Finish website, running time is 1 hour and 56 minutes over 4 parts! Highly recommended!
January 17, 2021
Part1
ヴォルテックスの中を航行中、ドクターが図書室でターディスのマニュアルを探していると、緊急事態警報が鳴り響く。モニターを見ると墜落したタイムシップがタイムループに陥り永遠に墜落を繰り返している。そのエネルギーに惹かれたヴォルティサウルスがタイムシップに侵入しようとしていた。ドクターはターディスを使ってヴォルティサウルスを追っ払い、タイムシップをタイムループから救おうとするが、ヴォルティサウルスに狙われて、振り切るためにヴォルテックスを出て着地する。そこはR101という航行中の飛行船の中で、重さのバランスを取るためにタンクの水を放出時に、タンクの中に着地したターディスも排出されてしまう。ターディスを取り戻す方法を考えていると、不審な音が聞こえてくる。調べようとした時、追っ手から逃げてきた密航者のチャーリーと遭遇。ドクターはこの船が嵐で墜落したR101と気がつく。話している間にも雷が鳴り嵐が近づいてくる気配がしていた。
Part2
客室の43号室から悲鳴が聞こえ、駆けつけた客室乗務員長のウッドと協力して扉をぶち破る。乗客のラスボーンが窓から侵入したヴォルティサウルスに襲われていた。ドクターは熱いコーヒーでヴォルティサウルスを追い払う。43号室にはラスボーン以外に客がいた。ラスボーンはチャーリーを人質にヴォルティサウルスをどうにかしろと命じる。ドクターは自分の血でヴォルテサウルスをおびき寄せ、ウッドの協力で薬で眠らせる。さらにドクターはウッドにタムワース卿の元に案内させる。設計者のフレイングはこれ以上の飛行は無理とタムワース卿に忠告するが聞き入れてもらえない。ドクターはタムワース卿に飛行船がこの悪天候を飛行できるコンディションではないと進言する。タムワース卿はドクターをゼッペリンの社員と思い込む。ドクターは43号室についても忠告する。ドクターはタムワース卿を43号室につれていく。謎の乗客とドクターはコミュニケーションをとることを試みる。チャーリーに触れてみるようにいい、チャーリーは謎の乗客にシンパシーを感じる。謎の乗客は明らかに異星人であり、ラスボーンは英国情報部の将校であり、タムワース卿と共に謎の客をランデブーポイントまで運ぶ任務を抱えていた。ランデブーポイントに近づいた時、轟音が響きわたり巨大な宇宙船が飛行船の間近に出現する。
Part3
謎の乗客の正体はトリスキーリという異星人のエンジニア・プライムだった。飛行船は宇宙船の中に牽引され、タムワース卿とフレイングとドクターの3人がトリスキーリ星人の幹部と話し合うことに。トリスキーリ星人はエンジニアとアンクリエーターとローギバーの3種で構成され、エンジニアは理性的・理論的に行動し、アンクリエーターは直感で行動、ローギバーは意志であり、エンジニアとアンクリエーターのバランスを取る役割を担うが、ローギバーは老い、アンクリエーター達に死を望まれている。ローギバーは新たなローギバーを求め人間と接触したのだ。エンジニアたちはドクターを新たなローギバーに、アンクリエーターはラスボーンを新たなローギバーに望んでいた。そこに武器を持ったラスボーンが宇宙船に乗り込んでくる。ラスボーンは宇宙船の技術をイギリスに持ち帰ろうとしており、ラスボーンの残忍さを非難したローギバーを射殺する。ローギバーの制限から解き放たれたアンクリエーターは地球に宣戦布告をする。
Part4
交戦状態にはいったラスボーンに率いられたイギリス軍とアンクリエーター。ところが戦闘を止めようとタムワード卿が怒鳴るとアンクリエーター達が怯むのをみたドクターは、アンクリエーター達が何世代にもわたって命令を与えられることに慣れきっていると気がつき、皆にアンクリエーターを全力で怒鳴りつけるようアドバイスする。アンクリエーター・プライムはドクターを殺すよう命じるが、タムワース卿はアンクリエーター・プライムに張り合って、アンクリエーターたちに新たなローギバーとして名乗りをあげる。アンクリエーター・プライムはラスボーンを操ろうとするが、ラスボーンは抵抗。タムワース卿はトリスキールに意思決定の決め方を教える手伝いをすると決めた、共にトリスキール星人たちと去るとドクターにつげる。ドクターはタイムワース卿に飛行船を無事に目的地に到着させてほしいと頼まれ約束するが、歴史は変えられないので乗組員と乗客を避難させようとするが...
感想
8thドクターのはじめてのオーディオストーリー。R101という数時間後には墜落してしまうイギリスの飛行船が舞台。基本的には人当たりの柔らかい。でもいざとなると苛烈な面も見せる。相変わらずのうっかりさん。
墜落するとわかっていて、歴史を変えられないこともわかっていて、それでもせめて皆を避難させることはできないかとギリギリまで粘るドクター。船の中で出会ったチャーリーは密航者だったので自分と一緒に助かっても大丈夫と思いきや...。チャーリーが生き残るということは歴史がなんらかの形で変わってしまうということ。タイムロードとしてルールを守るなら事故前に遡りチャーリーを置いて来なければいけない。しかし、チャーリーは命がけでドクターを助けてくれた恩人。苦悩するドクター。チャーリーにそのことを打ち明けようとするが、チャーリーがドクターが時間と宇宙を飛び回る旅に誘っているのだと思い大喜びで承諾。ドクターもチャーリーをコンパニオンとしてつれていくことにする。このままチャーリが地球の時間軸から離れることで歴史の歪みが深刻なものにならないという流れだといいのだが、あとからツケを支払うハメになるとすれば辛い。度胸があり、心優しいチャーリーはドクターのコンパニオンにはピッタリ。どうなるかこの先の展開が気になるところだ。
ヴォルテックスの中を航行中、ドクターが図書室でターディスのマニュアルを探していると、緊急事態警報が鳴り響く。モニターを見ると墜落したタイムシップがタイムループに陥り永遠に墜落を繰り返している。そのエネルギーに惹かれたヴォルティサウルスがタイムシップに侵入しようとしていた。ドクターはターディスを使ってヴォルティサウルスを追っ払い、タイムシップをタイムループから救おうとするが、ヴォルティサウルスに狙われて、振り切るためにヴォルテックスを出て着地する。そこはR101という航行中の飛行船の中で、重さのバランスを取るためにタンクの水を放出時に、タンクの中に着地したターディスも排出されてしまう。ターディスを取り戻す方法を考えていると、不審な音が聞こえてくる。調べようとした時、追っ手から逃げてきた密航者のチャーリーと遭遇。ドクターはこの船が嵐で墜落したR101と気がつく。話している間にも雷が鳴り嵐が近づいてくる気配がしていた。
Part2
客室の43号室から悲鳴が聞こえ、駆けつけた客室乗務員長のウッドと協力して扉をぶち破る。乗客のラスボーンが窓から侵入したヴォルティサウルスに襲われていた。ドクターは熱いコーヒーでヴォルティサウルスを追い払う。43号室にはラスボーン以外に客がいた。ラスボーンはチャーリーを人質にヴォルティサウルスをどうにかしろと命じる。ドクターは自分の血でヴォルテサウルスをおびき寄せ、ウッドの協力で薬で眠らせる。さらにドクターはウッドにタムワース卿の元に案内させる。設計者のフレイングはこれ以上の飛行は無理とタムワース卿に忠告するが聞き入れてもらえない。ドクターはタムワース卿に飛行船がこの悪天候を飛行できるコンディションではないと進言する。タムワース卿はドクターをゼッペリンの社員と思い込む。ドクターは43号室についても忠告する。ドクターはタムワース卿を43号室につれていく。謎の乗客とドクターはコミュニケーションをとることを試みる。チャーリーに触れてみるようにいい、チャーリーは謎の乗客にシンパシーを感じる。謎の乗客は明らかに異星人であり、ラスボーンは英国情報部の将校であり、タムワース卿と共に謎の客をランデブーポイントまで運ぶ任務を抱えていた。ランデブーポイントに近づいた時、轟音が響きわたり巨大な宇宙船が飛行船の間近に出現する。
Part3
謎の乗客の正体はトリスキーリという異星人のエンジニア・プライムだった。飛行船は宇宙船の中に牽引され、タムワース卿とフレイングとドクターの3人がトリスキーリ星人の幹部と話し合うことに。トリスキーリ星人はエンジニアとアンクリエーターとローギバーの3種で構成され、エンジニアは理性的・理論的に行動し、アンクリエーターは直感で行動、ローギバーは意志であり、エンジニアとアンクリエーターのバランスを取る役割を担うが、ローギバーは老い、アンクリエーター達に死を望まれている。ローギバーは新たなローギバーを求め人間と接触したのだ。エンジニアたちはドクターを新たなローギバーに、アンクリエーターはラスボーンを新たなローギバーに望んでいた。そこに武器を持ったラスボーンが宇宙船に乗り込んでくる。ラスボーンは宇宙船の技術をイギリスに持ち帰ろうとしており、ラスボーンの残忍さを非難したローギバーを射殺する。ローギバーの制限から解き放たれたアンクリエーターは地球に宣戦布告をする。
Part4
交戦状態にはいったラスボーンに率いられたイギリス軍とアンクリエーター。ところが戦闘を止めようとタムワード卿が怒鳴るとアンクリエーター達が怯むのをみたドクターは、アンクリエーター達が何世代にもわたって命令を与えられることに慣れきっていると気がつき、皆にアンクリエーターを全力で怒鳴りつけるようアドバイスする。アンクリエーター・プライムはドクターを殺すよう命じるが、タムワース卿はアンクリエーター・プライムに張り合って、アンクリエーターたちに新たなローギバーとして名乗りをあげる。アンクリエーター・プライムはラスボーンを操ろうとするが、ラスボーンは抵抗。タムワース卿はトリスキールに意思決定の決め方を教える手伝いをすると決めた、共にトリスキール星人たちと去るとドクターにつげる。ドクターはタイムワース卿に飛行船を無事に目的地に到着させてほしいと頼まれ約束するが、歴史は変えられないので乗組員と乗客を避難させようとするが...
感想
8thドクターのはじめてのオーディオストーリー。R101という数時間後には墜落してしまうイギリスの飛行船が舞台。基本的には人当たりの柔らかい。でもいざとなると苛烈な面も見せる。相変わらずのうっかりさん。
墜落するとわかっていて、歴史を変えられないこともわかっていて、それでもせめて皆を避難させることはできないかとギリギリまで粘るドクター。船の中で出会ったチャーリーは密航者だったので自分と一緒に助かっても大丈夫と思いきや...。チャーリーが生き残るということは歴史がなんらかの形で変わってしまうということ。タイムロードとしてルールを守るなら事故前に遡りチャーリーを置いて来なければいけない。しかし、チャーリーは命がけでドクターを助けてくれた恩人。苦悩するドクター。チャーリーにそのことを打ち明けようとするが、チャーリーがドクターが時間と宇宙を飛び回る旅に誘っているのだと思い大喜びで承諾。ドクターもチャーリーをコンパニオンとしてつれていくことにする。このままチャーリが地球の時間軸から離れることで歴史の歪みが深刻なものにならないという流れだといいのだが、あとからツケを支払うハメになるとすれば辛い。度胸があり、心優しいチャーリーはドクターのコンパニオンにはピッタリ。どうなるかこの先の展開が気になるところだ。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2020
Storm Warning, the very first audio drama to feature the Eighth Doctor is in my opinion as almost perfect as a pilot could possibly be.
The Eighth Doctor arrives on the R-101, and he meets Charlotte Pollard, a wannabe Edwardian Adventurer. But it turns out that the R-101's maiden voyage has an ulterior motive...
The plot is fantastic. Not only is it fast paced, it's thrilling, magical, and it captures the very essence of what a Doctor Who story should be: an spectacular adventure.
I adore this, and I really think it's underrated.
Paul McGann is top notch, although when he was talking to himself at the start it was apparent that it was for our benefit, but it was a minor fault.
Charley is hands down one of my favourite companions. A budding adventuress, and she is presented as being smart and adventurous, and she is impeccably well written. Her determination to prove her friends and family wrong is fantastic. India Fisher plays her exceptionally.
The supporting characters are not only distinguishingable, but they are also acted superbly.
The music is no less than breathtaking, and I have a separate review just for that.
The soundscape is lacking, such as the rain not really sounding that realistic, but it's forgivable as this is an early Big Finish story.
What's not to love about this story? It's near perfect. This story sets up so much, and is such a monumental story. This dawned a new era of Doctor Who, and was the precursor to so much. I could go on and on about just how influential this was.
The Eighth Doctor arrives on the R-101, and he meets Charlotte Pollard, a wannabe Edwardian Adventurer. But it turns out that the R-101's maiden voyage has an ulterior motive...
The plot is fantastic. Not only is it fast paced, it's thrilling, magical, and it captures the very essence of what a Doctor Who story should be: an spectacular adventure.
I adore this, and I really think it's underrated.
Paul McGann is top notch, although when he was talking to himself at the start it was apparent that it was for our benefit, but it was a minor fault.
Charley is hands down one of my favourite companions. A budding adventuress, and she is presented as being smart and adventurous, and she is impeccably well written. Her determination to prove her friends and family wrong is fantastic. India Fisher plays her exceptionally.
The supporting characters are not only distinguishingable, but they are also acted superbly.
The music is no less than breathtaking, and I have a separate review just for that.
The soundscape is lacking, such as the rain not really sounding that realistic, but it's forgivable as this is an early Big Finish story.
What's not to love about this story? It's near perfect. This story sets up so much, and is such a monumental story. This dawned a new era of Doctor Who, and was the precursor to so much. I could go on and on about just how influential this was.
July 13, 2024
My girlfriend and I have been getting back into Doctor Who big time recently, binging the first three modern series over the past month. I haven't watched it since Series 8 in 2014. Now that I'm older I am actually gaining much more appreciation for the show's writing and universe, so I decided I'd check out some of the audios to see what kind of stories can be told in that format. I am going with the Eighth Doctor since he's an incarnation that is predominantly audio-based other than his canon movie set between the classic and modern shows. This was the first audio produced for Eight so I am starting here.
As with any 3 star rating of mine, this was a good story that was perfectly enjoyable. A standalone setting on a 1930s Zepellin that finds itself caught up in a conspiracy is a fine enough introduction to a new Doctor. I'm under the impression this is considered a solid start but it gets way better in future audios and that sounds about right. Highlights included Paul McGann's performance as the Doctor, the energetic and vibrant companion Charley, and the way the story merged a spy thriller with alien conspiracies on a fantastical setting in the skies. It was also very easy to follow the action despite consisting primarily of dialogue. My only real complaint is that the final act is a bit generic in resolution but that's not anything new for Doctor Who.
As with any 3 star rating of mine, this was a good story that was perfectly enjoyable. A standalone setting on a 1930s Zepellin that finds itself caught up in a conspiracy is a fine enough introduction to a new Doctor. I'm under the impression this is considered a solid start but it gets way better in future audios and that sounds about right. Highlights included Paul McGann's performance as the Doctor, the energetic and vibrant companion Charley, and the way the story merged a spy thriller with alien conspiracies on a fantastical setting in the skies. It was also very easy to follow the action despite consisting primarily of dialogue. My only real complaint is that the final act is a bit generic in resolution but that's not anything new for Doctor Who.
October 2, 2018
I have recently become absolutely addicted to the Eighth Doctor's Audio Adventures, and this particular story was a great introduction to the Doctor Who audios. The story is engaging, well written and definitely well performed.
India Fisher is fantastic as the plucky Charley Pollard, and her chemistry with Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor is wonderful. Paul McGann himself is simply superb, and it really makes me wish that he had been given the television season that he clearly deserves instead of just that awful TV movie. He brings such a sense of charm and energy, and honestly has become one of my favourite Doctors in one short story.
This is a very good introduction to the Eighth Doctor, the audios in general, and the setting of the Zeppelin and aliens make for a fantastic adventure. Highly recommended for anyone who is keen to experience more Doctor Who.
(Also, I actually listened to this in 2018, but since these are audio dramas and not novels, I didn't want them to be included in my reading challenges. Hence, 2017 is the year that all of these are going to be filed under.)
India Fisher is fantastic as the plucky Charley Pollard, and her chemistry with Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor is wonderful. Paul McGann himself is simply superb, and it really makes me wish that he had been given the television season that he clearly deserves instead of just that awful TV movie. He brings such a sense of charm and energy, and honestly has become one of my favourite Doctors in one short story.
This is a very good introduction to the Eighth Doctor, the audios in general, and the setting of the Zeppelin and aliens make for a fantastic adventure. Highly recommended for anyone who is keen to experience more Doctor Who.
(Also, I actually listened to this in 2018, but since these are audio dramas and not novels, I didn't want them to be included in my reading challenges. Hence, 2017 is the year that all of these are going to be filed under.)
January 31, 2021
As a first experience with Doctor Who audiobooks (or the Eight Doctor outside of the TV movie), it's a solid story.
The Doctor and companion Charley are good throughout and pretty instantly likeable. There are hints of edge to this Doctor, but he's mostly in positive spirits in this story. Charley is sassy without it being annoying or over-the-top and comes across as an actual human being. The supporting cast is solid, with two surprises in Tamworth and Frayling and one more clichéd individual in Rathbone.
The general story is good but is maybe resolved a bit too easily. It also suffers from the Doctor just spending several minutes explaining the plot and nothing really happening aside from that. I understand "show don't tell" is a bit hard to pull off in an audiobook, but there should be a better way to make this work, I feel. Aside from that it's well written; I'll always love a story that introduces a seemingly random/innocuous element early on only to tie it back in later on.
If anyone is hesitant to get into Doctor Who audiobooks, this is a solid first story that's also available on Spotify.
The Doctor and companion Charley are good throughout and pretty instantly likeable. There are hints of edge to this Doctor, but he's mostly in positive spirits in this story. Charley is sassy without it being annoying or over-the-top and comes across as an actual human being. The supporting cast is solid, with two surprises in Tamworth and Frayling and one more clichéd individual in Rathbone.
The general story is good but is maybe resolved a bit too easily. It also suffers from the Doctor just spending several minutes explaining the plot and nothing really happening aside from that. I understand "show don't tell" is a bit hard to pull off in an audiobook, but there should be a better way to make this work, I feel. Aside from that it's well written; I'll always love a story that introduces a seemingly random/innocuous element early on only to tie it back in later on.
If anyone is hesitant to get into Doctor Who audiobooks, this is a solid first story that's also available on Spotify.
July 21, 2020
This is free on Spotify right now (Main Range 16: Storm Warning) and it's an excellent introduction to Paul McGann's 8th Doctor and Charley as a companion. McGann is an underrated Doctor, not helped by the fact that he only has two live-action adventures (and one of them being a YouTube short), but this is where he really comes into his own. The plot feels like a first contact storyline that Star Trek: The Next Generation would often do but with a twist in that it's set in the past and The Doctor thinks he knows where all of this is going to go, only it turns out he doesn't.
The pace is well-told over 4 consecutive parts that flow nicely together and the audio itself is just under two hours long int total. Big Finish have been producing Doctor Who storylines for a while now, and it's safe to say that I can't wait to listen to more of their work with the narrative free from the show's infamous budget constrictions.
The pace is well-told over 4 consecutive parts that flow nicely together and the audio itself is just under two hours long int total. Big Finish have been producing Doctor Who storylines for a while now, and it's safe to say that I can't wait to listen to more of their work with the narrative free from the show's infamous budget constrictions.
October 17, 2022
A strong opening to the Eighth Doctor's entry to Big Finish, and great to have him able to do more than just the Movie :) Also introduces Charlie, an unusual companion for classic era sort of Doctor Who, in that generally quite keen to adventure, compared to the general accidental companions of the past (though more in line with New Who).
Interesting story here around the R101, not something I had heard about prior to listening to this for the first time.
The plot line is perhaps a little obvious at times, albeit has a couple of interesting little twists, but serves well as a vehicle for the Eighth Doctor and Charlie's introduction.
The other characters are a little bit of a mixed bag for me, with some inconsistent characterisation for a couple, one a little stereotypical, but one was quite good and defied expectations.
All round a good listen.
Interesting story here around the R101, not something I had heard about prior to listening to this for the first time.
The plot line is perhaps a little obvious at times, albeit has a couple of interesting little twists, but serves well as a vehicle for the Eighth Doctor and Charlie's introduction.
The other characters are a little bit of a mixed bag for me, with some inconsistent characterisation for a couple, one a little stereotypical, but one was quite good and defied expectations.
All round a good listen.
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