Good afternoon lady and gentle readers, recently it was Big Finishes 21st anniversary of releasing Doctor Who output. Blimey 21 years, what better way to celebrate than with a list and for your pleasure I have ranked the first 100 releases of The Big Finish monthly range. This is the second round of the rankings taking from 50-41. As usual beware spoilers and enjoy!
50. Unregenerate! Ooooh, we're into the top 50! I've no idea why there is an exclamation mark in the title but what the hell it looks good! What do you mean I've used up my quota of exclamation marks? This is a good one, starting off with a good situation that has the listener demanding to know whats going on. We know the 7th Doctor is in trouble and Mel is given the role as psuedolistener to find out whats going on. Its also a fairly tight play despite the flashy nature of the plot, although it does proper let rip when we get to the cliff hangers. It feels odd having the season 24 team in something that feels very late 7th Doctor era (possibly Virgin New Adventures era) although it doesn't jar, possibly the Doctor is realising he has to make changes if he wants this incarnation to work out. A tight low key story with some brilliant WTF moments.
49. Caerdroia, we're back in the divergent universe with the 8th Doctor, Charley and C'rizz but don't worry this is a fun one. This is the most joyful this arc ever got and theres still the odd dark moment. We're thrown into a series of set pieces that hold together, laugh at the audio format and examine the nature of The Doctor. We're nearly at the end of this arc and it feels like it, things actually matter in this story, we finally get answers and there is a chance to change the status quo. The listeners opinion of this story is going to be based on what you make of Eeyore and Tigger. Personally I enjoyed them and I think Paul McgGann did too.
48. Project Lazurus, lets go back in time to 2003 where for a period of a few months the range went experimental. In this case we have two interlinked two part stories featuring the 6th Doctor with Evelyn and then the 7th Doctor. This is one of the most continuity heavy plays although its not over the top and is rewarding. Its the second (and third) appearance of Nimrod and The Forge and its a good sequel. Its bloody dark as well which you would expect after the first story. Listening to this blind was one of my most rewarding listens as the first two parts flew by at the speed of sound. Evelyn goes through the mill and this is a pivotal story for her. The start of part three and a different incarnation of The Doctor rocking up with no warning is why I listen to the releases blind with no knowledge - as a result its one of my favourite moments in the range.
47. Project Twilight, its the first appearance of The Forge and Nimrod in a play thats a good one off listen as well as setting elements up for the future. Its the 6th Doctor and Evelyn in action with a good thriller set in a London casino. This story is noteworthy for me as its why I listen to the stories blind with no knowledge of anything - the writer gives away the nature of the villains of this story on the inlay notes. As a result it spoiled the first listen and this one is lower in my rankings that it should be. Caven Scott and Mark Wright the writing team have more than made up for it penning some top quality releases one of which is further up this ranking.
46. The Nowhere Place, its another Nicholas Briggs written story and this time he's doing horror with the 6th Doctor and Evelyn. I'm pleased that Nicholas Briggs would take over the range when Gary Russell moved on as I firmly believe he's one of the most consistent creators in Who. This is one of my favourite horror stories in Who and essentially its done with little more than a door and a bell.
45. Live 34, this was another shock to listen to blind. The format of the story is that of a radio broadcast covering the events of an adventure featuring the 7th Doctor, Ace and Hex. This is a case of how the story is told rather than whats actually happening lifting the play. We're hearing this story at points in the form of propaganda by the bad guys. Of note is a guest appearance from Andrew Collins off of 90s radio which lends the play a sense of realism.
44. Memory Lane, its the 8th Doctor, Charley and C'rizz in a surreal play involving a never ending street and the mystery of an astronaut. The image of spring and the snooker world championships gives this play a sense of nostalgia. The mystery of what is going on is delightful and theres some nice moments about culture. In lesser hands this story would be forgotten filler but its lovely in every way.
43. Threes a Crowd, an absolute cracking thriller featuring the 5th Doctor, Peri and Erimem. I love these types of stories as Big Finish do them so well. Set on an isolated space station with the thinning population living their lives with little social interaction - something is blatantly wrong and its up to The Doctor to find out what. Plus Erimem experiencing a science fiction setting is fun and Deborah Watling gives a good turn as Auntie.
42. Time of the Daleks, set in the 8th Doctors second season with Charley along for the ride this play written by Justin Richards whose doing what he does best - writing a romp. This is one of the best examples of a fun story the range has to offer. Theres a little bit of continuity which doesn't hamper the story as the season is nearly at its climax. The dialogue is cracking the jokes are good, there are a few good twists and the plot rockets along - utter fun!
41. Eye of the Scorpion, I've not heard this one in a while so this ranking is based purely on vague memories. However it introduces Erimem to the range joining the 5th Doctor and Peri. Its got a few good jokes, a good Elvis one and a really good memorable finale that makes use of archaeological / historical fact. Its also quite a surprise to see (or hear) us get a new regular. The Egyptian setting is wonderful and its quite nice to see Peri take centre stage for an episode as members of the court plot Erimems downfall.
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