Heroes - Don't Look Back

Beware Spoilers...

This second episode reaps the reward of the first episode and is a more satisfying watch as a result. The repercussions of Peter jumping off the building in the previous episode hits deep. Nathan is denying it happened so it won't affect his political career, the mother is distraught and Peter is broken as he doesn't think he's special and now believes Nathan is. I spoke about the flight scene in the previous episode being a dog but the hovering scene goes the opposite way and is beautiful. Also the sketch is a good clue to what Peters true powers really are and is one of the elements that make a re-watch fun.

We're learning a few things about Claire and her family such as the fact that she's adopted and her caring nature. Already theres a feeling Claire is going to be a big factor in the series.

Niki's part of the episode is perhaps the most intriguing - I'd forgot what a slow burn the road to finding out what her power actually is and its fun. She's blacking out, seeing and odd reflection, it looks like she's killing people and from the skulls that pop up near the end she may have killed a lot.

Mohinder meets a new friend and finds a flash drive full of his fathers work, we also get the first appearance of Syler recorded on an answerphone and he gets a mention in another plot line of the episode. Theres a feeling that the show is getting the hooks out ready to hold us down for the long haul.

Matt Parkman played by Greg Grunberg pops up near the end of the episode and I'd forgot it took him this long to show up. By far the regular who went on to be the most recognisable imo. He discovers a hidden girl at a crime scene due to telepathy and is promptly arrested by Clea DuVall of all people - her of Girl Interrupted, Ghosts of Mars and The Faculty fame. I'd completely forgot she was in this!

Hiro after teleporting to New York finds out he's in the future by about a month, finds the dead body of Isaac, is arrested, witnesses an explosion and promptly teleports back to what we assume is the present. Blooming eck Masi Oka is absolutely charming as Hiro and should be doing more things that I'm aware of.

A brilliant second episode, sometimes a show just needs to get a tricky start out of the way so it can do what its designed for. In this episode see character arcs connecting, see more of their lives. This is without doubt near perfect TV and if you plan on watching the show I'd sit through at least this episode until you decide if you're in for the duration of season 1. I have to call out the one fault in this episode, I had no idea the dead body Hiro finds in the future is Isaac. One small yet pivotal lapse as the first time around I only picked it up from dialogue in later episodes.

Big Finish Monthly Range Ranked: 40-31

  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 40-31. As usual beware spoilers and enjoy!

40. Sword of Orion, during this ranking I've said that quite a few stories could rise with a re-listen and this play is a case in point. When this story came out it was not the story I was hoping for, Cybermen in the internet age doing new things with technology - awesome! Instead we get a boring traditional story that felt like it was copy and pasted from somewhere else. However thats not the case, with a re-listen we have a wonderful story that captures the sense of fun and energy that set the tine for Paul McGann. It gets better with every listen and I've grown quite fond of it. Its certainly the best of Nicholas Briggs "not nailed to the plot" stories and has fantastic world building. The stories weakness on the first listen has become its strength, the market that the 8th Doctor and Charley find themselves in is wonderful, the ships crew become well rounded characters and it matters more when the Cybermen turn up and try to spoil everything. This story is a lovely traditional world building (for spin off series) moment that I get soppy about.

39. Whispers of Terror, OMG its another one I get soppy about as its the first 6th Doctor story and third release over all. Along with Peri he's in an audio museum as Justin Richards pens a fun mystery which has some fun audio aspects. I have a fondness for this story as its the one I got along with Sirens of time and was a part of my first ever Big Finish haul. Of note are cast appearances by Lisa Bowerman and Peter Miles who are lots of fun.

38. 100, from part of the earliest haul its the final listen of the first 100 releases. A lovely collection of stories here as to celebrate the 100 release. Its nice that Colins 6th Doctor gets this moment as his Doctor has been repaired by Big Finish and he shares the stage with Maggie Stables Evelyn Smythe the companion who did so much for him. The stories are lots of fun with a menagerie of writers from the range - some of which haven't been around for a while. The first two stories are quite fun luring the listener into a false sense of comfort and then some rather interesting things happen on the final disc. A fun moment and a celebration rather than a play.      

37. Son of the Dragon, its a historical featuring the 5th Doctor, Peri, Erimem and Dracula - Yes Dracula! This isn't your Bram Stoker stuff this is full blown historical First Doctor era stuff going on here. A mighty stark story set in Eastern Europe sees enemies on all sides including among the companions as we visit an aspect of Erimem seen in an earlier story. Its good writing by Steve Lyons a familiar name from the book range with James Purefoy on good form as Vlad III.If I have to pick one word to describe this play its "stark" everything feels bleak and time travel feels like hard labour instead of fun - I mean this as a compliment. This is not one of the fluffy plays - its as far away as you can get with nothing in the shape of garlic and coffins to lighten the mood. Proper moody stuff indeed.

36. The Reaping, featuring the 6th Doctor, Peri and the Cybermen. Written by Joseph Lidster who I'd like to mention as a number of his plays have already been mentioned and this is the highest ranked. It gels with me which is largely a first for a full release story. Like the last one its also dark and theres a lot of things going on, Nicola Bryant is given some of her most powerful scenes, the Doctor feels like he's constantly a step behind and the Cybermen feel more vicious than usual. This play contains one of the best resolutions ever in a Big Finish release. Just when it looks like the Cybermen have won one of the best plot twists occurs that is so good I gave an expletive ridden gasp of shock.

35. Neverland, the finale of the 8th Doctors second season wrapping up the ongoing storylines that have been going on since Charley turned up and setting things up for Zagreus. This is a personal story for me as it marks the end of an era, I'd just left Uni and life was about to change and this story ends on such a good cliff hanger that I felt it was a good point to put things on hold and come back later. In hindsight this series foreshadows the format of Doctor Who when it returned to TV in the shape that we have a mystery thats been built up for most of the season, we get returning characters including someone whose been popping up in various stories and we're in the situation where its the companion in jeopardy instead of The Doctor - plus Charley is a Big Finish original companion! On first listen we have no idea if she's going to survive. A satisfying conclusion to the season with an impressive cliff hanger pulling us into everything that followed.

34. The Axis of Insanity, blimey its Simon Furman off of The Transfomers comics on writing duties. This play see's the 5th Doctor, Peri and Erimem visit a realm containing an elephants graveyard of broken time lines that has been taken over by an insane jester. This jester is so well performed it lifts the story and should be listened to for the performance alone. However theres enough fun and fluff from the characters and location that its not a one person play. Dare I say it, the play feels like it shouldn't work but work it does and its highly absorbing.

33. I.D. its our first two play release on this list for some time, we have the three episode long I.D. and the one part Urgent Calls. Colin Bakers Doctor is going solo on this release and its an interesting dynamic, I.D. is a very good story with an interesting cast including one time contender to be a companion if Sophie Aldred hadn't have locked her in the lavs and of all people Gyles Brandreth! Its very good cyber punk tech scavenging stuff. However the main reason this release is this high is due to Urgent Calls a lovely done in one play with a gorgeous format. The story is a string of phone conversations with a Whoish twist that leaves a lovely taste in the ears. I'd go as far as to say if this ranking was individual stories Urgent Calls would be top 10, maybe even top 5.

32. Night Thoughts, a fantastic scary night time monster / whodunnit story featuring the 7th Doctor, Ace and Hex. Oooh, this is another good one, full of twists, good characters and the 7th Doctor infuriating everyone by keeping secrets and getting things wrong until they go right. This entire team is a triumph and Hex has added so much to what including the books could be described as the most over used double act in Doctor Who. Also possibly one of the most memorable endings.

31. Medicinal Purposes, Doctor Who does the Burke & Hare body snatchings with a Doctor Who twist. Robert Ross on writing duties makes a near faultless debut - sorry your other play is so low! With a historical that at one point takes an unexpected turn with good results. a mystery turns into a battle of wits that in turn leads to an ethical decision. Leslie Phillips is giving a career best performance as Knox - one of Big Finishes best original creations. He has a voice I could listen to for days! This play is so rich, it draws you in, refuses to let you go and when it ends your left in a hell of a state. On note in the guest cast is David Tennant who is a pivotal presence in this story. The story features the 6th Doctor and Evelyn who go through the ringer again, if ever there was a TARDIS crew that deserved to land on the planet of milkshakes and fluffy bunnies its these two. Sometimes the good guys don't win, sometimes they only survive and this is one of those times.

Heroes - Genesis

 First episode done and its time for my thoughts on Heroes - Genesis,

Its a strange watch in 2020, these days we're used to super powered antics on streaming services and in the cinema but back in 2006 we were still two years away from the Robert Downey Jnr and Jon Favreau kicking the MCU into life. The big shows of the day from my POV were Lost and a newly returned Doctor Who so super hero wise we're in uncharted territory.

We're introduced to a number of characters who we don't know at this point are linked by fate with the added aspect that some of them are developing powers - some are ever so subtle, some we don't know about yet but the connection is powers are developing among certain people. We see, flight, teleportation, healing factors and the ability to predict the future via the medium of ketting up & getting the paint brushes out.

The filmography and making of the eclipse a central point of the episode along with Claires home footage of her emerging powers are the high points of a very poorly directed episode. The flight scene looks like the director has locked himself in the lav and took LSD just before filming.

Sendhil Ramamurthy as Mohinder is a good choice as narrator and his monologue sets the tone well. In fact him Claire and Hiro are the most memorable characters and we don't yet know who are going to be the main players. The strongest aspects of this episode are the introduction of the paintings of the future and the questions over who has and hasn't got powers - as well as what exactly are some of the power.

Its a very good watch second time around as there are a lot of nods to later and earlier incidents. Also I paused it as the flight picture is blatantly Peter and not Nathan - something I never noticed before.

However there are a lot of problems - I've mentioned the direction so I won't be going there again. The main take I got from this episode is that The Wachowski Sisters would be along a decade later to do this properly a decade later with Sense8. Its too network orientated, instead of feeling like a world encompassing story all the characters are in America already. Also theres a lot of low level misogyny going on, the female characters are either characterised by looks - being a cheerleader or a stripper - or by being someones mum in one occasion both.

Its a 6/10 from me as I'm enjoying a lot of the mystery and introduction of characters, however a lot of the basics of being a TV show need a good going over.

Big Finish Monthly Range Ranked: 50-41

 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.

Big Finish Monthly Range Ranked: 60-51

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 60-51. Enjoy!

60. Winter For the Adept, another early one with release number 10 in the range featuring the 5th Doctor, Nyssa, Andrew Cartmel as writer, a first appearance on books by India Fisher, a guest appearance by Peter Jurasik of Babylon 5 fame and those eagle eyed among you will spot Sally Faulkner who appeared in the Patrick Troughton era. Blimey thats one hell of an introduction and we haven't touched on the story yet. Its still early days for the 5th Doctor and the story does something brave by introducing Nyssa an entire episode before The Doctor. We're in classic isolated location with spooky things going bump in the dark territory and the majority of this story has a cracking eerie atmosphere. Its a scene away from sticking the landing as "The Adept" don't quite fit in with the rest of the story but its still a string entry for Peter Davison after a few good but not great stories. 

59. Master, this is the 7th Doctors entry into the villain trilogy leading up to Zagreus and its The Master with a defining performance by Geoffrey Beevers. Anthony Ainley didn't work with Big Finish before he sadly passed away but one actors loss is another actors gain. Another guest actor heavyweight appears in the form of Philip Madoc he of the "don't tell him Pike" fame. I want to mention Joseph Lidster as a few of his stories have already come up which weren't my thing however this is his most memorable and its a fantastic example of how to do a deep dive and examine a villain in prose format. We're in late era solo 7th Doctor territory here and theres a heavy dose of Virgin New Adventures atmosphere to this story. It feels like the 7th Doctor is moments away from regenerating and he's paying for the sins of earlier deals and bad decisions.

58. Faith Stealer, we're back with the 8th Doctor, Charley and C'rizz in the divergent universe. After the heavy going of the previous season we get a fun start to this season and its saying interesting things about religion without making me cringe which is no mean feat. Its a strong moment for the range as for the first time in a while the 8th Doctor and Charley are having fun and this may be the first story to do something interesting with C'rizz. The Kro'Ka who at this point we're not sure if he is the antagonist or a bemused observer becomes far more interesting. All in all this is a good fun story which the storyline and incarnation of The Doctor needed.

57. Year of the Pig, its a rare appearance for the line up of the 6th Doctor and Peri in a wonderful dark comedic PG Wodehouse pastiche. A witty script that you can tell aroused the actors full of laughter and a few moments that will make you shudder. Its another stellar cast featuring Maureen O'Brien off of the 1st Doctors era, Adjoa Andoh off of the 10th Doctor era and Michael Keating off of Blake and his Merry 7. For a long part of this story it doesn't feel like Doctor Who and I'm all for it - Doctor Who is at its best when its trying to be something else. Its very close to being higher in this ranking, all it needs is a bit of a trip and a pig who is an actor not a line reader.

56. The Sandman, its the 6th Doctor and Evelyn in a very interesting story set aboard "The Clutch" a collection of spaceships controlled by the alien race the Galyari. A very memorable setting that in hindsight feels like a low level Valerian and the City of a 1000 Planets. Also the major plot of The Doctor being a bogeyman for a race is interesting and engaging - also amusing with the digs on the 6th Doctors coat. 

55. Dust Breeding, the 7th Doctor and Ace feature in a play written by Mike Tucker who I mostly associate with the 7th Doctors era in the BBC books. In short when I see Mikes name I know I'm going to enjoy it. This story is all about the first listen for me, its packed with returns including Bev Tarrant, Caroline John, a monster from the books and Geoffrey Beevers. Added to this is another return that I didn't see coming and squee every time I remember that cliffhanger

54. The Stones of Venice, we're in the first 8th Doctor season as he takes Charley to Venice. This story is Paul Magrs at his barmy best with the added delight of Michael Sheard in the guest cast. I've always regarded this as feeling more like a play than most of Big Finishes releases. Theres a very surreal number of scenes as Charley gets drugged and drugged and as it a production it feels like Big Finish flexing its muscles and growing.

53. The Spectre of Lanyon Moor, a proper good romp featuring the 6th Doctor, Evelyn and the Brigadier in the English countryside. James Bolam and Susan Jameson appear in the cast and this story just brings back memories of 1970s era Doctor Who - in fact you could easily fit the 4th Doctor into this. In short its more Doctor Who than jelly babies and hat stands.

52. Embrace the Darkness, the underrated gem of the 8th Doctors second season, its a proper Nick Briggs story in that the play is absolutely nailed to the plot which is Nicks greatest strength. The only flaw in this story is that there is no part three and is blatantly padding. Bar that this play is engaging with good horror and makes full use of the audio medium. Also the character ROSM is one of the most memorable one off characters in the range - Paul McGann and Ian Brooker are clearly having a ball in their scenes. Very memorable, full of good low level horror and has a very different vibe in this story to the usual house style.

51. The Sirens of Time, where it all started as the 5th, 6th and 7th Doctors team up to get the range rolling. I don't want to talk about the strengths or weaknesses, whatever anyones opinion of this is I'm cool with it I just think about the first time a Big Finish delivery came through my letterbox and hearing these Doctors in new material for the first time. Also Maggie Stables who would go onto become an original range companion is in it which I think makes for good karma. All the Doctors get to do a bit of solo action before teaming up and it sets the tone for the early releases. Of note is the 6th Doctor and there are some hints that its time to forget what we now about him as he's starting with a fresh slate - its a lovely early mission statement.    

Big Finish Monthly Range Ranked: 70-61

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 70-61. Enjoy!

70. The Game, a fun story featuring the 5th Doctor and Nyssa in which the play pokes fun at football - also there is an intriguing guest appearance by Jonathan Pearce in the cast. An intriguing play with a slightly different format, Big Finish are flexing their muscles and working on multiple levels. Of note is another guest appearance by William Russell as Lord Carlisle a character who feels a little bit like the inspiration for River Song. 

69. The Juggernauts, another outing for Davros and he again crosses paths with the 6th Doctor along with Mel. Interesting things are going on here and the way The Doctor and Mel get involved in the situation is one of the most interesting in the Big Finish range. Also to compare it to Davros which appeared earlier in this ranking this feels like a story and not the writer harping on about the way of the world.

68. Jubilee, a story with a reputation for being reworked into the TV story Dalek but what about the play itself? I have a confession due to being on a break and the start of me falling behind with Big Finishes output I saw Dalek before hearing Jubilee. I don't think it affected my opinion as hearing it blind I didn't know it was coming. The 6th Doctor and Evelyn make for one heck of a team and both get put through the ringer. It oozes atmosphere but as a story it doesn't get near Rob Shearmans earlier releases - its missing an ending, with the one we get reminding me of Sherzo. This isn't a fun story, at times its deliberately unpleasant - its absolutely blooming memorable though. Its not one I revisit often, its the best example of a Big Finish tough yet fulfilling sit but I like it.

67. Renaissance of the Daleks, if I'm to be absolutely blunt this feels like the early story The Mutant Phase done right. From a story edited beyond recognisation from Christopher H Bidmead, its solid, its fun, has witty dialogue Davison has found his feet since the earlier story and this is a good way to spend a couple of hours. 

66. Red, an outing for the 7th Doctor and Mel as they arrive in The Needle where the citizens are unable to commit violence due to being chipped. Needless to say violence begins to occur and The Doctor is blamed. A very memorable story for audio reasons alone, the use of screaming Red, The Doctor being put through the mill as he struggles with the situation and the familiar tones of Sandi Toksvig among the guest cast. Certainly one of the best produced plays in the range.

65. Time Works, its the 8th Doctor, Charlie and C'rizz in a timey wimey play! I absolutely love this one, the opening half leaves me wanting to know what is going on and once we do know things get tense. As a story it drip feeds us information that keeps the listener on the edge of their seat right until the end.

64. Bloodtide, not only is this the first appearance of the Silurians in the range they are put in a play with Charles Darwin! If that doesn't grab you and make you listen nothing will, its an utterly gorgeous story that gets a little bit dark later in the play. This is the first appearance by writer Jonathan Morris who is a firm favourite of mine.

63. The Fires of Vulcan, its the 7th Doctor and Mel in a historical set in Pompeii just before the eruption of Vesuvius. This is still early enough in the range where historicals were a novelty and in terms of production this is a strong entry in the range. The ending brings things down and while it isn't cheating it feels like cheating, without this ending it would be possibly top ten.

62. Other Lives, its the 8th Doctor, Charley and C'rizz in an historical. Its very good its not as moody as a lot of stories with this line up are. Even though things are a bit dark for C'rizz and his personal arc after the cliffhanger ending of Terror Firma. Of note is an appearance in the guest cast by Ron Moody.

61. The Apocalypse Element, the 6th Doctors entry in Dalek Empire. There is a lot of stuff going on in this story and by that I mean a LOT of action. It blatantly isn't an audio and can be a little bit tricky to follow but in essence its the Daleks taking on Gallifrey in what canonically is an early skirmish in the time war. Romana played by Lalla Ward makes her first appearance in the range. Theres a lot of continuity going on but thankfully nothing that distracts from the story. This is the closest Big Finish have got to an all out action film and its a lot of fun if occasionally a bugger to follow.    

Big Finish Monthly Range Ranked: 80-71

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 80-71. Enjoy!


80. Singularity, I have a soft spot for this one as it sees the return of Mark Strickson as Turlough for what feels like the first time in ages. Earlier in the range he was the first companion to partner the 5th Doctor and it was a rare treat when he popped up. As a result I always give an internal cheer when he turns up. At this point in the range Peter Davisons Doctor does exasperation so well and with Turlough essentially being a good character and a rubbish companion makes for a good mix. A good heady mix of Russian and Alien intrigue results in an enjoyable story. Of note is the fact that as the story progresses the stakes rise.


79. The Gathering, first of all a caveat as long time readers know I listen to these audios blind without knowing anything beforehand. I also occasionally buy them blind when on offer, that was the case with this release and as such I had no idea it was part of a loose trilogy until a lot later. As a result lots of the references to other stories are lost on me. We get another 5th Doctor companion in the shape of Tegan - her first main range appearance! I'm absolutely landed as I didn't think we'd get her on board. Everything that happens in this story is technically good, raised by Janet Fielding but the story needed an edit as its so depressing. Its a good story but there isn't a lot of trademark Big Finish wit or style.


78. Dreamtime, as I sit here to type this out I have to confess this is one I don't have much memory of. There were nice ideas and its in a section of my pile that suggests I've relistened to it recently, all I can remember is it being rather earnest but likeable.


77. The Settling, another release featuring the 7th Doctor, Ace and Hex although the later two get more of the action. Clive Mantle off of Casualty gives one of the best guest performances and the story is nothing if not dramatic. Away from the drama and feel there isn't enough going on for me - in particular the way McCoys Doctor is taken out of the main plot doesn't quite do it for me. If you're looking for a release dripping in atmosphere this one is for you. I can't let this entry pass without saying it genuinely wouldn't take much for this story to go into my top ten.


76. The Last, a right moody release with a good gimmick - that they telegraph with overuse. In terms of atmosphere its similar to the previous entry in this ranking albeit worlds apart in plot and theme. The 8th Doctor, Charley and C'rizz are at a point in the alternate universe arc where things are interesting and largely fun. This story is different to those surrounding it and it feels like Big Finish are getting back to grips with the season format after a tricky 3rd season. Very good stuff albeit you can see the end coming a mile away.


75. The Land of the Dead, an early fun romp featuring the 5th Doctor and Nyssa. Good location and fun plot make for a fun play - of note there is a location layout on the sleeve to help the listener follow the action. However I don't think its needed as the dialogue puts over the layout of the house very well.


74. The Wishing Beast and Vanity Box, a rather fun if odd release. I love Paul Magrs stuff and usually when listening blind I can spot his trademarks. This release is two stories spread over four episodes - 3 and 1 respectively. Its a very surreal set of stories and I come away thinking Vanity Box is more enjoyable where The Wishing Beast feels like it isn't comfortable with its episode length. Absolute fun - gets crazy at times and has a nice camp one parter at the end.


73. Valhalla, oooh its another solo story for McCoy near the end of the 7th Doctors era. Obviously its now known as the story with Michelle Gomez in and truth be told its added a fun element to the story. Marc Platt (writer of the TV story Ghostlight) does a lot on interesting things in this story and it works as both a disaster piece and a thriller. The Doctor going to a job centre is a memorable moment as its The Doctors mood that mirrors that of Valhalla. Rest assured this story may be moody but its good.


72. Nocturne, featuring the 7th Doctor, Ace and Hex this is an absolutely fascinating play. The concept of The Doctor having another favourite planet that we've not seen before makes for a fun story, however due to the quality of the world building by Dan Abnett I feel like I'm more familiar with the planet Nocturne than I've any right to be. I care what happens to this place, I buy that The Doctor has visited it many times before and has an emotional stake in this planet. As such the play presses my buttons and gets the emotions out of me that it should.


71. Primeval, the 5th Doctor and Nyssa visit an earlier era of Traken and theres a lot of fun going on here. Of course its a sequel to Keeper of Traken and the best compliment I can give Primeval is that whenever I come away from this story I want to my Keeper DVD. This story makes me think about good and evil, its interesting and endearing. Stephen Grief another Blakes 7 alumni gives a good performance as the villain and its a good turn my all.