The Sirens of Time

A common misconception is that Doctor Who ended in 1989. Of course that would discount all the novels and audioplays. The Sirens of Time is the first of the Big Finish Audio Dramas. It rather brilliantly brings three of the Doctors together, and when I say brilliantly I mean that. Sylvester McCoy, Peter Davison and Colin Baker all reprise their roles as the Doctor and all of them fit back into the role quickly and comfortably.

The drama obviously requires a little imagination, but essentially it feels very much like you are watching an episode of Doctor Who with the video turned off. There is surprisingly little exposition, it is all brought to life through the brilliant acting of the cast. We do not have to be told when some one is sinking, they reactions tell us that is the case, the dialogue helps us to imagine what is happening. It all works rather brilliantly. For example, the 7ths reaction to the old hag, questioning that she is female, is both humorous but helps us to imagine the character all the more.

The narrative essentially follows the fall of Gallifrey. It plays brilliantly with Time Travel, which unfortunately many of the new series stories just don't do at the moment. Events happening all through out Time that all culminate in extreme events in the past which massively effect the future. The narrative is complex enough that it becomes interesting, it is also simple enough that it does not become confusing.

The rapport between the three Doctors is also a great deal of fun to listen to. Colin Bakers antagonistic Doctor almost comes across as protective of his other incarnations, where as Sylvester McCoys rather sarcastic demeanour makes for some rather humorous dialogue. Both of which are rather interesting comparisons to the Peter Davison smooth talking, Bondian Doctor.

To some it may seem odd, listening to an audio play. It does sound rather old fashioned. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants more Who, and don't forget that you can import them to your iPods nowerdays for a more modern approach!

The Trial of a Time Lord

It may surprise some of you but of all of the Doctors the Sixth is my least favourable. Not to say I dislike him a great deal. I like all of the Doctors, it is just Mr. C. Baker is at the bottom of the list for me. Though it is all quite close. I think it is most likely because of the writing rather than the acting. The Sixth is a rather fun Doc to watch. Though I can't really place my finger on any of his television adventures that I particularly like. His audioplays are a different story but lets not get on to that. There is one exploit that does stand out for me and that is the Trial of a Time Lord story arc.

Lets start with one of the writers. Robert Holmes! Yes, a good start, when the writer of Talons of Weng-Chiang is on his game. Which me most definitely is. As the sole writer of the first part of Trial of a Time Lord, The Mysterious Planet, Holmes really does kick off an neo-epic tale for the Doctor. Playing with Gallifreyian society, laws and narrative styles. Holmes also introduces one of the most impressive enemies for the Doctor ever. The Valeyard. Who matches wits with the Doctor on nearly all fronts. More so than even the Master.

Four stories make up the Trial, making for a collection of 14 parts in total. The Mysterious Planet, Mindwarp, Terror of the Vervoids and The Ultimate Foe. In which a great deal actually happens. Not only does it introduce a great villain to the canon, it introduces a new companion. Heralds the last appearance of another companion and even the last appearance of the C. Baker as the Doctor.

Despite alot of terrible writing before hand, Trial of a Time Lord does at least give Colin Baker a decent last episode. There are a lot of fun moments in this story arc, and it really tries to go all out. Granted the ending goes a little silly, especially in the Matrix where everything and nothing can seem to harm you. Overall though it is easily a great story arc, and the best for the Sixth Doctor.

It is only unfortunate that with such a high note to end on that Colin wouldn't do the regeneration scene afterwards. Ah well, at least it has Brian Blessed in it.