I remember being really thrilled by this. The slow reveal of where things are taking place - what a great idea! - and then the past about Samson and Gemma.
And the contrasts, as well: a party in the middle of an invasion, C’rizz’zs behaviour…
This was one of the first Big Finish I listened to, and what an absolute banger to start with!
Some of the best Davros and the Daleks ever get. What starts off as a run of the mill Dalek story quickly evolves into a dark, post apocalyptic nightmare. I did not expect that twist.
I have a very hard time with this story. It’s hyperactive and a bit nonsensical at times, and the pacing is inexplicable. I believe the term I’m reaching for is “all over the place”. And the Eighth Doctor gets amnesia… again? What is this, the twenty-seventh time?
Introducing Samson and Gemma as previous companions of the Eighth Doctor felt like an overreach as well – we don’t get nearly enough of them for that to feel earned or exciting. Apparently, they reappear in two short stories, so that’s… something?
Well, the 8th Doctor returns from the Divergent Universe with a bang. This is an utterly gripping, fantastic audio. It keeps offering new twists that keep you engaged while boasting strong performances and production values.
Terror Firma is a chaotic, ambitious, and emotionally charged return to the main universe for the Eighth Doctor. While not everything lands—the sidelining of Charley and C’rizz, a few over-the-top moments, and some continuity-bending twists that might confuse casual listeners—Joseph Lidster’s script is packed with bold ideas, unforgettable scenes, and excellent performances.
This is Big Finish storytelling at its most psychologically intense and narratively ambitious. With Paul McGann and Terry Molloy at the top of their game, and a plot that connects the dots between Storm Warning and the Eighth Doctor’s unknown past, Terror Firma stands as a unique and essential chapter in the Eighth Doctor saga.
You’re welcome to read my full review below (spoiler alert!):