This is the second subsequent classic banger from BF! It remains one of the finest examples of a “The Romans”-style pure historical story Big Finish has released and is one of Rayner’s very best stories. This is also the one that made me appreciate Six much more, and it made me understand what people mean when they say that BF at its best at times surpasses even the best TV episodes!
The two main reasons why this story works so well are the funny, clever, and surprising script (many LOL moments, a couple of good twists, great characterization, and AMAZING dialogue!). as well as Evelyn. BF has introduced several great companions over the years, but Evelyn is, to me, the very best. It’s partly down to the lovely performance from Maggie Stables (bless her soul!) and the way she’s written as a mature, well-educated, witty, and no-nonsense woman who refuses to be controlled or told what to do and not to do by the Doctor.
The entire first episode, which introduces Evelyn and how she came to meet the Doctor is amazing. Baker and Stables hit it off instantly, and the first few scenes tell you all you need to know to understand and appreciate Evelyn as a character.
This is such a gem; however, it’s a bit slower in the middle than what I remembered. But since the first and second episodes are amazing, I’ll give this a 94/100.