An excellent audio drama! I love this one. Evelyn is off to a great start, really interrsting companion. I’m glad she keeps the Doctor in check! I’m usually hit or miss with historicals, this one is a definite hit.
7 Likes
Well I can only echo the positive comments here. I love this story. A pure historical full of courtly intrigue, great characters & a fabulous first pairing of a more appealing Sixie with the wonderful Evelyn Smythe. I’m sure I’m not alone in seeing her character as being influenced somewhat by Professor Rumford from The Stones of Blood. The plot feels like something from the early days of the show. I could imagine the First Doctor embarking on this adventure. Lots of immersive atmospheric sound design in what is the start of a new era for Sixie on audio.
5 Likes
So, I’ve learned that the badges for at least the TV Club and Audio Club are now automated, which is fine as we don’t want to burn out @shauny. However, as I did contribute to the conversation, I want my badge. So, hopefully this post will grant it to me. And it never hurts to bump these to the top of the list.
3 Likes
Just finished it. I do love the Pure Historical stories. At first I wasn’t sold on Evelyn, but by the end of the story I had warmed up to her.
I give it a solid 4/5.
Here is my spoiler free review:
6 Likes
I dont know why but i thought this episode was boring…
The Doctor and Evelyn and their banter was just terrific!
The best thing about this episode.
Just didn’t like the political parts, when something begins to get too historical or too political my brain just turns off. This is mostly the fault of my adhd and limited schooling during my youth. I love new concepts and timey wimey wibbly wobbly stuff but when it comes to political stuff and historical knowledge its a big no no from me.
4 Likes
Wow - Evelyn!
From her very first scene it was clear what a great character she was going to be. I loved the way she brushed off the Doctor’s warnings about anachronisms and just barged on regardless - the cardigan, the cocoa, the pills…!
I had been afraid that I would be bored with this story as I wasn’t sure how a pure historical would translate to audio without the benefit of costumes etc, but I needn’t have worried. Every time I thought things might be about to flag, there was another twist to keep me interested.
It’s a bit scary to think that I am now 3 years older than Evelyn is here though, she definitely comes across as much older than 55. However one thing I would have absolutely loved is a story featuring her meeting Benny set in her St Oscar’s days - I think they could really have bonded by exchanging stories of those student parties! (I’m assuming one does not exist - if it does, please point me in the right direction!)
And hats off for the ending as well - I was just thinking “but didn’t Leaf & Crow get left in the Tower” and then Thomas went & mentioned their names to Mary as well… so surely the Doctor & Evelyn hadn’t just forgotten about them!
7 Likes
I had heard that 6 and Evelyn were a good pairing and this did not disappoint. I also love how much of a pure historical this is, outside of Evelyn’s wavering in history, which is the big sci-fi element to be fair. It’s quite fun to hear the Doctor and a companion going about in a historical setting similar to that of the first Doctor again.
8 Likes