I first listened to this in release order, right after The Sirens Of Time and Phantasmagoria. While the former two gave me a decent idea of the format and how Big Finish does things narratively, this was the point where I started realising, y’know what, maybe these audios really are onto something with this format. Love the setting, love the ‘monster’, and doubly love how this story could only really be done justice as an audio.
7 Likes
The use of audio in this story was quite unsettling at times (/positive). I enjoyed the twists and turns with the characters political motivations (even though the main twist about the murder was pretty obvious early on, I suppose that’s sort of dramatic irony) and the use of technology in this.
7 Likes
For only the third Monthly Adventure, Big Finish really swung biiiiiiig… sound as the villain? Inspired. It’s one of those stories that doesn’t just use audio because TV isn’t an option; it turns the format into a strength. The sound design is wonderfully unnerving (if occasionally a bit OTT), and the political thriller plot keeps things grounded while still letting the weirdness shine.
Peter Miles is a big highlight for me. Obviously, we mostly remember him as Nyder, all icy menace, but as Gantman, our guide through the story, blind and entirely reliant on sound, he has all the gravitas of his villain roles, but turned to something much more vulnerable. Colin’s Doctor is still very TV Sixie (loud, brash, a bit of a nightmare), but that makes it all the more satisfying when the script starts pushing at his edges. If you’ve never heard this one, it’s a great early example of what Big Finish can do when they lean into the audio format instead of working around it.
(My original review of this story is here, should you fancy a read!)
8 Likes
I just wanted to say thanks for sharing these. I’ve subscribed to your Substack and read a few of your reviews for the later MRs. I like your style!
6 Likes
Awwww, thanks, my friend!! That means a lot - thanks for the subscribe and I’m really pleased your’re enjoying my ramblings! 
6 Likes
I liked this one, an inventive story, a sound based monster in a sound medium. This plot is honestly what someone would actually do nowadays.
3 Likes