The Omega Factor

I’m surprised I never made this thread before because I LOVE this series so much. But sircarolyn, I hear you ask, what is this strange niche terrible series from 1979 that later got a sequel audio series from Big Finish? I am glad you asked!

I will be honest, I am hopelessly in love with Louise Jameson and that’s the only reason I ever discovered this series. She plays a scientist of the supernatural called Anne Reynolds, and together with her new friend Tom Crane, they foil some sort of plot against an evil psychic guy who wants to take over the world or something.

I’m going to be honest with you, it’s been a while since I watched it and pretty much none of the single TV series makes any sense. I enjoyed it, but it’s basically nonsense.

Then, in 2016ish, Big Finish said ‘hey, we love Louise, let’s do a sequel!’ and this series of audios is brilliant. Now, we have John Dorney as Tom’s son with Anne, and the story actually makes sense! Hooray! There are three boxes and a special, and they are genuinely excellent. If you like unethical science, Louise Jameson, and the supernatural, I highly recommend.

I have been asked a few times if you need to watch the TV series to enjoy the audios. As I say, the TV series is compelling nonsense, but it’s not exactly good. If you’re not generally a 70s SF enjoyer, I’m not sure you would like it. And I think it does provide some context for the audios, but I also think they do a good job of setting it up in the audios so you could jump straight in there. Because the audios are set in the modern day, so 30odd years later, it is a reset point and it’s not like OF is exactly a widely known thing.

So yes, I think I do rec the TV show hesitantly, and if you PM me I can help you figure out where to watch it. But I firmly, completely rec the audios. They are honestly brilliant, and I love them so much. I’m feeling a relisten coming on…

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You are?!?! This is news to me!!!

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I know, I’m sure this announcement is going to shake everyone to the core :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:

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One: I am also hopelessly in love with Louise Jameson

Two: this series sounds absolutely wonderful

Three: I do think I will check out the TV series, because (see one) and i am a completionist and it sounds like I would like it

Four: I will be taking all my media recommendations from you from now on

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I’ll get you on Counter Measures yet :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:

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I haven’t forgotten about it! I just appear to be limited to 24 hours in a day

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A constant issue with the Whoniverse and related items :sob:

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I was actually looking this series yesterday, was just having a look at the other series that BF have done and if any of these other 70s sci fi shows work as part of the whoniverse (in the way that Blake’s 7 definitely could)

(Couldn’t find enough information for the series)

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I’m not sure OF is in any way compatible with DW if I’m honest, it’s a different flavour of SF and I can’t see how it would really fit in. If anything, it’s more tonally close to the Sarah Jane audios

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I mean, that hasn’t stopped some other things that are in the whoniverse, but also absolutely fair

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Like Dark Shadows before it, I discovered The Omega Factor through BF. While some stories are better than others, my overall feeling about the audios is that they’re excellent. There’s a spark between Louise and John Dorney. They’re flawed characters, but that’s what makes them interesting. I get a really dark folk horror vibe from the series, and hoped the recent The House That Wasn’t Haunted might have led to further stories, but nothing yet.

Incidentally, talking of Dark Shadows, I hear from a Facebook friend who has worked on some of the titles that there are definitely no more audios coming. For reasons he couldn’t divulge apparently. Shame Big Finish can’t bring themselves to give us an update … but that’s for another thread!

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I am completely hoping that this will still happen, that special was SO GOOD

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The House That Wasn’t Haunted is the one Omega Factor story I’ve listened to! I bought it because a) weird liminal haunted houses that may or may not be alive is SO much my thing and b) Tim Foley is an excellent writer.

(And indeed c) Louise Jameson. She’s fantastic :star_struck: !)

Loved that story too. I really want to get my hands on the rest of the series if it goes on sale any time soon!

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I watched the first episode! (why, yes, I have exams I need to study for, why do you ask) I love the vibe this has, this supernatural mystery thing is right up my alley

Also have a screenshot I took of Anne/Louise because help she is so beautiful

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yay hooray!!! she is the most beautiful woman ever invented :heart_eyes::heart_eyes:

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Is this like a Weird Science sort of thing…?

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Don’t come into my mad scientist lair if you’re not ready for mad science…

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“Should I do my study? Should I do my work? Nah I think I’ll watch an obscure Sci-Fi Show because I adore one of its actors!”
(on a serious note good luck with your exams!!)

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You say that like it’s a bad thing :wink:

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Haven’t we all been there before? I use BF to avoid responsibility way too much :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:

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