In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 13: Metamorphosis

Synopsis: In Metamorphosis, the Doctor, Harry and Naomi find themselves battling foes old and new. From the malevolence of the Master to the traps of the Toymaker, danger lurks around every corner. Sometimes, it’s in the last shape you’d expect.

Review: Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 13: Metamorphosis was a delightful continuation of this series. The three new yarns were thematically linked through the titular idea.

Story

Indeed, the notion of metamorphosis in these tales was gloriously literal. The changes were lovingly achieved through Big Finish’s well-honed collaborations.

“Matryoshka” by Aurora Fearnley linked the Fourth Doctor to the modern series through the antagonist. The Celestial intervention allowed Fearnley to explore metamorphosis in a lyrically horrific way.

In the process, the Doctor was truly stretched to his limit. In fact, I enjoyed this story more than what we’ve been given in the modern series so far.

“The Caged Assassin” by Matthew Sweet was my favorite story in this set. Sweet handled metamorphosis with incredible wit and heart. Think Dante Gabriel Rossetti meets Kenneth Grahame with ray guns.

Of course, Sweet’s most effective choice was mystery. Listeners never learn how or why Earth’s wombats and their intergalactic counterparts came to exist in different parts of the universe.

“Metamorphosis” by Lisa McMullin worked, because she didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. She allowed the Master and the Doctor to unapologetically interact with all the tropes and trimmings.

Along the way, listeners got some lovely world-building. I hope viewers see this edition to Gallifrey’s ecosystem on the show.

Acting

The entire cast was superb. That said, these stories allowed the guest stars to shine.

Annette Badland played dual roles to the hilt. Her theatrical choices fit the storytelling perfectly.

For his part, Mark Gatiss inhabited Rossetti wonderfully. He poured joyous eccentricity into every syllable.

Last but not least, Geoffrey Beevers continued to pull out all the stops. He obviously cherishes the role and the medium.

Overall

Thank you, Big Fig Finish. Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 13: Metamorphosis made my heart glad.

You can purchase Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 13: Metamorphosis here.