Synopsis: Empty vessels make the loudest sound. Unfortunately, sometimes that sound is a scream of terror.
Although its timing can be a little off, the TARDIS will always respond to a cry for help. The Doctor, Liv and Helen have the skills to save anyone in danger — if they can find them.
Review: Doctor Who: The Eighth Doctor Adventures: Empty Vessels offered listeners psychological drama centred around ships in distress. Ultimately, the two tales were perfect for the holiday season.
The Story
Writers Matt Fitton and Roy Gill crafted stories that were both spooky and life-affirming. Consequently, they tapped into different sides of the Yuletide celebration.
“Eos Falling” by Matt Fitton was the latest Doctor Who take on the ghost ship trope. Fitton found a great balance between the atmospheric creepiness and the character beats.
I particularly loved Helen’s contemplation of previous companions as she catalogued the Tardis wardrobe. I also really liked that Fitton introduced another species so ancient it was essentially a myth.
Last, but not least, he gave us some tantalising foreshadowing. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for a payoff.
“Lure of the Zygons Parts 1-2” by Roy Gill created suspense by expanding Zygon world-building. It was a welcome Christmas present to have more story to mine with these shapeshifters.
In the process, Gill also gave us the ever-deepening found family bond between Liv and Helen. Their dynamic then served as a counterpoint to two separated sisters.
Along the way, the dynamics highlighted the interplay between the concept of self and the concept of home. These themes made for ideal holiday entertainment without a Christmas tree.
Acting
The entire cast was excellent. That said, this set belonged to Nicola Walker and Hattie Morahan.
Each knew her character inside and out. Listeners could hear the tenderness and awareness in every syllable.
Overall
Thanks, Big Finish. Doctor Who: The Eighth Doctor Adventures: Empty Vessels was an excellent stocking stuffer.
You can purchase Doctor Who: The Eighth Doctor Adventures: Empty Vessels here.
- Story8.0
- Performances10
- Audio Production10
Slightly off topic, but do you know if Toby Jones has ever been in Big Finish Doctor Who Raissa? I’m just wondering how his Dream Lord character might react to 8 and how he would fit in with 8’s gothic horror style adventures.
Yes. He has, in two things. He was in the Chimes, a Dickens adaptation, and an Eight Doctor series called. Dark Eyes. The Dream Lord vs. Eight would be cool.
But then I guess 8 would have to forget his encounter with the Dream Lord if they ever met so as not to contradict the TV show’ s canon 😕
They need to bring in Tanya Reynolds as Josie Day from the 8th Doctor Titan comics IMO.
I apologise for being a broken record but maybe they could get Joe Hill to write for Big Finish Doctor Who? I’ve read N0S4R2 and the Locke and Key/Sandman crossover by him and it seems like he’d be a good fit for Big Finish’s darker and weirder Who. (I know they rejected Joe Hill’s pitch for the TV show but I still think he’d be good.)