Synopsis: Big Finish spotlights the war between the Rutans and the Sontarans!
The Doctor and Peri track a criminal imposter to a moon sanctuary of healing ponds. They discover the lone Rutan the Doctor has previously met trapped in a self-made web of lies.
Experiments to rejoin the Host have forged a bond with grieving pond farmer, Ooland. As their mutual obsession tightens, Ooland’s ponds grow more polluted.
Moreover, their farm is cut off from a full-on Rutan invasion. As the Doctor and Peri strive to free Melmoth and Ooland from each other, another Doctor is at work with far-reaching plans of his own for the lone Rutan.
Review: Doctor Who: Rutans vs Sontarans: Grave Moon was an old school Tragedy. Writer Lizzie Hopley deepened the darkness before next month’s series finale.
Story
Hopley was inspired by ancient legends and 19th century gothic tropes. I particularly appreciated the nods to the Flying Dutchman and the Wandering Jew.
Additionally, I thought Hopley imbued the doomed platonic obsession with nuance and pathos. It’s not an easy feat given that platonic relationships haven’t been en vogue for some time now.
I was also impressed by Hopley’s world-building within Doctor Who. She managed to weave the more intimate elements of the story into the wider Rutan -Sontaran War extremely effectively.
Lastly, I have to commend Hopley for using the two Doctors sparingly. Again, it’s no small feat to efficiently and effectively use the titular character in a supporting role like that.
Acting
The entire cast is excellent. That said, I have to give kudos to several performers.
First, John Banks and Abi Harris take on the brunt of the unapologetic Tragedy with aplomb. I can’t wait to hear how Harris handles the end of Melmoth’s journey next month.
For her part, Nicola Bryant brought a harder edge to Peri. Bryant obviously loves exploring Peri’s evolution from casual tourist to full fledged denizen of the universe.
Overall
Doctor Who: Rutans vs Sontarans: Grave Moon was everything the penultimate episode needed to be. Thank you, Big Finish, for telling both sides of this story so compellingly.
You can purchase Doctor Who: Rutans vs Sontarans: Grave Moon here.
- Story8.5
- Performances10
- Audio Production10
I’ve had a friendship that became like the one you described here Raissa. You (or at least I) think you can explain to yourself logically what happened and why but the emotions are still there. Great review also.
Thanks. The fact that you and others can point to real life examples is proof that the writers need to acknowledge that segment of their audience more
I guess to paraphrase the Doctor; logic only enables you to be wrong with authority.
Exactly.