Synopsis: Big Finish spotlights the war between the Rutans and the Sontarans!
On the precipice of peace it stands…
After the destruction of a major stronghold, the Sontarans propose something extraordinary. More extraordinary still, the Rutans say yes.
The Doctor, Charley and C’rizz are on hand to watch history being made. Yet history has other ideas.
A plan that has taken centuries is about to come to fruition. The Melmoth is returning.
Review: Doctor Who: Rutans vs Sontarans: Peace at Last was a bittersweet finale. By the end, I was thinking differently about madness, manipulation, war, and death.
The Story
Once again, writer Tim Foley gave listeners a masterclass in world-building, characterisation, and internal logic. Regrettably, I can’t give specifics because Foley also structured the story around spoilers with connective elements.
I will say I loved having The Doctor, Charley and C’rizz in the mix. Their dynamics were a joy to hear.
I also appreciated the nuanced relationship between C’rizz and the Rutan Ambassador. Additionally, I liked the interplay between Charley and the Sontarans.
That said, my favourite characters were Scur and Selina Carr. They were deftly crafted flip sides of the same coin.
Finally, the lit geek in me adored how Foley paid off the foreshadowed poetry. It was wonderfully centred within the story.
Acting
This time, I must break from my usual review structure. I have to give kudos to the entire cast.
As ever, Jonathon Carley and Dan Starkey wholeheartedly commit to their Sontaran roles. For her part, Cecelia Appiah graced the soundscape with a very layered performance as the Rutan Ambassador.
For their parts, India Fisher and Conrad Westmaas know Charley and C’rizz inside and out. I hope they continue playing with Big Finish for years to come.
As effective as the supporting cast was, however, the final chapter belonged to Paul McGann and Ajjaz Awad as the Doctor and Selina Carr. Between them, they viscerally conveyed the crushing weight within the tale.
Overall
Doctor Who: Rutans vs Sontarans:Peace at Last brought home the scope and ambition within Big Finish storytelling. I can’t wait to hear what comes next.
You can purchase Doctor Who: Rutans vs Sontarans: Peace at Last here.
- Story9.0
- Performances10
- Audio Production10
Dan Bull posted a video on YouTube about 13 years ago where he described how he tried to help a lost baby duckling that was in the estate near where he lives. And how the duckling’s fate was ultimately taken out of his hands as the baby swam across a river away from him. Dan said “there are always people who are willing to help, but they might not be able to help you in the way that you need them to. So I’d say, I dunno, if you see someone who looks like they might need help, if it’s a human or another animal, just do what you can. And if you can’t do anything, don’t stress about it, because at least you know you’ve helped you’ve tried to help.” This review reminded me of that. Great work Raissa.
Thanks. It was an excellent arc. And yes, I love that the Doctor always tries so hard to make a difference,