In Review: Big Finish: Call Me Master: Inner Demons

Synopsis: He’s a master of disguise, disarray and disorder. The Master has always enjoyed creating chaos, but this incarnation revels in it more than most.

A new Master is unleashed upon the universe. He is taking his time – and pleasure – in finding out exactly who he is.

Review: Call Me Master: Inner Demons was a paradoxical start to a new range. Big Finish built confident stories around lack of confidence.

Story

Moreover, the writers made a point  of wrapping strong world-building and character beats around purposely esoteric MacGuffins. Consequently, the story structures mirrored the Master’s shifting inner landscape.

“Self-Help” by Robert Valentine found the Master at his lowest ebb. As a result, Valentine addressed modern Doctor Who internal logic head on.

He also gave listeners a relentlessly scathing parody of the self improvement industry. Frankly, I needed the laughs as much as certain characters did.

“The Clockwork Swan” by Georgia Cook established the “normal” parameters for this range. In the process, listeners got another of Big Finish’s wonderful murder mystery homages.

Additionally, we got commentary on theaters and theater ghosts along the way. This was definitely my favorite story in this box set.

“The Good Life” by Una McCormack was a story that snuck up on me. It was an allegory that legitimately made me think, instead of making me bored.

That’s due to McCormack’s less is more approach. It’s also a result of the quiet strength of the ending.

Acting

The entire supporting cast was excellent. However, I must give kudos to several performances.

First, I really enjoyed Richard Fleeshman as Kristopher. He played smarmy, yet sympathetic perfectly.

Second, Julie Teal was delightful as Silla. She conveyed her character’s hidden layers with conviction.

Finally, Maddison Bulleyment made the moist of her “sidekick” role as Nyseth. She was the strongest of the strong scene partners for the leading man.

Of course, that brings me to Sacha Dhawan. He reveled in the freedom audio gave him. I can’t wait to hear what he does next.,

Overall

I’m not going to lie. I was underwhelmed by the writing in the Thirteenth Doctor’s era. I’m looking forward to the vastly improved storytelling promised in Call Me Master: Inner Demons.

You can purchase Call Me Master: Inner Demons here.