In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who: Rutans vs Sontarans: Betrayal at the House of Sontar

Synopsis: Big Finish spotlights the Rutans!

There are many stories of the Sontaran-Rutan war. One hidden thread has yet to be revealed. 

A tale is told across millennia. It stretches from before the war to its possible end. The Fugitive Doctor is about to become part of the plot.

On the run from the mysterious organisation called Division, the Doctor has come to the planet Sontar.

The world is home of the Kaveetch Empire and its armed forces, the Sontarans. She wants sanctuary, and she’s offering the secrets of the Time Lords in exchange.

But with the whole of time and space up for grabs, the stakes are high. Can everyone on Sontar be trusted?

Review: Fans responded very favourably to the Doctor Who: Sontarans vs Rutans storyline. As a result, Big Finish crafted a follow-up arc from the Rutans perspective. 

Story

Writer John Dorney gifted listeners with Doctor Who: Rutans vs Sontarans: Betrayal at the House of Sontar. With this tale, Dorney penned the origins of the Sontarans, of the war, and of the Fugitive Doctor.

The strength of the story lay in the inertia of internal logic. Events had to play out as they did., because the characters were who they were.

As the story unfolded, listeners were treated to double and triple crosses. Additionally, they got heaping portions of hubris and self-reflection.

Acting

The entire cast was excellent. That said, there were three stand out performances.

For her part, Abi Harris brought pathos to duel roles of the Empress and the Rutan. In addition, Jonathon Carley proved himself a chameleon in his duel roles of Sontaran Vrag  and Time Lord Drammal.

However, the soundscape belonged to Jo Martin. Once again, she demonstrated deep love for the Fugitive Doctor and the universe built around her.

Overall

Doctor Who: Rutans vs Sontarans: Betrayal at the House of Sontar was a compelling start to this new arc. I can’t wait to hear where Big Finish takes this tale.

You can purchase Doctor Who: Rutans vs Sontarans: Betrayal at the House of Sontar here.