In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 12: New Frontiers

Synopsis: The Fourth Doctor returns in two new adventures.

In the first, the world changed for Margaret Hopwood. Everything she knew was turned upside down by the arrival of a strange man in a blue box. Now, nothing in her life seems the same.

He comes back with a lady called Leela and an invitation to an unusual art gallery. Of course, she’s more than happy to join him for the ride.

In the second, the Doctor and his friends arrive on Antillia at the same time as an expeditionary party. They’re delighted to solve one of the great mysteries of history. Unfortunately, they may have found more than they bargained for.

Review

Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 12: New Frontiers was an excellent start to a new series. Moreover, Margaret Hopwood acquitted herself extremely well as the doctor’s latest companion.

Story

Naturally, Margaret faced her share of hurdles as her tenure on the Tardis commenced. That said, she needed those hurdles to prove her mettle as the latest P.O.V. character.

“Ice Heist!” by Guy Adams was the most straightforward of the two stories. The straightforward nature of the tale left room for character beats and performance flourishes.

I particularly enjoyed the banter between the Doctor and Margaret. However, I enjoyed the dynamic between Margaret and Leela even more.

“Antillia the Lost” by Phil Mulryne centered on a nearly mythic MacGuffin. As with the previous installment, though, the joy within the storytelling lay in Margaret’s growth. I especially appreciated her dynamic with journalist Theodora Markway. 

Acting

Tom Baker and Louise Jameson were as wonderful as ever. However, Nerys Hughes delivered even more memorably opposite her co-stars.

Hughes pulled out all the stops to convey Margaret’s colliding emotions and personal growth throughout.

I also appreciated hearing Anjli Mohindra as Theodora Markway. I really hope Big Finish allows Mohindra to play Rani and Theodora in the same story down the road.

Overall

Thanks, Big Finish. I’m psyched for Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 12, Volume 2.

You can purchase Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 12: New Frontiers here.