Synopsis: The Fourth Doctor and Sarah confront lethal progress.
The Doctor takes the TARDIS into the future, where many great scientific leaps are taking place. But every new advance has its risks.
Some of these risks are deadlier than others.
Review: Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 15: Lethal Progress offered listeners three lyrical and layered stories. Throughout, the writers explored the titular theme in extremely affecting ways.
Story
The three tales depended on the Hinchcliffe tone that marked the Fourth Doctor’s era. Each author wholeheartedly embraced the challenges of horror-infused science fantasy.
“Green and Pleasant Planet” by Tim Foley gave listeners a twist on folk horror. I loved his unique world-building and literary sensibilities.
I also appreciated Foley’s ability to craft a sympathetic antagonist. All the while, we got much-needed commentary on colonialism and conquest.
“The Continuum” by John Dorney gave us existential cosmic horror. Additionally, he made the scares more impactful by telling the story in real time.
Moreover, Dorney crafted an old-school antagonist that would’ve made H.P. Lovecraft proud. The Fourth Doctor’s response to it was ultimately as chilling as the threat itself.
“The Audience” by Lizzie Hopley was a mash-up of cyberpunk Tragedy and body horror. Hopley literally and figuratively got to the heart of what makes theatre and storytelling great.
Along the way, she placed the ironically named Thalia centre stage. Thalia was a masterclass in misguided motivation and desperation.
Acting
The entire cast was excellent. That said, I must give kudos to three performers.
First, Dawn Murphy did a powerful turn as Thalia. She played trauma blended with mad scientist theatricality to the hilt.
Next, Sadie Miller brought Sarah’s empathy and adaptability to the fore in all three instalments. For his part, Tom Baker revelled in the Fourth Doctor’s unapologetically mercurial capability.
Overall
Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 15: Lethal Progress went from strength to strength. I can’t wait to hear what Big Finish has in store for my Doctor and his friends.
You can purchase Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Series 15: Lethal Progress here.
- Story8.5
- Performances10
- Audio Production10
I wonder if they would ever have a Doctor again who was more of a classical anti-hero like the 1st Doctor? Great review Raissa.
Thanks. They attempted that with Capaldi to mixed reviews. Big Finish’s AU Doctor played by David Warner was a better realized variation of that type.
David Warner’s take was awesome. Though in the main series I think he’d have made a great incarnation of The Master. Warner was brilliant and compelling when he played villains.
Very true. Although if he had played the Master, we probably wouldn’t have gotten him singing Ultravox’s Vienna aboard a Cold War submarine. 🙂 It was a perfect character beat.
David Warner played a doctor (not the Doctor) in the Matt Smith episode Cold War.
Yes. It was a great role for him as guest turns go,