In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who: The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted

Synopsis: Jo Martin returns as the Fugitive Doctor in three brand new adventures. The mysterious Division tries to arrest their equally mysterious agent, the Doctor. Of course, she evades capture and heads out in search of answers. 

Predictably, trouble is never far behind.

Review: Doctor Who: The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted is the start of another exciting arc. Big Finish expands on the mystery established during Chris Chibnall’s tenure. 

Story

Structurally, the three stories in this set are linked through themes of escape and pursuit. The writers strip the plots down to allow room for world-building, widely different tones, and character beats.

“Fast Times” by Robert Valentine is a twist on the prison break trope. Valentine’s story worked precisely because he doesn’t reinvent the narrative wheel.

I also appreciated Valentine’s economical, yet potent, use of the Daleks. They become a grounding through line that the Fugitive Doctor doesn’t perceive as a through line.

Additionally, he establishes the blissfully competent Cosmogon. I hope Valentine maintains her capability until the end of the arc. Villain decay would be massively disappointing given the effort in these introductory tales.

“The Legend of Baba Yaga” by Rochana Patel is my favorite story in this set. Like Valentine, Patel doesn’t do anything new.

She effortlessly combines all the elements of Baba Yaga folklore with Doctor Who mythology. In the process, she crafts a story that thematically links the Doctor to both Baba Yaga and Vasilisa.

“The Dimension of Lost Things” by Lisa McMullin works, because it’s so literal. My favorite character is the historical guest companion, who I won’t spoil.

Acting

The entire supporting cast is top notch. That said, there are stand out performances.

First, Leah Harvey is pitch perfect as guest companion Fade. However, Jacqueline King gave the most delightfully otherworldly turn as Baba Yaga.

For their parts, lead Jo Martin and co-star Alice Krige are the double act listeners didn’t know they needed. It’s clear they’re both having a blast.

Overall

Doctor Who: The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted is engaging and heartfelt throughout. I can’t wait for the next volume in this series.

You can purchase Doctor Who: The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted here.