Synopsis: In Purity Unleashed Marine biologist Hebe Harrison has vanished from the timelines. The Doctor and Mel must find a way of getting their new friend back! Little do they realize what perils lie ahead or who stands against them.
Review: As with the previous set, Doctor Who: The Sixth Doctor Adventures: Purity Unleashed was an excellent effort. Like the previous series, it culminated in a cliffhanger. As a result, I’ll avoid spoilers to preserve the cliffhanger.
Story
The writers faced difficult themes in this set. However, they managed to deftly balance hope and despair.
“Broadway Belongs to Me!” by Matthew Sweet was an incredible achievement! It was nothing less than a fascist musical palette cleanser.
Howard Carter outdid himself with the score. On top of that, director Helen Goldwyn perfectly tapped the dance steps for the soundtrack. For his part, Sweet crafted a script laden with musical Easter eggs and a brilliant denouement.
“Purification” by Chris Chapman began in New Zealand, in 1910. It ended by spanning a generation during which time and a psyche unraveled.
“Time-Burst” by Ian Potter began in Sheffield, in 1864. Potter confronted social inequity and disaster with great care. In the process, he told a story of misplacement, displacement, arrogance, and fixed time.
Acting
As ever, Colin Baker and Bonnie Langford were wonderful. Langford’s pitch-perfect send-up of her own history in musical theater was worth the price alone.
For her part, Imogen Stubbs continued to pull out all the stops as Patricia McBride. I was reminded of Jacqueline Hill as Barbara Wright throughout. Stubbs got layers to play that Hill only explored briefly during her tenure.
Overall
Thank you, again, Big Finish. Doctor Who: The Sixth Doctor Adventures: Purity Unleashed left me wanting more. I can’t wait for the as-yet-untitled continuation in August.
You can purchase Doctor Who: The Sixth Doctor Adventures: Purity Unleashed here.
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- Story8.5
- Performances10
- Audio Production10
