In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who: The Third Doctor Adventures: The Return of Jo Jones

Synopsis: Jo Jones (nee Grant) is reunited with her Doctor at a very important point in her life. They embark on three new adventures.

In the first, Jo Jones is called to the Isle of Wight after a spate of terrifying bird attacks. Something has thrown the natural order out of balance. Moreover, Jo’s own world has also changed forever.

In the second, Jo Jones arrives with the Doctor on her first space-time voyage for decades. On the planet Viltris in the 49th Century, she discovers that long-held grudges are about to bubble over into outright rebellion.

In the third, the Doctor and Jo land on the troubled, sea-faring planet Mercator. As Jo lifts the lid on the tensions within the local community, the Doctor finds himself in deep trouble.

Review: Doctor Who: The Third Doctor Adventures: The Return of Jo Jones is long overdue. It’s a bitter-sweet, yet triumphant exploration of one of the Doctor’s dearest friends.

Story

The synopsis contains the only plot elements listeners need in advance. The power lies in how each tale mirrors Jo’s personal experiences and showcases the skills she has honed.

“Supernature” by Matt Fitton is a direct sequel to “The Green Death.” There’s also a heavy dose of Hitchcock. Have tissues handy as Jo confronts loss and the franchise bids farewell to Stewart Bevan.

“The Conservitors” by Felicia Barker is about the intersection of risk, power, and grief. It’s also about everything that makes Jo so formidable at this stage in her life.

“The Iron Shore” by Lizzie Hopley is my favorite story in the set. Hopley lovingly homages both Hinchcliffe and Lovecraft. In the process, she highlights Jo’s empathy and the Doctor’s resolve.

Acting

The entire cast was excellent. However, the soundscape belonged to Katy Manning and Tim Treloar.

Manning effortlessly conveyed Jo’s pain, perseverance, and panache. For his part, Treloar continued to uncannily channel Jon Pertwee. His performance was even more impressive given the emotional levels he had to play opposite Manning’s direct experience of the Third Doctor’s era.

Overall

Thank you, Big Finish, for this closure. I sincerely hope Jo has a few more adventures with her Doctor before she returns home.

You can purchase Doctor Who: The Third Doctor Adventures: The Return of Jo Jones here.