In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who – Unbound: Doctor of War 1: Genesis

Synopsis: In Unbound: Doctor of War 1: Genesis. Times have changed. A choice was made, and the universe diverged. Now all of history is at war.

One man stands at the center of it all. But whose side is he on? Is he with the angels or the demons? Does anyone even know which is which?

He was a Doctor once, but now he is Doctor no more. He is the Warrior — The Doctor of War.

Review: Doctor Who – Unbound: Doctor of War 1: Genesis is Marvel’s What If? dialed to 111. It’s the sort of storytelling that can only be done within a decades-old franchise.

Story

This Unbound story is a departure. Until now, the range consisted of single and double-disc tales. However, Doctor Who – Unbound: Doctor of War 1: Genesis is the start of a multiple box set adventure.

“Dust Devil” by John Dorney begins with a painstakingly realized twist on arguably the most famous scene in Doctor Who history. It ends with a revelation that would’ve made Arthur C. Clarke proud.

“Aftershocks” by Lou Morgan offers an alternate version of The Trial of a Time Lord. Frankly, the tale is more engaging than the entire original arc.

“The Difference Office” by James Kettle is “The Invasion of Time” meets Black Mirror. Among other things, listeners get a love story and an alternate regeneration of Romana.

Acting

First and foremost, Colin Baker is absolutely stellar as The Doctor of War. He finds the perfect balance between Six and John Hurt’s War Doctor. 

However, he also adds a few liberal pinches of Derek Jacobi’s War Master. The composited performance elements allow him to walk on the right side of chilling.

For her part, Nicola Bryant wonderfully chews the scenery while using two different accents. Additionally, Rebecca Night is extremely memorable as an alternate Romana.

That said, Tom Baker is the show stopper right out of the gate. His performance is decades in the making and worth the price alone.

He’s ably assisted by Sadie Miller and Christopher Naylor reprising Sarah and Harry. Their efforts put a lump in my throat.

Overall

Thank you, Big Finish, for bravely going dow this road. I’m looking forward to Doctor Who – Unbound: Doctor of War 2: Destiny in September.

You can purchase Doctor Who – Unbound: Doctor of War 1: Genesis here.