In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who: Warzone / Conversion

Synopsis: The Fifth Doctor and his companions are in the grip of the Cybermen and forced into a lethal endurance challenge.

Review: Doctor Who: Warzone / Conversion by Guy Adams and Chris Chapman brings this most recent Doctor Who trilogy to a close in an unexpected way. In the process, former slave Marc learns the toll being a companion to The Doctor can take.

In “Warzone” by Chris Chapman, Marc’s cultural frame of reference gets put to good use in the most fraught context yet. His drive to be a gladiator and test his mettle is both a strength and a detriment. I really appreciated how organically Marc was integrated into this otherworldly staple of the franchise. I was also struck by how his friendship with Tegan developed and how that played into the theme of consent.

In “Conversion” by Guy Adams, Marc allows listeners unique perspective on the Cybermen, as he gains a deeper understanding of the pain driving his new friends. Adams pulls no punches as The Doctor, Tegan, and Nyssa no longer have any way to run from the death of Adric. Harsh truths are spoken and viscerally raw anguish is exposed.

Throughout all of this, Peter Davison, Sarah Sutton, Janet Fielding, and George Watkins are superb. The regulars finally have the story they need decades after it should have been written. For his part, Watkins plays both the hope and the alienation of Marc’s situation perfectly.

Most of all, I’m glad the outcome of this installment wasn’t obvious. I look forward to the ramifications being explored down the line.

• You can purchase Doctor Who: Warzone / Conversion here. 

Cast

Peter Davison (The Doctor), Sarah Sutton (Nyssa), Janet Fielding (Tegan Jovanka), David Banks (Cyber Leader), Timothy Blore (Morris), Angela Bruce (Herb), Silas Carson (Commentator), Mark Hardy (Cyber Lieutenant), Pepter Lunkuse (Esma), Liz Sutherland-Lim (Creasey), George Watkins (Marc)

Production Credits

Written by Guy Adams, Chris Chapman

Cover Artist Simon Holub

Director Scott Handcock

Executive Producer Jason Haigh-Ellery, Nicholas Briggs

Music Robert Harvey

Producer Scott Handcock

Script Editor Guy Adams

Sound Design Robert Harvey

Senior Producer David Richardson