In Review: Big Finish: The Death and Life of River Song Series 02: Ace and Tegan

Synopsis: Ace and Tegan have been plucked from their twenty-first century lives and stranded in 1860. Who is responsible, and why is River Song mixing in nineteenth century society too?

Somebody is out to eliminate the three of them. Added to that, Ace and Tegan realize that this may not be their first meeting with River. 

Their lives are entangled. To escape, somebody must pay the ultimate price.

Review: The Death and Life of River Song Series 02: Ace and Tegan was a delightful box set. It worked so well, because Big Finish didn’t reinvent time travel.

Story

Indeed, the writers built the storytelling around narrative economy and decades of internal logic. The result was a four episode tale that organically bridged the gap between classic and modern Doctor Who.

“Castaways” by James Moran gave listeners just enough plot to get on with. Thus, he created space for the characters to live and breathe.

Of course, suspense was tempered given the nature of the tale. It wasn’t a matter of “Will they?, but “How they?”

“Driftwood” by Roland Moore introduced the single setting impacting and impacted by events. This included the latest Doctor Who robot model on a journey of its own.

Additionally, this Ace centered story gave listeners all the character beats that fans of the classic era expect. Moreover, Moore gave us an explosive dynamic between Ace and River.

In turn, “Dead Rising” by Roland Moore gave listeners Tegan’s point of view. I really appreciated how Moore separated Tegan from the Doctor and used her history within the resolution.

“The End is the Beginning is the End” by James Moran was perfectly titled. Of necessity the story was equally frustrating and satisfying.

Along the way, Ace and Tegan faced real tension with River. This tension highlighted the differences between classic and modern Doctor Who.

Acting

Alex Kingston, Sophie Aldred, and Janet Fielding fire on all thrusters. This set was essentially a three-hander play. 

The leading ladies bounced off each other like they had always been scene partners. What’s more, they were aided by an equally excellent supporting cast.

Overall

Thank you, Big Finish. The Death and Life of River Song Series 02: Ace and Tegan was everything I hoped it would be. 

You can purchase The Death and Life of River Song Series 02: Ace and Tegan here.