In Review: Big Finish: The Death and Life of River Song Series 04: War Widow

Synopsis: River Song is dragged into the madness of the Time War. She joins a Doctor who never wanted to fight that battle. 

River thinks she knows where their paths will take them. However, the temporal battlegrounds are shifting. 

She can no longer take anything for granted. Not even her own existence.

Review: The Death and Life of River Song Series 04: War Widow took the range to a new level. The storytelling went from bitter sweet to uncompromising and back again.

Story

The first two instalments in the set served as a prequel to “The Night of the Doctor.” The third tale offered a twist on the multiple Doctor stories.

“The Shape of Fear” by James Kettle allowed the author to revisit themes he explored during the Stranded arc—additionally, the story allowed for pointed commentary on the arrogance and willful ignorance embedded within current discourse.

Most importantly, though, Kettle’s thoughtful world-building facilitated River’s continued trauma therapy. While her realizations were rehashed to some degree, it was necessary that River’s recovery be as non-linear as her travels.

“Bad Timing” by Matt Fitton gave listeners yet another unflinching episode in the Time War. That said, the story was the most cathartic offering since the Time War was first introduced in 2005.

Even though the Eighth Doctor headed toward the inevitable, Fitton comforted fans with heartfelt nuance and beneficial ends.

I also adored the new title River took on as she provided kick-ass context for her husband’s public relations. She ultimately became everything the Doctor’s enemies trained her to stop.

Of course, this brings me to “Unchained Melodies” by Lisa McMullin. This chapter addressed the implications of the previous tale.

McMullin’s paradox palooza gave listeners an extremely well-crafted exploration of the lives River sacrificed to save the Doctor. Along the way, her regenerations that weren’t showcased both the strengths and weaknesses of her original arc.

Big Finish has since capitalised on the strengths and shored up the weaknesses. In the process, River Song has truly become more than the sum of her parts.

Acting

The entire cast was superb. However, the soundscape belonged to Alex Kingston and Paul McGann. 

They wholeheartedly conveyed the weight and the hope of the Time War. Their commitment to Doctor Who will help Big Finish to bear the weight and hope of the show’s current hiatus.

Overall

The Death and Life of River Song Series 04: War Widow answered questions and posed new ones. I can’t wait to hear more from this range.

You can purchase The Death and Life of River Song Series 04: War Widow here.