In Review: Big Finish: The Diary of River Song Series 12: The Orphan Quartet

Synopsis: The Diary of River Song reaches its final chapter — but not before a host of all-new audio adventures. 

These last pages of River’s diary concern an old enemy hiding beyond the universe, and a desolate Cornish inn confronting the truth. Additionally, her diary records a grieving mother holding onto a deadly memento of war, as well as another alien invasion Earth has failed to notice. 

Professor River Song must solve all this while dealing with a loss of her own.
Review: All things end, and this box set ended River Song’s Big Finish adventures beautifully. As much as I’ll miss new chapters, the thematic through-line within The Diary of River Song Series 12: The Orphan Quartet offered a bitter-sweet completion to her narrative journey.

Story

Producer James Goss had a poignant idea to set The Diary of River Song Series 12: The Orphan Quartet after River’s loss of her parents. The four tales were connected by parallels with her grief.

“The Excise Men” by Lou Morgan was a wonderful homage to stories like Jamaica Inn. Throughout, River is confronted by callous responses to loss. This, in turn, forced River to face anger in her own grief.

“Harvest of the Krotons” by James Goss was the comic relief return of the classic Doctor Who villains. The story also brilliantly teamed River Song and Jackie Tyler. Both women faced being left behind, as they embraced their worth.

“Dead Man Talking” by Tim Foley built gothic spookiness into a sequel to a classic Doctor Who adventure. In the course of the story, listeners learn how River was building a new family.

“The Wife of River Song” by Lizzie Hopley was a twisted time tale with surprises and fake outs. Along the way, River’s journey paralleled her mother’s, and it reconnected with family she thought she’d left behind.

Acting

The entire cast was wonderful. That said, Alex Kingston owned every scene she was in throughout the set. Even if this is the end of River Song, I hope Kingston stays on with Big Finish in other roles.

Overall

Thank you, Big Finish, for continuing River Song’s adventures. You’ve filled the pages of her diary with every story fans could have wished for and more.

• You can purchase The Diary of River Song Series 12: The Orphan Quartet here. 
• Check out more of our Big Finish Audio Reviews here.