In Review: Big Finish: UNIT: Eras: Hostile Universe

Synopsis: UNIT is humanity’s first and best line of defence against a hostile universe. No matter where or when.

In the first new tale, it’s 2008. The Earth has been stolen, and planets fill the sky. 

It falls to Colonel Mace, Harry Sullivan, and the retired Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart to fight in the Doctor’s absence. A secret weapon is waiting, and it’s ready to fly.

In the next story, it’s 2017. UNIT has been shut down and its heroes targeted.

Kate Stewart fights from the shadows. Reunited with Petronella Osgood. Kate goes undercover to save a child refugee with psychic powers.

In the third instalment, it’s the dawn of UNIT. Eddie Wise is plagued by nightmares and lies to his fiancée.

The beleaguered private also becomes embroiled in a plot. To make matters worse, there’s a journalist on his tail.

Lastly, it’s 2023. The Toymaker has been vanquished, and UNIT stands tall.

But when a cutting-edge telescope is brought online, the UNIT skyscraper is plunged into lockdown. Melanie Bush and new recruit Dr Isla Ellis need all their wits to survive.

Review: I truly enjoyed UNIT: Eras: Hostile Universe. The writers tenderly crafted tales that were perfectly suited to the various time frames.

Story

Moreover, each writer gave listeners character-driven tales. They offered our heroes the space to be the people we’ve grown to love.

“Rise of the Valiant” by Andrew Smith was a marvellous opener. Smith allowed the Brigadier and Harry to age gracefully and with resolve.

I particularly appreciated how each man accepted the scope of the problem. In addition, each understood and respected the value of their colleagues in the battle they faced.

However, my favourite part was finding out the nature of the Brigadier’s “fool’s errand” in Peru. And yes, he would find that a completely annoying waste of time.

“The Indigo Child” by Ken Bentley reminded me why I’ve missed Osgood; Kate Stewart’s dynamics with other contemporary scientific advisors were never as well thought out.

I also realized that I really appreciated the less-is-more storytelling. UNIT doesn’t have to save the entire planet in every tale.

“The Life and Death of Private Eddie Wise” by Hannah Kennedy was a love letter to UNIT in the Third Doctor’s era. Kennedy embraced the issue-driven storytelling of that period.

In the process, she gave listeners an unflinching tale of PTSD. Sarah Jane needed to write a piece on Eddie in order to affect change in UNIT’s culture.

It’s the sort of narrative Big Finish is best suited to provide. Part of being a fan is understanding the gaps tie-in media need to fill.

“Deadstar” by Joshua Pruett and Jonathan S Powell was an extremely interesting story. Pruett and Powell had the unenviable task of fleshing out the limited world-building of the 14th and 15th Doctors’ tenures.

The resulting installment was better than the writing for Doctor Who itself. I loved both the thematic parallels and the character development.

Also, I hope Dr Isla Ellis gets a trip in the Tardis at some point. It would be fitting grief therapy for her.

Acting

The supporting cast was excellent. That said, this set belonged to all the returning regulars. 

Bringing UNIT to life wouldn’t be possible without these stellar leading actors. I hope we hear them in these roles for years to come.

Overall

UNIT: Eras: Hostile Universe was a great effort. I’m looking forward to more sets in this range. 

You can purchase UNIT: Eras: Hostile Universe here.