Written by Nicholas Briggs Paul Magrs Gary Russell Alan W Lear Alan Barnes

Starring Paul McGann and India Fisher

Originally released : /2026

Listened to: February 2026

Episodes
1.1 Storm Warning by Alan Barnes
1.2 Sword of Orion by Nicholas Briggs
1.3 The Stones of Venice by Paul Magrs
1.4 Minuet in Hell by Alan W Lear and Gary Russell

THE REVIEW

What I thought:

Storm warning is the story I remember best from way back when. This one is burned into my Who related cortex. I vividly remember the excitement of this one coming out (I even managed to get a small poster of this that was sent to Waterstones, uni PT job in Guildford, when I ordered this) and listening to it on my portable CD player walking to and from Uni! Great memories and listening to this again 20 odd years later it is still a great story and a great opening to what is the beginning of the 8th Doctor truly getting his proper run as the Doctor. It is pretty long (I can understand why early BF went for the full 2 hour/4 episode type structure, glad they are more flexible now) but I am not sure this was entirely necessary story wise. Some of the story, although fun, could easily have been slimmed down. Nonetheless it is a fantastic story, with the R101 a great setting, realised very well on audio, with great performances from the cast (G Thomas in particular) and Charley is such a great companion from the outset. Lovely to listen to this one again.

The Sword of Orion I could not remember this one at all, other than the Cybermen were in this. I enjoyed the listen, but again I find this rather long and could have been slimmed down. I think that the introduction of the Cyberman, and in this slightly unusual way, is clever and perfect for this first foray into classic monster battles and adventures with 8 and Charlie. The android war angle is cool, as is the idea of the human forces reviving Cybermen to defeat their android foes. A mental plan but great for this adventure. Lost me a little at the end in terms of what was going on but again more my fatigue rather than some major issue with the story.

The Stones of Venice by Paul Magrs, I remember not particularly liking this the first time around, so I went into this with somewhat low expectations, however I was delighted and surprised by this one on this second listen. It’s a very unique story, with a fantastic setting, realised really well by the script, the performances and the sound/music. The duke is a great character, with factions fighting over the legacy of the duchess, with the sinking of Venice shadowing everything. Bloody great! Love to hear Michael Sheard here again, so so good. This is the highlight of the boxset for me!

Minuet in Hell by Alan W Lear and Gary Russell on the other hand I again remember being somewhat underwhelmed the first time and to be honest it’s kinda the same feeling I had this second listen. I thought this was a bit of a mess to be honest, an ok idea (the notion of an amnesiac Doctor in an asylum is pretty cool) but otherwise it’s quite forgettable. The demon voice affect was both annoying and comical (un-intentional), and I am really not sure about all this ‘Satin Bottom’ stuff going on. Its also WAY too long (in fairness the documentary acknowledges this as well)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Cravats: I have scored this set high, despite the final story not being one of my favourites, Storm Warning and Stones of Venice are brilliant and this season is so evocative for me, I remember vividly both learning of McGann coming back to the role for BF (which seemed impossible at the time) and of them coming out (I bought all BF through my PT Uni job at Waterstones with staff discount!). The documentary tops this off for me, brilliant to hear how this season came about and the covers taken off BF and how they operate, reasons behind decisions etc a look behind the BF curtains, so good!

What am I left thinking/feeling/wanting?

• More of these retrospective series collections please Big Finish!
• Is there are a plan to re-release seasons in this way going forward? For other Doctors as well??

Memorable bits

• The whole documentary of the making of this season is fantastic!
• Too many Epstein vibes in Minuet in Hell for me, not sure you could have an episode like this now!
• Michael Sheard!
• Gareth Thomas!
• Ramsey the Vortisaur!!
• The city of Venice sinking into the lagoon
• The return of the cybermen
• Crap deamons…rubbish, non-sensical villain of the week