Exploring the depths of the Doctor's encounters with familiar foes, "Classic Doctors, New Monsters" by Big Finish Productions continues its enthralling journey in its fourth volume, "Broken Memories." This series ingeniously pits pre-2005 Doctors against adversaries from the modern era of Doctor Who, adding a fresh layer of excitement to the beloved franchise.
In "Broken Memories," three captivating stories, featuring 'monsters' created by former showrunner Steven Moffat, showcase the ingenious melding of classic and contemporary Doctor Who elements.
"Invasion of the Body Stealers" introduces the bizarre Shoal of the Winter Harmony, previously seen in "The Husbands of River Song". Writer Jonathan Morris reinvents them as a B-movie-style menace, plunging the Fourth Doctor (Tom Baker) and Sarah Jane (Sadie Miller) into a thrilling adventure in a crystalline forest. With a talented guest cast including Juliet Aubrey and Timothy Bentinck, the story unfolds into an entertaining romp with inventive twists, highlighted by Peter Bankolé's stellar portrayal of miner Eban Hope Jansen.
Jacqueline Rayner's "The Queen of Clocks" thrusts the Sixth Doctor (Colin Baker) and Mel (Bonnie Langford) into a castle besieged by malfunctioning clockwork droids. As the droids replicate themselves using colonists as spare parts, the Doctor forms alliances while facing a formidable adversary in the titular Queen, played with commanding presence by Finty Williams. Rayner expertly balances action and emotion, delivering a narrative that resonates deeply with its audience.
"The Silent Priest" & "The Silent City" explore the enigmatic Silence through a captivating two-part tale by David K. Barnes. Featuring the Eighth Doctor (Paul McGann) and his predecessor (Sylvester McCoy), Barnes weaves a complex narrative of intrigue and betrayal in the city of Sunset. Mina Anwar and Alistair Petrie shine in their roles as rival faction leaders, while Nicholas Briggs delivers a nuanced performance as the enigmatic Silent Priest. The story delves into the depths of gangland turf wars, unveiling shocking revelations that set the stage for a gripping conclusion in "The Silent City."
Each story in "Broken Memories" offers a fresh perspective on familiar monsters, with "The Queen of Clocks" standing out as a particular highlight for this reviewer. Barnaby Edwards' adept direction and stellar casting elevate the listening experience, immersing audiences in a world where classic and new collide with thrilling results.
It's worth noting that the box set was recorded in 2021, adding to the anticipation surrounding its release. As fans eagerly await future volumes, the possibility of more encounters between classic Doctors and modern monsters sparks excitement, perhaps even imagining scenarios like Pertwee facing off against the formidable Pting.
In conclusion, "Broken Memories" delivers another engaging installment in the "Classic Doctors, New Monsters" series, showcasing the enduring appeal of Doctor Who across generations.
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