Big Finish, Companion Chronicles
I think that I always end up rating the 1st Doctor stories lower because of the way that William Hartnell played the Doctor, which is so very contrary to how the Doctor behaves later on in his life. He’s very much the old codger acting like the universe owes him something. Without Susan around, he would probably be unbearable for his many companions! The early companions are also different because they always want to go home. Through the years either the TARDIS cooperates more with the Doctor or he actually does learn to fly it somewhat, though it seems like the 5th Doctor returned to the era of the finicky TARDIS with a flourish!
This story is well done by Richard Dinnick but I just didn’t love it. If you’re into Russian history, this may be the one for you! The aliens are definitely not of the nice variety in this story but it’s pretty rare when they aren’t invaders or hostile in Doctor Who. The female companions don’t have much to do in this story except be hostages, which is typical of an early episode. I’m very happy to hear the stories where the dynamic between Ian and Barbara is explored more, though it’s only ever from Ian’s side. But this story does none of that and just has the running around and aliens formula going. So yeah, just 3 jelloids for this adventure.
William Russell (Ian Chesterton) and Tim Chipping (Grigory)
Writer: Richard Dinnick
Director: Lisa Bowerman
Release: April 2012