Big Finish Main Range
I really enjoyed this story! The re-introduction of Mel with experience in a life of crime with Sabalom Glitz makes her an even more complicated character. I have always liked Mel, though she was never a favorite companion, because she would call out the Doctor when he wasn’t making sense! That always makes a companion a winner in my book.
So Mel is on the planet Ricosta looking to cash in on a scheme Glitz was planning in order to pay off some debts. And then the Doctor and Ace arrive and get in trouble with the local authorities and gangster, Lefty Lonnigan. Then the Doctor supposedly regenerates into Gloria, but we still hear him talking to what turns out to be a Sperovore. Sperovore’s sound utterly disgusting, like an octopus on steroids, and are extremely difficult to understand when they’re speaking. That was the most disappointing part of this story! It is an infrequent occurrence but I really hate when they give the monsters in the story such gargly accents that it makes understanding their dialog like listening to someone’s dialog through a fishtank or underwater. I need to rewind constantly to understand what they’re saying but I never do (ahhh, for the days of the rewind button sometimes!) so I miss half of the activity going on! Sigh.
Otherwise this makes for a great re-introduction story. A computer whiz and now thief with some skills, Mel will be infinitely more able to keep up with Ace. Though Ace still has her explosives skills to keep her one step ahead. But the 7th Doctor can go on more rough and tumble adventures with these very competent companions!
Sylvester McCoy (The Doctor), Bonnie Langford (Mel), Sophie Aldred (Ace), Ginny Holder (Gloria/Secretary), Des McAleer (Lefty Lonnigan), Stephen Hagan (Nathan Later), Harry Myers (Atomon/Sperovore Banker/Steward), John Banks (Mayor/Sperovore Auditor/Sperovore Financer). Other parts portrayed by the cast.
Writer: Matt Fitton
Director: Ken Bentley
Release: July 2016