Big Finish First Doctor Box Set, November 2010
The first Doctor stories don’t have that easy, predictable nature that most of the later Doctor stories do, in terms of the characters surviving. There were so many times I had to turn off Farewell Great Macedon because it was too tense. Usually the plotting of the bad guys is discovered or at least seen from a distance by someone but not here. Getting used to the first Doctor series twists and turns takes some time and this box set really gives you a feel for it! I could really imagine Farewell Great Macedon being made during the first Doctor years. And I learned a bit about Alexander the Great as I listened as well, though I’m sure there is some literary license taken… (4 jelloids)
The Fragile Yellow Arc of Fragrance is a heart-wrenching story but it was pretty obvious from the beginning how it would go. Though I do think that keeping Barbara in the dark about the consequences of rejecting the man’s love is a bit cruel. I like the concept and the Doctor shows his hard side as he hits the button. This is overall a good story (3 jelloids).William Russell, Carole Ann Ford, John Dorney
Writer: Moris Farhi, adapted by Nigel Robinson
Director: Lisa Bowerman