British Scifi

Audio Review: Blake’s 7 – Uprising

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Review by Ian McArdell

Released alongside the latest audio drama box set, Restoration Part One, Christopher Cooper’s Uprising is a novel set in the early part of Series B. While the audio dramas may be hemmed into a sweet spot of continuity, no such restrictions hamper prose and so the story takes place between the episodes Shadow and Weapon, and features the full, original line-up of Blake, Vila, Avon, Jenna, Gan, Cally and Orac on board the Liberator, with the relentless Space Commander Travis on their trail. Continue reading →

Audio Review: The Omega Factor Series 3

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Review by Ian McArdell

Three series in, and with an episode tally now exceeding the original television run, Big Finish’s continuation of the 1970’s supernatural thriller series The Omega Factor is on robust form. Continue reading →

Audio Review: Blake’s 7 – Crossfire Part 2

Posted on by indiemacuser

Review by Ian McArdell

Hot on the heels of their thrilling 40th Anniversary release, Big Finish are back for more as Crossfire – a twelve-part season of stories set within the programme’s third series – continues.

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Audio Review: Blake’s 7 – The Way Ahead (40th Anniversary Special)

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Review by Ian McArdell

In writing a 40th anniversary story, writer Mark Wright was set a tremendous challenge; to create a tale which offers each of the show’s main characters a chance to shine, while at the same time maintains a tone which resonates with the core themes of the show and celebrates what we all love about Blake’s 7. Continue reading →

Audio Review: Blake’s 7 – The Spoils of War

Posted on by indiemacuser

Review by Ian McArdell

After break of almost two years, Blake’s 7 have returned to Big Finish with a new box set of adventures under the title The Spoils of War.
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Review: Doctor Who – Vortex Ice / Cortex Fire

Posted on by indiemacuser

Review by Doctor Squee (Host of Gallifrey Stands Podcast)

After the success of last month’s 5th Doctor release ‘Alien Heart / Dalek Soul‘ Big Finish now gives us a 6th Doctor 2-story set in the same format; with each story taking an hours running time. It’s a really strong format that leads to sharp pacey stories. These two follow that trend. Continue reading →

Audio Review: The Omega Factor Series 2

Posted on by indiemacuser

Review by Ian McArdell

In 2015, Big Finish revived the late 1970s BBC science-meets-supernatural thriller series The Omega Factor to quite some acclaim. Indeed, one episode was nominated for a BBC Audio Drama Award.

Starring Louise Jameson; a member of the original cast, as Dr Anne Reynolds, the audio drama picked up the Edinburgh based tale of Department 7 in the present day. Fresh to this continuation of the show is John Dorney as Adam Dean, son of the original lead character Tom Dean (an investigative journalist who was played by the late James Hazeldine). Continue reading →

Audio Review: ‘Dan Dare Volume 2’

Posted on by indiemacuser

Review by Ian McArdell

Released April 2017 by B7/Big Finish

Beginning where December’s Volume 1 left off, B7’s reinvention of the classic British space hero continues with a second volume of Dan Dare – The Audio Adventures. Continue reading →

Review: Torchwood – Visiting Hours

Posted on by indiemacuser

Review by Doctor Squee (Host of Gallifrey Stands Podcast)

Mild Spoilers!

In TV Torchwood I loved how they fleshed out what to begin with were mere supporting parts. PC Andy becoming a sergeant and a proper ally to the team and not just the comic relief that got them into places as a cop sometimes.

So it was also with Gwen’s long suffering husband Reece played brilliantly by Kai Owen. He felt more and more like part of the team and whereas Miracle Day wasn’t everyone’s favourite adventure; he really shined in it and had a lot to do. Continue reading →

Big Finish – You’re Him Aren’t You (Paul Darrow Autobiography)

Posted on by indiemacuser

Review by Doctor Squee (Host of Gallifrey Stands Podcast)

I have a confession, don’t tell anyone… but I’ve never watched Blakes 7. I’ve watched the first episode and said, I must get back to this and then didn’t. So worse than not watching it, the episode I watched didn’t feature Paul Darrow, a real offence. I have been lucky enough to interview Paul at a con and found him to be a complete gentleman, charming and intriguing. So when I was sent his autobiography to review on audio book from Big Finish, I was definitely in.978-1-78575-341-1

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