Cameron Mason's Reviews - Big Finish Audio Reviews Condensed

Big Finish Productions - Gallifrey

Weapon of Choice
Romana II and Leela
It appears that a terrorist group called 'Free Time' as aquired a temporal weapon, Romana sends Leela and K9 to investigate at the enclave of Gryben and discover what 'Free Time' are up to... The first of a new spin off series, Weapon of Choice effectively sets up the wider universe of the series, and kicks off several story and character arcs that will run throughout the first 'season'. As an individual story, Weapon of Choice works on most levels, yet at some points still feels like it's all set up and no pay off. Of the major regular cast, Lalla Ward and Louise Jameson put in superb performances, and John Leeson does well playing two K9s, giving both versions an individual voice and personality. Hugo Myatt is amusing as Arkadian and Helen Goldwyn is suitably fanatical as Nepenthe. An interesting start to a series that promises to be full of political and personal intrigue.
Preliminary Rating: 6.5 - 7.5/10

Square One
Romana II and Leela
A historical temporal summit is being held, and Leela is sent in undercover to search for those behind 'Free Time'. As her investigations begin, Leela discovers murder and some very familiar events... Picking up some of the story threads of Weapon of Choice, Stephen Cole's script is fairly tight, and has a number of juicy plot twists that change listener perceptions of the events of the story. Louise Jameson and John Leeson carry on their superb double act as Leela and K9, while Lalla Ward is excellent as Romana. Jane Goddard is brilliant as Hossack, giving a distinctive feel to the public face and real beliefs of such a twisted character. Overall, Square One works fairly well as an individual story, and as a followup to the events of Weapon of Choice.
Preliminary Rating: 7 - 8/10

The Inquiry
Romana II and Leela
An Inquiry into recent events is being held, with an Inquisitor overseeing events. Outside the inquiry Romana and Narvin make independent investigations into the same event, triggering a data bomb that could destroy the Matrix... Past story threads come to a head here as past actions come under examination, and surprising details are revealed. Justin Richards' script is full of the typical story twists and surprising character developments that tie up several ongoing plot threads and bringing several others to a head. The Inquiry allows Miles Richardson's Cardinal Braxiatel to come into his own, which is no surprise as the story is written by the character's creator; the story filling in many character details that become important to Professor Bernice Summerfield range. The most interesting point about The Inquiry is that the inquiry of the title sits in the background, and is used as a springboard from which to outline the origins of the Timonic Device, as well as Braxiatel and Narvin's prior relationship. An unmissable story in the Gallifrey range.
Preliminary Rating: 7.5 - 8.5/10

A Blind Eye
Romana II and Leela
In 1939, events are taking place on a train bound for Valais. Cecilia Pollard's life is about to end, but not before revelations concerning past and recent events are made... In light of the revelations regarding Andred made in A Blind Eye will make relistening to this first 'season' quite interesting, given how certain character relationships first appeared. India Fisher guest stars as Cecilia Pollard, who at first appears to be a slightly more stuck up version of her sister, but as the story unfolds we learn some disturbing and distasteful facts about her life; her final scene, writing a letter to Charley ends that aspect of the plot on a slightly unsettling note. The other plot lines of A Blind Eye tie back into Weapon of Choice, and provide an explanation for recent events plaguing Romana's Presidency. A startling conclusion to the first 'season' of Gallifrey audios.
Preliminary Rating: 7 - 8/10

Lies
Romana II and Leela

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Spirit
Romana II and Leela

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Pandora
Romana II and Leela

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Insurgency
Romana II and Leela

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Imperiatrix
Romana II and Leela

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Fractals
Romana II and Leela

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Warfare
Romana II and Leela

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Appropriation
Romana II and Leela

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Mindbomb
Romana II and Leela

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Panacea
Romana II and Leela

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