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Ravenous #1
Doctor Who: Ravenous 1
Having saved the universe and restored peace at home, the Doctor and Liv go in search of their friend, Helen. Following a trail of breadcrumbs through space and time they discover an unsavoury conspiracy, and an old enemy lurking in the shadows, waiting.
1.1 Their Finest Hour by John Dorney
In the early days of the Second World War a strange and elusive craft attacks British targets. Could it be a German superweapon? Churchill calls for the Doctor’s assistance and with the help of a squadron of Polish fighter pilots the TARDIS crew take to the skies to investigate.
1.2 How to Make a Killing in Time Travel by John Dorney
A disturbance in the vortex causes the TARDIS to land on the Scapegrace space station, where Cornelius Morningstar experiments in time-travel for nefarious purposes. But the Doctor’s plan to stop him winds dangerously out of control as the different agendas of criminals, murderers and alien dynasties conspire against him.
1.3 World of Damnation by Matt Fitton
Rykerzon is a maximum-security planetoid designed to hold the most dangerous criminals in the star system. The Governor plans to reform its inmates, with the help of the Kandyman. But two prisoners prove particularly troublesome: the alien fugitives known as the Eleven, and Miss Helen Sinclair.
The Doctor and Liv have finally tracked down their friend - but are they too late?
1.4 Sweet Salvation by Matt Fitton
The Eleven has the authorities in the palm of his hand and an entire world held to ransom when the Kandyman cooks up a deadly confection containing a secret ingredient. In a last-ditch attempt to prevent disaster Liv teams up with a desperate criminal, and the Doctor must decide whether Helen is still his friend.
1.1 Their Finest Hour by John Dorney
In the early days of the Second World War a strange and elusive craft attacks British targets. Could it be a German superweapon? Churchill calls for the Doctor’s assistance and with the help of a squadron of Polish fighter pilots the TARDIS crew take to the skies to investigate.
1.2 How to Make a Killing in Time Travel by John Dorney
A disturbance in the vortex causes the TARDIS to land on the Scapegrace space station, where Cornelius Morningstar experiments in time-travel for nefarious purposes. But the Doctor’s plan to stop him winds dangerously out of control as the different agendas of criminals, murderers and alien dynasties conspire against him.
1.3 World of Damnation by Matt Fitton
Rykerzon is a maximum-security planetoid designed to hold the most dangerous criminals in the star system. The Governor plans to reform its inmates, with the help of the Kandyman. But two prisoners prove particularly troublesome: the alien fugitives known as the Eleven, and Miss Helen Sinclair.
The Doctor and Liv have finally tracked down their friend - but are they too late?
1.4 Sweet Salvation by Matt Fitton
The Eleven has the authorities in the palm of his hand and an entire world held to ransom when the Kandyman cooks up a deadly confection containing a secret ingredient. In a last-ditch attempt to prevent disaster Liv teams up with a desperate criminal, and the Doctor must decide whether Helen is still his friend.
5 pages, Audio CD
First published March 1, 2018
4 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
John Dorney
172 books26 followersJohn Dorney is a British writer and actor best known for stage roles including the National Theatre, the BBC Radio 4 sitcom My First Planet; and his scripts for the Big Finish Doctor Who range. His script 'Solitaire' was rated the most popular Doctor Who Companion Chronicle of 2010 on the Timescales website and was the runner up in Unreality Sci-fi net's poll for Story of the Year 2010-11.
As well as Doctor Who, he has written for Big Finish's Sapphire and Steel series and on radio co-wrote three series of BBC Radio 4's Recorded for Training Purposes. He won the BBC Show Me the Funny 'Sketch Factor' competition, was a finalist in the BBC 'Laughing Stock' competition, and has performed in Mark Watson's Edinburgh Comedy Award winning long shows as 'The Balladeer'. On stage, he has written plays for the Royal Court Theatre, Hampstead and Soho Theatres.
He trained at LAMDA.
As well as Doctor Who, he has written for Big Finish's Sapphire and Steel series and on radio co-wrote three series of BBC Radio 4's Recorded for Training Purposes. He won the BBC Show Me the Funny 'Sketch Factor' competition, was a finalist in the BBC 'Laughing Stock' competition, and has performed in Mark Watson's Edinburgh Comedy Award winning long shows as 'The Balladeer'. On stage, he has written plays for the Royal Court Theatre, Hampstead and Soho Theatres.
He trained at LAMDA.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 24, 2018
I want to give this only three stars, but the extra star is for the first two episodes, which are side-stories unrelated to the arc, and those have been missing from the Eighth Doctor series for a long time. I like long story arcs, but I like a break from them from time to time, too. So it was good to kick off this new series with some stand-alone stories. (At least, I assume they're stand-alone. Way back at the beginning of Doom Coalition, I thought "The Red Lady" was stand-alone, too.)
As to the third and fourth episodes, they're fine, but suffer from too much action, which is quite often difficult to depict in an audio drama. You really have to listen closely and focus. Miss a crucial line or two, and you can get really lost. Which is probably more my issue than an issue with the episodes themselves.
It remains to be seen where this series is going, and who or what "the Ravenous" is.
As to the third and fourth episodes, they're fine, but suffer from too much action, which is quite often difficult to depict in an audio drama. You really have to listen closely and focus. Miss a crucial line or two, and you can get really lost. Which is probably more my issue than an issue with the episodes themselves.
It remains to be seen where this series is going, and who or what "the Ravenous" is.
February 21, 2026
2026 52 Book Challenge - 8) A Three Syllable Word In The Title
I quite enjoyed the first two stories in this boxset. I've kind of missed having one-off stories that are unrelated to the overarching plot of the boxset - and while these first two stories are tangentially related - it felt nice to not have the pressure of listening to every line and trying to nitpick for plot.
The third and the fourth stories were quite action packed, so it was quite difficult to follow what was happening, and if you missed something, it was quite difficult to catch up.
I quite enjoyed the first two stories in this boxset. I've kind of missed having one-off stories that are unrelated to the overarching plot of the boxset - and while these first two stories are tangentially related - it felt nice to not have the pressure of listening to every line and trying to nitpick for plot.
The third and the fourth stories were quite action packed, so it was quite difficult to follow what was happening, and if you missed something, it was quite difficult to catch up.
September 11, 2019
I only had one of the disks to the set -- 1.2 How to Make a Killing in Time Travel. A scientist makes a time portal, which interferes in the Tardis' destination. So, the doctor and Liv (who I LOVE - played by the amazing Nicola Walker), shut it down. Only the man who hired the scientist made her fix it, causing bigger problems. Meanwhile, someone is trying to steal the machine while others plan a coup in the ruling family. Lots of drama and fun.
January 18, 2025
This one was mid for me. I loved the search for Helen and the return of the Eleven though.
April 21, 2018
1.1 Their Finest Hour by John Dorney
Si parte direttamente da dove eravamo rimasti alla fine del quarto volume di Doom Coalition... alla ricerca di Helen Sinclair.
Prima tappa Londra, con Winston Churchill agli albori della WWII... prima o poi quel periodo diventerà come New York per il Dottore.
Storia apparentemente autoconclusiva, non so quanto collegata alle storie dedicate a Churchill.
1.2 How to Make a Killing in Time Travel by John Dorney
Secondo stand alone, collegato alla ricerca di Helen solo perché una alterazione nel flusso temporale non permette al Tardis di seguire la pista.
Ovviamente caos e mistero legati all'interferenza, risolti più per caso.
Vedremo nella terza parte se riusciranno a comparire i due grandi assenti: Helen e The Eleven.
1.3 World of Damnation by Matt Fitton
Ritroviamo The Eleven e Helen, apparentemente diventati amici, in una sorta di prigione che vede il Kandymen (sì, quello di The Happiness Patrol... ma meno dolce all'apparenza) come fornitore di delicatezze.
Ovviamente non è tutto zucchero quello che fila e il Dottore e Liv ci resteranno invischiati, come sempre.
1.4 Sweet Salvation by Matt Fitton
I veri piani di The Eleven si svelano ma, come prevedibile, le cose non vanno come previsto.
Alla fine della fiera incontriamo, di straforo, quelli che si rivelano essere i cattivi che danno il nome alla serie.
Un buon inizio per questa nuova stagione con il Dottore di McGann e, ormai, è evidente come tutte le varie produzioni siano incastrate tra loro, rendendo la vita un po' complessa a noi.ascoltatori.
Si resta quindi in attesa del secondo cofanetto... considerando che, nel secondo volume della Time War dell'ottavo Dottore, potrebbero esserci anticipazioni sul futuro di The Eleven.
Si parte direttamente da dove eravamo rimasti alla fine del quarto volume di Doom Coalition... alla ricerca di Helen Sinclair.
Prima tappa Londra, con Winston Churchill agli albori della WWII... prima o poi quel periodo diventerà come New York per il Dottore.
Storia apparentemente autoconclusiva, non so quanto collegata alle storie dedicate a Churchill.
1.2 How to Make a Killing in Time Travel by John Dorney
Secondo stand alone, collegato alla ricerca di Helen solo perché una alterazione nel flusso temporale non permette al Tardis di seguire la pista.
Ovviamente caos e mistero legati all'interferenza, risolti più per caso.
Vedremo nella terza parte se riusciranno a comparire i due grandi assenti: Helen e The Eleven.
1.3 World of Damnation by Matt Fitton
Ritroviamo The Eleven e Helen, apparentemente diventati amici, in una sorta di prigione che vede il Kandymen (sì, quello di The Happiness Patrol... ma meno dolce all'apparenza) come fornitore di delicatezze.
Ovviamente non è tutto zucchero quello che fila e il Dottore e Liv ci resteranno invischiati, come sempre.
1.4 Sweet Salvation by Matt Fitton
I veri piani di The Eleven si svelano ma, come prevedibile, le cose non vanno come previsto.
Alla fine della fiera incontriamo, di straforo, quelli che si rivelano essere i cattivi che danno il nome alla serie.
Un buon inizio per questa nuova stagione con il Dottore di McGann e, ormai, è evidente come tutte le varie produzioni siano incastrate tra loro, rendendo la vita un po' complessa a noi.ascoltatori.
Si resta quindi in attesa del secondo cofanetto... considerando che, nel secondo volume della Time War dell'ottavo Dottore, potrebbero esserci anticipazioni sul futuro di The Eleven.
January 19, 2023
Doctor Who: Ravenous 1 - 3.75/5 stars
A fun little collection of stories that starts off this “Ravenous” arc. After years of wanting this set, I managed to come across a physical copy of it and got it really cheap and these stories were great.
1.1 Their Finest Hour by John Dorney - 3.5/5 stars
The Doctor and Liv take a break from their search for Helen after getting a phone call from Winston Churchill, there's something in the sky and the British army needs help if they’re going to overcome this threat and win WWII. The story is really tense and exciting. I like the continued story from the TV show where Churchill wants to see what the TARDIS is and use it for himself to win WWII.
1.2 How to Make a Killing in Time Travel by John Dorney - 3.5/5 stars
On another detour from saving Helen, the Doctor and Liv find themselves in a mess of murder plots, time travel machine making and corruption. I enjoyed the characters in this story and I especially liked the character who drove the plot forward by making one mistake and trying to cover that up, creating a snowball effect of mess.
1.3 World of Damnation by Matt Fitton - 4/5 stars
Strong part 1 to the two-part story, the structure of this was a little weird but it all made sense in the end. I’m curious to see what’s wrong with Helen. I love that the Kandyman returned here, he’s still as delightfully mad as ever.
1.4 Sweet Salvation by Matt Fitton - 4/5 stars
The Doctor, Liv and Helen are finally reunited and they manage to defeat the Kandyman and the Eleven, just. This story was a good way to wrap up the set, it had high stakes and was engaging throughout. The Kandyman was great in this.
A fun little collection of stories that starts off this “Ravenous” arc. After years of wanting this set, I managed to come across a physical copy of it and got it really cheap and these stories were great.
1.1 Their Finest Hour by John Dorney - 3.5/5 stars
The Doctor and Liv take a break from their search for Helen after getting a phone call from Winston Churchill, there's something in the sky and the British army needs help if they’re going to overcome this threat and win WWII. The story is really tense and exciting. I like the continued story from the TV show where Churchill wants to see what the TARDIS is and use it for himself to win WWII.
1.2 How to Make a Killing in Time Travel by John Dorney - 3.5/5 stars
On another detour from saving Helen, the Doctor and Liv find themselves in a mess of murder plots, time travel machine making and corruption. I enjoyed the characters in this story and I especially liked the character who drove the plot forward by making one mistake and trying to cover that up, creating a snowball effect of mess.
1.3 World of Damnation by Matt Fitton - 4/5 stars
Strong part 1 to the two-part story, the structure of this was a little weird but it all made sense in the end. I’m curious to see what’s wrong with Helen. I love that the Kandyman returned here, he’s still as delightfully mad as ever.
1.4 Sweet Salvation by Matt Fitton - 4/5 stars
The Doctor, Liv and Helen are finally reunited and they manage to defeat the Kandyman and the Eleven, just. This story was a good way to wrap up the set, it had high stakes and was engaging throughout. The Kandyman was great in this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2018
I'm VERY glad that there are more adventures with Helen and Liv and the 8th Doctor, I was very worried when the time war was annoucned that would be the end of them. Liv was lovely and sarcastic in this one. The first story was the most frustrating as Liv and the Doctor went back to WW2 to see Churchill, and Liv was complaining that they needed to get on with finding Helen and I totally agreed. I mean Ian McNeice is a lovely guy but Churchill wasn't. In a way it's good that BF are giving him work, but maybe could he play someone that wasn't responsible for the deaths of millions?
The next story was more fun. It was like a Bernice Summerfield story, but with Liv and the Doctor. I liked it, but still felt they should be doing something about getting to Helen.
The third and fourth story saw Helen and 11 come back. I haven't been a big fan of 11 before but I liked him better in this one. I wasn't quite sure why the Doctor didn't trust Helen. I also hadn't seen the original Candyman stories (vague memories of mr licorce allsorts?) but was still able to follow along without a problem. I liked the science fiction setting, especially space prison/mental institutuion.
Definitely not up there with some of the other 8th doctor stories but still enjoyable.
The next story was more fun. It was like a Bernice Summerfield story, but with Liv and the Doctor. I liked it, but still felt they should be doing something about getting to Helen.
The third and fourth story saw Helen and 11 come back. I haven't been a big fan of 11 before but I liked him better in this one. I wasn't quite sure why the Doctor didn't trust Helen. I also hadn't seen the original Candyman stories (vague memories of mr licorce allsorts?) but was still able to follow along without a problem. I liked the science fiction setting, especially space prison/mental institutuion.
Definitely not up there with some of the other 8th doctor stories but still enjoyable.
March 25, 2021
This new 16-part “season” of 8th Doctor adventures kicks off with four episodes, the first two of which are essentially standalone, albeit linked by the Doctor and Liv trying to find out what happened to Helen at the end of The Doom Coalition. I'll admit that this isn't as good as most of that was, but it's still decent overall.
• Their Finest Hour – The first story sees the TARDIS arriving in 1940, where a cloaked alien spaceship is seemingly taking the side of the Germans in the Battle of Britain. Winston Churchill turns up (with Ian McNeice reprising the role from Victory of the Daleks) but, beyond a running gag about Liv not knowing who he is, he could easily have been replaced with anyone. The story itself is fairly mundane, although there’s a minor twist when it comes to the aliens’ motivations. Fortunately, the acting and the dialogue of the two leads pull it above the middling. There are also some good scenes with the Polish flying officers assigned to help the Doctor out, although the story isn’t really long enough to explore those thoroughly. It’s surprisingly fun to listen to, all thing considered. 3.5 stars.
• How to Make a Killing in Time Travel – The second episode is a comedy that has (so far as one can tell) equally little connection to whatever the plot arc for the season might be. As the title implies, it’s about a time machine and a killing – although we are told from the start who the murderer is, so it’s not a mystery story. Rather, it’s more about the killer's inept attempts to cover it up, various misunderstandings on the space station where it’s all set, and the Doctor’s repeated attempts to fix something that (he claims) should really be very easy. Sure, there’s a death toll, but there are enough humorous lines and over-the-top characters to prevent things from getting too serious. 4.5 stars.
• World of Damnation/Sweet Salvation – It’s here that the plot arc for the season properly kicks off, as we find out what happened to Helen and the Eleven at the end of the previous season. Even then, it has something of the feel of a prologue, since the titular Ravenous get barely more than a mention until the closing coda. Instead, it’s the Eleven who is the main antagonist here, in alliance with a one-off villain from the classic TV series. Having said which, since the desire for food is a key element of the story, it’s likely to be at least thematically linked to the overall plot arc. Helen is a more ambiguous character here than previously, as we are uncertain to what extent she may have bonded with the Eleven during their enforced time together. A comparatively sedate first half leads to a dramatic conclusion in the second, as well as quite a few puns about sugar. 4 stars.
• Their Finest Hour – The first story sees the TARDIS arriving in 1940, where a cloaked alien spaceship is seemingly taking the side of the Germans in the Battle of Britain. Winston Churchill turns up (with Ian McNeice reprising the role from Victory of the Daleks) but, beyond a running gag about Liv not knowing who he is, he could easily have been replaced with anyone. The story itself is fairly mundane, although there’s a minor twist when it comes to the aliens’ motivations. Fortunately, the acting and the dialogue of the two leads pull it above the middling. There are also some good scenes with the Polish flying officers assigned to help the Doctor out, although the story isn’t really long enough to explore those thoroughly. It’s surprisingly fun to listen to, all thing considered. 3.5 stars.
• How to Make a Killing in Time Travel – The second episode is a comedy that has (so far as one can tell) equally little connection to whatever the plot arc for the season might be. As the title implies, it’s about a time machine and a killing – although we are told from the start who the murderer is, so it’s not a mystery story. Rather, it’s more about the killer's inept attempts to cover it up, various misunderstandings on the space station where it’s all set, and the Doctor’s repeated attempts to fix something that (he claims) should really be very easy. Sure, there’s a death toll, but there are enough humorous lines and over-the-top characters to prevent things from getting too serious. 4.5 stars.
• World of Damnation/Sweet Salvation – It’s here that the plot arc for the season properly kicks off, as we find out what happened to Helen and the Eleven at the end of the previous season. Even then, it has something of the feel of a prologue, since the titular Ravenous get barely more than a mention until the closing coda. Instead, it’s the Eleven who is the main antagonist here, in alliance with a one-off villain from the classic TV series. Having said which, since the desire for food is a key element of the story, it’s likely to be at least thematically linked to the overall plot arc. Helen is a more ambiguous character here than previously, as we are uncertain to what extent she may have bonded with the Eleven during their enforced time together. A comparatively sedate first half leads to a dramatic conclusion in the second, as well as quite a few puns about sugar. 4 stars.
May 10, 2025
To be honest, I was disappointed by this box set. I came into it, super excited to find out what happened to Helen after the end of Doom Coalition 4, only to be met with two side-trips that Liv and the Doctor make while looking for her. Then, when we finally *do* find Helen... I was bored out of my mind.
Their Finest Hour, by John Dorney (3.5 stars): Probably the best story of the set, and that's mostly thanks to Ian McNeice, who was a delight as Winston Churchill forever trying to get his paws on the TARDIS to end the war (and probably satisfy his own curiosity too).
How To Make a Killing in Time Travel, by John Dorney (2.5 stars): This had the bones of a good story, but I just couldn't get over how unbelievably stupid everyone was. I could tell it boggled Liv's mind too. And I suppose that was intended to be the point, a bunch of idiots as antagonists and protagonists, all going about their business, nefarious or otherwise, right under the Doctor and Liv's noses, who remain oblivious to it until the very end. I saw the humor in it, and honestly, the humor is the only reason the story has any stars at all.
World of Damnation & Sweet Salvation, by Matt Fitton (3 stars each): I could have jumped for joy when Helen finally made her appearance. While she was pretty ho-hum for me in the past, by the end of the Doom Coalition series, she started to grow on me a bit and I was beginning to enjoy her character.
The results of her reappearance? Eh, so-so. I can understand her attempt to reform the Eleven - Helen's got the compassionate soul that Companions so often have. Rose kind of did the same with the Dalek in the episode Dalek in Series 1, trying to encourage the Dalek to make different choices than just being an unstoppable killing machine. In Rose's case, it ended with the Dalek committing suicide because it couldn't stand itself after being so fundamentally changed. In Helen's, it turns out that the Eleven was essentially playing her and their constant audience within the prison. Not surprising, really, though I did feel for her when he rubbed her face in his betrayal.
What I'm still trying to wrap my head around, though, is the Doctor's instant mistrust of Helen. I can't figure out his reasons for it, and it thoroughly distracted me for the entire two-parter. Hopefully it will be explained more as the series continues. Love the contrast of the Doctor's mistrust of and Liv's instant faith in Helen. Oh, and Liv being a total smartass to the Kandyman was hilarious. Easily one of the best parts of the story.
Their Finest Hour, by John Dorney (3.5 stars): Probably the best story of the set, and that's mostly thanks to Ian McNeice, who was a delight as Winston Churchill forever trying to get his paws on the TARDIS to end the war (and probably satisfy his own curiosity too).
How To Make a Killing in Time Travel, by John Dorney (2.5 stars): This had the bones of a good story, but I just couldn't get over how unbelievably stupid everyone was. I could tell it boggled Liv's mind too. And I suppose that was intended to be the point, a bunch of idiots as antagonists and protagonists, all going about their business, nefarious or otherwise, right under the Doctor and Liv's noses, who remain oblivious to it until the very end. I saw the humor in it, and honestly, the humor is the only reason the story has any stars at all.
World of Damnation & Sweet Salvation, by Matt Fitton (3 stars each): I could have jumped for joy when Helen finally made her appearance. While she was pretty ho-hum for me in the past, by the end of the Doom Coalition series, she started to grow on me a bit and I was beginning to enjoy her character.
The results of her reappearance? Eh, so-so. I can understand her attempt to reform the Eleven - Helen's got the compassionate soul that Companions so often have. Rose kind of did the same with the Dalek in the episode Dalek in Series 1, trying to encourage the Dalek to make different choices than just being an unstoppable killing machine. In Rose's case, it ended with the Dalek committing suicide because it couldn't stand itself after being so fundamentally changed. In Helen's, it turns out that the Eleven was essentially playing her and their constant audience within the prison. Not surprising, really, though I did feel for her when he rubbed her face in his betrayal.
What I'm still trying to wrap my head around, though, is the Doctor's instant mistrust of Helen. I can't figure out his reasons for it, and it thoroughly distracted me for the entire two-parter. Hopefully it will be explained more as the series continues. Love the contrast of the Doctor's mistrust of and Liv's instant faith in Helen. Oh, and Liv being a total smartass to the Kandyman was hilarious. Easily one of the best parts of the story.
June 29, 2025
Ravenous 1 picks up where Doom Coalition left off. Helen has disappeared along with The Eleven, so The Doctor and Liv are trying to find them. The four parts are divided 2 x 2. The first two parts are diversions, really, that have nothing to do with the second two parts. Their Finest Hour sees The Doctor come to the aid of Winston Churchill again, who is up against a mysterious alien force shooting down some of Britain's planes in 1940 near the beginning of the Battle of Britain. It's rather standard stuff along the lines of Doctor Who circa 2005-2010. How to Make a Killing in Time Travel is a farce that again has nothing to do with the story arc of this box set. It is amusing, but not brilliant. The last two parts are really one story divided into two parts, both designed to explain what happened to Helen and The Eleven and to set the stage for the appearance of "The Ravenous" in the next box set. Oh boy, another time eating or soul eating or emotion eating monster race from the "dark times." Run out of ideas, have we? In the last two parts, Helen and The Eleven are now in a rehabilitation center for the criminally insane, but the Governor is really trying to use the facility to come up with a mind control process that will end criminality. He has as his partner The Kandyman, who concocts sweet treats to "calm" the criminals. It turns out, though, that The Eleven has other plans, and that Helen might just have, hidden somewhere in her brain, the spirit of The Sonomancer ready to pop out. Mark Bonnar is, of course, superb as The Eleven. It is just that the Big Finish writers do not seem to know exactly what to do with this character. Thus, he comes across as The Master on steroids and psychedelics at the same time. Since the purpose of this box set is to set up the rest, it really does not hold up well on its own.
June 7, 2018
"Fancy regenerating into someone with a brain next time?"
The banter between the doctor and Liv is absolutely fantastic this time and Ravenous is worth it for this alone.
Like other people have said, the stories themselves are not as good and gripping as Doom Coalition was. I am also not sure where they are going with this new series of stories.
But in general, it is the usual high quality of a Big Finish production and the acting is, as usual, great. The Eleven is an amazing villain and I just love Paul McGann as the Doctor, could listen to him all day.
I would have only given 3 stars for the stories alone, but it comes together quite well and the banter between the different characters made me laugh, so four stars.
The banter between the doctor and Liv is absolutely fantastic this time and Ravenous is worth it for this alone.
Like other people have said, the stories themselves are not as good and gripping as Doom Coalition was. I am also not sure where they are going with this new series of stories.
But in general, it is the usual high quality of a Big Finish production and the acting is, as usual, great. The Eleven is an amazing villain and I just love Paul McGann as the Doctor, could listen to him all day.
I would have only given 3 stars for the stories alone, but it comes together quite well and the banter between the different characters made me laugh, so four stars.
April 24, 2018
Really liked it. Didn't need the WWII story but I get brand integration and it was still enjoyable.
April 29, 2018
Overall, 3.5 stars. Bit bored by the first 2 stories but the last 2 were an improvement.
June 21, 2018
The Doctor and Liv search for Helen through WWII and a planet that wants time travel tech. When they finally reach Helen she is with Eleven in a space age mental aslym. Can they leave.
October 17, 2018
7/10. The ending ended on a rather lackluster note but the second part was enjoyable.
October 30, 2018
A weaker 4.
The first two and the last story were above average, the third one a bit of a shambles, but it was still, overall, 4 hours well spent (ironing).
The first two and the last story were above average, the third one a bit of a shambles, but it was still, overall, 4 hours well spent (ironing).
May 5, 2019
Really enjoyed this.
August 25, 2019
a good start
December 29, 2022
I was hooked from the start. It’s fun seeing Winston Churchill interact with this particular Doctor. Also, the return of the Kandyman!
March 7, 2024
Exciting Who runaround. Loved the return of the Kandyman!
October 20, 2024
1.1 'Their Finest Hour' by John Dorney: 4*
1.2 'How to Make a Killing in Time Travel' by John Dorney: 5*
1.3 'World of Damnation' by Matt Fitton: 5*
1.4 'Sweet Salvation' by Matt Fitton: 5*
1.2 'How to Make a Killing in Time Travel' by John Dorney: 5*
1.3 'World of Damnation' by Matt Fitton: 5*
1.4 'Sweet Salvation' by Matt Fitton: 5*
January 11, 2021
This four part audio drama box set is the First instalment in the Ravenous series and stars Paul McGann as the Doctor.
1.1. Their Finest Hour by John Dorney ⭐⭐⭐
After receiving a phone call from Winston Churchill the Doctor and Liv take a break form their search to find Helen after the events of Doom Coalition 4, and travel to 1940 during the Battle of Britain to help stop an invisible craft that is targeting British planes.
Whilst on the face of it “Their Finest Hour” may be just a simple action romp set in World war two, this story is an effective mystery as a unique alien threat is gradually and effectively revealed.
It was was also nice to see Ian McNeice return as Winston Churchill. It would have been better however if the script had touched on some of the other aspects of the historical figure who is popular but also controversial, and was so for the majority of his political career. Yet he is often portrayed in an unrealistic simplistic manner without any nuance. As usual though Ian McNeice does a good job at making the character his own and it is great to hear him acting alongside Paul McGann’s Doctor.
1.2. How to Make a Killing in Time Travel by John Dorney ⭐
The Doctor and Liv are once again pulled away from their quest when the Tardis is dragged off course by a disturbance in the Time Vortex.
What starts off as a promising time-travel story about a businessman attempting to create a time machine for profit, soon turns into a farce about a murderer trying to cover up a crime. Unfortunately this means that the story soon becomes murder mystery that isn’t, with the culprit’s identity being apparent from almost the very beginning. This kind of plot may appeal to some, but with over the top characters and a dark plus over the top sense of humour there is a chance that many will view it a maritime filler episode.
1.3/1.4. World of Damnation/ Sweet Salvation by Matt Fitton ⭐⭐
Having located Helen and the Eleven the Tardis lands on the prison planetoid Rykerzon they soon realise that things may not be as they expect.
This is an atmospheric and ambitious story that does an effective job of moving between different groups of characters, but often comes across as dull, uninteresting and unsettling. This is mainly down to the inclusion of the Candyman who feeds people sweets that cause them to explode. I also felt that it was unnecessary for him to have giant pet spider and I’m sure that other arachnophobes will agree. I did however appreciate that the spider was psychic as oppose to just having it kill people and it was good to see that it’s abilities where relevant to Candyman’s plan, effectively incorporating them into the plot.
I did also appreciate the closer relationship between the Eleven and Helen after they where incarcerated together subsequent to the events Doom Coalition. The effects of which on Helen are clear.
Unfortunately I felt that overall this two-part story wasn't for me, but it does introduce some plot points that peek my interest for the next instalment in the Ravenous series.
1.1. Their Finest Hour by John Dorney ⭐⭐⭐
After receiving a phone call from Winston Churchill the Doctor and Liv take a break form their search to find Helen after the events of Doom Coalition 4, and travel to 1940 during the Battle of Britain to help stop an invisible craft that is targeting British planes.
Whilst on the face of it “Their Finest Hour” may be just a simple action romp set in World war two, this story is an effective mystery as a unique alien threat is gradually and effectively revealed.
It was was also nice to see Ian McNeice return as Winston Churchill. It would have been better however if the script had touched on some of the other aspects of the historical figure who is popular but also controversial, and was so for the majority of his political career. Yet he is often portrayed in an unrealistic simplistic manner without any nuance. As usual though Ian McNeice does a good job at making the character his own and it is great to hear him acting alongside Paul McGann’s Doctor.
1.2. How to Make a Killing in Time Travel by John Dorney ⭐
The Doctor and Liv are once again pulled away from their quest when the Tardis is dragged off course by a disturbance in the Time Vortex.
What starts off as a promising time-travel story about a businessman attempting to create a time machine for profit, soon turns into a farce about a murderer trying to cover up a crime. Unfortunately this means that the story soon becomes murder mystery that isn’t, with the culprit’s identity being apparent from almost the very beginning. This kind of plot may appeal to some, but with over the top characters and a dark plus over the top sense of humour there is a chance that many will view it a maritime filler episode.
1.3/1.4. World of Damnation/ Sweet Salvation by Matt Fitton ⭐⭐
Having located Helen and the Eleven the Tardis lands on the prison planetoid Rykerzon they soon realise that things may not be as they expect.
This is an atmospheric and ambitious story that does an effective job of moving between different groups of characters, but often comes across as dull, uninteresting and unsettling. This is mainly down to the inclusion of the Candyman who feeds people sweets that cause them to explode. I also felt that it was unnecessary for him to have giant pet spider and I’m sure that other arachnophobes will agree. I did however appreciate that the spider was psychic as oppose to just having it kill people and it was good to see that it’s abilities where relevant to Candyman’s plan, effectively incorporating them into the plot.
I did also appreciate the closer relationship between the Eleven and Helen after they where incarcerated together subsequent to the events Doom Coalition. The effects of which on Helen are clear.
Unfortunately I felt that overall this two-part story wasn't for me, but it does introduce some plot points that peek my interest for the next instalment in the Ravenous series.
June 24, 2021
Their Finest Hour:
6/10
Verdict: Optional
This story is alright. Great setting and a great performance from all the cast. The main villains are fine, unexplained and generally pretty uninteresting. The story isn't really focused on them however, it's more about the attitudes of people during War, which it does fine I guess. Honestly this feels mostly like an excuse for Winston to appear for marketing reasons.
How to Make a Killing in Time Travel:
7/10
Verdict: Optional
I really liked this, the side characters are really fun and while the story has a slow start, it really picks up the pace and keeps the energy going till the end. The space station setting is also really fun, even if it's not used all that much. I gotta say I love how the threat from this one is just how lies and trying to cover your own ass can spiral and end catastrophically.
World of Damnation / Sweet Salvation:
7/10
Verdict: Recommended
I love an Eleven story (except that one time I didn't) and him and Candyman are amazing in this. I love the Asylum setting and I love the ongoing plot they develop with Helen and Eleven. The plot does get pretty slow and formulaic in the second half however, and some elements, such as 8s distrust of Helen, feel pretty artificial. Overall it's alright.
6/10
Verdict: Optional
This story is alright. Great setting and a great performance from all the cast. The main villains are fine, unexplained and generally pretty uninteresting. The story isn't really focused on them however, it's more about the attitudes of people during War, which it does fine I guess. Honestly this feels mostly like an excuse for Winston to appear for marketing reasons.
How to Make a Killing in Time Travel:
7/10
Verdict: Optional
I really liked this, the side characters are really fun and while the story has a slow start, it really picks up the pace and keeps the energy going till the end. The space station setting is also really fun, even if it's not used all that much. I gotta say I love how the threat from this one is just how lies and trying to cover your own ass can spiral and end catastrophically.
World of Damnation / Sweet Salvation:
7/10
Verdict: Recommended
I love an Eleven story (except that one time I didn't) and him and Candyman are amazing in this. I love the Asylum setting and I love the ongoing plot they develop with Helen and Eleven. The plot does get pretty slow and formulaic in the second half however, and some elements, such as 8s distrust of Helen, feel pretty artificial. Overall it's alright.
September 28, 2023
Just as good the second time around. Now I can finally carry on with the rest of the Ravenous series.
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