January 10, 2010

The Fearmonger (2000)

The Fearmonger is the first story to feature the Seventh Doctor and Ace since Survival in 1989. It is also the first story to be written by Jonathan Blum. Unusually in this story we join them in the middle of an adventure. They are battling an entity that latches onto humans and draws on their fears. I like the idea of joining the story at a late stage because you feel like you’re hitting the ground running and this adds a new dimension to the story.

Unfortunately the story is a bit dull. It just didn’t grab me the way I was expecting. When I think of the McCoy adventures on TV I think that whilst the first series was a bit of a disappointment the next two series were much better and were what the Seventh Doctor should be remembered for.

Jacqueline Pearce quite a big name in science fiction circles. She plays Sherilyn Harper who is the leader of New Britannia. She is supported by Hugh Walters (Roderick), Vince Henderson was quite a surprise as Mick Thompson. At times I did find the situation of being a radio DJ annoying but when he was up against the Doctor I found him enjoyable.

It’s nice to see that the Doctor and Ace relationship has developed in the intervening years. As it has been 11 years since Survival it would have been odd if there relationship. They always seemed to have a relationship that was different from other Doctors and Companions. Despite this being in the early days of Big Finish, this story shows an upwards improvement in stories. The story was dark and eerie and was a great first story from Jonathan Blum. Can’t wait for the next story from this combination.

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