3) If I Should Die Before I Wake by John Dorney, starring Paul McGann and India Fisher, from Classic Doctors, New Monsters, Volume 3

The 8th Doctor (Paul McGann) and Charlotte Pollard (India Fisher) were a marquee Doctor/Companion team at Big Finish in the 2000s. They were reunited in five stories, including their own separate box set. To my mind, this is the best story.

This script focuses on the modern series monsters, the Dream Crabs, but still manages to recapture that early 2000s feel of the Eighth Doctor and Charley and what made that pairing work. There are also touches of other classic Charlotte Pollard stories. In many ways, this feels like a sequel to Solitaire, one of John Dorney’s earliest Big Finish scripts.

At the same time, India Fisher is on top of her game. I don’t think she’s ever been better. Overall, this has a great puzzle, a superb script, two great performances from the leads, solid direction, and a really great dreamscape sound design.

2) The Ravencliff Witch by David Llewelyn, starring Tom Baker

The Doctor (Tom Baker) arrives at a small seaside village where strange disappearances are happening at the local power station, which has a very hush-hush attitude about its source of energy. The village is haunted increasingly by a menacing visitor known as the Ravencliff Witch.

The atmosphere is superb, with both the sound design and Jamie Robertson’s music doing a great job to set the tone for the piece. The story has some good turns, although it’s by no means groundbreaking. This is a story that does take its time and builds up tension nicely. It also features well-thought-out and well-developed supporting characters who are all played by excellent actors. Tom Baker also is solid in a performance that’s one of his more serious takes on the Doctor. His last few minutes in the story are really well-done and beautifully subtle.

This is a superb story: spooky, engaging, and with some wonderful character moments throughout.

1) The Auton Infinity by Tim Foley, starring Peter Davison

The Auton Infinity is an example of a classic, massive Doctor Who Anniversary special, a six-part story celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Peter Davison premiering as the 5th Doctor. It includes the Brigadier, the Autons, and a host of surprise companions and guest characters. Several of these stories have crashed under the weight of their own bloated plots, while others make for a delightful romp almost of themselves.

The Infinity of the Autons is one that really nails it. It’s well-paced, and rather than padding out the running time as many stories in the classic era do, it’s full of great surprises and surprising reveals. Each of the five cliffhangers is superb, with the second being a particular standout. The acting is very good, with Peter Davison turning in a multi-faceted performance. Jon Culshaw does yeoman’s work in portraying multiple characters. Howard Carter’s music is glorious. It’s pitch-perfect to the 1980s and true to the era.

While this is a love letter to the entirety of Davison’s TV run, it doesn’t have that sort of condescending approach that can turn off listeners. It’s the type of play that’s fan-pleasing without coming off as fan service. The Autons Infinity never stops being a good story. This is a well-made and thrilling production that really makes every minute of the three hour runtime worth it.