Scan barcode
haunted_air's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
hhertzof's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
sshabein's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
REALLY excellent set of Eighth Doctor stories, particularly the last one, "Albie's Angels."
thoroughlymodernreviewer's review
4.0
Another mixed bag of standalone Eighth Doctor episodes. On the one hand, I definitely appreciate the (relatively speaking) lower stakes here when compared to storylines like Stranded, Ravenous, etc. And the focus “Connections” gives to Eight, Liv, and Helen on an emotional level is a joy to behold. But the stories themselves are more mixed.
“Here Lies Drax” is a fairly fun romp. Full of strange twists, quantum assassins, and a lot of silliness. This story isn’t anything to write home about but it’s certainly a fun ride. Everyone seems to be having the time of their lives, and that joy is definitely infectious. The story itself is rather forgettable, and it doesn’t necessarily come together in the most satisfying way. But it’s fun enough. (3/5)
“The Love Vampires” is probably the most disappointing story of the set. It’s got a great premise, but it never fully comes together. There’s something very haunting about these “vampires” giving their victims hallucinations of lost loves. But the story never really does anything with that. There was a chance to really mine the leads’ backstories here, and the episode just kind of glosses over it. That being said, the way that Eight ultimately saves the day is pretty clever. (2.5/5)
“Albie’s Angels” might just be one of my favorite Big Finish stories in ages. On the one hand, it’s a Weeping Angel story that actually does something new and interesting with them. But on the other hand, it’s this gorgeous, heartbreaking story for Helen. This is the story of what happened to her brother, Albie (who was briefly mentioned in “Unit Dating” in “Stranded 2”). And let me just say, the wait was definitely worth it. It’s emotional, bittersweet, and “Doctor Who” at its finest. Plus, Hattie Morahan delivers a barnstormer of a performance here. What more could you ask for? (5/5)
On the whole, “Connections” is much more of a mixed bag than “What Lies Inside?” was. But when it works, it works very well. Sure, some of the stories are forgettable. But then there’s “Albie’s Angels,” one of the best Big Finish stories in ages. And that story, alone, is well worth the price of entry. If you’re a fan of the Eighth Doctor, Liv, or Helen, this set’s a must get.
“Here Lies Drax” is a fairly fun romp. Full of strange twists, quantum assassins, and a lot of silliness. This story isn’t anything to write home about but it’s certainly a fun ride. Everyone seems to be having the time of their lives, and that joy is definitely infectious. The story itself is rather forgettable, and it doesn’t necessarily come together in the most satisfying way. But it’s fun enough. (3/5)
“The Love Vampires” is probably the most disappointing story of the set. It’s got a great premise, but it never fully comes together. There’s something very haunting about these “vampires” giving their victims hallucinations of lost loves. But the story never really does anything with that. There was a chance to really mine the leads’ backstories here, and the episode just kind of glosses over it. That being said, the way that Eight ultimately saves the day is pretty clever. (2.5/5)
“Albie’s Angels” might just be one of my favorite Big Finish stories in ages. On the one hand, it’s a Weeping Angel story that actually does something new and interesting with them. But on the other hand, it’s this gorgeous, heartbreaking story for Helen. This is the story of what happened to her brother, Albie (who was briefly mentioned in “Unit Dating” in “Stranded 2”). And let me just say, the wait was definitely worth it. It’s emotional, bittersweet, and “Doctor Who” at its finest. Plus, Hattie Morahan delivers a barnstormer of a performance here. What more could you ask for? (5/5)
On the whole, “Connections” is much more of a mixed bag than “What Lies Inside?” was. But when it works, it works very well. Sure, some of the stories are forgettable. But then there’s “Albie’s Angels,” one of the best Big Finish stories in ages. And that story, alone, is well worth the price of entry. If you’re a fan of the Eighth Doctor, Liv, or Helen, this set’s a must get.
More...