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A review by fieldofhats
The War Doctor: Only the Monstrous by Nicholas Briggs
adventurous
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Throughout the millennia, on countless worlds, people have bleated that war is complicated, unfathomable. As if it were some mystery disease without a cure. But it isn’t true. War is very simple, and all you have to do to wage it is become a monster.”
This is my first foray into Big Finish, and I went with the War Doctor because I’m fascinated by him as a character, especially after reading his novel Engines of War, which was incredible. These were on sale, so I picked them up.
The plot is incredible. Everything I’ve read or seen from the Time War era of Who I’ve loved (and I’m including Prisoner of the Daleks), which is surprising considering how easy it might be to mess it up. But Nicholas Briggs, like Moffat and Baxendale and Mann, highlights the nuance of the war and the morally gray aspect of the character of the Doctor. And of course John Hurt brings a gravitas to the role that is so wonderful and haunting that it’s impossible to forget.
The characters, specifically the Doctor and Rejoice, the temporary companion, are incredible. I love seeing the two versions of Rejoice and how both are a foil to the Doctor — she’s always loved her people, and we see how far she would go for them when we see her as an old woman.I think the two had an incredible dynamic and I would loved to have seen more of her. In fact, that’s probably my only critique of this story, that Rejoice died.
In the Behind the Scenes, Nicholas Briggs talks about how he wanted to have the Doctor face an enemy with the same moral values as he once had — someone who thinks peace is the best way to go — and have him struggle with being on the opposite side. This, I think, is one of the main reasons why the War Doctor differs from all the others. He’s a Warrior, but because he’s still him he hates himself for it. But because he’s still him, he’s still fun and entertaining, he’s just the slightest bit more brutal.
John Hurt’s “Doctor” does not hesitate to do what’s necessary when he knows there’s no other option, unlike many Doctors (11 and 12 specifically). It’s almost refreshing to see, especially in the Moffat era where the Doctor always seems to hesitate or find another way, which often makes for a contrived and awkward story (like the climax of “A Town Called Mercy” or “The Witch’s Familiar”).
In many ways, the War Doctor is a direct thematic precursor to the 10th Doctor — he’s still haunted by the war and remembers what it was like. He always chooses what’s best for the greater good, even when it means people die. He doesn’t like it, but he does it (like in “Fires of Pompeii”). But he’s grown since the war, which is why he knows he needs a companion, to stop him from becoming a warrior again (as is demonstrated in “The Runaway Bride”).
I’m sure not every fan of Doctor Who will like this, but if you are at all a fan of the War Doctor, this is a MUST READ (if you can afford it, of course).
Started in Woodworth, ended ??
This is my first foray into Big Finish, and I went with the War Doctor because I’m fascinated by him as a character, especially after reading his novel Engines of War, which was incredible. These were on sale, so I picked them up.
The plot is incredible. Everything I’ve read or seen from the Time War era of Who I’ve loved (and I’m including Prisoner of the Daleks), which is surprising considering how easy it might be to mess it up. But Nicholas Briggs, like Moffat and Baxendale and Mann, highlights the nuance of the war and the morally gray aspect of the character of the Doctor. And of course John Hurt brings a gravitas to the role that is so wonderful and haunting that it’s impossible to forget.
The characters, specifically the Doctor and Rejoice, the temporary companion, are incredible. I love seeing the two versions of Rejoice and how both are a foil to the Doctor — she’s always loved her people, and we see how far she would go for them when we see her as an old woman.
In the Behind the Scenes, Nicholas Briggs talks about how he wanted to have the Doctor face an enemy with the same moral values as he once had — someone who thinks peace is the best way to go — and have him struggle with being on the opposite side. This, I think, is one of the main reasons why the War Doctor differs from all the others. He’s a Warrior, but because he’s still him he hates himself for it. But because he’s still him, he’s still fun and entertaining, he’s just the slightest bit more brutal.
John Hurt’s “Doctor” does not hesitate to do what’s necessary when he knows there’s no other option, unlike many Doctors (11 and 12 specifically). It’s almost refreshing to see, especially in the Moffat era where the Doctor always seems to hesitate or find another way, which often makes for a contrived and awkward story (like the climax of “A Town Called Mercy” or “The Witch’s Familiar”).
In many ways, the War Doctor is a direct thematic precursor to the 10th Doctor — he’s still haunted by the war and remembers what it was like. He always chooses what’s best for the greater good, even when it means people die. He doesn’t like it, but he does it (like in “Fires of Pompeii”). But he’s grown since the war, which is why he knows he needs a companion, to stop him from becoming a warrior again (as is demonstrated in “The Runaway Bride”).
I’m sure not every fan of Doctor Who will like this, but if you are at all a fan of the War Doctor, this is a MUST READ (if you can afford it, of course).
Started in Woodworth, ended ??