Terror Firma

Review: Daleks take on McGann and Scotch eggs.

You're in for a treat, especially if you're one of the hundreds of thousands currently enjoying Paul McGann's Doctor on BBC Radio 7.

Terror Firma is a rock-solid adventure for this most charming of Doctors. Returning to our universe after a period of exile, he and companions Charley and C'rizz immediately meet the Daleks, and their creator Davros.

The Daleks have invaded Earth – but this isn't exactly Parting of the Ways. Instead, the invasion is part of a cunning plan involving the Doctor, his companions, and the party-throwing inhabitants of Folkestone.

If you're baffled now, just you wait till you realise what's lurking underneath the vol-au-vents. Joseph Lidster turns in a polished, entertaining script that delivers plenty of thrills for Charley and C'Rizz.

Sadly, the only person left out of the fun is the Doctor, who spends most of the adventure locked in a room, shouting at Davros, who's behaving terribly oddly. Initially marvellous, these scenes do start to pall by part two – although there's a pippin of a pay off.

If you've enjoyed the Doctor's radio adventures, this is a great place to join him on CD. And features possibly the most thrilling delivery of the words "French Resistance" ever.

Send us your comment now. We'll publish the best on this page.

billy townsend
best doctor who audio ever. even better than Zagreus and Davros and thats saying something

Ragster
Top stuff. First big finish audio I've listened too and it wont be the last. Gives me the doctor I felt robbed of (both by the dreadful TV movie and by jumping straight to number 9 in fabulous new telly series). Will be tracking down more of the Paul Magann audios and filling in the gaps...!

Evil Johnny
This was the best Big Finish by a MILE this year! The non-linear story-telling, the huge jaw-dropping revelations at the pinnacles of every episode, Terry Molloy's terrifying and unsettling performance, the dark, dark atmosphere. Best release for a long, long time. Mr Molloy gets my vote in the DWM survey for best guest actor this year. And what of the ongoing plots? C'Rizz gets more malevolent by the minute. We learn something new about him in every story. Charley and the Doc are finally enjoying themselves again, even if he's put through the wringer somewhat here and they're back home, at last!

Charlie Keeble
Terror Firma is the 2nd best play of the year so far. It is a lot more wittier than 'The Juggernauts' owing to a bit of a song and dance routine. I even found myself shaking a leg while listening. Once again Gary Russell insists on another continuity tie up, as Davros has found himself in a Jekyll and Hyde routine. He's either the created or the creator?

Rex
THIS STORY WAS BRILLIANT!!! Davros story came full circle and this helps enjoy the parting of the ways more now u know who the emperor really is! Best audio ever, DAVROS 4EVA!

the first Doctor
cool stuff i must say a good fight with the daleks really does wake you up

Glenn Lewis
Yay! McGann's back in our universe again... about time! Good story, Great cast. Worth buying simply for the line: "The guitars! They're coming alive! RUN!!!" Honest, it is in there!

Andrew No 1 fan
i enjoy the dalek v doctor stories the best and i will be sure to get this one thanks to big finish for making it

Jess Holdway
I loved Storm Warning on BBC7 but Paul Mc Gann with Daleks is even better!!!!!!

The Rani
not as good as Time of the Daleks, especially after the hype of the build up from the end of The Next Life...

Pursuit
Your will show respect to the EMPORER!!!! WOrship HIM!!!!!!! This is one of the best stories I've listend to in a long while. Now why don't they make a show of this episode.

Rach
I enjoyed this story- McGann and Molloy were excellent- but somehow it seemed at times to be trying too hard and was a bit too clever! But a good enjoyable listen.

Sam O'Doherty
A completely full-bodied story, beginning-middle-end with all the twists and turns that traditional Doctor Who stories are made of. At most parts, as sharp as a knife and a whole romp of monster action within. Paul McGann, as usual, delivered an outstanding performance, whilst India Fisher and C'Rizz starred with continuing brilliance. Hey - what can you say?

Wavy Davy
Like "The Harvest", dealing with the menace at the end is a bit of a let down. More adventures with Samson and Gemma though, anything but the whining Charlie, time to move on (or back?), I think!!

Nigel B
Much though I love a good Dalek romp, and much though I thought the cast was on superb form (especially messrs McGann and Molloy) I did think Terror Firma a little short on action! Yes - you read it right!!

Jeff
I thought it was rather too complicated with scenes jumping from thing to another too quickly to enable the listener to grasp where they were properly. Davros was very good with his personality malfunction. The daleks seemed to be relegated to the back seat - similar to some of the TV episodes since "Genesis" - and I have preferred all the other audio stories with them to this one. BIG FINISH are still brilliant though! Anyone who likes Daleks should get "Jubilee" and anyone who is interested in davros in the slightest should get "Davros" - both fantastic Colin Baker stories.

Charlie Boddington
I have been listening to bbc 7 lately and loved the adventure's so far. This sounds amazing!

j allan
In the words of the 9th Doctor, this story was "Fantastic!" Lots of clever plot lines. I especially enjoyed the evolution of Davros!

Daniel Hughes
Is it really that good then? Right, I'm getting it then.........

J Cockram
I really enjoyed this adventure.Well written, exciting&fun.Keep them coming...

Dave J
Best Big Finish story in ages, this is absolutely brilliant. Paul McGann and Terry Molloy give first-rate performances, and if you've heard the earlier McGann stories there's a big pay-off...

Aaron Climas
finally a reasonable sequal to rememberance. *finally*

James Whittington
If you liked this, Dalek Lover 200, Doctor 8 faced the Daleks sometime back in The Time of the Daleks (adventure 32) from Big Finish

Steve Woolfall
Sorry to be negative but I thought this was too clever by far, too confusing and a waste of a good story.

Omega
This was a fantastic story, now my favourite audio adventure!

Mike Plant
Cracking story!

Dave
part one is marvelous. Gr eat, Paul Mcgann sounds amazing and shame we never got to see more of him. Davros is mennacingly brilliant. Listening to different parts on different nights to get that TV 4 parter feeling.

Merlin
I enjoyed listening to Time of the Daleks on CD and i hope this audio about the daleks will be even better

Colin John Francis
The best Big Finish adventure in a long time. Most of this yeras haven't been up to the normal standard (except Catch-1782, which was a lovely character driven piece) and this brings the range kicking and screaming back to the good old days. You can even tie this version of Davros into the Eccelston series if you wish (although I'm sure this was more co-incidence than actually planned). Oh yes, out of interest, can anyone at the Beeb let us know what the 'viewing/listening' figures to the BBC 7 McGann stories are?

dalek lover 200
omg omg daleks paul mc gann is finally facing daleks an eventful day indeed

andrew beech
For the record (and all non-french speakers), the plural of "vol au vent" is "vols au vent". Regards, Andrew.

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