Audio Drama: Sympathy for the Devil
Have you ever wondered what would have happened if the Third Doctor arrived at the wrong time? What if he had never met Liz, Jo or Sarah? What if he hadn't been there to stop the Autons, the Daleks, Axos, or the Master? What if he had never been UNIT's Scientific Advisor? What if he had been played by David Warner instead of Jon Pertwee? This story answers all these "what if?" questions.
The Unbound range of Doctor Who stories from Big Finish have almost infinite potential. They explore alternate universes where even the smallest change can make the biggest impact. Somehow, a couple writers have figured out a way to fail at exploring this potential and with only ten releases in the range that's a pretty big percentage. However, that doesn't mean there aren't some strong stories in here, and luckily the one I'm reviewing today is one of its strongest.
Where to begin? I know, David Warner. After listening to the second David Warner release in this range, Masters of War I wasn't sure what to think of him, but this story has reassured me that making him the Doctor was possibly Big Finish's best casting decision of all time. He's like Pertwee with a post-Charley Eighth Doctor grump factor, and his voice is just amazing to listen to.
All the other actors in this story really shine too. It's interesting to hear an alternate Brigadier who isn't evil but instead a broken man who thinks himself a failure. Combined with Nicholas Courtney giving what is, in my opinion, one of his best performances it's simply a joy to listen to. Mark Gatiss also has outstanding chemistry with Warner's Doctor and every second they're in the same scene together is a treat.
The plot's pretty good as well. It sets up a really interesting mystery that lasts for most of the story and leaves the listener putting pieces together. The payoff of that mystery comes together in the Master's plan... well I say come together. I found the Master's plan in this one to be a bit confusing and convoluted. Another problem with the ending is how it ends as if there's going to be a sequel story, a follow-up which, as far as I know, there never was. It just seemed like it had more of a story to tell us and ended before it could finish.
In the end, I highly recommend listening to this story. Though the payoff is a little weak, it's an experience. Everybody working on it obviously had fun doing it and it really shows. It's a pretty solid story.
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