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mrcoldstream's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
😑49% = 392 points = Underwhelming!
I'm continuing my marathon through the 8th Doctor BF Adventures with his next story, Stones of Venice, featuring a flooded Italian city in the future, a returning Classic Who actor, and a religious cult getting in over their heads.
STONES OF VENICE, aka THE ITALIAN JOB!
The opening sees the Doctor and Charley decide to take a holiday in Venice after getting tired of being shot at constantly. Part 1 then sets up the main conflict of a cult trying to resurrect a dead bride, which sees Eight paired with the annoying Churchwell and Charley given the generic companion role of getting into trouble.
By the end of Part 2, the narrative has barely progressed, and it is this slow pace and lack of excitement or tension that make this story a bit forgettable. However, Magrs brings the story to a satisfying conclusion with an emotional Part 4, which reveals the deeper love story behind the adventure.
Other than the stellar main cast, the only guest actor of note is Michael Sheard (Professor Scarman from Pyramids of Mars) as Count Orsino. Mark Gatiss is in there somewhere, but he doesn't stand out like he did in Phantasmagoria.
This one has a strange soundscape from the start and doesn't quite capture the feel of a future Venice about to be submerged. The sound mixing sounds a bit off for me, as there is a strange echo to a lot of the spoken dialogue.
Other observations:
The Venice setting and the aquatic creatures in the story bring to mind the Eleventh Doctor's adventure, Vampires of Venice.
I'm continuing my marathon through the 8th Doctor BF Adventures with his next story, Stones of Venice, featuring a flooded Italian city in the future, a returning Classic Who actor, and a religious cult getting in over their heads.
STONES OF VENICE, aka THE ITALIAN JOB!
The opening sees the Doctor and Charley decide to take a holiday in Venice after getting tired of being shot at constantly. Part 1 then sets up the main conflict of a cult trying to resurrect a dead bride, which sees Eight paired with the annoying Churchwell and Charley given the generic companion role of getting into trouble.
By the end of Part 2, the narrative has barely progressed, and it is this slow pace and lack of excitement or tension that make this story a bit forgettable. However, Magrs brings the story to a satisfying conclusion with an emotional Part 4, which reveals the deeper love story behind the adventure.
Other than the stellar main cast, the only guest actor of note is Michael Sheard (Professor Scarman from Pyramids of Mars) as Count Orsino. Mark Gatiss is in there somewhere, but he doesn't stand out like he did in Phantasmagoria.
This one has a strange soundscape from the start and doesn't quite capture the feel of a future Venice about to be submerged. The sound mixing sounds a bit off for me, as there is a strange echo to a lot of the spoken dialogue.
Other observations:
The Venice setting and the aquatic creatures in the story bring to mind the Eleventh Doctor's adventure, Vampires of Venice.
ashs_doctorwho_library's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was so fun and silly! I love Charley and Eight :]
rebelbelle13's review
4.0
This audiobook was just plain FUN. The Doctor was, of course, on par, written completely in character- he was charming, sarcastic, witty, smart, charismatic and curious. Paul McGann played him flawlessly, as he is bound to do. India Fisher was also spot on as Charley, even if she was a little on the whiny side in this installment. The Stones of Venice felt like a rather light-hearted story, even though Venice was on the brink of disaster and a curse was being played out. The universe wasn't at stake, all of time and space wasn't threatened, but it was still good old fashioned Doctor Who fun- the companion getting herself into places she shouldn't, and the Doctor's curiosity and need to assist others embroiling them both in a local mystery, rife with curses, cults, and mer-men. The story itself wasn't deep or earth-shattering, and could have been a little longer and been a little more fleshed out. All in all, it was a good time, and I enjoyed listening to it, as I always do with Big Finish.
eleanorflovver's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mnstrmisha's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
i’ve loved 8 since the beginning, but i feel like this is the episode where 8 truly becomes the doctor in my eyes. Honestly my favorite episode so far, it’s so silly and fun, and the humour is right up my alley
ccolins's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
1outside's review
2.0
Just silly for the most part, and not in a good way. Poor story, poor character development...the Lavish lady actress surprisingly horrible (why would anyone want to release such a poor performance?) but I did listen to the whole thing so it means it wasn't completely dreadful. Also Paul McGann's performance was good.
All in all hoping for the next 8th Doctor audio play to be better.
All in all hoping for the next 8th Doctor audio play to be better.
chucklebuck's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0