Doctor Who: The Sons of Kaldor
by Andrew Smith (Big Finish, 2018)
There’s nothing new here, as such, but Smith has scripted a nuanced small-scale Kaldor robots story that feels fresh even while treading the familiar ground. The acting is up to scratch and the lack of big action holds the soundtrack in check.
Doctor Who: Return to Skaro
by Andrew Smith (Big Finish, 2020)
This direct sequel to the first ever Dalek story works best if one can disregard all subsequent canon (plus the Thals lacking so developmentally arduous a skill as timekeeping; condescension begets poppycockery). The recast TARDIS crew also takes some getting used to.
Doctor Who: Domain of the Voord
by Andrew Smith (Big Finish, 2014)
Fifty years on, Andrew Smith succeeds in upgrading the Voord from the kooky wetsuited villains of Marinus to a threatening, believable race. Voiced by original (ever young!) companions William Russell and Carole Ann Ford, the story carries itself with a becoming stateliness.
Doctor Who: The Lady of Obsidian
by Andrew Smith (Big Finish, 2017)
Leela’s return—pairing Louise Jameson with John Hurt—is a highlight of the Time War, both nostalgically and for the manner in which Andrew Smith brings her back. Unfortunately, there’s too much else going on. The story rattles helter-skelter around the moment.