Brief Summary
This video provides a comprehensive guide to the Big Finish audio adventures of Flip Jackson, a companion of the Sixth Doctor. It covers her introduction, character traits, and key stories, offering recommendations and insights into her dynamic with the Doctor.
- Flip Jackson is comparable to Rose Tyler from the new series.
- The Fourth Wall, Vortex Ice, and Scavenger are recommended stories.
- Flip eventually gets married and continues traveling with the Doctor.
Introduction to Flip Jackson
The video introduces Flip Jackson, played by Lisa Greenwood, as a companion of the Sixth Doctor in Big Finish audio dramas. Flip's real name is Philippa, and her backstory involves her parents wanting a boy, which led to her nickname. Despite this potentially dramatic background, it's barely mentioned in the stories. Flip is the Sixth Doctor's third Big Finish-created companion and is described as similar to Rose Tyler from the new series, being a sharp, excitement-craving assistant from London. However, there's no romance between her and the Doctor, and she isn't portrayed as exceptionally special.
The Curse of Davros
"The Curse of Davros," initially titled "Waterloo of the Daleks," marks Flip's debut as a regular companion. The title was changed due to legal issues regarding the use of Davros's image, though the character himself and his name were still permitted. The story involves Davros's mind-swapping technology, his plan to conquer 19th-century Earth, and his intention to copy Napoleon's mind for the Dalek battle computers. The Doctor and Davros have already swapped minds before the story begins, meaning Colin Baker plays both the Doctor and Davros. The story is well-regarded, featuring Terry Molloy and Colin Baker playing each other, with the Doctor and Davros trying to keep their true identities secret.
The Fourth Wall
In "The Fourth Wall," Flip becomes trapped inside a space TV show called "Laser," while the Doctor tries to save her from the studio. The show's villain, Lord Kon, is motivated by a desire to kill every living being in the cosmos. The story explores themes of self-awareness and features illusions to Doctor Who. The sound design is notable for foreshadowing events. The episode also introduces the Poran, a terrible warrior race.
We Are The Weeping Angels
"We Are The Weeping Angels" is a sequel to "Ark in Space," featuring the Ween, insect-like creatures that use bodies and minds to reproduce. Set decades later in Scotland, the story follows a family trying to survive against the Ween. The Doctor advocates for equal respect for all life forms, even the Ween, leading to moral conflicts. The story explores themes of motherhood and survival, with the Ween mothers sacrificing themselves for their children.
Antidote to Oblivion
"Antidote to Oblivion" is written by Philip Martin and brings back Sill, the Mentors. Set on future Earth, the story involves the UK privatizing the government and the Mentors demanding austerity. The villains experiment on Time Lords to recreate their healing abilities, resulting in Anzor transforming into a pink potato. The story satirizes modern capitalist horror and austerity measures.
The Brute of Aris
"The Brute of Aris" is about a sensient Moon called Aris, protected by goblin-like children. The Brood, wanting to explore the universe, invade the TARDIS and kidnap Flip. The Doctor rescues a woman who needs to get to Aris. The story explores themes of rebellion and freedom.
Scavenger
"Scavenger" is a harder sci-fi tale set in 2070, focusing on cleaning up space debris to avoid Kessler syndrome. An alien AI is collecting advanced technology, and a man is searching for his girlfriend inside the scavenger. The story involves India and the UK working together on the space cleaning project. Flip is tormented throughout the story and ends up floating in space, sending herself towards Earth in a desperate bid for survival.
Vortex Ice Cortex Fire
"Vortex Ice Cortex Fire" is a double release featuring two two-part stories. "Vortex Ice" involves the heroes investigating weird readings in a cave and finding themselves encased in ice. "Cortex Fire" sees the Doctor and Flip visiting Festen, where citizens are randomly exploding and turning evil. The stories feature cheap audio design and sound effects.
Conclusion
Flip's time in the TARDIS is a step up from Six and Charlie, with improved stories. The Fourth Wall, Vortex Ice, and Scavenger are recommended. Flip eventually gets married and continues traveling with the Doctor.
