Brief Summary
In this 50th episode of The Sirens of Audio, Duane and Phillip celebrate the milestone by exploring the Big Finish universe and offering recommendations for new listeners. They discuss standout moments from the Big Finish monthly range, which is coming to an end, and suggest specific stories for each Doctor to attract new fans, focusing on Doctors 5 through 8, then 4, 1 through 3, and finally 10. They also share personal recommendations for non-Doctor Who-related content, including the podcast "Flight Through Eternity" and Fleetwood Mac's album "Rumours."
- The hosts discuss standout moments from the Big Finish monthly range and provide recommendations for new listeners.
- They focus on specific stories for each Doctor, aiming to attract fans of both the classic and new series.
- Duane and Phillip share personal recommendations for non-Doctor Who-related content.
Intro
The podcast opens with a comedic skit featuring characters expressing boredom and a desire for more exciting content, setting the stage for the 50th episode of The Sirens of Audio. The skit emphasizes the need to surpass previous guests and highlights the anticipation for a guest that meets their expectations.
Celebration of 50 Episodes
Duane and Phillip celebrate the 50th episode of The Sirens of Audio, expressing gratitude to their listeners and viewers on YouTube. They acknowledge the end of the Big Finish monthly range and introduce the episode's theme: recommending Big Finish stories to new listeners to convert them into fans.
Standout Moments in the Monthly Range
Duane and Phillip discuss their standout moments from the Big Finish monthly range over the past 22 years. Phillip highlights Paul McGann's arrival as a major step, making it feel like new Doctor Who. He also praises Colin Baker's portrayal, which made him a favorite Doctor. Duane mentions "The Chimes at Midnight" and "Lou Garou" as stories that piqued his interest in Big Finish. They also touch on the change to using individual Doctor's themes and the issue of recasting, noting Gary Russell's strict stance against it. Janet Fielding's return and the rebranding around release 201 are also mentioned as significant moments.
Big Finish Introduction Agency: Doctors 5 & 6
Duane and Phillip introduce the "Big Finish Introduction Agency," aiming to provide newbies with stories that will convert them into Big Finish fans. They start with the Fifth Doctor, with Phillip recommending "The Eye of the Scorpion" for its historical setting and introduction of a new companion, Erimem. Duane suggests "The Butcher of Brisbane," written by Mark Platt, for its connection to "Talons of Weng-Chiang" and inclusion of Tegan, Nyssa, and Turlough. For the Sixth Doctor, Phillip chooses "Davros" by Lance Parkin, highlighting its spine-tingling opening and focus on the Doctor and Davros. Duane recommends "The Marian Conspiracy" by Jacqueline Rayner, which introduces Maggie Stables as Evelyn Smythe.
Big Finish Introduction Agency: Doctors 7 & 8
Phillip recommends "Bang-Bang-a-Boom!" for the Seventh Doctor, a comedic take-off of Space: 1999 and Eurovision. Duane suggests "House of Blue Fire," a solo Seventh Doctor story written by Mark Morris, praising Sylvester McCoy's consistent voice acting. For the Eighth Doctor, Duane picks "Seasons of Fear," highlighting the relationship between the Eighth Doctor and Charlie and the inclusion of a classic series monster. Phillip chooses "Situation Vacant," where the Eighth Doctor interviews potential new companions after Lucy Miller leaves.
Big Finish Introduction Agency: Doctor 4
For the Fourth Doctor, Phillip recommends "The Auntie Matter," praising the clever script and performances of Tom Baker and Mary Tamm. Duane chooses "The Trouble with Drax," written by John Dorney, highlighting its timey-wimey elements and comedy.
Big Finish Introduction Agency: Doctors 1, 2 & 3
Duane recommends "The Dalek Occupation of Winter" for the First Doctor, praising Peter Purves' portrayal and the story's black-and-white feel. Phillip chooses "The Anacronauts," a Companion Chronicle featuring Peter Purves and Jean Marsh, set during the Dalek Master Plan. For the Second Doctor, Phillip picks "The Jigsaw War," a two-hander Companion Chronicle with Frazer Hines. Duane suggests "The Yes Men," an early adventure with the Second Doctor, Jamie, Polly, and Ben, written by Simon Guerrier. Duane recommends Volume 5 of the Third Doctor Adventures, specifically "Primord" and "The Scream of Ghosts," featuring Daisy Ashford as Liz Shaw and John Culshaw as the Brigadier. Phillip chooses "The Scorchies," a Companion Chronicle with Katie Manning and Melvin Hayes.
Big Finish Introduction Agency: Doctor 10
Phillip recommends "Death and the Queen" for the Tenth Doctor, a Donna Noble story written by James Goss. Duane chooses the Tenth Doctor Adventures Volume 3, specifically "No Place" by James Goss, featuring the Noble family.
Recommendations and Closing
Duane recommends the podcast "Flight Through Eternity," while Phillip suggests Fleetwood Mac's album "Rumours." They tease upcoming episodes, including discussions with Rob Valentine and Sadie Miller, and thank their listeners and viewers for joining them in celebrating the 50th episode.
