The Spectre of Lanyon Moor [AUDIO/2000.6.?]

★★★☆☆

  Nicholas Pegg is something of an unsung hero these days. He's a fantastic director (go check out Loups-Garoux and Shada, they're both directed by him) who brings alive locations with breathtaking sound design, and as a writer he wears his influences on his sleeve (this is obviously an homage to early Tom Baker tales) and creates a story packed with love. The Spectre of Lanyon Moor is perhaps the most impressive tale out of the first ten Big Finish monthly range releases in terms of atmosphere; the moor and the village are brought to life with such flavour, and Alistair Lock's music excels as always.

  I won't lie to you and say that the main premise hasn't been done to death before; ancient alien being risen from the grave by greedy, power-hungry humans... you've heard it before, I've heard it before. As I said, Pegg isn't shy to riff on those classic stories, and I'd argue that The Spectre of Lanyon Moor is all the better for it. If not the most original adventure, it's still a very fun four-parter that doesn't outstay its welcome, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and be entertained by the first time the Sixth Doctor and Brigadier meet in performed media that isn't Dimensions in Time. As always, Maggie Stables excels as Evelyn, a breath of fresh air from the regular companion mould and someone with incredibly chemistry with Old Sixie. I have no strong opinions about Lanyon Moor (meaning it's neither amazing nor terrible in my eyes), but it definitely works well as something for beginners to get into, to see what Big Finish is capable of.