The Fearmonger [AUDIO/2000.2.4]

★★★★☆

  I wouldn't call The Fearmonger an unsung hero amongst the earliest Big Finish plays, because it's pretty often sung about whenever someone mentions the audio company's very early days (in particular, the first ten or so monthly range releases); it's widely known as an accomplished play, very confident in what it does and increasingly relevant in the hate-fueled world we live in today. Nonetheless, the fact stands that this is a polished, mature work that tackles topics not usually dealt with with as much confidence and thoughtfulness. It's also frighteningly faithful to the television show, in terms of locations and other production values, sound effects and aural design, and the characterisation of the Doctor and Ace. The Fearmonger feels like it's a television screen away from a bona fide four-parter TV serial, with even the central themes of mass violence and weaponisation of hatred connecting well with the direction the show was going for before its hiatus in 1989, and it's all the stronger for these resemblances. 

  Sylvester McCoy feels right at home in this setting, with the Seventh Doctor setting things in motion from behind the veil, and Sophie Aldred also does a fantastic job at portraying a seasoned, experienced Ace fresh from her ordeals in Season 26. The primary enemy force may essentially just be a glowing white ball of hatred, but it's the world it surrounds that's important. This is London in 2002, a world divided by radical social climates and inhabited by alt-right nationalist figureheads and radio talk show hosts pulling controversial political topics out of the bag in order to gain traction, and it's a fascinating world for this Doctor-companion pair to be in. The story wouldn't be as strong as it is without the wonderful side characters, their performances, and their roles in this world, this politically charged machine about to burst with prejudice, hatred and fear. See what I mean by relevant to this day? The Fearmonger is nearly 23 years old and it still awes with its razor-sharp focus on telling a relevant contemporary tale (although with its age in mind, it's closer to a historical now) and presenting strong moments for the Doctor and Ace.