Singularity [AUDIO/2005.11.?]

★★★★☆

  Often lovingly called the End of Evangelion of Dr. Who, Singularity is at both a brilliant sci-fi fantasy adventure that takes great steps to present an insane idea in the most intriguing way and a strong showcase of the TARDIS duo of the Fifth Doctor and Turlough. Some time after The End of the World presented the last human in existence, Big Finish Productions provided us with a much more serious examination of humanity's final destination. Much as the beautiful cover suggests, this is something a bit out of the norm; the Doctor is out to actively stop humanity from reaching its ultimate goal of self-preservation, in favour of how things should be. If one were to split Dr. Who stories between ones where the Doctor actively runs against the established order to create their own path and ones where they act as protector of the law, this would be the latter -- which is not inherently a bad thing (as the Doctor is far too complex a character to label as one character archetype), and especially not when the adventure uses their shifting moral compass so well. 

  Gary Russell's direction shines yet again in a Big Finish monthly range audio, and topped off with Peter Davison and Mark Strickson giving their all, we have yet another winner. The Doctor and Turlough bounce off one another effortlessly, and the backdrop of a snowy Moscow in the near future blends well with these elements. Add to the mix a fascinating story about a mysterious foundation and their plan as the last remnants of humanity to preserve their future by changing their past, and it's a Dr. Who audio drama more than worth listening to. Sound effects are crisp, the score is beautiful and the characters are so fleshed out and expertly performed. If there is an argument to be made that Dr. Who is at its best when it's a perfect mix of hard sci-fi and fantasy, Singularity would be exhibit one. I love this story a lot -- so many amazing moments to choose from. The final scene with the Doctor and the last remaining human, abandoned and dying, may be one of my favourite moments from any Fifth Doctor audio drama. For fans of the Five/Turlough adventures, there's no better example of how we desperately needed more of their duo adventures on-screen.