The Light at the End [AUDIO/2013.10.23]

★★★☆☆

  The 5.1 surround sound mix is something special, I tell you. It's the first time I've listened to this version of The Light at the End (which is odd, since I've owned the deluxe edition since... what, 2016? 2017?), and I'm here to say that it's the definitive way to experience it. The sound effects, the music, the dimensions are that much clearer and more crisp; like the name suggests, you're surrounded by all the Doctors talking, sonic screwdrivers whirring and explosions exploding. I highly recommend listening to this adventure through this option if you get the chance.

  Now, onto the adventure itself. The Light at the End is a much more "straightforward" anniversary story than some others we've had over the years from Big Finish, such as Zagreus and the (at the time of writing this review) ongoing Once and Future series. I will say that I'll always prefer the more imaginative, daring one sthan ones which go for a more straightforward type of multi-Doctor story, but I've always unquestionably liked Light at the End. It always felt special; the production sounded absolutely top-notch, the Doctors were all heavily invested with it (and sounded it too), and Nick Briggs seemed to actively take it outside his comfort zone. If you'd told me now, a me with no information about Light at the End at all, that this was a Nick Briggs story, I would've somewhat believed you (it's still a vehicle for some massive fanwank sessions, as it rightfully should as a 50th anniversary story), but would also have noted that it seems a bit more high-concept than his normal efforts. It may sound silly, that a single phrase uttered by an ordinary guy sets off the conceptual bomb that destroys the TARDIS and therefore wipes away all the Doctor's involvements throughout time and space... and granted, it is... but silly is exactly what I'm looking for here. It smells of imagination, of ambition and most importantly, of pure fun.

  The Light at the End is just that, if nothing else -- fun. I have always loved the Doctor interactions in this story, and probably always will. They're just old hands at the time travel/multi-Doctor story thing that they focus on having the most fun possible; 4 and 8 are a surprise hit, but it isn't that shocking in retrospect (8 is probably the closest to 4 if memory serves correctly). Geoffrey Beevers is wonderful as the Master, and the companions are fun to listen to. It's an anniversary extravaganza to enjoy, not to deeply think about. It's nonetheless a good ode to Dr. Who, a love letter preserved in fine form through the 5.1 format.