Originally released : June 2025

Listened to: June 2025

Written by John Dorney Lizzie Hopley

Starring Sylvester McCoy

Episodes:

With the Angels Part 1 by John Dorney (two parts)

Catastrophix by Lizzie Hopley (two parts)

With the Angels Part 2 by John Dorney (two parts)

Context: Seven is my childhood doctor, just about, so I will always have affection for this incarnation. I had no pre- knowledge of what this one was all about so I started this one with an open mind and contented and chilled optimism for a great set of adventures.

THE REVIEW

What I thought: Wow. I started enjoying this one very early into the first episode, and then it just blew me away from then onwards. I LOVED this set. Thus far, for me, this is the highlight of 2025 BF Who, a perfect set of Doctor Who adventures. The notion of a chess set made of an angle, with inverted black angels is so bloody clever and is executed in an incredibly creepy way here. The 7th Doc is an obvious foil for the angels chess set and his machinations and plans here are classic 7th doctor, a brilliant play over time involving Harry and Naomi and in the latter episodes Ray as well!

The performances are brilliant, and this is the best McCoy performance for ages, with him scheming with a future, uber dark version of his 7th self, so so much fun! The plot is clever, weaving in peril, dark humour and lots and lots of adventure. The idea of having a four part story with a separate story/adventure in the middle I really liked, and thinking about it I am surprised this hasn’t been done before (I dont think BF has done this before anyway).

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 checkmates: This was an outstanding boxset for me, expertly written, fantastic ideas and brilliantly placed in the 7th doctors tenure. I cant express how much i enjoyed this one. Highly recommended (only looses .2 of a rating point as Ray’s welsh accent sometimes is a bit too much for, at times anyway).

What I felt: very very happy listen, brilliant!

What am I left thinking?

• How 7’s adventures with Ray will play out, in particular will she stay this enthusiastic after 7 starts to play more of his long games…cant wait to find out.
• How many more new ways the angels can be used… what a fantastic new villain.

Memorable bits

• The chess set
• The doctor playing games with himself
• The end of the road for Naomi and Harry…brilliant use of the angels here and such great acting!