Originally released : July 2025

Listened to: July 2025

Written by Tim Foley

Starring Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill

Context: I was very much looking forward to this one, in particular as a fan of the 13th Doctor (not my favourite incarnation) and at times I found it difficult to take her seriously in her TV tenure (aka fast show..’brilliant’ etc etc) but overall I liked her and Chris Chibnalls version of New Who. BF have a great track record of expanding and giving further depth to all sorts of Doctor who characters so I am looking forward to see what they do with this 13th Doctor and Yaz as this era of Dr Who adventures continues.

THE REVIEW

What I thought: overall this is a strong start, it isn’t anything spectacular and there are no major revelations here but its a solid adventure that is pretty evocative of the 13th doctors era. I thought the music was a little jarring at times, with the old strumming guitar coming in to signify what exactly? Despite this the adventure is solid, the idea of a different type/breed of vampire that feeds on emotions and grief, not a new idea in general but new for Dr Who vampires (i think anyway?!?). Really great. Jodie and Mandip are straight away back to their respective characters and it’s great to back in their company. The affection they have for each other, in show and in real life, shines throughout this adventure. The introduction of Ian and Barbara was a surprise…in particular in their poultry form. Very 13th Doctor….very enjoyable.

Rating:

What I felt: very very happy listen, brilliant to be back with the 13th Doctor and Yaz, a nice run-around adventure that is (relatively) low stakes. It’s good to have adventures where it isn’t about the fate of the entire university, solar system, planet etc etc.

What am I left thinking?

• A general feeing of being intrigued where this goes next and how much they will push the relationship between Yaz and the Doctor.
• What’s the classic vs new who vs new new villain roster going to be like for these ongoing adventures
• To see how the episode, bi-monthly, will work as opposed to box sets plays out…I already can’t wait until the next one

Memorable bits

• Ian and Barbara!
• Using eggs as a weapon against the vampire
• Jena’s mum