It’s time to unofficially end the Doctor Who Monthly Main Range as this duo was supposed to be the release after The Lost Resort (under the title of “Perils and Nightmares”) before they were both understandably plucked from the schedule. It’s also the end of the Marc stories, which feels like they’ve only just begun. Does it end well? Is he still playing second fiddle to Adric, despite still being alive and in The Doctor’s face? Let’s find out!

So although we’re technically already done with the monthly Main Range, this and the next story are actually the last of the Main Range, it’s just this story was delayed due to a significant part of the plot being rather similar to a certain global pandemic and so as a knock on effect the following release was also delayed (due to referencing this one, I assume). So what’s The Lost Resort like? Does it follow on the whole “Marc is Cyberman-ized and The Doctor ran for it before coming back” storyline? Well… oddly it mostly focuses on a much older storyline…

This boxset screams “recorded during lockdown” as it features The Sixth Doctor and Constance, the only pairing from that era that has been able to record at home, facing off with The Eleven and a new companion played by Eleven actor Mark Bonnar’s wife recorded in their home. Is this a bad thing? No, not really, I do enjoy The Eleven, though I feel he is becoming over-exposed, especially after his great death scene at the end of Ravenous 4. Still… this is a bit of a rambling intro, shall I just take a spoilery look at the story? Why not!

The “Phillip Hinchcliffe Presents” range has been hit or miss with me. Some are classic moody sci-fi horror that the man is known for, others have been plain and not very interesting. Sadly “The God of Phantoms” falls into the latter category for me, which was especially bad given the story was over three hours long! Let’s take a closer look…

The second volume of the Ninth Doctor adventures comes to a close with another really fun hour-long story that feels very much of the time but also uses the audio format well on top of nailing the tone and characterisation of The Doctor. Also aliens in business suits! Let’s take a look…

After a rough and “out-of-period” three-part story we get some Ninth Doctor audio stories that are not only more tightly written and edited but feel far more like they belong alongside the 2005 series this Doctor originated from. Thankfully Christopher Eccleston is still on fine enthusiastic form behind the microphone so it makes for a fun time to listen. Want to know more? Of course you do!

Dalek Universe 2 ends on an extremely high note. “The Lost” is claustrophobic, interesting and full of development for both The Doctor and Anya, as well as their relationship together. Want to know more? Well, why don’t you read the review! (or skip down to the score if you don’t want spoilers!)

The first Dalek Universe set was a big hit for myself and many others so Box 2 had a lot to live up to. Thankfully these first two episodes continue both a fun plot and the great cast and throw in a few twists for good measure. Let’s look at the first two thirds of the boxset then, shall we?