Our ongoing series reviewing audio adaptations of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror works. Note that these reviews may contain spoilers.
Hornet’s Nest Part 1: “The Stuff of Nightmares”
Reviewed by By John J. Joex
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Hornet’s Nest is a BBC Doctor Who audio drama in which Tom Baker reprises his role as the fourth incarnation of Doctor. For those of us stateside unfamiliar with these audio dramas, these provide additional adventures of the Doctor in his various incarnations that I believe are considered part of the Doctor Who canon. Released in 2009, Hornet’s Nest is Baker’s first appearance as the character on radio and one of his few re-associations with the Doctor since he departed the series in 1981. He did narrate several Doctor Who audio books a few years back and he also supplied some linking narration to the unaired and incomplete “Shada” episode for its video release in the early 90’s. He also showed up on “The Five Doctors” anniversary episode, but that was by way of footage from the previously mentioned “Shada” episode.
Now I should note that I was first introduced to Doctor Who in the late 70’s when the show made a brief run in syndication before becoming a staple for the PBS stations. And these episodes were from Tom Baker’s run so he has always been my favorite actor to play the character and the one I associate most closely with the series. So when I saw that the audio dramas that he participated in were available here (on CD and in MP3 format), I decided to give them a try. Hornet’s Nest is a five part story with each episode running around 60-70 minutes that delivers a complete tale over its five episodes. I downloaded the first part from eMusic.com.
This episode has the now retired Captain Mike Yates (voiced by Richard Franklin who played the character on the TV series during the John Pertwee era in the early 70’s) coming to visit the Doctor at his request. The Doctor is apparently taking a rest in a cottage in Sussex, but Yates quickly discovers that something is a foot in these peaceful surroundings. The Doctor needs the help of Yates to deal with a swarm of psychic hornets who have taken possession of several taxidermy animals (as well as the taxidermist) and are using them to evil ends.
This first installment definitely gives us one of the more whimsical Doctor Who stories and does not really stand out as a great entry in the Fourth Doctor’s adventures (based on the first episode at least). You would think that with the return of Baker and without having to worry about the cost of special effects, they would have pulled out all of the stops on this audio drama and brought back some of the grander, more cosmic villains from the Doctor’s rogues gallery. Instead, they go with this rather pedestrian story that stretches our suspension of disbelief even more than the typical Doctor Who episode. Still, it’s great to hear Baker back as the Doctor and he definitely falls right back into the role and gives us several classic Baker moments. His performance alone makes this worth getting for Doctor Who fans.
My biggest issue with this audio production is the price. The individual episodes retail for around $25 each on CD, though you can get the complete serial for $75 retail. Both Audible.com and eMusic.com have the individual episodes, but even if you go the cheapest route, which is via eMusic, you will end up paying $50 for the entire serial. That’s a bit steep for an audio production and has me wavering on whether I will venture forward with the next four episodes anytime soon. Likely I will wait until I see the complete serial on sale (new or used) for around $30. In any case, Tom Baker fans jonesing for a return appearance of the actor in the role of the Fourth Doctor should enjoy this if they have the money to spare. Baker has also worked on one additional audio drama, Demon Quest, which also runs for five episodes.
