The honour of Sontar means Stron must hold his post… no matter what.

Big Finish’s Short Trips have been on hiatus for a bit, but it’s good to have the format back, albeit in a return to the original idea of a collection of stories released at once, rather than one a month. This first group is an interesting selection, and to keep continuity with the earlier reviews, we’ll cover each separately.

After a very appropriate dedication for the set, the sextet kicks off with producer Alfie Shaw’s own story, a Sontaran tale that includes the 11th Doctor – and the emphasis is very much that way round. Dan Starkey is once again called upon to bring different shades to his Sontaran characters, and a particular marching song is put to very good – and poignant – use. Jacob Dudman’s 11th Doctor is an occasional visitor during Stron’s long sojourn, and the melancholy air that this incarnation can sometimes have is very appropriate to this story – although I suspect the 9th Doctor would also fit it well.

Verdict: Lee Adams’ sound design and Ioan Morris’ music are used well by director Scott Handcock, but it’s Starkey’s performance that dominates proceedings – and makes for a good start to the set. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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