Summary: Torn from her digital afterlife in the library, River Song finds herself on 61st century Earth, resurrected in a clone body. Billionaire tech mogul Garrison Clay has a mystery to solve and has chosen River as the one to solve it.

Armed only with her sonic screwdriver and a fake ID, River sets out into a world that will soon be plagued by solar flares. Danger lurks at every turn.

Review: Death and Life of River Song, Series 01: Last Words was a mystery. So I’ll avoid spoilers. In fact, River wouldn’t have it any other way.

Story

writer Robert Valentine’s The brief was to tie River into another strand of her husband’s story. Suffice it to say, he succeeded, and the folks at Big Finish really love their listeners.

“Book 1 – Apocalypsis” was an excellent introduction to the story. Valentine has done an extraordinary amount of world building.

River got an outstanding antagonist. And what’s more, she got sidekicks in the best pulp noir tradition.

However, Valentine did a really great job of crafting River’s psychological journey. He forced her to face fundamental existential questions head-on.

“Book 2 – Fate and Doom” was Valentine’s Day Jane Austen Homage. At first, River and the audience seemed out of place.

Fortunately, everything fit together thematically and structurally. Valentine gave me my favorite episode of the set.

“Book 3 – The Black Hours” reveals the true secret and the true motives. In addition, in the best noir tradition, River finds a new, problematic friend.

“Book 4 – Book of the Dead” was the heart of Valentine’s assignment. The characters River encountered were inspired by both classic Doctor Who and the demands of noir storytelling.

Acting

Alexander Kingston back in top form. However, I have to highlight four supporting roles.

First, Robert Whitelock And Christine Kavanagh played their roles in the mystery perfectly. Secondly, Jamie Zubairi sparkled as a buddy.

Last but not least: Greg Wise pulled out all the stops as Garrison Clay. The story called for a villain, and Wise was happy to oblige.

In total

Death and Life of River Song, Series 01: Last Words was a wonderful start to the next chapter of River’s story. I can’t wait for season 02.

You can buy Death and Life of River Song, Series 01: Last Words Here.

You can find more reviews of Big Finish Audio here.

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