GRAND THEFT COSMOS

Big Finish‘s latest TV tie-in special offer is Grand Theft Cosmos by Eddie Robson.

From the title, you’d expect this to be some kind of video-game inspired spoof on “Grand Theft Auto”.  I’ve never played it, so I wouldn’t know if it’s related, but the seemingly linked title is what put me off listening to it before.

Also featuring everyone’s favourite Henry Gordon Jago, Christopher Benjamin as Tardelli, Grand Theft Cosmos sees the 8th Doctor and Lucie hot on the trail of the infamous Black Diamond.

Returning from season one as the Doctor & Lucie’s “competitors in crime” are the Headhunter and Karen (last seen in Human Resources).

The Doctor recognises the “diamond” as an invention of the infamous Tardelli, whose artistic creations are known for affecting their owners.  The effects are so dangerous that the Doctor has made it his task to destroy any works he discovers by Tardelli.

The link between Grand Theft Cosmos and the loose televised tie-in Mummy on the Orient Express is that both spend a considerable amount of their running time on a train and each has a lumbering monster.  The plot includes thefts, counterfeits, tricks, and walking sculptures.

It’s worth a listen.  McGann and Smith are on their usual top form (despite, according to the extras, Sheridan Smith’s schedule not allowing her to be available on the same days as the rest of the cast), and they’re well supported by the rest of the cast.

My version of this story is from an off-air recording from BBC Radio 4 Extra, but it’s currently available for £2.99 as a download for this weekend only.