Previously … Mother Russia …

I previously listened to Helicon Prime a couple of years ago but I’ve taken the opportunity to revisit it as I go through Big Finish‘s range of Companion Chronicles.

Helicon Prime is a luxury resort situated in part of the galaxy that effectively prevents people from being nasty to each other.  The Doctor and Jamie arrive just in time to encounter a dead body, which the Doctor proceeds to examine and investigate.  His examination is hampered, leading him to suspect murder.

Knowing that his investigations are being watched by a suspicious ambassador, the Doctor encourages Jamie to do some of the legwork.  They’re aided by a unique singer, Mindy Voir.

They uncover a plot by a group of people seeking a mysterious, but powerful, treasure.  Part of their plan to seek this treasure is to move Helicon Prime out of its protected area, leading to people no longer being all that nice to each other.

As with previous offerings in the Companion Chronicles range, Helicon Prime is narrated as an enhanced audiobook with a second voice.  Jamie (post-The War Games, due to his lack of memories of travelling with the Doctor) is experiencing memories that he doesn’t recognise.  These memories are from a time (post-The Two Doctors, noted by Victoria’s absence whilst studying graphology) of the adventure at Helicon Prime.  By the end of the recollection, Jamie’s memories fade and he’s back on the Highlands as ever.

Thoughts

I previously remarked on Frazer Hines’ interpretation of Patrick Troughton’s voice as the 2nd Doctor.  Having listened to six of these Companion Chronicles now, I have a more balanced view of what each narrator has brought to the other characters in their particular story.  Whilst it’s true that, apparently through tiredness, Hines’ interpretation of the 2nd Doctor does waver towards the end of the story, for the most part his is the most accurate “Doctor voice” we’ve had the benefit of so far.  For the bulk of Helicon Prime, you could be forgiven for believing that Patrick Troughton was in the studio with Frazer Hines.

The adventure is presented in two episodes, roughly a half-hour each, and is followed by a trailer for the next Companion Chronicles, Old Soldiers, a nice interview with a hugely enthusiastic Frazer Hines, and a music suite (this all helps to fill up the CD if you have the physical CD).

There are many aliens and an almost “Star Wars-esque” multi-alien scenes (mostly describe Jamie as “alien beasties” or similar), with plenty going on to keep your mind on the story.  The resolution of the plot probably won’t challenge you too much, but this is an enjoyable way of spending an hour in the presence of Jamie and the 2nd Doctor.

Next time … Old Soldiers …