The New Counter-Measures team return to Big Finish in two feature length adventures. Following ‘The Movellan Manoeuvre‘ the team are up against an all too familiar foe in ‘The Dalek Gambit‘.
Given that our first introduction to the Counter-Measures unit and therefore several of these characters was in a Dalek story, there is a wonderful circularity to ‘The Dalek Gambit‘. When the team first cross paths with a Dalek they immediately recognise it, although in a slightly different livery. Much like that original televised story the team find themselves in the middle of an extraterrestrial conflict. Instead of warring Dalek factions an older war is playing out on planet Earth.
The Dalek Gambit
The Dalek/Movellan war, introduced back in ‘Destiny of the Daleks‘ had played out by the time of the next televised Doctor Who story ‘Resurrection of the Daleks‘. Surprisingly, this intriguing war between races hasn’t been explored in much detail before. In ‘The Dalek Gambit‘ we are treated to all the explosive action as Daleks and Movellans battle it out. Credit must go to Joe Meiners for his sound design which manages to convey the battle so effectively. Following the events of ‘The Movellan Manoeuvre‘, the Movellans are at a disadvantage. This is therefore not a simple galactic shootout. The Counter-Measures team have plenty of investigating still to do.
By Roland Moore
This story by Roland Moore starts with a bang and maintains the pace generated by the previous instalment. Although there is a little lull in the second act to set up the finale, the payoff is absolutely worth it. The cast of ‘The Movellan Manoeuvre‘ also return, continuing their engaging performances. Carolyn Seymour and Cyril Nri are a delicious duo, particularly as their partnership has changed over the course of the story. Nicholas Briggs is of course the voice of the Daleks however his brief turn as Sergeant Tolley was also highly amusing.
However, it is the conclusion of this story which makes this story so particularly memorable. Simon Williams, Pamela Salem, Karen Gledhill and Hugh Ross have made a thrilling series, full of action and chemistry between the characters. Whether you have followed the story all the way through or not, you’ll have fallen for these characters. I won’t spoil what happens here but it is gripping, tense and deeply emotional. But as with all good stories on Big Finish there is a twist in the tale.
Overall
‘The Dalek Gambit‘ is a must listen for Doctor Who fans. Even if you haven’t dipped your toe into the Counter-Measures range but are aware of the televised Dalek episodes, you won’t want to miss this. A journey that began with ‘Remembrance of the Daleks‘ has seen the circle rounded off superbly. If this proves to be the end of Counter-Measures on Big Finish then what a way to go out!
The New Counter-Measures: The Dalek Gambit is available now from the Big Finish website.
Synopsis
This title was released in April 2020. It will be exclusively available to buy from the Big Finish website until May 31st 2020, and on general sale after this date.
After the Movellan attack, the Counter-Measures team discover that key scientists who helped the Movellans are being murdered. Rachel Jensen realises that the Daleks are behind it.
Soon the team finds itself in the middle of a desperate war between Daleks and Movellans. As casualties mount, the Daleks plan to explode a bomb to wipe out the Movellans. Unfortunately, it will also destroy all life on Earth.
Rachel finds herself struggling to diffuse the bomb as the clock ticks down. The stakes are high and this time not everyone will make it out alive…
Cast
- Simon Williams (Group Captain Gilmore)
- Pamela Salem (Rachel Jensen)
- Karen Gledhill (Allison Williams)
- Hugh Ross (Sir Toby Kinsella)
- Nicholas Briggs (The Daleks)
- Cyril Nri (Maurice Vallan)
- Carolyn Seymour (Lady Suzanne Clare)
Credits
- Music: Nicholas Briggs
- Based on characters created by Ben Aaronovitch
- Cover Artist: Ryan Aplin
- Director: Ken Bentley
- Executive Producers: Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs
- Producer: David Richardson
- Script Editor: John Dorney
- Sound Design: Joe Meiners
- Written by Roland Moore
