Old Friends is already a contender for the best Big Finish release of 2022, and it is only February. It is an exploration of trauma and the Ninth Doctor’s own psyche, giving Christopher Eccleston a chance to do something he didn’t on television, looking right at the beginning of the character’s life to explore why he would eventually ask Rose to travel with him. It is two stories and continues the upward trend of The Ninth Doctor Adventures. The only hope is that Billie Piper returns for Series 2. 10/10.

Indie Mac User

Old Friends, with its tales of intergalactic funerals and a Cyberman invasion of Scotland, is a showcase for the Ninth Doctor and Big Finish alike. Not to mention bringing to an end one of their strongest runs of stories, perhaps in their entire two decades of Doctor Who storytelling. Yet, unlike in 2005, this isn't the end, as four further already announced sets will attest. And long may the Ninth Doctor renaissance continue.

Warped Factor

Over the course of these four sets, Big Finish would seem to have accomplished a minor miracle, by getting Christopher Eccleston not only to reprise his role, but also apparently have a whale of a time in doing so, and enable him to put behind him some of the personal reservations he had which led him to relinquish the mantle so soon on television. With more series in prospect, if Big Finish can manage to sustain the high standard they have achieved here, then it really will be fantastic.

Set the Tape

There is much that is life affirming about this Doctor and his warm tones are more than welcome to return.

SF Crowsnest