An Unearthly Woman

The Diary of River Song #6.1

Released:

Listened: 12/30/19

For the sixth set of River Song stories, River appears in close proximity to famous stories of the first four Doctors, and for the first of the set, why not “Unearthly Child”? Susan, Ian, Barbara, and the Doctor are played by the “Adventure in Space and Time” cast, so it’s kind of an open question whether this belongs in the project, but this is Doctor Who, so I can do what I like. Of course, it’s a River story first and foremost, so River basically inserts herself right into established history, teaching at Coal Hill, impersonating a police constable, getting very flirty with Ian, and encouraging Barbara. She’s more circumspect with Susan and especially the Doctor, who barely notices she exists. Unlike the last story, this time there is a legitimate alien threat, a bounty hunter sent by the Ravenous, who’s after the Doctor while he’s still young and defenseless. That part of the story is frankly secondary to River showing off her awesomeness, and Ian and especially Barbara showing a great willingness to interfere in their students’ home lives if they think it’s necessary. It has a fast-paced, action-first feel to it that’s appropriate for River, but not so much for the era it’s set in, or the other Big Finish stories set in the same time frame. As part of a River boxed set, it’s a good romp, but in the context of this project, it rather sticks out.