The Spectre of Lanyon Moor

Main Range #9

Released: 12 June 2000

Listened: 6/6/20

The main purpose of this one is to give the Brigadier an adventure with the Sixth Doctor, thus plugging a hole in the continuity. The Brig is retired at this point (and married to Doris), but still doing the occasional assignment for UNIT. In this case, he’s investigating one of those unfortunate “archaeological dig gone wrong” events when the Doctor and Evelyn drop in. There’s no question on the Brig’s part as to who the Doctor is, and they start working together immediately, with full trust. As for Evelyn, she immediately starts poking her nose in where it doesn’t belong, much like younger companions, although at first she does use her historical research skills. There’s probably one too many “minor character is not what they seem” twists, and as always with these early Big Finish stories, there’s a lot more talk than action, especially at the climax. The Brig remains stalwart and dependable throughout, and that’s the important thing. Aside from him, it’s not a terribly memorable story.