Doctor Who review: Situation Vacant (Eighth Doctor audio)

In Situation Vacant, the Eighth Doctor meets four potential new companions. As they’re put through several tests, only one of them will travel with him. But which one?

First, we had the incredibly depressing departure of Lucie Miller in Death in Blackpool. Then, we had the hugely emotional reunion of An Earthly Child. So it’s refreshing that, as the fourth season of the Eighth Doctor Adventures truly begins, we get something much more light-hearted. Situation Vacant feels, in many ways, just like the kind of light-hearted opening story you’d expect in Doctor Who, at least in the New Series. Particularly a new companion’s introduction.

At the same time, however, it did something the New Series simply couldn’t do. Namely, tell the story of what happens when a companion is selected by an audition process. An audition process that comes across as very similar to the one seen in The Apprentice.

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It’s a brilliant idea, and as previously mentioned, it’s something that the New Series couldn’t get away with. After all, because of how huge Doctor Who is in the UK, and how locations would be constantly photographed by journalists eager for a scoop, hiding a role as major as a companion would be difficult. Perhaps impossible, even. However, in Big Finish’s case, it’s much easier, due to both much less scrutiny by comparison, and the fact that everything’s recorded in studio, away from prying eyes.

Four different potential companions

Still, telling the story of the Eighth Doctor selecting his companions through auditions is both a very modern and a very bonkers idea. Who could they get to write such a story? Of course, it had to be Eddie Robson.

What’s really enjoyable about Situation Vacant is how Robson takes this idea and fleshes it out into a really clever and funny story. There are a lot of twists and turns with this one. It also helps that the plot is once again neatly split into two. Not just in episodes, but also in how its written. Just as there’s multiple tasks for the candidates to solve in The Apprentice, the same is true for the potential companions in Situation Vacant.

Speaking of which, all of the potential companions of the story are perfectly written and cast. All of them come across believably as someone who could travel with the Doctor. And all of them stand out in their own way, too.

There’s Hugh Bainbridge, an awkward and slightly timid man who still wants to prove himself. Juliet Walsh is a dynamic go-getter who knows how to handle herself. (Or at least, tries to.) Theo Lawson is an intelligent young man, but also comes across as stubborn, even overly-confidant, at times. And finally, there’s Asha Qureshi. In many ways, she almost seems to have the perfect companion template: young, intelligent and eager for adventure. But is she all that she appears to be?

All of these characters are portrayed really well, and all come across as interesting potential companions. It’s a great cast that helps to sell the already brilliantly written story even better.

The Eighth Doctor meets four potential companions in Doctor Who: Situation Vacant. (Photo credit: Doctor Who/Big Finish

Image obtained from: bigfinish.com.)

A different side to the Doctor

As for the Doctor himself, it’s fascinating to hear a very different side to his character. The Doctor has never done something like this. When a new companion arrives, it’s a matter of blind luck and getting to know them at the right time.

So putting him in a situation where he actually has to pick out one of several possible companions allows him to be more honest and upfront about what he wants. He knows what he’s looking for, especially after someone as brilliant as Lucie.

He also knows what he’s definitely not looking for. As a result, when someone does mess up their chances, he isn’t afraid of explaining why, then and there. This isn’t a side you get to hear of the Doctor often, certainly not with this particular Doctor. So it’s nice to get to explore that side of his character, especially in such a unique situation.

Situation Vacant is a really satisfying way to begin this season. It’s light-hearted, funny, and wonderfully clever. In addition to that, however, it also sets up a clear arc for the season. There are a few questions at the end that the Doctor wants to have answers to. But those can wait. In the meantime, it’s time for new adventures for the Doctor and his brand new companion!

Next: River Song to meet four Masters in January 2019!

Have you listened to Situation Vacant? Did you like the gimmick of four potential companions competing for the position? Do you think the TV series should introduce a new companion in this way? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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