Doctor Who review: Thicker Than Water (Sixth Doctor audio)

In the sequel to Arrangements for War, the Sixth Doctor returns to Vilag to see an old friend. But the past comes back to haunt them…

Arrangements for War was a wonderfully romantic Doctor Who story that was considerably praised. So it’s unsurprising that Big Finish got the story’s original writer, Paul Sutton, to write a direct sequel. And that’s what we get with Thicker Than Water.

But rather than make the mistake of simply trying to repeat the original story’s success, Sutton shakes things up considerably for the sequel.

First, he reveals exactly when and why Evelyn left the Doctor. Surprisingly, he actually writes this in a flashback scene. Evelyn is reunited with Governor Rossiter, her love interest in Arrangements for War. And as soon as they see each other, she knows that she can’t say goodbye to him again. So she decides to stay behind this time.

It’s actually surprising that Evelyn wasn’t given a more direct departure story. Discovering how she left via flashback is quite a bold move. (Especially for someone like me who enjoys putting stories in chronological order, as difficult as that can be.)

However, it has to be said that it works. It’s nice to know that Evelyn’s “exit” was nice and quiet, and that she essentially got a happy ending.

The last time the Sixth Doctor was on Vilag, he and Evelyn faced love, loss and alien invasion in Arrangements for War.

(Image credit: Doctor Who/Big Finish Productions.

Image obtained from: Big Finish Productions.)

Arrangements for War: the aftermath

The rest of the story takes places some time later. Evelyn and Rossiter are now married, and the Doctor is travelling with Mel. On a whim, the Doctor decides it’s time to visit his old friend. Of course, it’s not long after they arrive that trouble begins…

One thing that leaps out about Thicker Than Water is how great Evelyn and Mel are together. They’re in many ways very different companions. But they also compliment each other quite nicely.

Their travels with the Doctor have helped. Both know how difficult he can be at times. But both also know how great travelling with the Doctor is, too. So they share a bond very quickly.

There’s one other key difference between Arrangements for War and Thicker Than Water – the time scale. The original story took place over many weeks, but most of Thicker Than Water takes place in a day. There’s a stronger sense of urgency to the story, particularly when Evelyn gets kidnapped.

More from Winter is Coming

The sequel also explores some of the consequences of the original story. We catch up with Világ and how much it’s changed after the Killoran invasion. It’s interesting finding out how different things are in the aftermath of something like that.

Overall, Thicker Than Water is a very solid story. It’s strongly recommended that you listen to Arrangements for War beforehand, but it’s worth it. Not only is the combination of Six, Evelyn and Mel wonderful to listen to. It’s also a great examination on themes like family and the ties that bind.

It also has a wonderful little cameo that’s rather crucial. Not only does it deal with the aftermath of Project: Lazarus in a big way. It also sets up a major arc, perhaps one of the biggest in Big Finish’s history. One that very nicely ties back to the Forge…

Next. Regeneration: Why your first is so important. dark

Have you listened to Thicker Than Water? Did you enjoy Evelyn’s “exit story”? What did you make of the cameo at the end? Let us know in the comments below.

Home/Doctor Who