Part Three of Rutans vs Sontarans catches us up with the Sixth Doctor… and a Rutan in love?
As Rutans vs Sontaran continues ‘Grave Moon’ brings us another double-Doctor tale. Like ‘The Two Doctors‘ it is another tale which sees the Sixth crash into a tale that has seemingly begun with another incarnation. But just what is “Farmer John” up to?
Grave Moon
This third instalment of Rutans vs Sontarans continues the tale of Melmoth, a desperate lone Rutan severed from its species’ collective consciousness, as it crash-lands onto a desolate sanctuary moon of healing ponds. The Sixth Doctor and Peri are on its trail, believing it to be a criminal imposter, but the creature has become inexorably involved in events.
Building on the events of ‘Rendition,’ this story sees the lonely Rutan make a connection – albeit a strange one though. It draws on the pattern of Yarrin (John Banks), a dead man, and conjures his image from the intense grief of his protégé Ooland (Rachel Bavidge), both proving that lots of planets have a North East too.
However, the Sixth is not the only Doctor in town. The Eighth (Paul McGann) has been undercover here for a while, shaping events under the guise of the mysterious “Farmer John” and he knows far more about this world…
In Summary
Against the backdrop of the war, Lizzie Hopley’s story is an interesting, if ultimately doomed, exploration of Rutan psychology.
The Eighth Doctor takes an interesting backseat role, manipulating events in a manner more commonly associated with his immediate predecessor. There’s also the suggestion that he’s moving through time… possibly not by choice? Again, the story resists the temptation to have Doctors meet, although the Eighth enjoys another companion encounter.
For her part, Peri (Nicola Bryant) is on the front foot. Faking that familiar companion’s injury of a twisted ankle, she inveigles her way into Ooland’s home to get more information. She’s also disgusted by, and vocal about, what she sees as the Rutan’s manipulation of Ooland and her grief. Meanwhile, Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor reliably blunders into proceedings, playing the part his later self needs him to. Together, the pair bicker amiably.
There’s no doubt that this is an unusual slant on the Rutans, and it feels like there are questions raised that should be answered in the forthcoming series finale. That said, it’s a very atmospheric tale of singing waters and star-crossed affection, and you can’t help rooting (sorry) for the mis-matched couple despite it all.
Doctor Who – Rutans vs Sontarans: Grave Moon is available to download from Big Finish now.
Catch up with our review of this series here.
Next Time: Grave Moon
The series concludes in July 2026 with ‘Peace at Last’ by Tim Foley.
On the precipice of peace it stands…
After the destruction of a major stronghold, the Sontarans propose something extraordinary. More extraordinary still, the Rutans say yes. The Doctor, Charley and C’rizz are on hand to watch history being made.
Yet history has other ideas. A plan that has taken centuries is about to come to fruition. The Melmoth is returning.
‘Peace at Last’ stars Paul McGann, India Fisher and Conrad Westmaas. They’re joined by Cecilla Appiah, Ajjaz Awad, Jonathon Carley and Dan Starkey.
Doctor Who: Rutans vs Sontarans: Peace at Last is available to pre order from Big Finish now.