The sometimes-untrustworthy companion Turlough reunites with the Doctor and Peri for adventures in history… but how will he get on with the Time Lord’s colourful Sixth incarnation?
In the worlds of spin-off media, the 80s Make Your Own Adventure with Doctor Who series is a quirky footnote. Six books let you shape the story with your decisions and, on one occasion, it teamed up the Sixth Doctor and Peri with Turlough, the Fifth Doctor’s shifty schoolboy companion.
Now, Big Finish have put the same trio together, placing Turlough (Mark Strickson) back on the TARDIS. However, times change – the Doctor has a dominant new personality, while Peri (Nicola Bryant) spent time as a Queen. And Turlough? Well, he was always a bit of an enigma. Brought on board to kill the Doctor, he left for his home planet of Trion after being revealed as a political prisoner. Now, he’s travelling with the Doctor again – but what are his motives this time?
The Reckoning
As mistrust runs rife between Turlough and the Doctor, Peri’s attempts to smooth ruffled feathers are put on hold as they have to flee the TARDIS in escape capsules (disguised as wardrobes!)
Arriving in the 17th Century, the trio encounter an impossibly middle-aged Christopher Marlowe, whom Peri and the Doctor have met before. Older than at the time of his death, the writer and sometime spy appears to have made a Faustian pact with an alien entity who is coming to collect.
With a comic edge to the proceedings, courtesy of writer Nev Fountain, there are fun twists and turns as we explore characters’ loyalties and Marlowe’s predicament. Alongside a charming Nigel Fairs as Marlowe, Eve Winters impresses as the landlady Tess who takes a shine to Turlough.
A Crucible of Queens
Aiming for Paris to see warring Impressionists, the TARDIS lands in 1415, at the end of the Battle of Agincourt. With the arrows still flying, Turlough becomes separated from the others. While they are enlisted as physicians, tasked with tending to the ailing French king, he saves a life and also finds himself in regal company.
LM Myles’ script sheds light on a fascinating moment when the balance of power in France was complex. On one side there’s Isabeau of Bavaria (Debbie Chazen), wife to the ailing Charles VI, and the Duke of Burgundy (Laurent Lafuma). On the other, Yolande of Aragon (Julie Dray), protector of the heir to the throne (Narayan David Hecter).
In true Doctor Who style, these events played out over a number of years, but we enjoy a whistlestop tour. As a pure historical tale, there’s lots of political intrigue and it serves all three regulars well. Director Samuel Clemens’ choice to cast authentic French vocal talent really pays off too.
The Curse of the Duergar
The final tale in the set, from writer Julian Richards, brings us Vikings! Arriving in Norway, the TARDIS crew find themselves wrapped up in the tale of Hervor (Lara Lemon), a fierce shield maiden seeking her late father’s sword.
We soon join Hervor’s quest, with the Doctor, Peri and Turlough taken for Norse Gods – most amusingly, she believes the Doctor must be Thor due to his booming voice! As the action unfolds, there’s a clever look at the Doctor’s change of personality and how he relates to his friends – and a threat posed by a sword which urges the bearer to kill!
In Summary
Of all the companion returns on audio in recent years, this might be the most satisfying. Onscreen we learnt precious little about Turlough, and after choosing the Doctor, his murderous mission was barely mentioned again! Then, his alien heritage came to light in his final tale.
Of course, Turlough is still keeping secrets and here, with a far less forgiving Doctor. The character dynamics are also skewed by Peri, now a far more experienced time traveller than when Turlough first met her. And a warrior queen too for that matter! Across the set, the three make a fascinating team and composer Leon Pariss provides a dramatic, modern sounding score which gives the stories a distinctive feel.
Expulsion provides a solid set engaging of historical action tales, with ‘A Crucible of Queens’ being a particular delight.
Doctor Who – The Sixth Doctor Adventures: Expulsion is out now from Big Finish.
The adventures with Turlough continue in Reunion, scheduled for release in August 2026.