The Last Post is a Doctor Who audio play from The Companion Chronicles range released by Big Finish.  It was initially released in 2012 and stars Caroline John alongside Rowena Cooper.  James Goss is the writer of this particular episode which was ably directed by Lisa Bowerman.  This is a rather bittersweet release because it was the last recording done by Caroline John shortly before her demise.  John of course was known to Doctor Who fans as Liz Shaw, the first assistant to Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor in the television series.  Cooper is introduced as Emily Shaw, Liz’s spirited and charming mother.

The basic premise of this story if that Liz is looking into some deaths of prominent British figures after they had received a letter predicting the time and date of their demise.  The Doctor is a bit distracted initially turns to her mother for assistance.  It seems Emily has a history of studying old prophecies and curses and may have some insight into these peculiar occurrences.

An interesting aspect to this story is that it takes some time to unravel the mystery and each of the four televisions stories in which Liz was featured gets a bit of a nod.  Caroline John put in a pretty engaging performance presumably in spite of being quite ill.  Rowena Cooper was also a wise casting choice as well.  The two seem to have a believable chemistry.

Goss has contributed quite a bit to Big Finish over the years and tells a pretty interesting story consistent;y, although I am not sure that one listen is quite enough to fully understand what was behind this particular menace.  There were some moments of clever nods to the history of that era.  It’s probably not the most spectacular story in the range, but it’s reasonably enjoyable.

Although Liz Shaw as a character can turn up in other forms of Doctor Who media and has at least once been played by John’s daughter in later audio release, the fans were deprived much too soon of the original actress who brought her to life.

Ravenous 4 is a Doctor Who audio boxed set from Big Finish Productions and concludes the latest Eighth Doctor saga with the…well…the Ravenous, in case there was any confusion.  Paul McGann is once again in the lead role and accompanied by Nicola Walker and Hattie Morahan, as stalwart companions, Liv Chenka and Helen Sinclair, respectively.  Matt Fitton and John Dorney share the writing duties with Ken Bentley serving again as director.

Following on from the last series, Mark Bonnar joins the TARDIS crew as the Eleven, the Time Lord who contends with the personalities of his other selves in one body.  The Eleven presents himself as rather reformed when this latest collection begins and is wanting to make amends…..or is he?  Anyway, Big Finish has elected to keep the Eleven around for a while longer.  I am thinking he has sort of worn out his welcome with me anyway, but Bonnar is a talented enough performer for me to find his continued presence forgivable.

Matt Fitton begins this particular series with Whisper.  The Doctor and his rather eclectic group land on an island where there is a creature hunting people down by sound.  Not exactly the  most original story idea these days, but the performances and sound design make up for the repetition. The story is competently written and serves well enough to set up the rest the set, but it’s not much more than that.

Fitton’s second contribution is a bit more intriguing with Planet of Dust in which the TARDIS crew land upon a world in which slavery is being enforced by the scarcity of water.  They know the ruler as the Great Provider, while we fans recognize the handiwork of the Master, once again played by the masterful Geoffrey Beevers.  This is the Master who is hideous to look up on, but a joy to listen to with Beevers delivering his lines in the familiar silky malevolence that can chill the bones of the listener in the right setting.  By the way, Beevers himself is not hideous to look upon in case that was not clear.  This is where the Ravenous also starts to reemerge, and the Eleven reveals that he is not quite that interested in resuming on his path to redemption.  The story is a bit more engaging on its own, and the performances and production make it much more enjoyable.  Fitton will sometimes use ideas that can seem a little overused at times, but he usually manages to come through with an enjoyable tale.  He does so with his contribution to this set as well.

John Dorney gets the pleasure of wrapping up this saga with a two parter concluding story.  Day of the Master brings about an extravaganza of evil doers. The listener gets to hear how the Ravenous came into being.  Another legendary Time Lord known as Artron is introduced and played by Rob Whitelock. Eric Roberts, who played the Master in the 1996 television movie with McGann, is back.  Derek Jacobi returns as the version known as the War Master.  Michelle Gomez is also back as Missy, the ill-advised female version of the Master.  Missy actually kind of works here.  Gomez is actually a wonderful performer as she was in the television series with Peter Capaldi, but the revelation of a female Master sort of induced some exasperated eye-rolling from me when she first came on the scene.  This story is a bit of a mess and little hard to visualize at times, but it’s still quite fun.  All of the Masters interacting with each other is just witty enough for me to just go with it.

Paul McGann and the usual regular cast members for this particular era are fine.  I certainly want more Eighth Doctor stories, but Liv and Helen feel like they have been around a little too long.  I don’t dislike them, but I am not going to get terribly misty eyed if one or the other go on to different pastures.

Overall,  I think this is a solidly enjoyable set, but some of what was done felt a bit like padding and done as a bit of a stunt.  The Ravenous is probably an adversary that would work better visually over trying to imagine it.  It’s just a big noisy monster who eats all things Gallifreyan.  The other guest cast such as Clifford Samuel, Natalie Simpson, and Chris Jarman were well chosen, but Big Finish almost always gets that right.

Now that the story of the Ravenous has come to a close, let’s see what challenges and catastrophes are in store for the Eighth Doctor next.

Ascension of the Cybermen is the latest Doctor Who episode and is the beginning of the two-part season finale.  Jodie Whittaker continues in her lead role alongside Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole, and Mandip Gill.  Head writer Chris Chibnall presents this episode which was under the direction of Jamie Magnus Stone.  Patrick O’Kane, Steve Toussaint, and Julie Graham are included in the guest cast.

The Lone Cyberman was introduced in the previous episode, and he is now not alone.  The Lone Cyberman was somehow only partially converted and is wandering around in a rather dilapidated armor.  He looks suitably intimidating too.  He is also a bit more expressive than his cybernetic peers.

The Doctor has brought her friends to a distant planet in the far future where the remains of humanity are in hiding from the remnants of the Cybermen.  She is also trying to find the answers to other mysteries which have been introduced this year. The Doctor tries to send her friends to safety, but of course that doesn’t go as planned.

Now in the midst of all of the intergalactic chaos, there is a story which takes place in Ireland where a couple finds a child left in the road and take them in.  This takes place in the early twentieth century.  How this relates to the main story has yet to be revealed,but it’s interesting.

There is a real effort to make the season end on an epic note.  The visual effects were pretty good.  Whittaker seems to be getting a little more to do as the Doctor.  She can almost sound fairly authoritative now.

There are still too many companions traveling in the TARDIS, but there is not much to be done at this point.  They get separated which is common in the series.  Yasmin and Graham end up on an abandoned cyber warship where a vast army has been asleep.

The Doctor and Ryan find a portal on a distant planet where a man helped others escape the Cybermen.  Another secret is about to unfold as another adversary appears from the portal.

There is a lot of confusing things going on here, but I would probably need to see the resolution to judge this one fairly.  Chibnall seems to be making an effort to revisit some of the grandiose styles of his predecessors and bringing back some familiar menaces, which I don’t mind.

There are still some issues with the Whittaker era, however this season is a little better than the last one.

There are some intriguing ideas, yet I share the concerns of some of my fellow fans that Chibnall plans to turn the canon of the program on its head.  I guess on shouldn’t be beholden to such things, but I do not think it’s right to entirely write something to disregard the history that is so familiar to those who have followed this show for so long.

Unfortunately, this episode does not stand out among the other finales in recent years. The story is somewhat engaging, but I expect to be more enthralled than this is able to do.  On the other hand, the Cybermen are back, and they are my favorite of the Doctor’s adversaries.

There are some cool visuals and decent performances, but I am still skeptical of how Chibnall intends to wrap up this series,

The Book of Disquiet is a collection of thoughts or musings of Portuguese author, Fernando Pessoa that is apparently written from the perspective of a persona known as Bernardo Soares.  I am not sure how to describe this since this is not really story.  I was reading a translation by Richard Zenith.  The first publication of this work occurred in 1982.  Pessoa died in 1935.  Apparently, the writings were discovered in some tucked away trunk somewhere.

This is not the book to be reading if one is struggling with severe depression because the best way I can describe it is as “bleak”.  Pessoa writes of someone in the midst of overwhelming tedium and disconnection from his fellow denizens of Lisbon.

I do admire the eloquence of the prose, or at least how this version was translated.  Pessoa expresses himself in such a manner that I could envy and appreciate, but there is no resolution to this story or life.  The passages are separated numerically and vary in length.  Some paragraphs are very short and abrupt while others take up a few pages.

I did find myself relating to what was being described.  It’s not quite clinical depression but a certain persistent apathy to everyday life.  Pessoa or Soares or whoever seems to give up on finding any lasting enjoyment in life.  He seems keenly aware of how temporary most pleasures really are.

Although I appreciates the opportunity a new style of writing and expression, I am not sure this is one I will be revisiting all that much.  I can wallow in my own cynicism without this kid of help.  I will suggest that one could read it once at least in order experience something very different and maybe gain a little insight into Portuguese culture.  There is no question that Pessoa was a uniquely talented wordsmith with probably some insight into how many people felt about their place in existence in the world. Unfortunately, Pessoa leaves this malaise as a somewhat insoluble problem.

This little entry into my blog probably doesn’t do the endeavor justice, and I am probably overlooking quite a number of insights and revelations this was intended to illuminate, however those will have to be discovered by whoever else reads The Book of Disquiet.

Although I never quit reading something, I will be taking a break from the heavier literary contributions to something of more familiar territory.  James Lovegrove has just published a new Sherlock Holmes anthology, so I will join the great detective and the steadfast Dr. Watson in the familiar surroundings of 221 B Baker Street for The Manifestations of Sherlock Holmes.

Blumhouse’s Fantasy Island is a horror film that is based off the television series that began in 1977 and starred Ricardo Montalban.  Jeff Wadlow directed this film which he co-wrote with Chris Roach and Jillian Jacobs.  Gene Levitt created the original series in case anyone was interested.

The cast includes Maggie Q, Michael Pena, Lucy Hale, and Austin Stowell.  Michael Pena is cast as the enigmatic Mr. Roarke which was originally portrayed by the late Ricardo Montalban.

A group of seemingly unconnected people are invited to an island which will make their fantasies come to life.  There are rules though to this indulgence.  Of course, the fantasies are twisted into something much more malevolent by a mysterious presence.

Pena is a fine actor, but he does not quite capture the same enigmatic authority as Montalban could pull off with such ease.  I had a hard time caring about the rest of the cast.  There are these two brothers, where one of them is Asian and gay, while the other is a white overgrown frat guy or something.  Maggie Q plays a rather serious businesswoman who is wanting to pursue a second chance with her boyfriend.  There’s a young man who wants to fight in an war to honor his dead war hero father. All of these fantasies come to be in somewhat interesting ways.

There were some sparks of creativity when it came time to reveal the dark presence behind the fantasies going dangerously awry.  Unfortunately, the film still deserves the almost universal criticism from the professionals.  I could not bring myself to really care about most of the characters.  Actors such as Maggie Q and Michael Pena felt somewhat wasted.  Oh yes, Michael Rooker is in this one as well and does the best he can.  The other younger cast members seem to belong just fine and a substandard and unnecessary horror flick.

I found it to be not quite terrible but not even close to muster some kind of enthusiastic recommendation.

The Haunting of Villa Diodati is the latest Doctor Who episode aired by the BBC in what is twelfth season of the revived version.  Jodie Whittaker, Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole, and Mandip Gill are still the main cast.  Maxine Alderton is the scriptwriter with Emma Sullivan calling the shots from the director’s chair.

The Doctor and her companions arrive in 1816 at Lake Geneva where a fascinating gathering of creative minds is taking place.  This is where the legendary gathering of friends which include who would be come Mary Shelley alongside Lord Byron and Dr. John Polidori. It is said that this where Mary Shelley conceived the legendary story of Frankenstein.  Lord Byron was at one time given the moniker of “mad, bad, and dangerous to know.”  The Doctor is here, so events have taken a much more disturbing turn. Percy Shelley is not in attendance as history notes.  Strange apparitions are emerging from the space.  The house itself is behaving oddly.  A familiar foe of the Doctor’s has also crashed the party.

The guest cast includes Lili Miller, Jacob Collins-Levy, and Patrick O’Kane.  I have nothing too critical about the casting choice here.

I am a sucker for Doctor Who episodes with spooky houses and spectral phenomenon, so I was interested pretty quickly.  I am not a big fan of this particular era of Doctor Who, however this episode was not that bad.  Whittaker’s Doctor seems to be showing some range between the cheeky humor and the expected cleverness.  The companions are still a bit too numerous.  For some reason, I was a bit annoyed with Walsh’s Graham O’Brien, who I usually like, in this particular story.

It’s not a great addition to the series, but I found it adequately enjoyable.  It may end up being one of the stronger stories in the current series that is still being aired.  The visual effects weren’t bad either, which is saying something for Doctor Who.

The show’s ratings are still declining, and it doesn’t appear this episode helped much.  I thought the episode was better than what he have seen so far from head writer Chris Chibnall and current star Jodie Whittaker, however it was not much better.

The Art of Self-Defense is described as a black comedy thriller, at least by Wikipedia.  It is written and directed by Riley Stearns.  Jesse Eisenberg, Imogen Poots, and Alessandro Nivola are the stars of this unusual little piece.

Okay, this isn’t a well-known film that was released in 2019, and it really doesn’t need to be.  Eisenberg plays a uniquely timid bookkeeper who gets attacked by a motorcycle gang after he has to run out to get dog food.  Casey Davies, the main character, comes across a karate dojo and meets a rather intense and eccentric sensei.  But there ends up being more to the lethal lessons than Casey realizes.

This is just a weird movie.  It’s not completely devoid of interesting moments and revelations, but it also does not lack in more obnoxious elements.  Eisenberg has always been a hit or miss with me and this film didn’t really help me appreciate him more.

He chooses to communicate in this flat, staccato delivery that is not rally explained.  Everyone comes off as kind of flat as well.  It made the film something to be more endured than enjoyed.

Nivola was somewhat interesting in his performance.  He displayed some sudden shocking violence at times.

I basically sat through this out of a sense of stubbornness in honoring my self-imposed commitment to seeing different kinds of films.

It will likely appeal to someone of a different sort of humor and temperament, but I didn’t find much that was worth the time.

Although I am well aware I don’t have anything near a vast readership. I am going to take a moment to pretend otherwise.  I am going to announce a bit of a break from this blog.  Not for reasons of poor health, although I do need to do take better car of myself.  I am not going to to rehab or anything like that.  The reason for this break is actually a pretty fulfilling one.  I am participating in a mission trip to Ireland through my church in Amarillo, Texas. It is a ministry I have tried to show consistent support.  There is a ministry in Dublin called Dublin Family Outreach, and their ambassador or contact is someone whose work with the families there I greatly respect.  The center has a property known as Drewstown where next weekend is going to be site of a women’s conference where they will be told about Jesus and maybe learn was where their relationship with Him can enrich their lives.  Now, on this trip is a group of men who will be doing some work projects around the property as well, so I will be doing appropriately manly activities such as assisting in room renovations or something.

Now I could take my laptop with me and probably find time to add to this blog, but the wifi can be a little spotty out there, and my level of patience is not quite reflective of my relationship with God at times.  Hey, nothing wrong with a little confession.  It would be easier to spare my fellow team members and the Irish the more darker aspects of my psyche of I just avoid trying to post new content during this mission.  God would also not appreciate my lack of patience trying to continue this effort through my cell phone.  The thought of attempting that makes me cringe.

I also had made myself to a vow to beef up the “musings and other things” aspects of this blog.  Although I enjoy expressing my views on movies, Doctor Who, and books that I reading, I am aware that I should be stretching myself more with my own writing efforts.  This has so far been an intriguing exercise, but I find myself playing it safe at times.

Anyway, if any other Christians happen to stumble across, please pray for out safety and well-being.  Pray for the people of Ireland.  It is as gorgeous as people say, but it’s a complicated society with a lot of needs, just like every other nation on this planet.  The Irish have had many struggles in their long, rich history and need that light only a relationship with Jesus Christ can bring.  Also, pray for me as I sometimes struggle in my own relationships with Jesus and with others.  This is a great group of people I will be joining for this trip, and I look forward to maybe forging new friendships with those on the Emerald Isle.  This is my third time to see Ireland, but I have yet to grow weary of it.

For the few that manage to take the time to peruse the reviews and musings, I thank you, and normal service will be resumed next week.

Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn) is the latest cinematic offering from DC Films.  Margot Robbie returns as the Joker’s now ex-girlfriend, Harley Quinn, who was once Harleen Quinzel. Cathy Yan directs the film which was scripted by Christina Hodson.  It is part of the world of Gotham City where Batman is often on the hunt for the most psychotic of criminals.  Too bad Batman isn’t around in this one.  The cast members are talented and include Ewan McGregor, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Jurnee Smollett-Bell.

The lethally quirky Harley Quinn has just been dumped by the Joker.  During her understandable period of grief and anger, she blows up a chemical plant and gets herself targeted by all the various miscreants she has crossed and angered.  She also has found herself in the crosshairs of a zealous detective. A diamond has been taken by a pickpocket who Harley has sort of befriended.  As much as Harley can cultivate a friendship, anyway.

The fight scenes were pretty well choreographed.  The soundtrack was actually quite enjoyable.  The visual effects were quite well….effective.  I actually had a mixed bag sort of reaction though.  Not all of the wisecracks and repartee landed that well.  Robbie does seem to have a lot of fun with the character, which actually seems pretty easy to pull off.

McGregor plays a gangster named Roman Sionis who also goes by the dubious moniker of Black Mask.  McGregor does well enough in the role, since I guess it’s supposed to be an over the top sort of psycho.  I found the depiction of Black Mask to be rather cliche.  He certainly isn’t that memorable of a psycho.

It’s kind of a fun girl power superhero popcorn flick.  It seems quite a while since I saw Rosie Perez in a film of any type of box office significance, and I enjoyed seeing her.  Steven Williams is another actor I haven’t seen in a while, and he was there playing the typical by the book police captain.  I like Steven Williams, so it was pretty cool to see him even if there was nothing too spectacular about his role.

The movie was enjoyable enough for me to not regret seeing it, but I don’t imagine it’s going to be considered any great addition to the genre of comic book movies.

The Creeping Death is a Doctor Who audio play from Big Finish Productions and is written by Roy Gill.  Ken Bentley directs this episode which stars David Tennant and Catherine Tate.  The guest cast includes Helen Goldwyn, Lauren Cornelius, and Stephen Critchlow.

The Doctor and Donna Noble are brought to 1952 London in which the fog is a bit more oppressive than usual.  An alien threat lurks among the mist as well.  Apparently, there actually was an event known as the Great Smog of London which caused many severe illnesses among the populace at that time.  The part about the alien is artistic license of course.

The story is quite a bit better than what the title suggests.  The Doctor and Donna fall in with a small group of people trying to survive the encroaching smog and whatever is hidden within.

Tennant and Tate recapture their familiar chemistry and banter without much difficulty. The story isn’t bad but not entirely unique/  I did appreciate learning an interesting piece of London history that I had never come across before.

It’s an enjoyable enough tale taking place in a well-loved era of the series.  Hopefully Tennant will return to the Big Finish studio quite soon.  Catherine Tate can come along too.