Doctor Who: The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted — Review

Meet the Doctor, a Time Lord secret agent with a dangerous gap in her memory. Suddenly on the run from her own side – the mysterious Division – she must evade capture if she's to survive long enough to unlock the secrets she carries within her.

What's more, from the most dreaded prison hulk in the galaxy to the winter of a Russian forest, and through a dimension where all is lost, the Doctor is being hunted by the best detective on Gallifrey.

All you have to do is try to keep up.

Jo Martin makes a fantastic return to the Doctor Who universe in The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted, Big Finish’s first official series to explore Chris Chibnall’s era of the show. From the moment Martin debuted as the Doctor during Jodie Whittaker’s run, fans, including myself, were immediately drawn to her portrayal. There was something captivating about her mysterious and no-nonsense take on the Doctor, which left many of us craving more stories with this incarnation. Big Finish has once again answered that call, delivering a series that both builds on and deepens Martin’s version of the Doctor.

While I haven’t yet listened to Martin’s official Big Finish debut in Doctor Who: Once and Future: Coda - The Final Act, I’m definitely planning to after experiencing The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted. The series does an excellent job of keeping the momentum going, with Martin’s performance proving to be just as compelling in audio form as it was on-screen.

Director Bethany Weimers has brought together a talented team of writers—Robert Valentine, Rochana Patel, and Lisa McMullin—who do a fantastic job with the script. One of the strongest aspects of this series is how it explores the Doctor’s backstory while still keeping key parts of her past shrouded in mystery. This sense of intrigue is essential for Martin’s Doctor, as we’ve only had glimpses of her on television, and the mystery surrounding her identity is a major part of her appeal. The writers balance answering some questions while leaving enough unsaid, ensuring that we are left wanting more.

Another standout element of the series is the villain, with Alice Krige delivering a fantastic performance as the antagonist. Her presence adds a real sense of danger, elevating the stakes for Martin’s Doctor and pushing her to make difficult choices. Krige brings a gravitas to the role that makes her an incredibly compelling foe, and I can’t wait to hear more of her in future stories.

Out of the three episodes in this first series, The Legend of Baba Yaga by Rochana Patel was my favourite. The episode beautifully blends Slavic folklore with elements of gothic horror and fairytale vibes, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and enchanting. Patel’s clever incorporation of sci-fi twists into the Baba Yaga myth adds an exciting dimension to the classic story. It’s a prime example of how Doctor Who can take traditional tales and put a fresh, imaginative spin on them. The episode is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, as it invites listeners to think about the interplay between myth and reality.

A particularly memorable part of this episode is the return of Jacqueline King to the Doctor Who universe. Known for playing Donna Noble’s mother, King’s portrayal of Baba Yaga is both terrifying and mesmerizing. She brings a layer of menace to the character that is truly unsettling, making her one of the most formidable villains I’ve encountered in recent Doctor Who stories. Sophie Shad, playing Vasilisa, complements the Doctor perfectly. As a companion, she brings heart and emotional depth to the episode, creating an engaging dynamic with Martin’s Doctor.

The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted is a brilliant and thrilling audio drama, one that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The series offers a fresh perspective on the Doctor while still staying true to the spirit of Doctor Who. It successfully builds on the elements introduced during Jodie Whittaker’s era, while also carving out its own unique identity. With The Fugitive Doctor: Dead or Alive on the horizon, I’m eagerly anticipating what’s next for Jo Martin’s Doctor.

My rating for The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted — ★★★★☆