I've now listened to one hundred Big Finish audios (well, 101 if we include Treasure Island) and wanted to summarise here.
TOP 3 PAUL McGANN
3. The Natural History of Fear by Jim Mortimore
I didn't know this one was so good until the end of episode 4. Structurally, not thematically, Doctor Who's The Sixth Sense.
2. The Chimes of Midnight by Robert Shearman
This one feels more like the aforementioned movie but it's even cleverer. The repetition is insidious. Another structurally outstanding one. (NB can't believe Shearman's Scherzo was beaten into fourth place!)
1. Seasons of Fear by Paul Cornell and Caroline Symcox
I came to this one ignorant and thoroughly enjoyed it. Like The Chase done well, but without Daleks. (Actually, no Daleks anywhere on this list!)
TOP 3 SYLVESTER McCOY
3. Dust Breeding by Mike Tucker
I mainly enjoyed this one for a certain guest star, plus realising how much I enjoy listening to Sylvester McCoy.
2. Bang-Bang-a-Boom by Gareth Roberts and Clayton Hickman
I enjoyed The One Doctor very much, then this trumped it with its knowing parodies, false ending and spoon playing.
1. Master by Joseph Lidster
Nothing you're expecting, but all the better for it. Also, Philip Madoc.
TOP 3 COLIN BAKER
3. The First Sontarans by Andrew Smith
You expect an origin story, but Andrew takes a totally different angle on that idea. Much better than The Two Doctors.
2. Davros by Lance Parkin
The wonderful Terry Molloy carries this play with no need for Daleks.
1. The Holy Terror by Robert Shearman
Still probably my favourite play overall - funny, irreverent, shocking, very clever, daring and bonkers.
TOP 3 PETER DAVISON
3. The Game by Darin Henry
Something of a surprise as it looked thoroughly unengaging. But one of several Fifth Doctor plays to get a boost from a terrific Peter Davison performance.
2. The Kingmaker by Nev Fountain
This might become a favourite after another listen. Irreverent medieval humour with Arthur Smith, Richard III and a special guest. The bravura final episode deserves applause.
1. Omega by Nev Fountain
Entertaining and interesting throughout ... And then a cliffhanger turns everything upside down in a spectacular manner. Nev Fountain is now a name that makes me anticipate a play keenly.
TOP 1 TOM BAKER
1. Destination: Nerva by Nicholas Briggs
I've only listened to one of these. I liked it, but perhaps more for a spot- on Tom and Louise than its script. Why is it on Nerva anyway?
TOP 3 OTHERS
3. The Coup by Simon Guerrier (UNIT)
I know it's only short, but it served as a great curtain raiser for what would be an underwhelming franchise. I like the twist and Nick Courtney is better used here than in its sequel.
2. The Mahogany Murderers by Andy Lane (Companion Chronicle)
I have yet to listen to any of the Jago & Litefoot adventures, but if this is anything to go by, that's a treat to come. The story is fine, but secondary to the telling.
1. Sympathy for the Devil by Jonathan Clements (Unbound)
My favourite by far of the Unbound plays, pairing an alt-exiled Doctor with an embittered Brig who once blew up London. And then there's Sam Kisgart.
Loads of great stories there...loads to come too.
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