Doctor Who: 12 Great Big Finish Stories You Have To Listen To

6. Master

In 2003 Big Finish gave over a trilogy to examining three of the Doctor's more iconic foes Omega, Davros and the Master. Written by Joseph Lidster, Master is a compelling and thought provoking play. In a neat conceit, the Master (here played by Geoffrey Beevers who played the rogue in The Keeper of Traken) has been rendered amnesiac and has started a new life on a peaceful planet. He invites his two old friends Victor and Jacqueline Schaeffer around for dinner. However, an unexpected guest arrives in the shape of the Seventh Doctor.

Rather like the NuWho episode Utopia, here is a benign version of the Master who has become a positive member of his society. Alas, the presence of the Doctor brings the Master's more dark side back to the surface with horrific results. Lidster gives an interesting backstory that colours in the details that fans didn't know about their early friendship including an event that is a big surprise and might anger many. However, the listener can always decide for themselves if what they hear is canon or not.

When plans were made to bring back the Master, the incumbent version - Anthony Ainley - declined to participate. This loss was Beevers' gain who gives a brilliantly creepy and strangely charming turn as the Doctor's arch-enemy. He has returned many times, especially to menace Tom Baker's version.