“The Ratings War” is an exciting audio drama featuring the Sixth Doctor in the Doctor Who franchise. Written by Steve Lyons, this story takes us on a thrilling adventure as the Doctor tries to outsmart Beep the Meep, a villain from the Doctor Who comic strips.
The story is set in a TV studio and was originally released on January 10, 2002, as an inclusion with Doctor Who Magazine #313. Later, it was made available as a free download on the Big Finish Productions website. With a running time of approximately 34 minutes, this one-part audio drama stars Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor, with Toby Longworth providing the voice of Beep the Meep.
Key Takeaways:
- “The Ratings War” is an audio drama in the Doctor Who franchise featuring the Sixth Doctor.
- Written by Steve Lyons, it follows the Doctor’s attempts to stop Beep the Meep from using a new television series to turn viewers into killing machines.
- The story explores the world of reality TV shows dominating the airwaves.
- Colin Baker stars as the Sixth Doctor, with Toby Longworth providing the voice of Beep the Meep.
- Fans of the Sixth Doctor and Doctor Who in general will enjoy this humorous and action-packed adventure.
Publisher’s Summary
In “The Ratings War,” Beep the Meep is back and has found a new channel for his aggression. The Doctor must prevent Beep from turning a docu-drama into a crisis, as the first shots in the ratings war have been fired. Can the Doctor stop Beep from causing chaos, or will the fluffy-wuffy animals fall victim to his evil plans?
In “The Ratings War,” book summary by Steve Lyons, Beep the Meep returns to wreak havoc once again. The sixth Doctor finds himself facing a new threat as Beep tries to hijack a docu-drama and turn it into a full-blown crisis. The race is on as the first shots are fired in the ratings war, and the Doctor must do everything he can to stop Beep from causing chaos. Will the fluffy-wuffy animals become innocent victims of Beep’s evil plans? The Doctor’s intellect and wit are put to the test as he battles against time and the malevolent Beep to save the day.
Plot
The plot of “The Ratings War” centers around the Sixth Doctor’s mission to thwart Beep the Meep’s insidious plan. Beep intends to manipulate audiences through a new television series by transmitting subliminal images that will turn viewers into mind-controlled killers. This nefarious scheme also involves the exploitation of innocent fluffy-wuffy animals. The Doctor must outwit Beep and put an end to his sadistic machinations before it’s too late, creating a suspenseful race against time.
Throughout the story, listeners are taken on an exhilarating journey as the Doctor employs his intellect, bravery, and resourcefulness to counter Beep’s master plan. The plot is filled with twists and turns, ensuring that fans of Doctor Who and newcomers alike will be captivated from start to finish.
Cast
In “The Ratings War,” a Big Finish audio drama written by Steve Lyons, the cast includes the following actors:
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Sixth Doctor | Colin Baker |
| Beep the Meep | Toby Longworth |
| Roger Lowell | Robert Jezek |
| Robbie McHale | Alistair Lock |
| Lucy/Susan | Jane Goddard |
The cast of “The Ratings War” brings the characters to life, with Colin Baker portraying the Sixth Doctor and Toby Longworth lending his voice to the mischievous Beep the Meep. Robert Jezek, Alistair Lock, and Jane Goddard also deliver compelling performances in their respective roles. Together, the cast adds depth and excitement to this thrilling audio adventure.
Worldbuilding
In “The Ratings War,” the Doctor finds himself in a world where reality TV shows dominate the airwaves. The new shows on the network include:
- “Young Cops in Hospital”
- “Wacky Domestic Mishaps”
- “Look! Cute Animals!”
- “Hospital Street”
- “Appealing Animals in Distress”
- “Audience Shares”
The Doctor must navigate this world and confront Beep the Meep, who threatens him with Grundian Blood Nogs.
| Show Title | Description |
|---|---|
| “Young Cops in Hospital” | A reality show following the daily lives of young police officers working in a hospital setting. |
| “Wacky Domestic Mishaps” | A comedic series depicting the hilarious mishaps and misadventures of families in everyday situations. |
| “Look! Cute Animals!” | A heartwarming program showcasing adorable animals and their playful antics. |
| “Hospital Street” | A dramatic series centered around the lives of doctors, nurses, and patients in a busy hospital. |
| “Appealing Animals in Distress” | A show featuring heart-wrenching stories of animals in need and the efforts to rescue and rehabilitate them. |
| “Audience Shares” | A competition-based show where contestants vie for the highest audience share by producing unique and captivating content. |
Notes
“The Ratings War” is notable for featuring the return of Beep the Meep, a villain from the Doctor Who comic strips. The story also references the Fourth Doctor trapping Beep in a Lassie film and the Doctor’s dislike for the current state of television. The audio drama was originally released as a free CD with Doctor Who Magazine and later made available as a download on the Big Finish Productions website.
Continuity
“The Ratings War” is an audio drama that embraces the rich continuity of the Doctor Who universe. It pays homage to previous Doctor Who stories, incorporating references that will thrill fans and deepen their appreciation for the narrative. Notable continuity elements featured in “The Ratings War” include:
1. Beep’s Previous Appearances
The villainous Beep the Meep, known for his mischievous and malevolent nature, makes a return in “The Ratings War.” Fans familiar with the Doctor Who comic strip “The Star Beast” and the 20th-anniversary strip “TV Action!” will recognize Beep as an iconic adversary.
2. Meta-Fictional References
Aside from acknowledging its own past, “The Ratings War” also delves into meta-fictional territory. It makes clever references to Doctor Who’s cancellation and the transition to audio stories. These self-referential moments add another layer of depth and engagement for fans of the franchise.
3. Black Star Radiation
An intriguing aspect of “The Ratings War” is the mention of Black Star radiation. This concept ties into previous Doctor Who lore and adds an element of mystery and danger to the narrative.
By threading these continuity elements into the story, Steve Lyons honors the history of Doctor Who and rewards avid fans with a rich tapestry of connections that enhance their viewing and listening experience.
External Links
For more information about “The Ratings War,” you can visit the official page on the Big Finish Productions website or refer to the Doctor Who Reference Guide. You can also find additional information and analysis on the story in The Big Finish Companion: Volume 2.
| External Resources | Description |
|---|---|
| Big Finish Productions | The official page on the Big Finish Productions website provides details and purchasing options for “The Ratings War.” |
| Doctor Who Reference Guide | The Doctor Who Reference Guide offers comprehensive information about the show, including in-depth coverage of “The Ratings War.” |
| The Big Finish Companion: Volume 2 | Find additional information and analysis on “The Ratings War” in The Big Finish Companion: Volume 2, a detailed resource for Doctor Who audio dramas. |
Explore these external links to delve deeper into the world of “The Ratings War” and gain a broader understanding of this thrilling adventure featuring the Sixth Doctor.
About the Author
Steve Lyons is the writer of “The Ratings War.” He is a renowned author known for his contributions to the Doctor Who franchise. Lyons has a deep understanding of the beloved series and has previously showcased his storytelling prowess in works such as the short story “Wish Upon a Star Beast” for the charity anthology Perfect Timing. With “The Ratings War,” Lyons brings his expertise to the audio drama genre, capturing the essence of the Sixth Doctor’s character and infusing the narrative with humor and thrilling adventures.
Through his writing, Lyons immerses the audience in the world of Doctor Who, delivering a compelling story that engages fans and newcomers alike. His ability to master the quirks and mannerisms of the Sixth Doctor shines through in “The Ratings War,” making it a must-listen for any Doctor Who enthusiast.
Standout Moments
One standout moment in “The Ratings War” is when the Doctor reacts to Beep the Meep’s song, finding it both horrific and infectious. The melody captures the Doctor’s attention, while the lyrics reveal the malicious intentions of Beep the Meep.
Another memorable moment in the audio drama is the Doctor’s confrontation with Beep. Despite Beep’s cute and innocent appearance, the Doctor unveils the villain’s true nature and sinister plans. The scene is a testament to Colin Baker’s brilliant performance as the Sixth Doctor, capturing both the Doctor’s charm and determination. Toby Longworth’s portrayal of Beep the Meep adds depth to the character, making the confrontation even more impactful.
Conclusion
“The Ratings War” is a thrilling audio drama that brings the wit and charm of the Sixth Doctor to life. Steve Lyons’ writing perfectly captures the essence of the Doctor Who franchise, taking fans on a humorous and action-packed adventure.
Through this exciting story, Lyons also provides a thought-provoking commentary on the current state of television. The plot revolves around the Doctor’s efforts to thwart Beep the Meep’s scheme of using subliminal images to transform viewers into killing machines. This exploration of the power and influence of media makes “The Ratings War” a relevant and engaging tale.
Listeners who are fans of the Sixth Doctor and the Doctor Who series in general will thoroughly enjoy this audio drama. Colin Baker’s portrayal of the Doctor and Toby Longworth’s rendition of Beep the Meep contribute to the memorable performances in this production.
Overall, “The Ratings War” is a must-listen for any Doctor Who enthusiast. It combines the excitement and adventure that the franchise is known for with social commentary, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. Immerse yourself in the world of Doctor Who and discover the captivating story that Steve Lyons has crafted.
