Let us look back on those that were RUDDY AWESOME...

2017 was a mixed bag of a year, wasn't it? So much so, that I don't want to list the negatives and remind me of how unbelievably stupid the human race can be sometimes. Instead, I'd like to take a look at how creative the human race can be. Particularly a small, select few of the human race from a little company you probably have never heard of... Big Finish? No? Not ringing any bells? Well, don't worry, you'll soon find out, as 2017 was a big year for Big Finish, so before it gets bigger, with the celebrations set for next year, first let's take a look back at my favourite releases of the last twelve months.

The only criteria, only releases from 2017, twelve slots and only one release from each range (there will be some exceptions).
So let us see out 2017 with....

Jack Ryan's

TOP 12 FAVOURITE RELEASES OF 2017
FOR TOTALLY BIG FINISH

BEWARE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN POTENTIAL SPOILERS. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:

THE BEHEMOTH (Doctor Who Main Range):

The Main Range produced a shedload of new and brilliant stories, and it was honestly much harder than I thought to normally pick a favourite. But then, I remembered this one. This one that returned to pure historicals, a fantastic turn from the three leads (Baker, Raison and Greenwood), human villains that made me fume in anger so much that I wished they were real so I could punch them in the face... simply, Marc Platt's astounding tale here is something of a beauty, and deserves to be listened to...

THE SKIN OF THE SLEEK/THE THIEF WHO STOLE TIME (Fourth Doctor Adventures):

 

The Fourth Doctor Adventures has been with us now for the best part of nearly six years, and with two more series AT LEAST coming in the next year or two, doesn't show signs of stopping. But when it returns from its short break, it will have changed a bit. Gone are the monthly releases and now come the 4 four bexsets in January and May. Meaning the two part finale to series 6 this year is a farewell to its original format, and to the cliffhangers that literally leave you hanging, which this one certainly had. Not only that, but a great story, and fantastic performances from all involved, especially Lalla Ward. Here's hoping she'll be back for more one day!

THE NIGHT WITCHES (The Early Adventures):

Although the Second Doctor aspect of the range is slightly tinged with sadness after the passing of Deborah Watling earlier in the year, the 4th series of this range came in with a bang, with a brilliant opening story, that works in the same manner as The Behemoth; pure hsitorical, and about one of the few cool aspects about World War II, being the titular Night Witches. Throw in some brilliant takes from Frazer Hines, Anneke Wills and Elliot Chapman, and a really good twist that can be got away with on audio, and you have the beginnings of the latest run of a truly great range...

THE JAGO AND LITEFOOT REVIVAL (Doctor Who Short Trips)

The Short Trips this year were a force to be reckoned with, with the hilarious How to Win Planets and Influence People, the touching Ingenious Gentleman Adric Of Alzarius, and not forgetting the Eighth Doctor Time War duo. But if one is a true stand out to the others, then it has to be the Jago and Litefoot Revival. A fantastic story, with Chris Benjamin and Trevor Baxter returning, the latter for what would be, sadly, his final time, and the introduction of not one, but two new Doctors to the Short Trips range. If you need any further proof that this is good, it has been chosen as the first download exclusive Short Trip to be pressed onto CD in May next year. What else can be said but.... CORKS!

TORCHWOOD: ALIENS AMONG US VOLUMES 1 AND 2:

I know I'm kinda cheating with this one, but this is meant to be one whole huge series, so I'm treating it as one entry (as far as I can). Not only have Russell T Davies, James Goss and Scott Handcock pulled out all the stops for what can now be considered the official Series 5, but they've done it in ways I never would have expected. From the returning cast of Barrowman, Myles, Owen and Price, to the new blood of both cast (Clayton, Green, Reily and  Béart) and writers (see Vol 2), plus some returning favourites I REALLY don't want to spoil, I honestly can't wait for the finale in February!

HAMLET (Big Finish Classics):

Alexander Vlahos. As Hamlet.

That is all.

THE INVISIBLE MAN (HG Wells Season)

Fate sometimes likes to be a cruel mistress to us, especially by having the lead actor pass away a few days before the original release date, but that was entirely understandable. And it didn't hamper the impact of this release in the slightest. Jonathan Barnes masterful adaptation is only made better by a brilliant cast of characters led by the late and legendary Sir John Freaking Hurt, of which this was one of, if not his last role, and he is truly bloody terrifying, and truly brilliant. So much he was nominated for a BBC Radio Award for Best Actor. What more need I say about this one?

TERRAHAWKS: VOLUME 3:

OH MY GOD, THIS DAMN THING WAS BLOODY AMAZING!!!! Following on from the increasing greatness of Volumes 1 and 2 was going to be a daunting task, but Jamie Anderson and his team of writers managed the impossible, whilst also throwing out any rule book the series had. This series can be funny, heartfelt, epic, goofy, timeless, dated, emotionally heartbreaking and absolutely brilliant, all at the same time. All I need say further is, PLEASE LET THERE BE A VOLUME 4!!!!

DOOM COALITION 4 (Eighth Doctor Adventures):

As I had jumped in on Dark Eyes during the wait from 3 to 4, this was the first instance I had of anticipating all the boxsets of this series from moment of conception, to its ultimate end in March gone by. And THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT AT ALL!!! It was a perfect finale set to one of the best mini-series ranges ever done by Big Finish, and everyone involved brought their absolute A-game to it. Whilst I patiently await the sequel, I will say it is going to be really, really hard to top this!

THE EIGHTH DOCTOR: THE TIME WAR: VOLUME 1:

I take it back, they topped it. Whilst the final War Doctor set was not only brilliant, and immensely touching in several places, this now gives us a look at the other extreme end of it, in all its glory and utter horror. Not only are we given a brilliant blend of stories that have one foot in Classic Who and another in the War Doctor Saga, but also an astounding take on the Eighth Doctor that somehow feels entirely new in the 21 years we have known him. Quite simply, Paul McGann is brilliant, as well as everyone else in this set, and I really can't wait for the next set.

THE CAPTAIN SCARLET COLLECTION:

When they announced it, I squeed! When they elaborated further, I squeed further! When they released it, my eardrums finally burst from all the squeeing.

IT'S CAPTAIN BLOODY SCARLET!!! CLASSIC 60's MINI ALBUMS, ADAPTED TV EPISODES, THREE MOVIE LIKE STORY AUDIOBOOKS, MORE SPECIAL FEATURES THAN YOU CAN THROW A MYSTERON AT, MUSIC AND SOUND DONE BY BENJI RUDDY CLIFFORD!!!!

WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE?!?!? GO GET IT!!!!

THE PRISONER: VOLUME 2:

Ah, my most anticipated release of 2017. How did it hold up after nineteen months of waiting?

Perfectly. Absolutely perfectly.

In fact, what else can I say on the matter than I haven't already? Go to Blogtor Who here and read my thoughts when I reviewed it. Nothing much has changed. I still bloody love it.

Oh, and Nicholas Briggs is a ruddy flipping genius.

Well, that's it. 2017 over and done with. I'll see you in 2018, with my most anticipated releases of Big Finish's 20th Anniversary year! Until then, Goodnight, me luvvies and a Happy New Year!!! ;D