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The
Ratings War
(Steve Lyons) |
|
 Like "Last
of the Titans", which was specially written and recorded
for the release of the first Eighth
Doctor audio adventure
from Big Finish Productions "Storm
Warning", Big Finish Productions and The Doctor Who
Magazine have joined forces again to release this second
special free CD with Doctor Who Magazine Issue 313, which
was released on 10th January 2002.
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| Sixth Doctor |
|
This second cover-mounted unique CD features the
first episode of "Invaders from
Mars" and an exclusive new story titled "The Ratings War" written by Steve
Lyons.
Starring Colin Baker, as the Sixth
Doctor, this specially
commissioned 34 minute story also sees the Big Finish debut of Beep the Meep.
Beep first appeared in the comic strip "The Star Beast" in issue 19 of The Doctor Who Weekly. He returned to plague The Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who Year
book and again in The Doctor Who Magazine's 20th anniversary strip "TV
Action!"
"The Ratings War" also stars Toby Longworth as Beep the Meep,
Robert Jezek as Roger Lowell, Alistair Lock as Robbie McHale and Jane Goddard
as Lucy.
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| Beep the Meep |
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The Sixth Doctor is very concerned about what is
happening when a television station's new policy to attract viewers. While
visiting the Controller of Programmes unannounced, to complain about the
downturn in the quality of the station's output The Doctor at first mistakes
one of his oldest enemy as a beanbag. But he soon realises that the Controller
of Programmes is infact in a hypnotic trance, caused by Black Star radiation,
and under the influence of non-other than Beep the Meep!
 |
Doctor Who Magazine
(Issue
313) |
|
But why is a psychotic, sadistic war criminal
about to have the premiere of a new children's show called "Beep and Friends"?
What is Beep's evil scheme that will reach 80 percent of the viewing population
that involves the 'fluffy-wuffy animals'? and why is he so keen to transmit
subliminal pictures that will enslave the population and turn those watching
his programme into killing machines?
The Doctor has
an up hill battle to convince the station's authorities that Beep is not to be
trusted especially when Beep's sweet and innocent character can be so
appealing. As The Doctor in desperation announces: 'You don't understand!
That sweet furry little creature is a sadistic maniac!'
The Doctor is
in a race against time to stop an old enemy with his very sadistic transmission
ideas for its viewers. The Doctor though has a few tricks up his sleeve to
defeat Beep's plans. But even The Doctor may not be in time to stop the
transmission even with the use of Beep's own laser pistol to destroy the
transmission console.
Will the battle for the Ratings War be even too
much for he Doctor to deal with despite The Doctor's subterfuge?
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| Important Information |
After
listening to the first episode of "Invaders from Mars" carry on listening
because 4 minutes after this episode you will find an outtake from the
recording of this story, some rantings from Beep and also "Beep's Song" which
despite the gruesome lyrics is rather infectious.
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|
Notes:
- Featuring the Sixth
Doctor.
- Serial Number: None
- Number of Episodes: 1
- Cover Length: 62 minutes
- Episode Length: 1 = 34'08"
- This story takes place after "The
Trial of a Time Lord".
- Cover illustration is a photo montage
- Recorded: Unknown
- Released: January 2002
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|
On the
Back Cover:
Beep the Meep is back - and he's found a new
channel for his aggression! A brand new series is about to make television
history but can The Doctor prevent his furry foe from turning a docu-drama into
a crisis, or will the fluffy-wuffy animals get it in the neck? The first shots
in the ratings war have been fired and the next one is aimed at your
head... |
| |
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Full Cast
List:
| Part One |
| The Doctor |
Colin Baker |
| Beep the Meep |
Toby Longworth |
| Roger Lowell |
Robert Jezek |
| Robbie McHale |
Alistair Lock |
| Lucy |
Jane Goddard |
| |
|
The
Production Team:
| Writer |
Steve Lyons |
| Director |
Gary Russell |
| Sound/Music |
David Darlington |
| Beep's Song |
Alistair Lock |
| Theme Music |
Unknown |
| Producers |
Jason Haigh-Ellery
and
Gary Russell |
| Executive Producer for the BBC
|
Jaqueline Rayner |
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