The enigmatic dance between the Doctor and River Song is a cornerstone of modern Doctor Who, captivating audiences with its non-linear timeline and compelling characters. For fans of the Tenth Doctor, portrayed by David Tennant, the early encounters with River are particularly intriguing, filled with playful banter and underlying tension as their paths begin to intertwine in reverse.
In the initial stages of their relationship, from the Doctor’s perspective, River Song is a captivating enigma. He knows she is significant to his future, a thrilling and somewhat perplexing element he can’t ignore. These early adventures, especially for the Tenth Doctor, involve navigating their connection with limited knowledge of what’s to come, adding a layer of mystery and excitement to every interaction. River, with her characteristic charm and foreknowledge, ensures that even as they untangle the complexities of time and space, the Doctor enjoys the journey.
Here are some exciting audio adventures that delve into the early, spoiler-light days of the Tenth Doctor and River Song’s relationship:
1. Expiry Dating: A First Encounter, of Sorts
Imagine meeting someone who knows your future, but you’re only just getting to know them in your present. That’s the delightful paradox at the heart of Expiry Dating. For the Tenth Doctor, his first meeting with River Song is also marked by her death – a powerful and confusing introduction. Now, she’s asking him for a date, or rather, a mission disguised as one.
But the Doctor, in his typical Time Lord fashion, isn’t one to simply jump at anyone’s request, even River’s. Or so he believes. When billions of lives are at stake, can the Doctor, especially the headstrong Tenth Doctor, truly refuse to cooperate with River, regardless of her cryptic intentions or which incarnation of him she’s addressing? This story explores the initial push and pull of their dynamic, set against a backdrop of cosmic stakes.
2. Precious Annihilation: Mystery in 1912 London
London, 1912, a city on the cusp of change, becomes the stage for a perplexing mystery: jewels turning lethal. Intriguingly, both River Song and the Doctor, specifically the inquisitive Tenth Doctor, arrive to investigate this strange phenomenon. Their parallel investigations soon converge, leading them on a journey through centuries and across the high seas.
A seemingly straightforward mystery unravels into a historical adventure aboard a ship where a superstitious crew is teetering on the brink of mutiny. As the Doctor and River work together, they discover that while precious gemstones can ignite greed and jealousy, it’s love, in its many complex forms, that can be the most dangerous treasure of all. This story blends historical fiction with classic Doctor Who elements, showcasing the early teamwork between the Doctor and River.
3. Ghosts: Haunting on a Galactic Scale
What could be a more unusual date location than the most haunted planet in the galaxy? For River Song, it’s just another day. The Tenth Doctor, however, is initially skeptical, questioning River’s romantic inclinations amidst spectral disturbances. But their date night takes an unexpected turn when they uncover a deeper mystery: something is affecting, perhaps even killing, the ghosts themselves.
As the Doctor and River delve into the ghostly enigma, they confront a truth far more sinister than simple hauntings. What is happening on this planet of ghosts could prove fatal, even for a Time Lord and a time-traveling archaeologist. “Ghosts” offers a thrilling blend of spooky atmosphere and classic Doctor Who investigation, highlighting the courage and intellect of the Tenth Doctor and River Song as they face unknown dangers together.
These audio dramas provide fans with exciting new adventures featuring the beloved Tenth Doctor and the ever-intriguing River Song, exploring the nascent stages of their complicated yet fascinating relationship.
**Please note that the CD edition of this boxset is currently out of print.**
