PLOTLINE  

When the TARDIS makes a disastrous landing in the swamps of the planet Sunday, the Doctor has no choice but to abandon Martha and try to find help. But the tranquility of Sunday's swamps is deceptive, and even the TARDIS can't protect Martha forever.

The human pioneers of Sunday have their own dangers to face: homeless and alone, they're only just starting to realise that Sunday's wildlife isn't as harmless as it first seems. Why are the native otters behaving so strangely, and what is the creature in the swamps that is so interested in the humans, and the new arrivals?

The Doctor and Martha must fight to ensure that human intelligence doesn't become the greatest danger of all.

COMMENT

Like a chilled glass of salad-filled, ice-cold lemonade fizzing PIMMS*, Freema Agyeman's abridged reading of Mark Michalowski's WETWORLD is refreshingly - and if there was ever a word created - WHO-quenching, making you think how much you missed her when BBC WALES decided that one series was enough, allowing the Doctor to travel alone.

With FOREVER AUTUMN, SICK BUILIDNG and WETWORLD (and another three novels scheduled), it is evident that both Martha Jones and Freema Agyeman has considerable more scope & stories to tell than BBC WALES had given her dual credit for.

WETWORLD challenges Martha's expectations of travelling with the Doctor whilst Freema relishes Michalowski's fantastically creative storyline (based upon Russell T Davis' NEW SERIES requirements that if the TARDIS visits another planet that it should be "Earth-related" with pioneers or colonists fighting for better life) and passionate & stylish text. In fact, the author's premise is less DOCTOR WHO and relies more on the imaginative audacity of C.S. Lewis or Philip Pullman, and, to that extent, therefore ideal for the printed-page or, in this case, the CD. Talking Otters just wouldn't have credibility on-screen as they do in this format. The power of the written word.

Interestingly, like the previously mentioned novels (FOREVER AUTUMN and SICK BUILIDNG) this story opens (and concludes) on an incidental non-human Third Party view point - the equivalent of a "pre-titles sequence" adopted by the NEW SERIES - setting the scene for the arrival of the TARDIS. In this instance, a type of bird of prey that, unfortunately, becomes the hunted. The story ends with an intelligent "Afterward" by the cerebral Otters.

In her reading performance, Freema has clearly rationalised and studied the underlying essence of the (unrequited) relationship between the Doctor and the young Medical Student. Throughout, there is a warmth and effervescent juxtaposition of personalities that are delivered pitch-perfect, tonally-balance and suitably paced. In fact, her characterisation of the Tenth Doctor's hyper-active verbal mannerisms is adoringly, perhaps lovingly, created and is an unadulterated joy & pleasure to listen to.

A perfect introduction for new fans, both young and old, of DOCTOR WHO, WETWORLD is a consummate distillation of science & fantasy, and of witty dialogue & techno babble that will ensnare and transport the unwary listener to planet Sunday for an unforgettable adventure.

And don't forget your Wellington boots.

*(if you are under 18 or live outside the United Kingdom, ask your parents or Google PIMMS for more information).