Ghost in the Machine (audio story): Difference between revisions

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{{You may|Ghost Machine (TV story)|n1= the Torchwood story Ghost Machine}}
{{title dab away}}
{{title dab away}}
{{Infobox Story
{{Infobox Story SMW
|name            = Ghost in the Machine
|image                  = Ghost in the Machine cover.jpg
|image          = Ghost in the Machine cover.jpg
|range                  = The Companion Chronicles
|series         = [[The Companion Chronicles]]
|series in range        = Series 8 (CC)
|number         = 8.04
|series number in range = 8
|doctor         = Third Doctor
|number in series      = 4
|companions     = [[Jo Grant|Jo]]
|series                 = ''[[The Companion Chronicles]]''
|enemy           = The [[second voice]]
|number                 = 8.04
|setting         = [[Lezarata Research Centre]]
|doctor                 =  
|writer         = [[Jonathan Morris]]
|companions             =  
|director       = [[Louise Jameson]]
|enemy                 = The [[second voice|Second Voice]]
|read by         = [[Katy Manning]]<br />[[Damian Lynch]]
|setting               = [[Lezarata Research Centre]]
|music           = [[Richard Fox]] and [[Lauren Yason]]
|writer                 = Jonathan Morris
|sound           = [[Richard Fox]] and [[Lauren Yason]]
|director               = [[Louise Jameson]]
|publisher       = Big Finish Productions
|read by               =  
|release date   = [[11 October (releases)|11 October]] [[2013 (releases)|2013]]
|music                 = [[Richard Fox]] & [[Lauren Yason]]
|format         = 2 Parts, 1 CD
|sound                 = [[Richard Fox]] & [[Lauren Yason]]
|production code = BFPDWCC72
|cover                  = [[Anthony Lamb]]
|isbn           = ISBN 978-1-78178-086-2
|publisher             = Big Finish Productions
|prev = Upstairs (audio story)
|release date           = 11 October 2013
|next = The Beginning (audio story)
|format                 = 1 CD<br/>Download
}}
|production code       = BFPDWCC72
'''''Ghost in the Machine''''' was the seventy-second release in [[the Companion Chronicles]] audio range. It was the fourth story of season 8. It was written by [[Jonathan Morris]] and featured [[Jo Grant]].
|isbn                   = ISBN 978-1-78178-086-2
|prev                   = Upstairs (audio story)
|next                   = The Beginning (audio story)
|team                  = [[Jo Grant]]
|featuring              = [[Third Doctor]]
|epcount                = 2
|producer              = [[David Richardson]]
}}{{audio stub}}
{{you may|Ghost Machine (TV story)|n1= the Torchwood story Ghost Machine|Ghost Machines (audio story)|n2=the RTDC audio story Ghost Machines}}
'''''Ghost in the Machine''''' was the fourth story of the [[Series 8 (CC)|eighth series]] in ''[[The Companion Chronicles]]'' audio range. It was produced by [[Big Finish Productions]]. It was written by [[Jonathan Morris]] and featured [[Jo Grant]]. As of 2021 this is the final companion chronicle to feature the Third Doctor.


== Publisher's summary ==
== Publisher's summary ==
Line 40: Line 48:
== Plot ==
== Plot ==
=== Part one ===
=== Part one ===
After spending a couple of hours sorting through the TARDIS wardrobe, [[Jo Grant|Jo]] returns to the console room to find the Doctor absent. After discovering that they've landed and theorizing that he's gone out to explore, she checks the scanner to find it completely dark outside. She takes a torch and, after a moment of apprehension for what may be out there, ventures outside.
After spending a couple of hours sorting through the TARDIS wardrobe, [[Jo Grant|Jo]] returns to the console room to find the Doctor absent. After discovering that they've landed and theorising that he's gone out to explore, she checks the scanner to find it completely dark outside. She takes a torch and, after a moment of apprehension for what may be out there, ventures outside.


She discovers numerous bodies in the darkness, all of them reduced to skeletons. After a moment of exploration she discovers the cold, unresponsive body of [[Third Doctor|The Doctor]] and fears him dead. She then discovers a tape recorder by his side with the words "Use Me" written on it. She assumes that the Doctor had left a message for her, but after playing it back she discovers it is blank. Ever the optimist, Jo refuses to believe that he's dead and instead compares aspects of this current predicament with similarities of previous adventures - she theorizes that, like on [[Spiridon]], the Doctor has become frozen and wants her to record any progress or discovery she makes while he's out cold, so he can catch up on it later when he comes round. She begins recording at this point. She also theorizes that, like the events at [[Devil's End]], the Doctor will be awoken by a sudden rise in temperature. She sets off to the TARDIS to fetch a medical kit but discovers that the door locked itself after she closed it, with the Doctor possessing the only key. She returns to his body but after rummaging through his pockets, she finds the key missing. Jo then decides that the best course of action is to look for a way out and find help. She promises the Doctor's unconscious body that she will return, and sets off into the darkness.
She discovers numerous bodies in the darkness, all of them reduced to skeletons. After a moment of exploration she discovers the cold, unresponsive body of [[Third Doctor|the Doctor]] and fears him dead. She then discovers a tape recorder by his side with the words "Use Me" written on it. She assumes that the Doctor had left a message for her, but after playing it back she discovers it is blank. Ever the optimist, Jo refuses to believe that he's dead and instead compares aspects of this current predicament with similarities of previous adventures - she theorises that, like on [[Spiridon]], the Doctor has become frozen and wants her to record any progress or discovery she makes while he's out cold, so he can catch up on it later when he comes round. She begins recording at this point. She also theorises that, like the events at [[Devil's End]], the Doctor will be awoken by a sudden rise in temperature. She sets off to the TARDIS to fetch a medical kit but discovers that the door locked itself after she closed it, with the Doctor possessing the only key. She returns to his body but after rummaging through his pockets, she finds the key missing. Jo then decides that the best course of action is to look for a way out and find help. She promises the Doctor's unconscious body that she will return, and sets off into the darkness.


Whilst exploring the location Jo discovers many unusual things, including some concrete-blocked stairs with skeletons gathered around it in positions that suggest discomfort, a feeling of someone watching her in the darkness and a voice reciting "Mary had a little lamb".
Whilst exploring the location Jo discovers many unusual things, including some concrete-blocked stairs with skeletons gathered around it in positions that suggest discomfort, a feeling of someone watching her in the darkness and a voice reciting "Mary had a little lamb".
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* [[Benjamin Chikoto]] - [[Damian Lynch]]
* [[Benjamin Chikoto]] - [[Damian Lynch]]


== References ==
== Worldbuilding ==
* Jo spent approximately two hours going through the [[The Doctor's TARDIS#Wardrobe|TARDIS wardrobe]] trying on different outfits. She considered many of them "groovy."
* Jo spent approximately two hours going through the [[The Doctor's TARDIS#Wardrobe|TARDIS wardrobe]] trying on different outfits.
* The TARDIS has an internal communication system, i.e. a PA system.
* The Doctor has [[Venus]]ian [[conker]]s and [[jelly baby|jelly babies]].
* The Doctor has [[Venus]]ian [[conker]]s and [[jelly baby|jelly babies]].
* Jo claims that she is "pretty nifty at [[karate]]" and that she once rendered [[John Benton|Sgt. Benton]] unconscious.
* Jo claims that she is "pretty nifty at [[karate]]" and that she once rendered [[John Benton|Sgt. Benton]] unconscious.
* Jo theorises that the Centre is in [[America]] or [[Australia]], a "little bit in the future." Ben ponders if he's been on the tape for 50 or 100 years.
* Jo theorises that the Centre is in [[America]] or [[Australia]], a "little bit in the future."
* The first [[phonograph]] recording ever made was [[Thomas Edison]] reciting "[[Mary Had a Little Lamb]]" in [[1877]].
* The first [[phonograph]] recording ever made was [[Thomas Edison]] reciting "[[Mary Had a Little Lamb]]" in [[1877]].


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
* This story was recorded on [[18 October (production)|18 October]] [[2012]].
* This story was recorded on [[18 October (production)|18 October]] [[2012 (production)|2012]] at [[the Moat Studios]].
* In several scenes, Jo, the Doctor, and Benjamin are forced to swap bodies in order to communicate when the Doctor is rendered voiceless. Thus, by the end of the story, Damian Lynch has played all three characters and Katy Manning has played both Jo and the Doctor.
* In several scenes, Jo, the Doctor, and Benjamin are forced to swap bodies in order to communicate when the Doctor is rendered voiceless. Thus, by the end of the story, Damian Lynch has played all three characters and Katy Manning has played both Jo and the Doctor.
* Unlike most ''Companion Chronicles'', this audio is not narrated in the past tense but actually takes place in the "real time" of the story. Additionally, this frame makes use of tape recordings just as ''[[The Forbidden Time]]'' did.
* Unlike most ''Companion Chronicles'', this audio is not narrated in the past tense but actually takes place in the "real time" of the story. Additionally, this frame makes use of tape recordings just as ''[[The Forbidden Time]]'' did.
* This story was originally released on CD and download. It is now available as a download only.


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
* The Doctor and Jo briefly switch bodies. During his [[Sixth Doctor|sixth incarnation]], he switched bodies with [[Peri Brown]] on [[Volnex VI]] in [[3978]] ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Turnabout is Fair Play (short story)|Turnabout is Fair Play]]'') and on [[Hurn]] after Peri and the Doctor are reunited. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Widow's Assassin (audio story)|The Widow's Assassin]]'')
* The Doctor and Jo briefly switch bodies. During his [[Sixth Doctor|sixth incarnation]], he switched bodies with [[Peri Brown]] on [[Volnex VI]] in [[3978]] ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Turnabout is Fair Play (short story)|Turnabout is Fair Play]]'') and on [[Hurn]] after Peri and the Doctor are reunited. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Widow's Assassin (audio story)|The Widow's Assassin]]'')
* When Jo finds the Doctor unconscious along with his audio log, Jo refers to the last time that this happened to him. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Daleks]]'')
* When Jo finds the Doctor unconscious along with his audio log, Jo refers to the last time that this happened to him. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Daleks (TV story)|Planet of the Daleks]]'')
* Jo notes a sign is in [[English language|English]], meaning she's on Earth. She is not aware of the TARDIS [[translation circuit]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Masque of Mandragora]]'')
* Jo notes a sign is in [[English language|English]], meaning she's on Earth. She is not aware of the TARDIS [[translation circuit]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Masque of Mandragora (TV story)|The Masque of Mandragora]]'')
* The Doctor will later encounter another creature that exists in a recorded medium. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Idiot's Lantern]]'')
* The Doctor will later encounter another creature that exists in a recorded medium. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Idiot's Lantern (TV story)|The Idiot's Lantern]]'')


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Bigfinish|releases/v/ghost-in-the-machine-755|Ghost in the Machine}}
{{bigfinish|releases/v/ghost-in-the-machine-755|Ghost in the Machine}}
{{CC}}
{{CC}}
{{TitleSort}}
{{TitleSort}}
[[Category:Series 8 (CC) audio stories]]
[[Category:Third Doctor audio stories]]
[[Category:Third Doctor audio stories]]
[[Category:2013 audio stories]]
[[Category:2013 audio stories]]
[[Category:Companion Chronicles]]

Latest revision as of 23:18, 17 November 2024

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audio stub

Ghost in the Machine was the fourth story of the eighth series in The Companion Chronicles audio range. It was produced by Big Finish Productions. It was written by Jonathan Morris and featured Jo Grant. As of 2021 this is the final companion chronicle to feature the Third Doctor.

Publisher's summary[[edit] | [edit source]]

Mary had a little lamb, its fleece was white as snow
And everywhere that Mary went, that lamb was sure to go.

The TARDIS is empty. The Doctor has gone.

Jo Grant steps outside into the darkness and finds the frozen body of her friend, and the ship's log recorder. On it is attached a simple message - 'Use Me'.

As she explores this place, recording her every move, Jo discovers the horror that lies in the shadows.

But by then it is too late.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Part one[[edit] | [edit source]]

After spending a couple of hours sorting through the TARDIS wardrobe, Jo returns to the console room to find the Doctor absent. After discovering that they've landed and theorising that he's gone out to explore, she checks the scanner to find it completely dark outside. She takes a torch and, after a moment of apprehension for what may be out there, ventures outside.

She discovers numerous bodies in the darkness, all of them reduced to skeletons. After a moment of exploration she discovers the cold, unresponsive body of the Doctor and fears him dead. She then discovers a tape recorder by his side with the words "Use Me" written on it. She assumes that the Doctor had left a message for her, but after playing it back she discovers it is blank. Ever the optimist, Jo refuses to believe that he's dead and instead compares aspects of this current predicament with similarities of previous adventures - she theorises that, like on Spiridon, the Doctor has become frozen and wants her to record any progress or discovery she makes while he's out cold, so he can catch up on it later when he comes round. She begins recording at this point. She also theorises that, like the events at Devil's End, the Doctor will be awoken by a sudden rise in temperature. She sets off to the TARDIS to fetch a medical kit but discovers that the door locked itself after she closed it, with the Doctor possessing the only key. She returns to his body but after rummaging through his pockets, she finds the key missing. Jo then decides that the best course of action is to look for a way out and find help. She promises the Doctor's unconscious body that she will return, and sets off into the darkness.

Whilst exploring the location Jo discovers many unusual things, including some concrete-blocked stairs with skeletons gathered around it in positions that suggest discomfort, a feeling of someone watching her in the darkness and a voice reciting "Mary had a little lamb".

Part two[[edit] | [edit source]]

to be added

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

Notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • This story was recorded on 18 October 2012 at the Moat Studios.
  • In several scenes, Jo, the Doctor, and Benjamin are forced to swap bodies in order to communicate when the Doctor is rendered voiceless. Thus, by the end of the story, Damian Lynch has played all three characters and Katy Manning has played both Jo and the Doctor.
  • Unlike most Companion Chronicles, this audio is not narrated in the past tense but actually takes place in the "real time" of the story. Additionally, this frame makes use of tape recordings just as The Forbidden Time did.
  • This story was originally released on CD and download. It is now available as a download only.

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]