The problem in the release strategy — if there even is one — of The Minister of Chance is quite plainly revealed in Paludin Fields. It’s been seven months since I listened to the prologue and first two episodes of The Minister of Chance. Now, finally, Episode Three has been released. Unfortunately, though each episode has a somewhat distinct identity, they definitely fit into a larger whole, and I don’t remember what that larger whole is.
The Minister of Chance is as beautiful as any other instalment of this series so far, though just between three episodes of this and Death Comes to Time, one is beginning to pick up certain Dan Freeman tropes. Some of them are probably overused because they work, however. I loved the scenes with Jenny Agutter’s character explaining the idea of causation, but that might be because it’s straight out of John Stuart Mill and all I do these days is read about Victorian science.
There’s a plot of some sort, about the Minister and Kitty trying to find a woman who can help them defeat the Horseman, a rogue Time Lord. Meanwhile, political shenanigans are proceeding apace back on the planet were Kitty came from, between the characters played by Paul McGann, Paul Darrow, and Sylvester McCoy. This is all well and good, but my memory isn’t so great, and neither are this story’s reminders. Also, the political “intrigue” is about as subtle as my foot. If anyone’s surprised by any of the “twists” here, they should go and watch any television show ever.
Paludin Fields is fine for what it is: another instalment in the very slowly unfolding saga of The Minster of Chance. The sound is great, and the performances are of course top-notch. I suspect that when I relisten to the entire series in one go when it’s finished, I’ll like it much more. For now, I’m going to find it frustrating and difficult to stay interested in.
Paludin Fields (by Dan Freeman) was released by Radio Static in September 2012.
Hi Steve, enjoyed the review – well the positive bits, obviously! As to the negative, I can answer a few aspects – we just can’t release episodes any closer together as we can’t afford to. As soon as they’re funded and finished they go online immediately. We assumed that as they’re free and online you could just re-listen to the preceding eps if you need a recap. As to the twists you can foresee, one way you could help me avoid this is to tell me what you can see coming! Seriously, you’ve got my email, please do tell what you can see coming and what you saw coming before it arrived? Really useful to know. I’m also interested to know the bits of JS Mill that you refer to, I haven’t read him but I’m sure it’s possible that the ideas are similiar. Anyway, cheers for the literate (and thank the maker, grammatical and coherent) review.
Cheers
Dan
Oh, I know there’s a reason it has to be done this way. When I was writing the review, it occurred to me that I should have relistened, but it was too late then. I have a hard time keeping up with all the audio material I want to listen to (between radio, podcasts, and audio drama), so I’m unlikely to relisten to something in most cases.
I’ll see if I can dig up the Mill reference. I know it came out of A System of Logic, which I recently read, and probably the section on “Universal Causation”: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/27942/27942-h/27942-h.html#toc51
Oh, and the Mill overlap isn’t a problem or anything– it was just striking to notice it! Professor Cantha and Mill are obviously coming from similar places, philosophically speaking.
Oh yes I see what you mean, ta for the link. In fact that bit comes from my own scientific background. I’m a rabid empiricist, and I find that magical thinking colours even hard Science nowadays. Disappointing to see that you’re losing interest, but a kick up the arse! I shall redouble my efforts, to quote somebody on the Death Star!
Cheers
D
PS Your PhD subject sounds like absolute bliss
The main plot of the individual episode I was able to follow fine, it was some of the hows and whys of both the ongoing storylines (the Horseman storyline and the invasion storyline) I was having trouble with. Especially the band of rebels and people speaking out/rebelling? I had a hard time keeping track of who they all were, especially when they were referring to events that I think happened in Episode 2.
And yes, I quite enjoy the research!