The Holy Terror


The Holy Terror by Robert Shearman

Can this man do no wrong? Although Chimes is Shearman’s Magnum Opus, The Holy Terror is rightly famous, and well written all around. Incredibly Dark, far more so than Chimes, The Holy Terror lulls you into a false sense of security, unless you know what’s coming. (As I did, regrettably.) Shearman creates these surreal little worlds that are so logically illogical, and he makes the insane seem even plausible. 
The Holy Terror’s ludicrous setting that is so well fleshed out and strangely realistic while being unreal at all times is what makes the story.
Entitled to Melodrama: Big Finish made their dying stand saying that yes, the Sixth Doctor could be good. It was their biggest risk as a company, giving so many exquisite stories to such an acidic character, and they nailed it repeatedly, with stories like this and the entire rest of his range, really. The Sixth Doctor is a bit of a pomp, and the best stories take him down a notch. Evelyn did so, and the Holy Terror gives him such a brilliant setting, that all he can manage is be astounded. 
All Hail The Big Talking Bird: Evelyn May be Sixes equal, but Frobisher is even more fun. It’s a shame he has only two stories, and he’s everything a companion should be. He has even more ego than six at times, but he’s likable, and such a ridiculous concept that you sort of forgive him for any mistakes he makes instantly. He’s lovable, and did I mention that HE IS A DETECTIVE INVESTIGATOR TALKING PENGUIN WITH A NEW YORK ACCENT THAT CAN SHAPESHIFT AND IS CROWNED KING OF AN ALIEN SOCIETY. Praise Frobisher. It’s not as if you could find a shape shifting penguin on any other show.
The Monsters: The Child scares me on a fundamental level. He’s astoundingly good. 
Overall: I had high expectations going in, and maybe that’s why I didn’t enjoy it as much as Chimes, but Holy Terror is a spectacle. Any man who can write this, Chimes, And Jubilee back to back is an international treasure. 10/10


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