Is Big Finish Audio Dramas Canon in Doctor Who?
The status of Big Finish audio dramas in relation to the canon of Doctor Who is a topic of considerable debate among fans. This article explores the key points to consider, the fan reception, and why some advocates believe these audio dramas deserve a place in the canon.
Official Status
Big Finish Productions has been granted the license to produce audio dramas featuring characters from Doctor Who, including various incarnations of the Doctor and companions. While these stories are officially licensed, the BBC has not explicitly categorized them as part of the Expanded Universe. Many fans view Big Finish stories as part of the expanded universe of Doctor Who. They often explore character backstories, fill in gaps between televised episodes, and introduce new narratives that can enrich the overall lore.
Contradictions and Creative Flexibility
Some stories produced by Big Finish may contradict elements established in the televised series, which complicates their classification as canon. The flexibility of the audio format allows for creative storytelling but can sometimes lead to inconsistencies. For example, certain plotlines or character arcs in audio dramas may diverge from the established canon, causing a debate among fans regarding their validity.
Fan Reception and Why Some Believe in Their Canonization
Many fans embrace Big Finish audio dramas as essential to the Doctor Who experience, valuing them for their depth and character development. They see these stories as a unique and valuable extension of the expansive universe. Advocates argue that Big Finish audio dramas have the ability to create extensive backstories that the TV series does not have the time or resources to explore. They have the opportunity to bring back beloved characters and introduce new ones that can enhance the lore of the franchise.
For example, Big Finish audio dramas have provided second chances for characters such as Colin Baker, Paul McCann, John Hurt, Derek Jacobi, and Geoffrey Beevers. These stories have also introduced brilliant new companions, such as Evelyn Vince, and fascinating villains and monsters, like the Eleven Nobody, the Ravenous, the Rani, and Omega. These creations add a layer of depth and complexity to the Doctor Who universe that is highly appreciated by many fans.
Some fans strongly believe that Big Finish audio dramas deserve to be recognized as part of the core canon of Doctor Who. They argue that these audio dramas should be considered as a parallel timeline within the overall Doctor Who universe, with equal validity and significance. This perspective recognizes the value and significance of these stories in enriching the franchise, even if they do not directly align with the official television canon.
Personal Perspectives on the Canon
It is understandable that individuals who have no interest in audio dramas might not feel the need to consider them as canon. My approach is to acknowledge the existence of countless timelines in Doctor Who, all of which are equally valid and real. The TV timeline is just one of these timelines, and it is the one I am focused on. Other timelines may coexist and sometimes even intersect with the TV timeline, but for me, the core canon is the television series.
Ultimately, the decision on whether Big Finish audio dramas should be considered part of the core canon is a matter of personal preference and interpretation. Fans and creators continue to debate and explore the Expanded Universe of Doctor Who, and this discussion will likely continue to evolve as new stories are produced and as the franchise’s legacy is further enriched by diverse storytelling mediums.
Conclusion: While Big Finish audio dramas are officially licensed and widely celebrated by fans, their status as canon remains ambiguous. They are often considered a part of the broader Doctor Who universe but may not be seen as a core canon by the BBC or certain fans. However, for many, these stories add immense value and should be recognized as an essential part of the Doctor Who legacy.