M029 - The Chimes of Midnight

I think the reason Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor shines so much in the audio dramas is he was the least bogged down by canon. All the other classic Doctors have established companions and certain characteristics, some of which (like Colin Baker's boisterous nature) are very effective on radio, but can still limit where the stories can go. McGann has none of that, so he and his companion Charley are given to explore entire new storylines, such as the mysterious effects of Charley's existence after the Doctor saved her from the R101.

Its these effects that make their first appearance in this Stephen King meets Downton Abby episode where the TARDIS arrives in the servants section of an Edwardian house that seems to have fallen out of time. That is, until the chime of midnight marks the death of the scullery maid.

Timey-wimey pseudoscience is handled with great style in this episode, and it never feels meaningless. There is an emotional purpose behind the material, and the small cast of characters around Charley and the Doctor all become important players; there are no forgettable walk-on parts in this. Good plot and some good dialogue all add up to a winning episode.