Scan barcode
mrcoldstream's review
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
✅72% = Good! = Skippable!
Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time! This time: Cimmerians, deadly darkness, and crazy computers.
****
The opening moments establish a creepy atmosphere (centred on darkness in deep space—something of a Moffat-esque premise), leaning heavily on a base under siege concept and turning it into max. This effectively scary atmosphere underlines the entire adventure, even if the tension eases occasionally.
It quickly becomes apparent that a lot is going on here, and it’s a bit difficult to keep up at times, especially during Part 1.
The highlight of the opening episode is the Doctor verbally sparring with the computer ROSM in an attempt to save Charley’s life. Another is the cliffhanger, as we learn that the Cimmerians take their victims’ eyes.
The narrative itself doesn’t move a lot in the middle parts, as the Doctor slowly tries to figure out what is going on while keeping everyone alive.
Since this is a base under siege, the scope isn't all that big, and there’s a lack of agency through parts of this adventure. Part 3 slightly twists the narrative as the Doctor tries to bring light to Cimmeria, which would mean the death of the Cimmerians and the release of their mortal enemies, the Solarians. Part 4 then goes big and booming, and it’s not entirely clear what is going on.
Paul McGann brings out the softer side of his Doctor, but he effortlessly leads the story, especially as he is driven by trying to save Charley. This also continues to develop and deepen their relationship, particularly towards the end, where Charley questions the Doctor’s choices. India Fisher is yet again impressive.
The guest cast is unusually diverse, with East-European Orlensa standing out. Ian Brooker also provides an unusually engaging take on the ROSM computer.
A few years before the Vashta Nerada, we meet the Cimmerians, who use darkness as a weapon. The sound design effectively conveys their genuinely creepy, childlike voices. They are a great original Big Finish monster from their first 50 releases.
The sound design can be a bit overwhelming at times, and it does not fully manage to bring the setting of the story to life, even if it works wonders for the Cimmerians.
Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time! This time: Cimmerians, deadly darkness, and crazy computers.
****
The opening moments establish a creepy atmosphere (centred on darkness in deep space—something of a Moffat-esque premise), leaning heavily on a base under siege concept and turning it into max. This effectively scary atmosphere underlines the entire adventure, even if the tension eases occasionally.
It quickly becomes apparent that a lot is going on here, and it’s a bit difficult to keep up at times, especially during Part 1.
The highlight of the opening episode is the Doctor verbally sparring with the computer ROSM in an attempt to save Charley’s life. Another is the cliffhanger, as we learn that the Cimmerians take their victims’ eyes.
The narrative itself doesn’t move a lot in the middle parts, as the Doctor slowly tries to figure out what is going on while keeping everyone alive.
Since this is a base under siege, the scope isn't all that big, and there’s a lack of agency through parts of this adventure. Part 3 slightly twists the narrative as the Doctor tries to bring light to Cimmeria, which would mean the death of the Cimmerians and the release of their mortal enemies, the Solarians. Part 4 then goes big and booming, and it’s not entirely clear what is going on.
Paul McGann brings out the softer side of his Doctor, but he effortlessly leads the story, especially as he is driven by trying to save Charley. This also continues to develop and deepen their relationship, particularly towards the end, where Charley questions the Doctor’s choices. India Fisher is yet again impressive.
The guest cast is unusually diverse, with East-European Orlensa standing out. Ian Brooker also provides an unusually engaging take on the ROSM computer.
A few years before the Vashta Nerada, we meet the Cimmerians, who use darkness as a weapon. The sound design effectively conveys their genuinely creepy, childlike voices. They are a great original Big Finish monster from their first 50 releases.
The sound design can be a bit overwhelming at times, and it does not fully manage to bring the setting of the story to life, even if it works wonders for the Cimmerians.
ashs_doctorwho_library's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed this one, there were some good Doctor and Charley moments, and mysterious alien misunderstandings
cyberarcanist's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mnstrmisha's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Charley’s speech about Eight’s self-induced martyrdom was amazing, so extremely emotional, and really builds her as a character. The Doctor is the most dramatic person in the entire world and it’s awesome to see someone grab him by the back of his neck and shake him around a bit every now and then
rebelbelle13's review
4.0
This is one of those audioplays that really makes you wish that McGann had his own TV series- because you know he would be absolutely brilliant and competing with Tennant for the favorite Doctor spot. I feel like I'm nostalgic for a time that never was.
Embrace the Darkness seems like it could have fit either in Classic or New Who- it's got that sense of mystery, intrigue, and that the Doctor is learning as he goes, but still using his vast reserves of knowledge, intelligence, and in 8's case, diplomacy, to work his way through the problem to a sound conclusion. This particular audioplay starts out as your typical remote-space-station-but-something's-out-there-and-going-to-get-us situation, and as usual, things aren't exactly as they seem. Charley is still capable and helpful, and still one of my favorite of 8's companions so far.
This was a great addition to the Big Finish 8th Doctor collection, and I can't wait to continue in the series.
Embrace the Darkness seems like it could have fit either in Classic or New Who- it's got that sense of mystery, intrigue, and that the Doctor is learning as he goes, but still using his vast reserves of knowledge, intelligence, and in 8's case, diplomacy, to work his way through the problem to a sound conclusion. This particular audioplay starts out as your typical remote-space-station-but-something's-out-there-and-going-to-get-us situation, and as usual, things aren't exactly as they seem. Charley is still capable and helpful, and still one of my favorite of 8's companions so far.
This was a great addition to the Big Finish 8th Doctor collection, and I can't wait to continue in the series.
eleanorflovver's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
solid story, nice premise, fun characters
chucklebuck's review
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
stephen_on_a_jet_plane's review
3.0
A high concept play from exec producer Nick Briggs. The soundscape and concepts are of a high quality and I enjoyed the first couple of episodes but the latter two were, this time a bit of a slog. The small cast and darkness (literal) (also figurative) make for a promising doctor who story but there’s always that point where the writer has to explain everything and usually that bit disappoints.
wynnifer's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.25
khayes0525's review
4.0
Upon relistening, I found that:
A. This story is actually quite good, better than I thought the first time around. The sense of ambiance is fantastic, and it really feels like the sound engineers have built a physical space for the listener. Good stuff.
B. Orlenza sounds just like Nadja, and it's extremely distracting lol
A. This story is actually quite good, better than I thought the first time around. The sense of ambiance is fantastic, and it really feels like the sound engineers have built a physical space for the listener. Good stuff.
B. Orlenza sounds just like Nadja, and it's extremely distracting lol