In Review: Big Finish: Planet Krynoid: Nightfall

Synopsis: In Nightfall, For a hundred years, Sunlight has been a beacon of hope shining across a troubled galaxy. It’s an artificial paradise on a frozen world offering safe haven for the super-rich and employment for even the poorest of laborers. At least, that’s what the adverts say.

Unfortunately for Governor Robert Hodan, one of his engineers has just discovered a pair of strange-looking pods lodged in a satellite. So Sunlight, that glittering verdant oasis, will never be the same again.

As the Doctor knows only too well, on planets where the Krynoid gets established, the vegetation eats the animals.

Review: Planet Krynoid: Nightfall was a no-holds-barred sequel to the classic Doctor Who tale “The Seeds of Doom.” Indeed, Big Finish dialed up the old school gothic horror of the original to 11.

Story

The writers relied on a tried and true technique in the disaster genre. They focused the macro narrative through the interpersonal dramas of a limited set of characters.

“Sunlight” by Jonathan Morris wasted no time establishing the themes and scope of the story. Morris relied on hubris, love, and class struggle to drive the narrative forward. Along the way, he populated Sunlight with authentic characters and conflicts.

“Sunset” by Jonathan S Powell brought the Eighth Doctor into the mix. I really appreciated how Powell turned him into a supporting character when he would have usually driven events. Of course, this facilitated the even higher body count the installment required.

“Darkness” by Chris Chapman was an effectively creepy and bleak mix of horror tropes. The unrelenting narrative inertia culminated in enough carnage and hope to fuel multiple box sets going forward.

Acting

The entire cast was excellent. That said, I must give kudos to several performers.

For his part, Paul McGann owned every scene he was in. He truly sold the peril, pathos, and deterioration.

For her part, Lucy Heath played every chord in the soundscape as Doctor Faith Costello. She was matched note for note by Joseph Ayre as Carl Magnus.

Last, but certainly not least, I must applaud leading man Reece Shearsmith as Governor Robert Hodan. I can’t wait to hear more from him.

 Overall

Planet Krynoid: Nightfall offered listeners everything Doctor Who horror should. As ever, Big Finish demonstrated true love of the genre.

You can purchase Planet Krynoid: Nightfall here.