In Review: Big Finish: Dark Gallifrey: The Decayed Master Part 1

Synopsis: Geoffrey Beevers returns as the Decayed Master.

It’s Christmas 1896 at the beautiful and secluded Longmoss House. Diana Blount has lived here all her life. Since her father died, though, Longmoss has lost its magic.

Now the money’s running out. Mother says Diana must prepare to marry. 

This will be her last Christmas at Longmoss, running wild with visiting cousin Charlotte. They can no longer evade the watchful eye of the one remaining servant, matriarchal housemaid Niamh.

Then one day, in the shut-up East Wing, Charlotte and Diana’s games and ghost stories begin to get out of hand. The veil is thin at Longmoss. 

Something is trying to get through. Something has a Master to serve.

Review: Dark Gallifrey: The Decayed Master Part 1 was a wonderfully chilling way to beat the summer heat. Writers Lauren Mooney and Stewart Pringle artfully set the soundscape for the horrors to come.

Story

Throughout, Mooney and Pringle took full advantage of the open ended “anti-brief” they were given. They wrote to their strengths, producing a first chapter to make Philip Hinchcliffe proud.

I particularly appreciated the central theme around which the authors organized their scares. Diana’s transition from childhood to adulthood has been a common horror trope.

However, this particular trope was the perfect fit for the Decayed Master. It hearkened back to his dynamic in “The Keeper of Traken.”

Additionally, I really liked  the Decayed Master’s minion. Oro was an excellent nod to the terrors of modern Doctor Who.

Last, but not least, I must mention Niamh. Mooney and Pringle employ her with care, and I’m hooked by her arc.

Acting

As ever, the entire cast was superb. That said, I must give kudos to several performances. 

First, Hannah Brown and Shreya Lallu were pitch perfect as sheltered Victorian teenagers, Diana and Charlotte. They effortlessly conveyed the various layers of their characters.

As engaging as Brown and Lallu were, however, Geoffrey Beevers stole the show. He was spookily riveting in every scene. 

Overall

Dark Gallifrey: The Decayed Master Part 1 left me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to hear next month’s installment.

You can purchase Dark Gallifrey: The Decayed Master Part 1 here.