In Review: Big Finish: Dark Gallifrey: The Meddling Monks Part 1

Synopsis: The mysteries of Dark Gallifrey continue to unfold. 

The Meddling Monk and the Meddling Nun are stranded on Earth with a broken TARDIS. Worse still, they find themselves involved in a series of odd escapades.

They’re buying a house, getting a job, having a dinner party, and filling three additional episodes with mayhem. All of these tasks prove more onerous than expected. 

However, the greatest challenge is still to come.

Review: Dark Gallifrey: The Meddling Monks Part 1 was the comic relief I’ve needed. Writer John Dorney drew extensively upon his sketch comedy background for this latest arc.

Story

The strength in Dorney’s script didn’t come solely from dialogue, though. He also employed meta elements like a theme tune, canned laughter, and ad breaks.

Moreover, Dorney built the meta elements into the story’s central mystery. The ominous pauses in the canned laughter when the Monk and the Nun felt uneasy were wonderful.

The first two episodes were both hilarious. That said, Dorney hit his stride in episode 2, “Monky Business.”

I won’t spoil anything. Listeners should experience the comedy in the plot and the plot in the comedy for themselves.

Acting

The entire cast was incredible. Big Finish brought in Radio 4 comedy legends to bounce off the leads.

Impeccable timing and extra hilarious line readings were second nature to everyone involved. It was a real treat to hear an entire ensemble having fun while being funny.

Kudos to Rufus Hound, Gemma Whelan, John Finnemore, Simon Kane, and Carrie Quinlan. They’re all worth the price alone.

Overall

Thank you, Big Finish. Based on Dark Gallifrey: The Meddling Monks Part 1, I can’t wait to here the remaining installments in this arc.

I’ve already formed theories around apparent tropes and thematic echoes. Even if those theories prove incorrect, I expect an excellent story over the next two months.

You can purchase Dark Gallifrey: The Meddling Monks Part 1 here.