In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who: The Fifth Doctor Adventures: Hooklight 1

Synopsis: In Hooklight, There is a light that must never be lit.

When the TARDIS runs aground in the ancient realm of Morning, the Doctor learns that a powerful force has reemerged. A lamp filled with a mythical substance known as Hooklight has been discovered.

A great quest begins against the forces of chaos, encompassing many new friends and foes. Without their ship and without each other, the time travelers will be tested on their journey to the Dark Forge.

Review: Doctor Who: The Fifth Doctor Adventures: Hooklight 1 began the latest Big Finish epic. Writer Tim Foley pulled out all the stops in what was merely the first act of this space opera.

Story

Like all good writers, Foley knew there were no new ideas. Consequently, he zeroed in on some of the most timeless tropes and homages a team of time travelers would ever need.

In short, Foley combined dark fairy tale elements with The Lord of the Rings. He then overlaid those mythic bits with the unmistakable Doctor Who sensibility.

In the process, he gave every member of the Tardis team an important role. Moreover, Nyssa played a central part as the story progressed.

Given that Nyssa has always been one of my favorite classic Companions, I was delighted to hear her integral contribution.. I also appreciated how Foley thematically paralleled her with certain supporting characters.

As for those supporting characters, Doctor Kessica Myles made the greatest impression. She struck me as the dark horse in this unfolding tale.

Unfortunately, I can’t reveal any more without spoiling multiple cliffhangers and other surprises. That said, please listen past the ending theme music for a pre-credit scene.

Acting 

As ever, Peter Davison, Janet Fielding, Sarah Sutton, and Matthew Waterhouse were excellent. Sutton, in particular, got to flex acting muscles the classic era never allowed her to use.

For their parts, the entire supporting cast was top notch. However, I must give kudos to Celia Imrie as Doctor Kessica Myles.

Overall

Doctor Who: The Fifth Doctor Adventures: Hooklight 1 represented my favorite type of Doctor Who storytelling. I can’t wait for the second volume.

You can purchase Doctor Who: The Fifth Doctor Adventures: Hooklight 1 here.