In Review: Doctor Who: The First Doctor Adventures: The Living Darkness

Synopsis: In The Living Darkness, Steven Taylor thought he’d left a life of adventure behind when he said goodbye to the Doctor and forged his future as the leader of a world. Decades later, a broken and grieving Steven awakes aboard a mysterious spacecraft with terror close at hand.

What is the purpose of the ship’s voyage? Why has it collected a random group from different points in time and space? 

What sinister presence lurks within the darkness that smothers its corridors? Can Steven really trust the new arrival claiming to be the Doctor?
 

Review: Doctor Who: The First Doctor Adventures: The Living Darkness was a love letter to the First Doctor and Steven Taylor. By the end, I had tears in my eyes. 

Story

Writer Jacqueline Rayner is a true fan of Doctor Who. She wove together classic series and Big Finish mythology to create a poignant sequel.

In truth, she hooked me with Dog. Apart from supporting animals, though, Rayner struck home through themes of age, loss, guilt, and value.

Additionally, she surrounded Steven and the Doctor with engaging supporting characters. Indeed, this box set was an ensemble piece at its core.

My favorite supporting dynamic was between Arva and Umbriel. Through them, listeners got glimpses of what Sara Kingdom could have been like if she had lived.

As for the Steven and the Doctor, Rayner built a narrative that sensitively explored the accumulated wisdom and wistfulness of both. All in all, Doctor Who: The First Doctor Adventures: The Living Darkness spotlighted everything that makes them such enduring characters.

Acting

The entire supporting cast was wonderful. That said, I have to give kudos to two performers.

Dido Miles and Laura Rollins inhabited Arva and Umbriel perfectly. They used their years long onscreen dynamic to bring rhythm and depth.

As for the main cast, Lauren Cornelius continued to be effervescent as Dodo. For his part, Stephen Noonan channeled the First Doctor with love and countless hours of dedication.

However, this box set belonged to Peter Purves. He continues to shine in the role of Steven and as an ambassador for the franchise.

Overall

Once again, Big Finish has delivered top notch storytelling. I can’t wait to find out where the First Doctor ends up next.

You can purchase Doctor Who: The First Doctor Adventures: The Living Darkness here.

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