Start to Finish: 8.06 - 'The Dying Light'

Image (c) Big Finish Productions

It's been some time since the Doctor left Gallifrey. Susan has been left on Earth and his old body finally gave out, but the TARDIS is still with him as he, in his second incarnation, accompanied by Jamie and Zoe, reach the mysterious Sanctuary in The Dying Light.

The Sanctuary is a vaguely religious community housed in the carved caverns of a vast mountain, which floats in a sea of sand. Its members were all washed up by the vast storms which rage across the planet, a dying world orbiting a dying star. The leader of this community is the Abbot, a man whom the Doctor knows better as Quadrigger Stoyn. He has been preparing a trap for the Doctor for man, many centuries, determined to find his way home, but the very world that has supported his endeavours may yet harbour a secret that will thwart them.

Narrated by Jamie, with Zoe as a second voice - a requirement which ensures that the inevitable explanation of technical matters is done in voice, Zoe to Jamie, rather than in narration, Zoe to audience - the second part of the Quadrigger Stoyn trilogy combines the trap narrative with a classic mysterious structure tale, with the ancient mountain city of the Sanctuary naturally proving far more than it seems. It's a stronger entry than The Beginning because it is more consistent, and maintains the theme of order (as represented by Stoyn) vs. chaos (as embodied in the Doctor.)

And this momentously brings me to the limit of my previous experience. Next time, we'll cover the double length conclusion of the Stoyn saga, with Lalla Ward and Juliet Landau (yes, that Juliet Landau) as the Second and Third Romanas in Luna Romana.