Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #242483 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03
• Format: Audiobook
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 2
• Binding: Audio CD

Customer Reviews

Fun but flawed
"The Dark Flame never dies... Somewhere, somehow it always burns. It can never be extinguished."

The Seventh Doctor, Benny and Ace are reunited again in Trevor Baxendale's debut Big Finish audio, The Dark Flame. Baxendale isn't an innovative writer but his stories invariably have a pleasing symmetry and are accessible and fun - this audio adventure is no exception. From the space station filled with mad scientists, to their attempts to reactive a long-dead ancient evil; cults, powerful relics, and zombies; there are plenty of familiar fantasy Sci-fi elements in the pot and if anything there is too much going on here.

The plot is nothing special, but there are some flashes of inspiration amongst the dialogue, and a fairly light tone that could have done with being darkened considerably. Sylvester McCoy's performance is pretty good here, whilst Sophie Aldred and Lisa Bowerman also acquit themselves well. Guest star Michael Praed impresses in his first Doctor Who audio, but ultimately this, whilst engaging, is less than the sum of its parts.

the dull flame
an audio adventure for the seventh Doctor who. this one is a little different from the usual range as it is part of the new adventures continuity, a series of doctor who novels that ran from 1991-1997, and thus it contains his two companions from the period of the range when it is set, bernice 'benny' summerfield and ace.

it runs for four twenty five minute episodes, spread over two discs, and involves the doctor and his friends investigating an archaeological dig where a strange skull has been found. this is an artefact that a nasty religious cult called the dark flame are after, and danger results...

This is not one of the strongest of the range, as quite frankly the story is dull and uninspired. The supporting cast don't help, as one of the main guest actors adopts a strange accent that rather irks, and benny has so many of her customary witticims that she starts to get on your nerves.

A weak audio, and not worth getting.