Bernice Summerfield

#1.06. Dragons’ Wrath ~ 2/10

◆ An Introduction

Series One is drawing to a close, and it’s actually been pretty damn good… for the most part: I don’t think there is anyone that’ll defend something as awful as ‘Beyond the Sun’.

This finale actually brings forth some changes and features that would become commonplace for the range; single-disc releases, and Paul Vyse’s logo for the series. Here’s hoping this will be a successful end to a decent run of adventures.

◆ Publisher’s Summary

The Gamalian Dragon is a jewel-encrusted statuette captured by the warlord Gamaliel from the legendary Knights of Jeneve after the Battle of Bocaro. It is now sought by Romolo Nusek, apparently Gamaliel's descendent, to prove his right to assume his ancestor's mantle as ruler of the Sector.

When Benny joins a group seeking to find the legendary statuette, she has a secret. No one can possibly find one on Stanturus because she's already carrying it, left for her by a murdered colleague.

The trouble is, the expedition does find one and, as a result, most of them are mysteriously slaughtered. Benny realises she and historian Nicholas Clyde must discern the traitor in their midst. Could it be Gilder, the obsequious administrator from Benny's own university? Could it be Truby Kamadrich, the famous archaeologist? Or might it be the bizarre librarian Reddick, who never leaves Nusek's vaults, protected by an inhospitable volcano?

◆ Prof. Bernice Summerfield

This episode was absolutely unbearable, and about the only thing I can give any praise to is Lisa Bowerman’s performance, which was painfully average.

Benny has seemingly been on a pub crawl, and been chucked out at 3am. She loves a good mystery.

◆ Story Recap

There was once a great battle on Stanturus Three, between Gamaliel and the Knights of Jeneve. An apparent descendent of the former is sending Prof. Summerfield there on an archaeological dig because of an interest in his dynasty’s history… but it soon turns out that Romolo Nusek just wants to destroy any evidence that claims his ancestor was anything but a hero.

◆ Vacuous Adventures

Justin Richards has written many amazing scripts: this is not one of them. Unfortunately, this episode was so vacuous and empty that I couldn’t even turn my review into a colossal rant – which is why I still got some enjoyment out of slating ‘Beyond the Sun’.

◆ Sound Design

There were significant problems that caused ‘Dragons’ Wrath’ to be delayed for a whole year. After several false starts, post-production duties were entrusted to Toby Richards and Emily Baker… who wouldn’t know what quality is if it kicked them in the shins! Half the time it sounds like the performers are recording using water damaged equipment.

◆ Music

Toby Richards and Emily Baker decided to create a new theme song for the range… and I absolutely despise it! Whoever decided to ditch the original theme for this sub-par 007 reject deserved the sack. Thankfully, the wider fandom seem to agree with me: the original theme would be reinstated by the final episode of Series 2.

As for the incidental music in ‘Dragons’ Wrath’, it’s painfully average at best, completely forgettable at worst.

◆ Conclusion

“It’s one of the best guarded artefacts in this part of known space.”

If by some miracle you managed to get through this episode without wanting to deck the people responsible for post-production, I congratulate you. Unfortunately, we’re stuck with Toby Richards and Emily Baker for the next three releases… though, that’s a good excuse to crack open the Disaronno!

‘Dragons’ Wrath’ was the first single disc release for this range, yet it somehow managed to feel like it was triple its length. The plot is mind-numbingly boring!