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“FAITH STEALER: WHEN RELIGION BECOMES A NIGHTMARE”

Faith Stealer takes the Eighth Doctor, Charley, and C’rizz deeper into the Divergent Universe, leading them to Multihaven—a place where all religions supposedly coexist in peace. However, as is often the case, utopia hides a sinister underbelly. The rise of the Church of Lucidity, a dangerous cult led by the mesmerising Laan Carder, threatens to unravel the delicate balance, testing our heroes’ resolve and beliefs.

This sole Doctor Who contribution from Graham Duff is a fascinating blend of social commentary and creeping horror. The first episode does an excellent job setting the stage, with its closing moments twisting the seemingly peaceful world into something much darker. As the Church of Lucidity’s influence grows, the story explores themes of religious manipulation, the exploitation of vulnerable minds, and the blurred lines between faith and control.

AN UNSETTLING ATMOSPHERE ENHANCED BY SOUND DESIGN

One of the strongest aspects of Faith Stealer is its immersive soundscape. The tolling church bells, distant sermons, and ghostly choirs create a rich audio environment that is both atmospheric and deeply unsettling. At times, it feels like an eerie form of ASMR—particularly when coupled with Christian Rodska’s hypnotic, treacherous delivery as Laan Carder. His voice alone is enough to convince you of the power he holds over his followers.

CHARISMATIC LEADERS AND DIVINE CONFLICTS

Laan Carder is an excellent villain—calm, persuasive, and utterly chilling in his certainty. His ability to turn lost souls to his cause is disturbingly believable, and his dynamic with Tessa Shaw’s Bordinan is one of the story’s highlights. The Bordinan sees through his deception, fighting fiercely to stop his growing influence, and their conflict adds a compelling layer to the narrative.

Meanwhile, the Miraculite—a being that feeds on REM sleep energy—adds another dimension to the cult’s power, though its inclusion sometimes feels unnecessary. The horror of the cult itself is already strong enough without needing a supernatural entity behind it. However, the way the Doctor ultimately defeats both Laan and the Miraculite—by introducing a crisis of faith—is a satisfying resolution that perfectly suits Eight’s character.

C’RIZZ’S INNER DEMONS COME TO THE SURFACE

This story gives C’rizz some much-needed development, exploring the lingering trauma of his past and how his guilt makes him vulnerable to manipulation. His brainwashing at the hands of the Lucidians is chilling, particularly during the distressing religious rituals he is subjected to. The horror here is psychological as much as it is physical, with C’rizz’s fragile state making him an easy target for those seeking to "cleanse" his soul.

THE DOCTOR AND CHARLEY: A WELL-OILED TEAM

After a run of stories where tension brewed between them, Eight and Charley finally feel like their old selves again—relaxed, playful, and determined. Their hunt for the missing TARDIS, which the locals consider a miracle, adds a fun dynamic to the adventure. Paul McGann and India Fisher’s chemistry remains as strong as ever, with Charley proving a resourceful and loyal companion throughout.

A WELL-BUILT WORLD WITH THOUGHTFUL THEMES

Multihaven is an intriguing setting, feeling alive with its bustling town squares, diverse religious figures, and strange faiths—including one that worships happy accidents. The story smartly dissects the idea of religious coexistence, questioning whether true harmony between belief systems is ever possible. More importantly, it critiques how faith can be weaponised, manipulated, and used as a means of control, making its themes feel unsettlingly relevant.

📝VERDICT: 8/10

Faith Stealer is an unsettling and thought-provoking entry in the Divergent Universe arc. Its chilling atmosphere, strong villain, and psychological horror elements make it one of the more memorable stories of this era. While the Miraculite feels like an extraneous addition, the cult dynamics and C’rizz’s internal struggles more than make up for it. The result is a gripping and well-crafted tale that explores faith, fanaticism, and the power of belief in a way that lingers long after the credits roll.