📝5/10

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"Ghost Light: Atmosphere Over Clarity"

Ghost Light is an ambitious yet puzzling story that thrives on its dark, atmospheric setting but falters under a confused and overly convoluted plot. Written by Marc Platt, this serial is steeped in gothic horror and psychological tension, creating a haunted house mystery with an underlying sense of dread. Unfortunately, script edits and rushed production leave the narrative feeling disjointed and impenetrable.

The story kicks off with a creepy atmosphere and an intriguing set-up but quickly becomes a labyrinth of unexplained events and abstract ideas. The haunted house concept is excellent in theory, and there’s clearly a deeper thematic richness lurking beneath the surface—explorations of evolution, repression, and Ace’s past—but these ideas remain frustratingly underdeveloped or muddled.

Reportedly, Marc Platt’s original script was far clearer, but edits for time and complexity stripped away essential explanations, leaving a story that often feels like a series of strange and disconnected moments. Characters pop in and out without clear motives, and by the end, it’s hard to tell who the villain truly is or what the ultimate goal of the plot is.

Despite the script’s flaws, Ghost Light excels in developing its characters, particularly Ace and the Seventh Doctor.

Ace’s arc shines here, as the story ties deeply into her past. She is forced to confront the trauma of burning down the house as a teenager, haunted both literally and metaphorically by her actions. This makes for a dark, personal exploration of her character and gives Sophie Aldred the chance to deliver one of her finest performances.

The Seventh Doctor is at his most manipulative and enigmatic. Sylvester McCoy relishes the role, portraying a darker, almost unsettling Doctor who deliberately brings Ace to face her demons, even if it’s painful for her. His cryptic, almost theatrical delivery enhances the story’s eerie tone.

While the Doctor’s actions here are controversial—he’s more ruthless and detached than usual—it aligns with the Cartmel Master Plan, which paints him as a more powerful and mysterious figure.

The supporting cast, including Ian Hogg as Josiah Smith and Sylvia Syms as Mrs. Pritchard, embody their eccentric and sinister roles effectively.

While no central villain emerges, the house itself feels like the antagonist—an environment that is both hostile and unknowable, which adds to the psychological horror.

Where Ghost Light truly excels is in its production, direction, and atmosphere. The set design for Gabriel Chase is stunning, creating a gothic and claustrophobic environment that feels alive with menace. The dark, candlelit interiors, creepy taxidermy, and eerie visual effects add to the unsettling vibe.

The music is a highlight, blending brooding, atmospheric cues that heighten the tension.

The direction, despite the director’s own confusion about the plot, manages to maintain a sense of suspense and unease throughout.

The production team succeeds in crafting a story that feels frightening and mysterious, even if the narrative itself struggles to keep up.

Final Thoughts:

Ghost Light is a story of contradictions: its atmosphere, performances, and production are some of the best in Doctor Who, yet its plot is impenetrable and frustratingly unclear. It’s a prime example of a serial that prioritises mood and themes over narrative coherence.

For fans who enjoy gothic horror and psychological exploration, Ghost Light offers a rewarding—albeit baffling—experience. The story provides fascinating insights into Ace’s character and solidifies the Seventh Doctor’s darker, more enigmatic persona. However, its confusing plot and lack of clear direction may alienate viewers who prefer more straightforward storytelling.

Ultimately, Ghost Light is more about the experience than the story itself—a serial you appreciate for its tone, atmosphere, and performances rather than its narrative clarity.

Random Observations:

• Sylvester McCoy considers Ghost Light his favourite serial, despite admitting he had no idea what was happening in the story—something shared by most of the cast and crew.
• This was the last serial produced during Doctor Who’s original run, even though it wasn’t the final one broadcast.
• Marc Platt would go on to write Virgin New Adventures novels featuring the Seventh Doctor and later pen the acclaimed Big Finish audio Loups-Garoux (2001).