In the ancient realm of Morning, a massive danger is about to be unleashed across the universe. The planet Rift has been attacked, a tear has been created in time, and one of the Doctor's companions has been taken over by the ever-shining Hooklight. As the rest of the TARDIS team struggles to resist the oncoming chaos, victory seems remote. This is especially true when a presence from the future reveals itself and it's going to make things extra complicated for the Doctor.....both of them.....

"Hooklight 2" is the second half of a grandiose Fifth Doctor epic, advertised as something different compared to the usual audio faire this crew gets. Tim Foley's script picks up right where part 1 left off with some weird flourishes that paint the bigger picture in a whole new, if less interesting, light. The unique setting remains strong, and the soundscape still feels massive, but in making the Hooklight itself a sentient force (no matter how big or multi-dimensional), the plot falls into somewhat predictable territory with unsurprising roles for all involved.

To that end, it certainly remains a Davison era story through & through. Nyssa becomes evil and possessed by a sentient malevolence, Adric gets stuck handling the TARDIS, and Tegan goes on a long personal journey that's different but is surprisingly the most emotional part of the saga. The biggest addition that shakes things up is the presence of Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor, venturing in from the early days of the Time War to intervene but soon getting caught up in the Hooklight's grip. His influence as the Oracle is wider than you might think, and the writing makes full use of the potential in having two very different Doctors caught up in different threads of the same story.

The second half of "Hooklight" then is a fascinating and fun listen, not any better or worse than the first, but in a way that feels appropriate. Enjoyable & recommended along with its first half for all fans looking for something new.

-- 8.5 / 10