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“The Apocalypse Element: A Chaotic but Ambitious Dalek Epic”

Stephen Cole's The Apocalypse Element ambitiously expands the Dalek Empire arc, plunging the Sixth Doctor and Evelyn into a sprawling tale of Gallifreyan politics, Dalek schemes, and interstellar peril. With high stakes, explosive action, and the return of a fan-favourite character, this audio drama has all the makings of a major event.

The opening is strong, immediately throwing listeners into the chaos of missing planets, strange spatial phenomena, and Gallifreyan intrigue. The tension builds effectively in the first installment, aided by Evelyn's relatable, comedic perspective as she struggles to comprehend the futuristic world around her. Her wandering off into trouble feels consistent with her character, though it sidelines her somewhat compared to previous stories.

The story’s scope is undeniably ambitious, with Dalek attacks, gravity wells, and galaxy-spanning danger. The concept of gravity wells is particularly imaginative and works surprisingly well in the audio format. However, the sheer amount of action and rapid pacing can make the story difficult to follow at times. Action sequences, while dramatic, occasionally lack clarity, and the dense plot risks overwhelming the listener.

Colin Baker delivers a more subdued performance as the Doctor, playing his role with a careful intensity that fits the story’s high stakes. Maggie Stables as Evelyn takes a bit of a backseat in this outing, partly to make room for the return of Lalla Ward as Romana II.

Romana’s return is a highlight, with Ward effortlessly stepping back into the role and commanding attention in every scene. This story gives her a strong and powerful presence, reminding listeners why she remains one of the most beloved companions in Doctor Who history. Unfortunately, other characters, including Vansell and the Lord President, fail to leave much of an impression, blending too much into the background.

The cliffhanger at the end of Part 1, with Dalek mutants attacking the Doctor and Trinket, stands out as one of the more effective and memorable moments of early Big Finish. However, the story's overall length—each part running over 30 minutes—does lead to some pacing issues, particularly in the middle sections.

While The Apocalypse Element lays the groundwork for future storylines, including the Gallifrey series and the larger Dalek Empire arc, it struggles to fully capitalise on its potential in the audio format. The scale and spectacle of the story might have been better served in a visual medium, as the dense narrative sometimes feels overlong and cumbersome.

📝Verdict: 7/10

For fans of the Daleks, Romana, and high-stakes Gallifreyan drama, this story offers much to enjoy. However, its sprawling ambition and chaotic execution may leave some listeners feeling overwhelmed. Despite its flaws, The Apocalypse Element remains an important and memorable chapter in the early Big Finish catalogue.