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"THE BLACK HOURS: RIVER AND SAM'S SLEUTHING SESSION"

After the tantalising Nerva Beacon tease, The Black Hours delivers... well, not much in that regard. Instead, this story is all about River teaming up with Sam to dig into the secrets of Garrison Clay. The chemistry between Alex Kingston and Jamie Parker is enjoyable, and the script leans heavily on their dynamic, making this feel like an intimate two-hander.

With Clay’s ominous plans bubbling away in the background and a brief reappearance from Peevy, the story keeps things focused. The smaller scope allows for some solid character work, but it never quite reaches the level of something truly gripping.

LOW-STAKES BUILDUP TO THE FINALE

For a penultimate instalment, The Black Hours feels a little too low-key. It lacks a strong narrative drive, functioning more as an extended setup for the grand finale. There’s a bit of tension towards the end, but the final cliffhanger is easily the weakest of the set, leaving little in the way of anticipation.

📝VERDICT: 6/10

The Black Hours is a decent character piece but lacks the punch needed for a story this deep into the set. While River and Sam’s investigative work is engaging enough, the story doesn’t do much beyond that. With a weak cliffhanger and little real momentum, it’s hard not to feel like this episode is just treading water before the final act.