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“The Dark Flame: A Cult Classic in Search of a Spark”

Trevor Baxendale’s The Dark Flame taps into the brooding tone of the Virgin New Adventures, with its sinister cults, ominous rituals, and apocalyptic stakes. The story begins with a scattered and chaotic opening, setting the stage for an adventure brimming with scientific intrigue and creeping dread. While Part 1 eventually finds its footing, the initial scenes struggle with pacing and clarity, as strange visions and fragmented dialogue leave the listener disoriented.

Despite this rocky start, the atmosphere builds steadily, drawing listeners into a world where cosmic horrors lurk in the shadows. The discovery of the Doctor’s murdered friend and the unsettling visions hint at the dark forces at play, setting an appropriately ominous tone.

Character Dynamics and Performances

The Seventh Doctor, Ace, and Benny are a beloved trio, and their chemistry shines here. Sylvester McCoy delivers a restrained yet captivating performance, embodying the Doctor’s enigmatic charm and occasional menace. His final confrontation with Vilus Krull showcases the best of McCoy’s ability to balance wit with gravitas.

Lisa Bowerman is, as always, a delight as Bernice Summerfield. Her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude make her a standout, even when the script underutilises her potential. Sophie Aldred’s Ace has moments of brilliance, but her role feels underdeveloped, as she flits between scenes without much impact on the narrative.

The supporting cast adds texture to the story. Steven Wickham’s dual roles as Victor, the archaeologist, and his robotic assistant Joseph, provide welcome levity amid the darkness. Andrew Westfield’s portrayal of Vilus Krull, though somewhat archetypal, delivers the right amount of sinister whispering and malevolent intent to anchor the villainy.

A Cult of Missed Opportunities

The story leans heavily on its dark cult and interdimensional threat, drawing inspiration from Lovecraftian horror and gothic sci-fi. While these elements add flavour, they often feel undercooked. The cult’s resurrection of their leader, the eerie possession of Benny, and the malevolent force threatening to break through from another universe could have delved deeper into psychological and thematic darkness. Instead, the narrative treads a safer path, sacrificing potential intensity for accessibility.

Benny’s possession, in particular, is an intriguing concept that never fully pays off. The tension surrounding her internal struggle is hinted at but not explored in a way that heightens the stakes or deepens her character arc.

Pacing Problems and Flattening Atmosphere

The first two parts of The Dark Flame maintain an engaging mix of discovery and danger. Benny’s archaeological escapades, the Doctor’s investigations, and Ace’s wanderings create parallel threads that build intrigue. However, the latter half of the story loses momentum. Part 3 stalls the narrative, and Part 4 overstays its welcome, stretching out the climax without delivering sufficient escalation or payoff.

The atmosphere, so vital to the story’s initial appeal, begins to flatten as the plot progresses. The oppressive dread of the early chapters gives way to more standard adventure fare, and the stakes, while significant on paper, feel less impactful in execution.

The Verdict: A Flickering Flame

The Dark Flame is a competent entry in the Main Range, offering flashes of brilliance but ultimately failing to fully ignite. Its nods to the Virgin New Adventures’ dark and demanding tone are appreciated, but the story doesn’t commit deeply enough to leave a lasting impression.

Strong performances from the central trio and a few standout moments—such as the Doctor’s confrontation with Krull—keep it from faltering entirely. However, uneven pacing and a lack of narrative risk hold it back from achieving greatness.

📝60/100

Random Observations:

• The creepy skull referenced throughout the story reminds me of the skull that plays a pivotal part in Image of the Fendahl.