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"The Fires of Vulcan: A Historical Drama of Doom and Dilemmas"

The Fires of Vulcan weaves an engaging mystery around the discovery of the TARDIS in modern-day Pompeii, buried under volcanic ash. This revelation establishes the fixed-point time paradox at the heart of the narrative, giving the adventure a foreboding inevitability that grips the listener from the start.

The story thrives as a pure historical drama, steeped in political intrigue and saturated with an oppressive sense of dread. Arriving in Pompeii just one day before Vesuvius's catastrophic eruption, the Doctor and Mel must navigate the rigid boundaries of time, attempting to escape their fated doom without violating the sanctity of historical events. The tension is palpable as the duo faces the mounting pressures of local politics and the ticking clock of impending disaster.

The script and performances evoke the era with authenticity, though some of the dialogue from the guest cast leans toward pretension. While this adds to the historical immersion, it occasionally detracts from the story's emotional immediacy. Nonetheless, Nicky Goldie and Gemma Bissix deliver commendable performances, complementing the lead cast.

Sylvester McCoy’s portrayal of the Seventh Doctor stands out as he brings a softer, more introspective side to the character. His performance is layered, capturing both the Doctor's deep-seated wisdom and the emotional weight of his foreknowledge. Bonnie Langford shines as Mel, demonstrating a genuine empathy for the Pompeiians and a heartfelt sorrow for their inevitable fate. Her humane and grounded approach here contrasts effectively with her brighter, more exuberant TV persona, allowing for a richer character exploration.

The cliffhangers are particularly well-executed, with the Doctor's declaration in Part 1 that they cannot escape Pompeii due to the TARDIS's future discovery setting the stakes high. Part 3 raises the tension even further, with Vesuvius on the verge of eruption and the Doctor embroiled in a tense sword duel.

The sound design is another highlight, creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere. Early on, it evokes a deceptively cosy setting, contrasting sharply with the looming disaster. In the final part, the soundscape shifts dramatically, capturing the chaos and destruction of Vesuvius’s eruption with harrowing precision. The music complements these moments well, heightening the emotional impact without overpowering the dialogue.

The conclusion ties the story together in a satisfying yet tragic way. The clever resolution of the TARDIS mystery delivers a blend of horror and brilliance, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of sorrow for the lost souls of Pompeii. This ending, charged with urgency and emotional resonance, cements the story as one of the more memorable entries in the early Big Finish range.

📝Verdict: 8/10

The Fires of Vulcan excels as a historical drama, offering a tightly woven narrative enriched by strong performances and effective sound design. Its exploration of fixed-point dilemmas and the moral weight of foreknowledge makes it a compelling and thought-provoking listen.