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“The Great White Hurricane: A Blizzard of Emotion and History”

The second story of The First Doctor Adventures box set, The Great White Hurricane, is a pure historical tale in the vein of the 1960s series. Set against the backdrop of the 1888 Great Blizzard in New York, it strips away sci-fi elements to focus on human conflict, historical context, and the relationships between its characters.

A Faithful First Doctor

David Bradley’s First Doctor continues to shine, capturing the grumpy yet caring personality of the original portrayal. His growing "grandfatherly" side is particularly evident here, especially in moments of concern for Susan and his companions. The dynamic between Ian and Barbara feels genuinely close to their on-screen relationship, with the camaraderie and trust between them grounding the story.

Strong Supporting Themes, but Limited Characters

The story excels in tackling socially relevant issues, such as domestic violence and gang rivalries, through a historical lens. Rosalita stands out as a memorable supporting character, with her harrowing personal struggles providing an emotional core. However, many other secondary characters lack depth, serving primarily to fill the setting rather than drive the narrative.

An Authentic 60s Vibe

Guy Adams successfully captures the tone of a 1960s historical episode. The story is heavy on exposition, with lengthy dialogue scenes that teach history and science in a manner reminiscent of the educational aspirations of early Doctor Who. The lack of alien threats or futuristic elements reinforces this authenticity, though it also limits the excitement for some listeners.

Plot and Pacing

The narrative builds on tension from two primary sources: the looming blizzard and the human conflicts within the mob turf wars. While the latter provides some compelling drama, the hurricane itself feels like a secondary player until the final part, where it takes centre stage. This delayed focus on the titular disaster results in uneven pacing, with the first half dragging in places despite its rich character work.

Finale and Atmosphere

The climactic scenes bring the TARDIS team together in a race against nature, delivering genuine tension and stakes. The depiction of the blizzard is vivid, immersing listeners in its chilling intensity. The authenticity of the setting, from its historical accuracy to the realistic portrayal of American characters, is commendable.

📝72/100

The Great White Hurricane feels true to its era, presenting a pure historical story that emphasises character interactions and social issues. While its lack of a famous historical figure or major sci-fi elements may make it feel less like typical Doctor Who, it offers an emotionally resonant narrative grounded in realism. However, the slow pacing and minimal plot progression in the early parts weaken its overall impact.