Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time.

"The Land of the Dead: A Promising Start That Loses Its Way"

Part 1 of The Land of the Dead builds tension effectively as the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa arrive in Alaska, slowly becoming entangled in the strange events surrounding Shaun Brett, his ambitious construction project, and his loyal assistant, Tulung. The remote Alaskan setting and eerie atmosphere hold great promise, supported by strong sound design that brings the snowy landscape to life.

Unfortunately, the story falters as it progresses. The initially gripping atmosphere is disrupted by uneven pacing, murky action sequences, and the introduction of reanimated dinosaur skeletons, which feel more silly than menacing. The limited scope of the narrative and the constraints of the audio format leave many ideas underdeveloped.

Stephen Cole attempts to weave in environmentalist and cultural themes, particularly Native American beliefs, but these often come across as heavy-handed. The concept of the Permians—a pre-dinosaur species with advanced evolution—sounds intriguing on paper but fails to translate effectively in execution. The dialogue, especially when describing the Permians, is clunky and detracts from the immersion.

Despite some dramatic tension, the final part never delivers a satisfying payoff. The climax feels rushed and lacks the impact needed to tie up the story's loose ends.

Peter Davison is, as always, a reliable lead, and Sarah Sutton slips back into her role as Nyssa with ease. While not the most dynamic companion, Nyssa works well alongside Five, making for a cohesive TARDIS team.

Shaun Brett stands out as the most compelling villain in the Main Range so far, with a well-explored blend of ambition, emotion, and flaws. Tulung makes for an effective sidekick, though Neril Roberts' accent occasionally feels forced. The rest of the supporting cast, including Andrew Fettes as Gaborik, is largely forgettable and similarly hindered by unconvincing accents.

The Alaskan setting initially shines as a unique and atmospheric backdrop, but the indoor focus of much of the story diminishes its potential. While the sound design helps establish the environment early on, the effect wears thin as the story progresses.

📝Verdict: 6/10

The Land of the Dead starts strong but ultimately fails to capitalise on its potential, leaving an uneven and underwhelming impression.