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TARDIS Guide

Review of The Shadow of the Scourge by MrColdStream

3 May 2024

This review contains spoilers!

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

“The Shadow of the Scourge: A Creepy, High-Concept Adventure for Seven”

The Shadow of the Scourge, Big Finish's 13th Main Range release, marks its first foray into Virgin New Adventures continuity. Set between All-Consuming Fire and First Frontier, this story expertly balances its source material's unique flavour with Big Finish's audio format, offering an eerie and intense experience.

The narrative unfolds in a multifaceted setting: a quirky hotel hosting a convention, a dangerous time experiment, and a cult à la Planet of the Spiders attempting to summon the Scourge. Throw in reanimated corpses for good measure, and you have a story teeming with tension and memorable moments.

The strength of The Shadow of the Scourge lies in its structure. By splitting its events between the Doctor, Ace, and Bernice Summerfield, the story gradually reveals its layers. The steady build-up of tension culminates in shocking cliffhangers, each more gripping than the last. Part 2's climax is particularly notable, showcasing one of Big Finish's most effective twists as the Doctor falls victim to the Scourge's power.

Sylvester McCoy delivers a standout performance, fully embracing the manipulative and strategic nature of the Seventh Doctor. His portrayal shines especially in the darker moments, such as his chilling invitation to the Scourge in Part 1 and his subsequent transformation in Part 3.

Lisa Bowerman as Bernice Summerfield integrates seamlessly with the Doctor and Ace, her witty and assertive character bringing a fresh dynamic to the TARDIS crew. Despite being a companion from the Virgin novels, no prior knowledge is required to enjoy her role here. Ace, portrayed by Sophie Aldred, remains true to form—resourceful and brave, taking charge in the Doctor's absence during the latter half. Both companions are given significant moments to shine, showcasing their distinct strengths.

The Scourge themselves are well-developed antagonists, transcending the typical "murderous alien" trope. Their psychological and physical domination of the Doctor makes them a credible and frightening threat, amplified by the disturbing sound design and monster voices. The chanting and visceral sound effects, particularly during transformation scenes, create an oppressive and unnerving atmosphere.

However, the story falters slightly in its second half. While the first two parts steadily escalate tension, the third part slows the narrative progression, feeling somewhat disjointed before ramping up for the high-stakes finale. Additionally, the guest characters lack depth and fail to leave a lasting impression.

Paul Cornell's script captures the essence of a high-concept Doctor Who tale, transitioning from a grounded mystery to a surreal battle of wills. The slow build-up in Part 1 sets the stage effectively, while the chaotic arrival of the Scourge in Part 2 delivers pure audio drama. Though the pacing stumbles briefly, the resolution in Part 4 ties the story together with the Doctor reclaiming control in a satisfying, if slightly bizarre, climax.

📝Verdict: 8/10

The Shadow of the Scourge is a compelling blend of creeping horror and high-concept science fiction. With a manipulative Seventh Doctor, well-crafted monsters, and a richly atmospheric soundscape, it is a must-listen for fans of darker, layered Doctor Who adventures. Despite minor pacing issues, Paul Cornell has crafted a tense, unsettling story that fits the Seventh Doctor like a glove.