One of the darkest Big Finish episodes I think, really harrowing. From start to finish wonderfully acted and performed, I'm at a loss for words.

So f**king cool how this story is written fully loved this but it’s not as good as the first ep

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

“The Miracle of Pendour Cove: A Darkly Atmospheric Tale of Betrayal and Bonding”

The Miracle of Pendour Cove diverges sharply from the Edwardian horror of The Unknowing Mirror, embracing the bleak yet evocative world of 1930s Cornwall. The harsh life of seamen, relentless storms, and a community defined by its faith and struggles are vividly portrayed, pulling listeners into the salty air and rough-hewn charm of the Cornish coast.

Freddie, the story’s protagonist, lives under the oppressive shadow of his abusive father, a false priest and ship’s captain. His life changes with the arrival of Vorvoran, a mysterious woman from the sea with shape-shifting powers. What begins as an enchanting bond between a lonely boy and a mermaid-like creature gradually transforms into something far darker and more unsettling.

A Character-Driven Story

The narrative thrives on its central relationship. Vorvoran, at first wide-eyed and curious about human life, evolves into a fierce protector as she stands against Freddie’s tyrannical father. Their connection is as heartwarming as it is disturbing, especially when Vorvoran begins mimicking Freddie’s late wife, unsettling the fragile balance of their lives.

Freddie himself is a complex character, starting as a sympathetic victim of his father’s cruelty before revealing his own manipulative and abusive tendencies. The shift in his character in the final act is masterfully handled, transforming him from a pitiable figure to a chilling antagonist.

Atmosphere and Authenticity

The story’s atmosphere is one of its strongest elements. The period setting is enriched by evocative sound design, from the crashing of waves to the haunting melodies of Cornish folk songs and psalms. References to 1930s pop culture, like The Bride of Frankenstein, and the depiction of seafaring life immerse the listener in the era.

The tonal shift from a wistful tale of friendship to a harrowing drama of domestic violence is jarring yet effective, heightening the emotional stakes as Freddie’s true nature comes to light.

The Zygon Connection

The Zygons remain on the periphery for much of this story, their presence felt more as a thematic undercurrent than an overt threat. Vorvoran’s shapeshifting abilities are central to the plot, raising intriguing questions about the nature of Zygons and their potential for humanity.

The climax cleverly weaponises these abilities, leading to a grimly satisfying moment as Freddie’s father, in his blind rage, attacks his own son instead of the Zygon. This twist underscores the idea that humanity’s flaws often eclipse alien monstrosity.

A Chilling Conclusion

The story’s final moments pull back to the overarching mystery of Zygon Century. The enigmatic salesman who has appeared throughout the tale is revealed as an investigator into the Zygon invasion plot, tying this intimate drama to the larger series arc.

The Verdict: A Haunting Second Chapter

The Miracle of Pendour Cove is a rich, atmospheric entry in Zygon Century, blending period drama with psychological horror. Its character-focused storytelling and unsettling twists make it a compelling listen, even as the Zygon invasion plot remains more of a background element.

This is a story that lingers, exploring the darker sides of human nature while subtly advancing the series’ overarching mystery.

📝98/100

That was absolutely brutal to listen to. A fantastic and incredibly dark story, listening to something as awful as domestic abuse means I can't say I 'enjoyed' it, but I recognize how good this story was. The tension kept getting ratcheted up throughout, and the ending was as dark and twisted as we could expect. It seems so far the point of 'Zygon Century' is to interrogate 20th century society more than create a full Zygon invasion story which is pretty interesting. Now to see how the Doctor slots in next episode...