a rather mid end to this set, which granted was mid in general tbh except the stellar first episode. charley had some great scenes, but the mara just felt maybe underused ? i feel this should've been a two parter to flesh out the mara more, they really work well with the classic who format as opposed to just one hour i feel. again, i feel this range of 8/charley/audacity could do with an arc like all of the great (not you dark eyes) arcs of 8's boxset era.

Last year was very Mara filled for me as I hadn't seen the previous stories featuring the villain, so before Art Decadence came out in July I watched both Kinda and Snakedance. I have to say, this is probably the weakest Mara story I've experienced so far, but I still enjoyed it. India did a very good job playing both Charley and the Mara and the Doctor and Audacity acted as a good supporting cast. I did like the subplot about the planet that the residents of the sleep clinic are from, but otherwise the rest of the characters were quite forgettable. I think there's lots of good within this story, it just needed a bit more creativity in its use of the Mara and the overall story.

Snake Oil

Prerequisites: None needed, although there are some references to the Mara from other stories

The Gloaming marks a decidedly mediocre story to end this boxset on. Nothing was terrible here, but frankly I just wasn't that interested. While I haven't seen the Classic Who serials featuring the Mara, it seems pretty un-engaging as a concept. Maybe it works better given the longer format of Classic? Whatever the case, here, I didn't quite buy it. The side characters are unmemorable, and it's all wrapped up in a basic moral against capitalism (which has been done much better before). Admittedly, there are some bright spots: the Doctor reminding Charlie of their adventures together was a nice moment, and ending the audio on a conclusion that Dekkar was simply too stupid to be possessed by the Mara was pretty funny. All in all, forgettable.

Really good! I always love when the Mara gets psychedelic stories with unsettling dream sequences and this had that!

All performances were great, but India Fisher especially. She was outstanding!

I also especially love the political commentary as well. I do wish Dekkar didn't get away scott free but Charley's take down of him was pretty grand at least.

Had a lot of fun with this one falling on Christmas in my Doctor Who watch! This TARDIS team is really shaping into its own with all three characters getting great opportunity to shine. The Mara is such an insidious foe, and hearing it possessing Charlie was unnerving. Audacity also gets properly horrified when she learns the truth of why everyone is on the Gloaming. I hope we get this crew for a couple years yet.

an amazing audio! psychological horror esque but still had very classic big finish campness. Really interesting choice for it to be a new mara but i liked that cause it didnt feel like "an enemy of the doctor" but what it is, a force from within. would have loved for audacity to have had a mara run in due to her canon sapphicness in previous audios (would have been a nice nod to lesbian tegan. Really loved the focus on charley and the doctors relationship and history. Also noticed some slight foreshadowing from the mara, predicting charleys fate. my only criticism is that i wish it was longer / we saw more of the after effect of charley being possessed by the mara but that may occur in future audios!!

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

"THE GLOAMING: NIGHTMARES, PRIVILEGE, AND THE RETURN OF THE MARA"

The Deadly Strangers set closes with The Gloaming, an eerie and psychologically charged adventure that pits the Eighth Doctor, Charley, and Audacity against the Mara—the mind-controlling serpent alien from Kinda and Snakedance. Set aboard a luxurious sleep clinic orbiting a lifeless planet, the story masterfully blends psychological horror with sharp social commentary, making for a gripping finale.

The clinic caters to the wealthy elite, allowing them to escape their troubles by entering hypersleep. This setting serves as a biting critique of privilege and modern escapism—wrapped in a sleek, futuristic aesthetic. Pampered by advanced technology and an android butler, the rich guests believe themselves untouchable… until the Mara turns their sanctuary into a waking nightmare. The concept is evocative and immersive, with the dreamlike horror seamlessly woven into the sci-fi backdrop.

CHARLEY’S NIGHTMARES AND A POSSESSION TO REMEMBER

The Mara thrives on fear and mental vulnerability, and it finds the perfect target in Charley. As she is lured into a nightmare-filled sleep, her dreams become a battleground, forcing her to confront her deepest fears and her complex relationship with the Doctor. These sequences are the most compelling of the story, building tension as the Mara tightens its grip—culminating in a chilling possession that brings Charley to the brink of destruction.

The showdown between the Doctor and a Mara-possessed Charley is undoubtedly the highlight of the episode. It’s intense, emotional, and superbly performed, with India Fisher delivering a haunting portrayal of Charley under the Mara’s influence.

AUDACITY STEPS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT

Audacity takes a proactive role here, working closely with the Doctor to save Charley. This episode gives her a chance to shine, showcasing her resourcefulness, courage, and sharp instincts. Jaye Griffiths delivers a standout performance, ensuring that Audacity remains a formidable presence.

The supporting cast also adds depth to the story. The android butler and the self-indulgent clientele of the clinic aren’t just background figures—they help shape the narrative, adding both tension and thematic weight to the unfolding horror.

📝VERDICT: 9/10

A fittingly dramatic and thought-provoking finale, The Gloaming expertly mixes social critique, psychological tension, and strong character dynamics. The return of the Mara is handled brilliantly, with Charley’s possession standing out as a particularly chilling moment. With its eerie atmosphere and powerful performances, this is a memorable closer to the set—one that lingers long after the final scene.

I loved this story too such a banger set overall wow

the Charley n Mara scenes felt so unique yet similar to the one in kinda with Tegan it’s such a good version of it

the only issue is I wish it was audacity instead of Charley but at the same time it works so well for Charley