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“Winter for the Adept: A Haunting Mystery in the Swiss Alps”
Winter for the Adept offers a compelling setup with its atmospheric setting and eerie premise, even if the story doesn’t fully deliver on its initial promise. Set in a remote Swiss boarding school in 1963, the tale is rooted in a Gothic mystery tradition that leans into themes of isolation, strange occurrences, and suspicion.
The story begins uniquely with Alison narrating, which helps establish the school and its students before Nyssa's arrival. Watching Nyssa work independently, investigating the school’s alleged spirits, is refreshing and highlights her resourcefulness. Sarah Sutton handles the increased focus on Nyssa with aplomb, bringing depth and curiosity to her character.
The atmosphere is palpable, with strong sound design and writing evoking an intimate yet chilling environment reminiscent of Land of the Dead. The haunted house feel that takes over once the Doctor arrives adds a layer of tension, as accusations fly among the characters while they’re trapped inside.
However, the story's explanation for the strange events—telepathic powers and extra-dimensional forces—feels a bit underwhelming. The shift from a potentially unique spin on a supernatural mystery to a more standard Doctor Who explanation robs the narrative of some of its intrigue. The telepathic elements create an eerie atmosphere but don’t quite mesh with the rest of the story’s tone.
India Fisher’s early role as Peril is a fascinating footnote, though her performance is somewhat distracting for listeners familiar with her iconic portrayal of Charley Pollard. Sally Faulkner and Peter Jurasik add strong performances, with Faulkner bringing authority and Jurasik lending an air of mystery.
The pacing is steady, with strange events peppered throughout to maintain tension, but it doesn’t remain consistently engaging. The final part, while faster-paced, feels overly drawn out, and the climax lacks the impact needed to close the story on a high note. Additionally, the sound design falters in these later parts, which detracts from the immersive experience.
📝Verdict: 6/10
As Andrew Cartmel’s first Big Finish script, Winter for the Adept is notable for its rare pairing of Nyssa and the Fifth Doctor under his pen. The setting and atmosphere are its strongest elements, but the story struggles to maintain focus and feels uneven in its execution. While not without its flaws, this audio drama offers an intriguing, atmospheric experience that fans of Gothic mysteries and Nyssa-centric tales may find worth exploring.
