Big Finish Review: The Dark Planet

‘Somewhere far back in the early days of the universe the TARDIS lands on a world lit by a dying sun. Missing from the Doctor’s star maps and dotted with strange crystalline statues, it is a world ripe for exploration. But it is also a world of destruction. Venturing out onto its surface, the time travellers find themselves drawn into an age-old conflict between the two species residing on the planet - people of Light and Shadow. Proving a catalyst for the escalation of the conflict, the Doctor and his friends need either to create a peace or to pick a side. Because in times of war, nothing is ever black and white.’

The Dark Planet presents an interesting conundrum. The Doctor and his companions Ian, Barbara and Vicki arrive on the planet Lumia in the midst of a war between creatures of light and creatures of shadow. As the synopsis above suggests, the travellers soon become embroiled in a conflict not of their choosing. What can they do to stop it? Whose side do they choose? What are the combatants’ true motivations? Are they honourable or malevolent? These are interesting questions that the story explores. Each of our heroes explores the theme of war - and “what is it good for?” – in their own way; interacting with characters from both the ‘Light’ and ‘Shadow’.

Although this is a commendable attempt at addressing this theme and its many quandaries, I felt that this story fell short. I could not feel any sympathy for either of the two factions involved. I think that comes down to the very simplistic nature of the “Light’ and ‘Shadow’ creatures. For beings that supposedly evolved into energy, they characterised some very basic human conditions. They were almost childlike. And like children, without a greater sense of awareness to everything around them were easily succumbed by common frailties. By the end I really couldn’t care less what happened to them.

It’s a shame really. I was hoping The Dark Planet would be a more complex story given its length. I suppose though, it does attempt to mirror other season 2 stories. It reminds me a lot of The Web Planet in that sense.

On the plus side, I found Maureen O’Brien’s Vicki a return to form. Maureen was able to capture a ‘younger’ voice for this story, enabling Vicki to steal many of her scenes. William Russell does a passable First Doctor impersonation, but it is his enthusiasm for voicing Ian that really shines. It’s probably this enthusiasm that prevents me from rating this any lower. While I enjoyed the dialogue of the main characters and John Banks’ Shadows, the various characters of the Light felt…well, annoying.

Like many other stories both ‘lost’ and televised during the first few seasons, The Dark Planet educates its viewers/listeners on aspects of war and the affects it can have on family and society as a whole. Perhaps I’ve spoiled myself through years of watching complex and intense political war dramas, but I can’t help but compare this story. Yes, on the surface, as a simple tale about the problems of war it works. I do believe though that The Dark Planet could have benefitted from portraying a more mature version of the combatants.

Cast

William Russell (Ian Chesterton), Maureen O’Brien (Vicki), John Banks, Charlie Norfolk

Written By: Brian Hayles, adapted by Matt Fitton

Director: Ken Bentley

Sound Design: Toby Hrycek-Robinson

Music: Toby Hrycek-Robinson

Cover Art: Alex Mallinson

Number of Discs: 3

Duration: 180′ approx

Recorded Dates: 13 and 14 February, 10, 11 and 12 April 2012

Recorded At: The Moat Studios