'X' and the Daleks
As Dark Eyes draws to a close, there is a sense of dread in the Doctor. After seeing a future where the Daleks changed, only to be brought screaming into reality along with memories of recent friends lost flooding back. It is a difficult episode for our characters, with so much to lose and very little to gain, is it possible that they can save the entire universe from the plans of Kortis, the Daleks and even the Time Lords?
It is inevitable that this part should be compared to the previous series finale, but it is so very different from it, the stark contrast makes it all the better. I will not make any subtle contrasts between the two, with the events being so close together and the entirety of this story based on the outcome of the latter, it would be impossible not to do so.
If there is one theme highlighted in X and the Daleks, it is remembrance. Unlike To The Death, this is a simple finale, without quite so much bloodshed, and more politics. Considering Dark Eyes is placed only moments after the death of one of his closest friends, the Doctor had never really stopped to contemplate this with Molly, he had always been running. He had been filled with hope, but not enough to protect him from the hurt of his loss. Despite being the boxsets conclusion, the end happens quite late on. Instead, we are exposed to the 8th Doctor as a broken man once again, something I had expected to be sorted and dealt with much earlier. There is one scene where the Doctor believes he has lost yet another companion to the Daleks that is particularly beautiful. Even this late in the story, we get a reminder that he is still broken, and the fresh fatality weighs heavy on his conscious. This truly is Paul McGann’s finest hour, showing just how much he has changed and grown since his first appearance in Storm Warning.
For the Daleks, Dark Eyes had been a lot lighter on the relentless killing than before. With the Doctor meeting the Time Controller again, his hatred is rekindled, yet never has the chance to boil over. Its plan this time is simpler, yet just as devastating. However, just like before, our hero is helpless to his enemies plan, as his companions and old acquaintances sacrifice themselves to prevent their goals. It echoes previous scenes, yet still manages to be a suitable ending for a tale that was more about the Doctor redeeming his belief in himself than fighting evil.
One other thing to note is the change in the Time Lords portrayed here. Let’s be honest, they have never been a benevolent race, but their actions here, their manipulation of Molly and the Daleks to their own means in twisted, cruel and shocking. Straxus’s lack of care is more evil than anything the pepper-pots have done in the past three episodes, and his eventual fate, along with the true nature of Kotris, seems truly justified in the end. The Time Lords seen here brings themselves one step closer to those seen in the End of Time, and the ultimate fate the Time War will bestow upon them.
Molly’s story is also wrapped up successfully. The reasons for her involvement and the plans she harbours are devastating and, without giving
too much away, the final moments are moving and justified. It is hard to write about Molly without any spoilers, but Nicholas Briggs and Ruth Bradley have brought her to life perfectly throughout the four hours we have been given with her.
A final note on the box-set I must add is that of its design. Alex Mallinson has done sterling work on all the covers and inlay arts. They are
all breath-taking, it would be worth buying the box just for these.
In all, Dark Eyes is a truly unique story that surpassed all my expectations. It may lack the sheer action and bravery that To The Death required to sell, but it does make up for it everywhere else. With fantastic writing, superb design, outstanding performances and dedication from all involved, Big Finish have created a truly unique set that will be treasured by every fan who buys it. My words cannot do it justice, Dark Eyes is a truly special treat.
It is inevitable that this part should be compared to the previous series finale, but it is so very different from it, the stark contrast makes it all the better. I will not make any subtle contrasts between the two, with the events being so close together and the entirety of this story based on the outcome of the latter, it would be impossible not to do so.
If there is one theme highlighted in X and the Daleks, it is remembrance. Unlike To The Death, this is a simple finale, without quite so much bloodshed, and more politics. Considering Dark Eyes is placed only moments after the death of one of his closest friends, the Doctor had never really stopped to contemplate this with Molly, he had always been running. He had been filled with hope, but not enough to protect him from the hurt of his loss. Despite being the boxsets conclusion, the end happens quite late on. Instead, we are exposed to the 8th Doctor as a broken man once again, something I had expected to be sorted and dealt with much earlier. There is one scene where the Doctor believes he has lost yet another companion to the Daleks that is particularly beautiful. Even this late in the story, we get a reminder that he is still broken, and the fresh fatality weighs heavy on his conscious. This truly is Paul McGann’s finest hour, showing just how much he has changed and grown since his first appearance in Storm Warning.
For the Daleks, Dark Eyes had been a lot lighter on the relentless killing than before. With the Doctor meeting the Time Controller again, his hatred is rekindled, yet never has the chance to boil over. Its plan this time is simpler, yet just as devastating. However, just like before, our hero is helpless to his enemies plan, as his companions and old acquaintances sacrifice themselves to prevent their goals. It echoes previous scenes, yet still manages to be a suitable ending for a tale that was more about the Doctor redeeming his belief in himself than fighting evil.
One other thing to note is the change in the Time Lords portrayed here. Let’s be honest, they have never been a benevolent race, but their actions here, their manipulation of Molly and the Daleks to their own means in twisted, cruel and shocking. Straxus’s lack of care is more evil than anything the pepper-pots have done in the past three episodes, and his eventual fate, along with the true nature of Kotris, seems truly justified in the end. The Time Lords seen here brings themselves one step closer to those seen in the End of Time, and the ultimate fate the Time War will bestow upon them.
Molly’s story is also wrapped up successfully. The reasons for her involvement and the plans she harbours are devastating and, without giving
too much away, the final moments are moving and justified. It is hard to write about Molly without any spoilers, but Nicholas Briggs and Ruth Bradley have brought her to life perfectly throughout the four hours we have been given with her.
A final note on the box-set I must add is that of its design. Alex Mallinson has done sterling work on all the covers and inlay arts. They are
all breath-taking, it would be worth buying the box just for these.
In all, Dark Eyes is a truly unique story that surpassed all my expectations. It may lack the sheer action and bravery that To The Death required to sell, but it does make up for it everywhere else. With fantastic writing, superb design, outstanding performances and dedication from all involved, Big Finish have created a truly unique set that will be treasured by every fan who buys it. My words cannot do it justice, Dark Eyes is a truly special treat.