The Dying Light

Companion Chronicles #8.6

Released: 19 December 2013

Listened: 10/5/20

This is the middle story of a trilogy that came out in 2013 for the 50th Anniversary, so it’s a sequel to “The Beginning.” That story was impressive because of when it was set, but this one suffers a bit from middle-story syndrome. The TARDIS lands on an interesting planet -- the seas are made of sand, and the solid rocks are porous, so they float. The inhabitants are entirely castaways, and they mostly eschew technology. However, Quadrigger Stoyn (played by Terry Malloy) from “The Beginning” is here, he’s even more desperate to get back to Gallifrey, and he still very much blames the Doctor. He’s sane enough not to blame Jamie and Zoe, but he’s willing to take insane risks to reach his goal. The resolution is a bit abrupt, and basically kicks the can down the road for the Fourth Doctor to deal with, but that’s middle stories for you.