Static

Main Range #233

Released: 12 December 2017

Listened: 9/5/20

This story has developed a bit of a reputation for being creepy, and it’s well-deserved. The travelers land at an isolated caravan park in the 1980s, one that’s isolated and gloomy, and only made worse by the fact that radios and TVs are forbidden. As the only other campers discover, the rule is in place for a reason -- using electronic devices can raise the dead. Getting to the bottom of what’s going on involves a trip back to the 1940s, where the British armed forces were using the area’s properties in a very creepy manner. This is a rather layered mystery, involving some timey-wimey, and a person forced to stand sentinel for 40 years, which is a little dark for this Doctor, at least at this point in his life. Saying much more would invite spoilers, but even as the situation becomes clear, it remains remarkably creepy; you may want to consider your environment before you listen. The baddies have an interesting vocal effect that Big Finish hasn’t used before, and which becomes a plot point, so that’s nice. Flip isn’t quite reckless in this one, but does display a lot of empathy, one of her character’s strengths. Constance is starting to become concerned about getting back home, and it’s starting to look like the Doctor is stalling on getting them there. Significantly, Constance leaves this story in a cloned body, and the ramifications of that have yet to be seen.