Doctor Who: House of Blue Fire

Two women arrive at a mysterious house in the wilderness with no knowledge of how they got there, or who they are. So begins a creepy tale of a place filled with subtle, but unnerving horrors. It's clear to the listener that the house is far from natural, and that the Doctor is somehow involved, but he doesn't turn up for a full 30 minutes, and doesn't come up with a straight explanation for a good deal longer than that.

If there's a weakness here, it's that some of the elements of the story, such as the amnesia, have also been used in other Big Finish releases that came out not long before this one. The details are, of course, different, as is the overall tone. The second half of the story once we know, in general terms, what's really happening, is also much less scary than the first, even if still manages to remain dark and threatening.

Particular praise, however, has to be given to the high quality of the acting. The entire cast is on top form, remaining believable throughout. There is no regular companion in this story, which, in this case, works to its benefit, and the early segments, with the two female guests exploring the house, comprise a strong two-hander that's all the better for the Doctor's absence. Fear and phobias are a central theme in the story, and the loyalty and decency of Guest #18 are nicely contrasted with her fellows, without making any of them truly unlikeable.

I was inclined to give this 5 stars, but on reflection, the second half of the story, while far from weak, doesn't quite live up to the promise of the first. The monster, for example, while effective enough, isn't all that different from many that have come before, and once its nature is (necessarily) revealed, much of the tension is gone. The play might, perhaps, have worked better if the reveal had been left until closer to the end, cutting out a slower paced section that occupies much of the third act - although things do pick up again towards the end.

So a flawed masterpiece, perhaps, but good nonetheless.