The Ghosts of Gralstead [AUDIO/2014.9.5]

 

★★★★☆

  Blood and gore, mysterious hauntings, Victorian London and a six-part structure... yes, this is a Philip Hinchcliffe story alright. While I am of the belief that trying too hard to replice the tone and atmosphere of a specific era of Doctor Who is a detriment to the individual adventure, it certainly doesn't hurt to experience a very well-made one every once in a while. The Ghosts of Gralstead fits that description nicely: a sprawling epic that spans from 19th century mortuaries to the blazing deserts of Africa, with the marriage of magic and science providing many of the thrills in store. 

  The moments of subtlety make this a cut above some of its counterparts; Abasi respecting Leela's decision to let down his proposal of marriage, Professor Scrivener letting his resurrected wife go, they're all quite powerful. In the midst of all that happens, furthermore, Tom Baker and Louise Jameson are at the centre having the time of their lives. Their engagement and dedication to the script is palpable with each line they speak, and it further improves the quality of the already impressive adventure.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ  

  I highly recommend checking out the Philip Hinchcliffe Presents range of Big Finish; they feel most like extensions of what the ex-producer had envisioned for the show, unshackled by budgetary restrictions and Mary Whitehouse. The Ghosts of Gralstead is a fantastic introduction and an equally impressive standalone adventure; it's a steadily paced six-parter that displays body horror and hard-boiled science fiction of the highest order. Great stuff.