The Flying Dutchman/Displaced

 


The Flying Dutchman by Gemma Arrowsmith

The Flying Dutchman is worth applauding as an idea, and like Curse of the Black Spot, I think it's got a lot of potential, it just really?? doesn't do things well. They have a lot in common, where the female companion of the story kicks ass (Ace, Amy) whereas the meeker male companion (Rory, Hex) kind of just frick about and are like "aw, isn't the other companion cool" and also the main ghostly threat of the story is rather different from what you might think. Aside that, I much prefer Flying Dutchman to Curse, because at least it has a more fun and actively horror-filled atmosphere, though that's not to say this story isn't a clanker too. There's a crossdressing character in this audio where it's supposed to be a twist that they're actually a woman, but considering it's audio and not live-action, this is sort of completely obvious. Also, This is yet another story where one of the last lines is that Seven knew all along and didn't say anything even though people died?? just because he's an asshole I suppose, like usually he has a plan or something at least that, but no, he just doesn't tell Ace and Hex even though there is no benefit but telling them. At least he didn't cause it, so I'll slide in as one of the least problematic 7 episodes. It's kind of a story that's only good if you don't think about it, because nothing about the plot makes sense due to the ending twist, but if you sit back and enjoy it, you know, it's fairly decent. I honestly hate that I'm at that sort of stage now with Doctor Who, because really, at some point I'm going to have to get it in my head I can go without stories like this: 5/10

Displaced by Katherine Armitage

“And After All That… It’s just a house.”

More in tone with a Torchwood monthly range than Doctor Who, I appreciate Displaced despite it's dark tone because it's a tale that actually ultimately has some real heart to it, something I wasn't expecting from a Seventh Doctor and Hex tale. There's some excellent concepts here. It's quite honestly a very brilliant puzzle, and has the best audio characterization and performances for McCoy, Aldred and Olivier, great stuff. It doesn't get any better than this, like ever, especially for the Hex arc. I love brutal and dark stories when they have a heart to them, funny that. 10/10 

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