Another take on a classic literally foe, Project: Twilight is a mystery turned into an intense affair and yet another success for the Sixth Doctor and Evelyn.
Story: 10
Like Loups-Garoux (2001) before it, Project: Twilight seeks to take a classic horror genre concept and give it the Doctor Who twist; here, werewolves are substituted with vampires.
It's interesting how the Doctor implies that the Time Lords are to blame for the release of the virus that creates vampires. It makes them responsible for yet another thing.
This story goes from bad to worse as we realize what the Doctor has done and what the vampires are planning.
Acting: 10
Holly De Jong and Rob Dixon are equally good as opposite sides of the same coin. I particularly like Dixon's mad demeanour and De Jong's slowly growing intensity. Colin Baker is also great as a more vulnerable Sixth Doctor, which is a great side to experience.
The Doctor: 11
The Doctor makes a huge mistake here, putting Evelyn's life at risk. We even hear him apologise for shouting at her, which shows how far he's come since the TV days. We truly understand that he feels strongly for Evelyn by now.
The Companions: 7
Evelyn takes a more laid-back approach here. She's not quite as sassy or reckless as other times and seems genuinely discomforted by the things going on.
The Monster/Villain: 11
I like the way the vampires have been humanized; they use syringes to draw blood from their victims and arent afraid of crucifixes. They live for hundreds of years and are cold to the touch, however. They resemble the vampires of the Supernatural universe. I also like how all vampires have personal weaknesses.
I like how Amelia is the sensible, scheming vampire, a little bit like Dracula himself. Reggie, meanwhile, is the temperamental brute, whid jut like to do things his way.
Production: 10
This is a pretty simple and straightforward production, although the soundscapes fail to conveniently depict what js going on at the beginning do the story. I was left slightly confused at first.
There are some creepy sounds in the first part that are very well realized.
Pacing: 11
While not an action-packed adventure, this is tense enough to not feel overlong. The scenes are short and the story evolves fairly quickly. New story details are presented with good pace, so the story stays fresh.
Atmosphere: 12
From the very beginning, there is a sense of mystery and danger in the air. We understand that something bad is going on, but not exactly what. The tension builds up extremely well until the total explosion that is Part Four.
This story is unexpectedly mature, violent and intense, particularly in the final part. Hearing the vampires drink blood is among the most horrifying things I've heard.
Impact: 10
Big Finish yet again proves they can handle classic concepts within fiction in new settings. The Forge will show up over the years until 2010 and will become an important recurring element in further adventures.
Replay Value: 11
Much like The Holy Terror (2000), this story grows in intensity and reaches its climax in the final episode, where things truly turn rough. It's an intestine and exciting affair, well worth a replay.
Random Observations:
Different kind of vampires show up in the 2010 TV story Vampires of Venice.
This story starts a several-year-long story arc involving the mysterious Forge.
Evelyn yet again fishes the Doctor from the Thames, as she did in the Marian Conspiracy (2000).
Score: 104/120 = 4,3 stars