Nightfall: Sunlight

"I never thought I'd see snow again."

Writer: Jonathan Morris

Format: Audio

Released: April 2025

Series: Planet Krynoid 1.01

Featuring: Governor Hodan

Synopsis 

For a hundred years, Sunlight has been a beacon of hope shining across a troubled galaxy, an artificial paradise on a frozen world offering safe haven for the super-rich, and employment for even the poorest of labourers. At least, that's what the adverts say.

Unfortunately for Governor Robert Hodan, one of his engineers has just discovered a pair of strange-looking pods lodged in a satellite. So Sunlight, that glittering verdant oasis, will never be the same again.

Because, as the Doctor knows only too well, on planets where the Krynoid gets established, the vegetation eats the animals...

Verdict

Sunlight was a strong start to the Nightfall first series of Planet Krynoid! This is a very exciting new spinoff from Big Finish and I’m liking the darker and edgier feel right from the off. Even the artwork sets the tone and I like that there is a warning for more adult themes. Something like the Krynoids are perfect to be taken into their own series and it is impressive to think that they warrant this based on just one televised appearance. Now there’s no doubting that The Seeds of Doom is a cult classic and I like the Krynoids as a villain, but I’m surprised this exists. I’m all for it though and the Sunlight setting was established really well here. I thought the pace was pretty steady and full of anticipation, and the episode basically introduces us to the Krynoids again without them even featuring! It’s quite fun that the whole story focuses on just the arrival of two seed pods and I like the planting of the mystery regarding Governor Hodan. He clearly has knowledge of the seed pods because he wants them destroyed immediately and that’s something that was picked up on when he accidentally blurted out more knowledge on how the pods worked than he ought to have known. I look forward to exploring that further as the series goes on and he looks set to be a strong lead character. I think Reece Shearsmith is a fine choice to lead the series and he made a strong mark in Sleep No More, and this is a pretty different role now for him to sink his teeth into. I thought Maggie was a fun character as the engineer and her finding of the seed pods really set the episode into motion. There was a good sense of urgency and anticipation once Piotr was infected and being the listener and knowing about the Krynoids, it was amusing to hear the all clear given. The emergence of the seed pod as a means for curing infections was exciting because again, I just know where things will go from here. Hearing the scientists learn all about the Krynoid strain and that the plant was actually taking over was intriguing and exciting! Hearing some of the description of the Krynoid infection and the green veins was excellent in painting the imagery that accompanied the story’s artwork which is incredibly striking by the way. Clarissa being ill and the Governor’s wife was really good and shocking when he agreed that if Piotr has to be killed because of infection then so did she. Even their child was on hand to hear him say that! That was a strong emotional tie. I thought Doctor Costello was a strong character and I really liked how she was struggling with the new infection, but also keen to learn more. It looked on paper to be something amazing in terms of curing and her preference for a live specimen almost sounded inhumane! There’s a keen interest for me as a listener here to hear how the people of Sunlight react to and discover the Krynoids. The cliffhanger finish of the Eighth Doctor emerging from hiding is exciting, but it almost seems like he’s interrupting! I will of course listen with an open mind, but for now this was a great start to the series!

Rating: 8/10