Sea Smoke

"We've got to have faith."

Writer: Jonathan Simms

Format: Audio

Released: October 2025

Series: Halloween 1.01

Featuring: First Doctor, Dodo

Synopsis

The First Doctor and Dodo arrive on the Scottish isle of Ulfsay during the height of the 19th-century boom in kelp burning. They quickly realise something is wrong as the smoke from the latest batch of 'kelp' begins to cause horrific transformations on the island.

Verdict

Sea Smoke was a very good start to the bonus Halloween boxset! I am writing this blog on release day ahead of Halloween and I'm surprised to find that the CD version of the series has already sold out. I'm lucky enough to have a copy but that clearly means it's a popular release. I thought there would be more of a Halloween feel for the opening episode but it was certainly eery so I can understand the vibe that is being targeted with these stories. I'm a big fan of a jumble of eras in one boxset because it provides variety and this is a welcomed addition to the ever expanding adventures of the First Doctor and Dodo. I'm very much at home with Stephen Noonan and Lauren Cornelius in their recast roles and whilst I still think the former's impression leaves something to be desired, I think of it as its own sort of era now which works in my head. I think it's good to bring out some character in Dodo which perhaps didn't happen on screen and this was another good example. She had compassion and was also impacted by the events at the heart of the story. I liked the 1790s setting and the burning of kelp sounds so mundane but in the Whoniverse it can become something much more interesting. With the Doctor seemingly having knowledge of what was actually being burned, I was half expecting something a bit more interesting than the previously unknown Selmantian. They were a fine concept in themselves but I would prefer that when the Doctor has a niggling memory of something that is something or someone we have met before. It just doesn't carry any kind of the same weight when it's an occurrence from an unseen or unheard adventure, especially in expanded media! I like the theme of faith in the episode with the historical setting despite being an atheist, but it has shaped so much of our history it's almost impossible to do a story set in the past without touching upon it! Reverend Drummond was a strong character and the way the Selmantian had linked with him because of how strong his faith was and his desire for salvation was really well done. It was a good use of taking advantage of something and placing itself as what the reverend desired. At one point, I thought this was going to turn into a prequel to Fury From the Deep with the use of seaweed and when we got a scream I thought I'd nailed it. Alas, it wasn't to be but it was a fun thought in my mind for quite a few minutes. I thought Flora was a really nice character and I loved her sense of adventure. She didn't think the idea of Dodo travelling and being a trader was strange despite her gender and the time as she too wished to travel. I loved that she was bold and asked if she could travel with Dodo and the Doctor once everything was said and done, and the companion was more than keen to have someone else alongside her. It was expected that she wouldn't be sticking around given the state of things after Drummond perished. His death breaking the link with the Selmantian and sending that packing was good and certainly a feeling of finality at the conclusion which is good in my book! Overall, a good historical that could have leaned more into the spooky Halloween theme, but a strong start to the series. 

Rating: 8/10