A new phase in the never-dull life of Bernice Summerfield opens as she arrives on the human colony world of Maximediras, with her son Peter in tow, to begin work…
A new phase in the never-dull life of Bernice Summerfield opens as she arrives on the human colony world of Maximediras, with her son Peter in tow, to begin work…
Beyond the Sea
Bereft of most of the ever present continuity that permeated every aspect of the last series, Beyond the Sea feels a lot fresher and freer than the range has in a long time. It’s almost a step backwards to the first two BF series which largely featured Bernice travelling out, having an adventure, and moving on from week to week. Of course the big change to the format is the addition of Peter Summerfield, the latest addition to the regular cast, played surprisingly ably by Thomas Grant. He plays the young character with incredible range, making this troubled boy a true three dimensional character which is a relief after year on year blank slates.
Aside from Peter’s presence this is a definite return to the original status quo. Most of the plays successes arise from its atmosphere, from finally giving clarification to the status of Bernice and her ability as a mother. It also starts really promisingly, with two almost-comedy characters and a genuinely likeable companion in the form of Rick Hertz. Eddie Robson has a talent for drawing up instantly recognisable character types and plotting tight independent stories. Sadly, when the action-horror scenario starts, things begin to fall a little flat.
In the Bernice Summerfield companion Eddie Robson compares this play to Charlie Brookers ‘Dead Set’, commenting that he got it completely wrong in giving the Zombies voices. It’s not a complete disaster, there are some good scenes (such as the intercom announcement where they announce their plans with much appreciated bluntness) but it is a glaring weakness. There are several scenes of ‘zombies’ discussing nothing amongst each other that goes absolutely nowhere. Then, with Peter ripping through them at will, they loose all credibility. There are saving graces at the end, with a dig at political hardliners labelling themselves the ‘Silent Majority’, but it could be too little too late.
In the end ‘Beyond the Sea’ is a fresh and competent Bernice Summerfield story, harking back to the early days of the Big Finish range, bringing both the bad as well as the good that entails. It has some truly great characterisations, great atmosphere, great setup but it struggles to hold this level of greatness all the way to the end.
7 / 10