Audio - Dark Shadows: Bloodlust Episode 5

Bloodlust 5

Susan Omand heads back into the Dark Shadows and discovers Night has fallen on Collinsport...

Some describe it as the town at the edge of the world.

When Melody and Michael Devereux come to Collinsport on their honeymoon, they don't know the secrets that are hidden behind closed doors. But those secrets will be unearthed when an innocent is viciously murdered.

Collinsport will be a town divided. One woman's rise to power will lead to further death and destruction. Families will be ripped apart. Blood will be spilt.

And the dark forces that wait in the shadows will wait no more. For in Collinsport, death is never the end...


Following straight on from the previous episode, it was nice, for a change, to get a few distinct stories this time that only started to merge at the end, as this made it a lot easier to follow. I’m also getting more used to the new characters and feel that I am able to keep track of things more easily now rather than trying to remember who is where.

First things first. The Tommy/Tom story. I know why it was needed, as a manifestation of the witch’s curse, but the character just didn’t work for me at all and felt awkward, although not in the way it was probably intended. Whether he fell between two stools, figuratively speaking, because of the writing or the acting I can’t say but what could have been a complex and subtle character felt like it was handled too obviously and he came across as trying too hard. The face-off between Amy and Angelique over the spell itself also seemed a little tame but I’m willing to bet it’s not the last time that they will meet and the next time will be more meaty. However it was nice to see Amy getting her feistiness back, the anger she felt towards Andrew was highly believable and it will be interesting to see if Andrew does make a reappearance at any point and, if so, on which side. The quick explanation of Amy’s background links with both Collinsport, her family and the supernatural was also well slotted into their argument without feeling clunky and served as a good refresher for those of us that have been listening to Dark Shadows for a while, as well as being clear enough for new listeners to follow. As for the other Cunningham, Harry, even though his part in this episode was small, he still came across strongly and helped to drive the narrative.

The discussion between Ed and his mother about Susan really had to come this episode and, although obvious to the listener, the conclusion was well handled by all the actors, especially Marie Wallace who plays Jessica.

I also like how the story is building between Kate and Frankie and the tie in with Kate being there for the Halloween episode of Beyond the Grave is becoming a lot more evident, so I’m really pleased that I listened to it before and know the background. A couple of throwaway lines between them, when Kate asks about his day and he gives the same answer as always, has also sparked a new possibility in my head about how the mine story is going to develop and the part Frankie has to play.

And that, other than a general discussion between Mike Devereux and Maggie Evans about the murder, the supernatural and the reason behind her meetings, pretty much wraps it up for this episode. Apart from one more thing that happened right at the end – my favourite Dark Shadows character is back!

Image - Dark Shadows

Bloodlust Ep 5 is available direct from Big Finish
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