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Dark Eyes 1, released in 2012, is yet another refresh to the format of 8th Doctor stories, moving from monthly releases, to box sets, containing 4 stories in each, and this became the standard for this incarnation of the Doctor from here on out. Dark Eyes carries on from the ending of the 8DAs, but it also works well as its own thing, and tells its own story while setting up future 8th Doctor box sets.
The Great War is pretty much a perfect opener. Following on from the tragic events of To the Death, the 8th Doctor is travelling to the end of time for some perspective, however he's intercepted by Straxus and given a mission to World War I. There he meets Voluntary Aid Detachment Molly O'Sullivan, our new companion! Molly is undeniably charming, and played wonderfully by Ruth Bradley. Since Dark Eyes 1 is really all one story, this first episode gives a lot of time to its side characters and especially Molly, to allow us to become really invested in their situation, instead of going all out with the plot. It works really well, and the whole story is very atmospheric. The Daleks are actually used really well here too, they're a background force instead of front and center, shouting in your face like usual, which is a nice change of pace and makes them intimidating in a different way. I have a few minor problems with the story but otherwise The Great War is a brilliant opener to the set and the Dark Eyes saga as a whole.
9/10
Fugitives sees Molly and the Doctor on the run from the Daleks, travelling through time and space. Fugitives is a fun, fast-paced romp and we get a look at a lot of different times and locations. 8 and Molly's chemistry is very high on the charts and we see them grow closer throughout this story. Ruth Bradley has already cemented Molly's status as a fantastic companion here, she's incredibly enjoyable to listen to. The actual story is fine but a bit lackluster. It's very much a set-up episode, giving us hints and intrigue into what's really going on. It's fine but doesn't stand much on its own merits.
7/10
Tangled Web is a bit bonkers, but very enjoyable. The Doctor takes Molly back to her 2nd birthday, to try and find out what happened, and why she's so important to the Daleks' plans. Then some crazy stuff happens that I won't spoil. I really liked this one as a bit of an experiment. It focuses a lot on the Doctor and his current state of mind (it references To the Death quite a lot) as well as sets up things for the finale. Very enjoyable.
8/10
X and the Daleks serves as a solid conclusion to Dark Eyes 1, wrapping up the various plot threads of the set and delivering a few final twists before the end. I did really enjoy X and the Daleks, but it's a bit messy, with some odd pacing and heavy technobabble. The revelations at the end were really great though and Molly's (temporary) departure is touching and bittersweet. This story definitely has significant flaws but McGann, Bradley, Egan and Jones are so fantastic to listen to and really elevate the material.
8/10
Dark Eyes 1 is a great start to the saga, and also carries on from the end of the 8DAs well. Ruth Bradley's Molly is a highlight, as is Toby Jones' Kotris. I'd say this is well worth a listen, especially since it (mostly) stands on its own.
