Rise and Fall

"It's like seeing a million years of human evolution flash by in the blink of an eye."

Writer: George Man
Format: Audio
Released: November 2010
Series: Short Trips Volume 1.01

Featuring: First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara

Synopsis

Looking for a respite after their involvement in the French Revolution, the TARDIS materialises on a planet to which the Doctor has never been before. While the girls enjoy themselves in the TARDIS wardrobe, Ian and the Doctor step out onto a verdant, but scarcely populated world...

Verdict

Rise and Fall was just outstanding. 20 minutes of brilliance and was a joy to listen to! With Susan and Barbara more interested in the wardrobe, the Doctor and Ian were the main characters in this and it was just an excellently executed script. With no real danger, the story was just home to intrigue and curiosity, something the Doctor does not lack in. It was incredible, and must've have been astonishing for the Doctor and Ian to watch, to see that a whole civilisation rose and fell in a small matter of time before them. I adored how the TARDIS was an incredible landmark for the planet's natives and it's incredible to think that the TARDIS played such a pivotal role in the society of the inhabitants. I loved the idea that from the perspective of the Doctor and Ian, time passed extremely quickly in comparison to those who lived on the planet. It's just fascinating how the 'two aliens' were just seen as mysteries. Pure beauty! With the civilisation fallen, the Doctor and Ian were clearly affected and returned to the TARDIS. I liked the brief follow on from The Reign of Terror, which is a little ahead of my TV run, but that was no problem - especially with the elegance this script possessed.

Rating: 10/10