Redemption

"It is only fitting that after all this time, we learn who is master and who is servant!"

Writer: Simon Furman

Format: Comic Strip

Released: September 2011

Printed in: Doctor Who Classics: Volume 7

Featuring: Seventh Doctor, Olla

Synopsis 

The Doctor, being waited on by new companion Olla, is soon occupied as the TARDIS is held in space and the fearsome War-Lord Skaroux demands Olla be handed over to him.

Verdict 

Redemption was an intriguing and almost quite sad comic strip story. Pretty much following on immediately from the previous adventure, the Doctor was being waited upon by his new companion Olla. The Doctor has had numerous companions throughout his lives including Trakenites, shape changing robots and even a robot dog. But I think having a companion with the ability to absorb heat from others, which usually proves fatal, something we saw her try to do with the Doctor! I found it interesting how much he was enjoying her company after reluctantly accepting her request of having a lift home following Frobisher's departure. The story itself was quite rushed sadly due to it only being spread over one part which equates to just the eight pages (still much better than the Doctor Who Adventures and Annual comic strips!). Olla being frightened of Skaroux was intriguing and I thought that we may be getting some sort of backdrop for our brand new comic companion, and I suppose we got that but not in the way I would obviously hope for. It was a case of master and servant. And the master (ie Skaroux) wanted his servant Olla back. Except that wasn't what she was which I found to be a tad silly. The video messages to the proclaimed War-Lord (no, not the architect of those war zone games as seen in The War Games) were interesting and I was surprised how two of his men beamed on board the TARDIS. It's usually nowhere near that simple enough to get on board the Doctor's ship! I liked seeing the aggressive side of Olla when Skaroux entered the TARDIS and she threatened to kill him but it was clear she didn't know some of the Doctor's most valued morales. Murder isn't an option. The revelation that Olla was actually not a slave and was his willing counterpart was quite surprising to say the least. I thought the way it was revealed was almost like I was waiting for her to ridicule the last gasp attempt of Skaroux to save his life. But instead she just admitted her atrocities which I found sad. The way her backdrop and escape to A-Lux was referenced and tied in with A Cold Day in Hell was the highlight as that did work splendidly. But after learning of Olla's past, the Doctor could no longer travel with her. He just wanted to ensure she got a fair trial which was a nice farewell touch, though I doubt he'll feel grief of her departure as he might have felt with Peri or Frobisher's goodbye. But overall, a decent comic debut and farewell for Olla! 

Rating: 7/10