Midnight

"She's goy my voice. She's got my words."

Writer: Russell T Davies

Format: TV

Broadcast: 14 June 2008

Series: 4.10

Featuring: Tenth Doctor

Synopsis 

The Tenth Doctor and Donna go to a leisure planet for a simple, relaxing holiday. However, life with the Doctor can never be that simple. Things decide to go horribly wrong when the Doctor offs on a bus trip to see the Sapphire Waterfall, starting with the bus shutting down. When a mystery entity infiltrates the shuttle, no one is to be trusted. Not even the Doctor himself...

Verdict

Midnight was a great episode to continue our way through the fourth series of the modern era of Doctor Who! This is such an interesting episode and I swear that my enjoyment differs every time I watch it. I always think I give it a perfect rating but when it comes to actually watching it I usually give it the same rating. That’s what happened here after checking out my previous blog entry. It’s a good move and Gemma informed me before we watched that it was intended to be a subtly political episode, something I hadn’t realised beforehand. That’s probably because on my last viewing I was only really getting interested in politics and I can certainly see that here. It’s clever from Russell T Davies in how he wrote it. The contained setting of the transporter was excellent and it was obvious from the moment the Doctor put the phone down to Donna that he wasn’t going to have a simple trip to the sapphire waterfall. The phone call to Donna was fun and this being the Donna-lite episode with what’s to come works surprisingly well. She isn’t missed but boy I bet she would be a hoot on this journey! Sky was actually sensational and whilst it does go on a little too long, the uncomfortable nature of her first repeating and then talking in sync with the Doctor and his fellow passengers was brilliant. It’s so unique and I really appreciate the acting on display. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been and they really do a splendid job. The way the directing is done adds to the uncomfortable feel and whilst I do think it is slightly overboard and a little clumsy, that probably suits the feel and theme of the episode. The passengers all compliment each other well with a wide range of characters. We have Jethro who is quite quiet as a whole but then peaks up when he can have a little fun with Sky. He’s the only one paying attention to her though when everyone else is bickering and questioning why the Doctor is in charge. I loved the moment where the Doctor had to admit that he was interested in what was going on, although I do think it was unfair for him to be accused of enjoying events. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by a brand new life form? The knocking on the outside of the species from a diamond planet was excellent. I thought it was pretty comical for the Doctor to use a stethoscope though! Sky being infected and then actually focusing on the Doctor as the cleverest voice in the room was great and the slow deterioration of the Doctor was sublime. The use of the Doctor’s phrases set a lightbulb off in the stewardess’s mind as she could see that Sky had taken the Doctor’s voice. It wasn’t the right thing to throw him out, which was a powerful thing to be happening. Just when something different popped up, the human instance was to commit murder. The Doctor challenging them on that was a really good Doctor moment. Show them that you’re better. The stewardess sacrificing herself to take out Sky was very sudden and I’m not sure why she couldn’t just push her out, but the fact nobody knew her name was just incredible. That was so powerful. The events had clearly impacted the Doctor as he was noticeable different when talking to Donna about what he’d experienced. He didn’t even want her joking about the repeating. Overall, another great episode! 

Rating: 8/10

Forest of the Dead

"You've always known how I was going to die."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 07 June 2008

Series: 4.09

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Donna, River

Synopsis 

As shadows rise, the Doctor forges an alliance with the mysterious River Song. However, can anyone stop the Vashta Nerada?

Verdict

Forest of the Dead was a great episode to conclude the story already started in Silence in the Library. I think when judging this as a stand-alone it doesn’t quite live up to the first part, but it is still very much brilliant! I like how the action continues right from where we left off in the cliffhanger and the threat of the Vashta Nerada is still very much felt. For some reason, the prospect of them actually arriving was more scary than when they started hunting and actually seeking. The moment where they seemed to learn to speak was freaky though and I was glad that we got voices put to the shadowy makeup of the creatures. The fact they used the voices of their victims was excellent and the image of them in the tinted out spacesuit was so striking and it worked tremendously well. The story of the Doctor and River was excellent here and is the highlight of the episode. The moment where River has no option but to gain his trust given then severity of the situation with the Vashta Nerada was sensational as she whispered his own name into his ear. The reaction of the Doctor was extraordinary and it was a sublime performance from David Tennant. It really is such a powerful moment and later learning that it was his name is marvellous. The Doctor stating there is only one time where he could give that was palpable and we would see that a couple of series later of course. Watching in hindsight and hearing all of the references to what would become The Husbands of River Song really is delightful. It is an incredible story over a long course of time with the years to come and even the mentions of a new haircut and suit referencing the Twelfth Doctor is so good. It is extraordinary how everything comes together, even with the sonic screwdriver hand over. I love everything about it. Donna has quite the eventful episode here when she is saved to the computer and the passing of time within there was fascinating. As soon as something was said, events moved straight there and having Dr Moon there to explain worked well. He was an ominous character that worked very well. The truth about him as the literal Doctor Moon was terrific and I love the whole idea behind CAL and saving the 4,022 people. Actually having her watch the events in the Library unfold on television was a lot of fun, but her childish mood swings were causing some issues! I loved the revelation that the Vashta Nerada came in the books as microspores, and it worked well to learn of the family connection on the Library with River's team. The Doctor was in fine form as he was angry at the Vashta Nerada for impersonating Anita and the moment he tells them to look him up is just sensational. Donna being told her kids weren't real by Evangelista was another powerful moment and all of the children being the same was pretty disturbing. The moment at the end where it appears the episode is petering out after River sacrifices herself is so good as the Doctor realises he can still save her. He's had two regenerations to work it out and plan as he always knew how she would die, and once again he can save her and her entire archaeology team. It is a fitting end to a superb episode! 

Rating: 9/10

Silence in the Library

"If you want to live, count the shadows."

Writer: Steven Moffat\

Format: TV

Broadcast: 31 May 2008

Series: 4.08

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Donna, River 

Synopsis 

The Doctor takes Donna to a planet-sized library in the fifty-first century. They find it empty of human life, with countless other living beings. An information kiosk warns them to "count the shadows". An archaeologist expedition arrives, led by the mysterious Professor River Song, who brings a cryptic last message...

Verdict

Silence in the Library was an excellent episode to continue our way through the fourth series of Doctor Who! We are really getting into the nitty gritty of the series now as things begin to take shape leading to the finale, there is an ominous warning for Donna as River Song debuts in incredible fashion. It is so fun now watching this adventure for the first time in a very long time knowing all we do about River's journey with the Doctor. River's arrival is brilliant and right from the off she seems so important and owns the stage. The relationship with the Doctor even at this point is sublime and her reaction when she realises that the Doctor isn't joking about not knowing who she is. Obviously, we come to know the significance of that and what it means for her as the journey continues in the Moffat era, but right here the seeds are sewn so well. It really is extraordinary how well River's story is told over the course of a number of series. The episode in of itself is excellent and it really is Moffat at his best with the concept of the Vashta Nerada. They will be more prominent in the next episode, but the way they are slowly built to here is fantastic stuff. The Doctor has clearly met them before, albeit in smaller clusters, and it is nice that Big Finish have filled in some of those gaps, but they are introduced so well here. Taking shadows and making them deeply scary was sublime and I loved that the Doctor was differentiating between not every shadow, but any shadow. That was really important and just exciting. The Vashta Nerada were beastly in their devouring and the double shadows was a brilliant visual. The Doctor was outstanding in trying to solve the threat and keep the expedition safe, although I did think his comments about archaeologists were a little harsh! Donna was in extraordinary form here with her reaction to the Doctor's sonic screwdriver being hilarious, but the moment where she asked River how she knew the Doctor and her emotional tale was met with a brash reply was simply wonderful. An extraordinarily good moment! The mystery of Cal and Dr Moon was really good too and the way it tied in with the Library was very intriguing. It was a fun twist and the moment where the Doctor and the expedition team are on the phone staring through the television is rather disturbing! Dr Moon telling Cal that her nightmares were actually real and the real world was not as it was worked tremendously well! I thought the death of Miss Evangelista was horrifying and the struggle of Donna to help her through her final moments was very powerful. Proper Dave's death and consumption was also horrifying and really made the Vashta Nerada a threat. The cliffhanger is excellent with the chasing down by the Vashta Nerada that had taken over Dave, but the fate of Donna really makes it as the Doctor realises she never made it to the TARDIS. Cal states she had been saved, but it looks all gloomy! Overall, a quite brilliant episode! 

Rating: 10/10

 

The Unicorn and the Wasp

"Solving a murder mystery with Agatha Christie. Brilliant!"

Writer: Gareth Roberts

Format: TV

Broadcast: 17 May 2008

Series: 4.07

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Donna

Synopsis 

In 1926, Agatha Christie disappeared for ten whole days. A disappearance shrouded in mystery as many wondered if it was amnesia, a nervous breakdown... or a giant alien wasp?

Verdict

The Unicorn and the Wasp was an outstanding episode to continue our way through the fourth series of the modern era of Doctor Who! This really is a classic and it has been quite some time since my previous viewing, but it was an absolute delight. I have somehow never clocked that Christopher Benjamin is in this episode outside of his tremendous role as Jago which really did take me by surprise. The premise of the episode is simple and just a lot of fun despite the looming and then actual threat of murder. The Doctor and Donna's reaction to meeting Agatha Christie was an absolute delight and the pair were on fire together here. The chemistry they share is sublime and this might just be their best outing together. Donna was very happy to get in on a 1920s party and the concept of the Doctor and Donna just having fun was lovely. Of course, when the Doctor meets Agatha Christie there just has to be a murder mystery! That was exactly how the story panned out and Donna realising the unlikelihood of that happening was really clever and showcased her abilities as companion. It was an impressive catch. I loved the setting as being the day Agatha Christie mysteriously went missing for ten days as that provided immediate excitement and told us that something was about to happen. Donna seemed intrigued, as was I! The characters staying at the lodgings were fun and they complimented the TARDIS pairing brilliantly, but the obvious star was Christie. There are so many sequences in this episode that are just sheerly delightful and the first of those was when the Doctor was infected by the Vespiform and had to mime what he needed to use his Time Lord biology and some fancy tricks with enzymes to rid himself of the poison. The moment where Donna states "oh it's a song!" had Gemma and myself in hysterics. It was sheer comedic brilliance! That continued as the episode went on when the murders happened and the questioning occurred as the Doctor utilised the psychic paper to show he was a police officer. Donna constantly asking for confirmation on whoever the Doctor and Agatha were accusing as the murderers was hilarious stuff. She never gave up and that was magnificent. The truth regarding Lady Eddison and her son was intriguing and whilst the effects of her transformed Vespiform child have not done overly well in the passage of fourteen years, it's a good idea and does work well. The titular Unicorn is less impactful and that is absolutely fine. It fills a fine part of the mystery at hand. The ending where Agatha seems to initiate the events that we were previewed as she would go missing was great and Donna causing the Wasp to actually drown as it went after what it wanted following the information corruption was brilliant and rather emphatic! There was no need for Agatha to sacrifice herself despite it being admirable, and her memory was soon forgotten of these events. The Doctor showing Donna a copy of a book by Christie in the year 5,000,000,000 was a lovely touch and it was fun for the Doctor to still have some Carrionite and Cyber keepsakes locked away. Oh, and The Unquiet Dead reference was tremendous! As a whole, this was just a glorious adventure from start to finish. One of the best! 

Rating: 10/10

The Doctor's Daughter

"You are such a soldier."

Writer: Stephen Greenhorn

Format: TV

Broadcast: 10 May 2008

Series: 4.06

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Donna, Martha

Synopsis 

On the planet Messaline, in the middle of an endless war, the Doctor meets the most important woman of his life. Could he really have a daughter?

Verdict

The Doctor's Daughter was a great episode to continue our way through the fourth series of modern Doctor Who! I was surprised to hear that Gemma often mentioned she skipped this episode when she would watch the series, but I guess I shouldn't be too surprised considering that Martha is featured! She initially didn't have a pleasant opinion on the Twelfth Doctor but I won her around after a rewatch, but alas no such occurrence seems to be on the cards here with Martha. I do hope that might change, but with just the final two episodes to come my time is running out! This story really has a frantic pace and that is to its benefit. The Doctor is almost immediately thrust into the action and in the space of the pre-credits we have a shaky TARDIS trip and the Doctor being forced into having his DNA extrapolated to see his very own daughter born! Jenny arrived in no time at all and she was all soldier, not exactly what you would expect from the Doctor's offspring. Their discussion on being a soldier and the Doctor arguing that he was far from that was intriguing, especially when the conversation moved to the Time War. The Doctor's involvement in that was obviously that of a soldier and he could not exactly defend that, but he was able to start teaching Jenny a little about having a choice and not always having to resort to warfare. That was lovely to see and I thought David Tennant played it so well to show those fatherly qualities. His discussion with Donna about having been a father before was really important and it was nice to reference, showing that Susan was not forgotten! Jenny was just a lot of fun and the moment where she uses her good looks to seduce her way out of the cell was brilliant, but the comment from Donna to the Doctor about liking to see him do it just topped it off. I think I have forgotten just how good Donna is as a companion and she provides so much humour, just like with her Rambo comment at the start. The war against the Hath was decent and I thought the discussion on warfare was a little on the head, Donna deducing that the numbers stamped were actually the dates of section completion. Whilst I remain convinced that the date would be stamped in such a way, showcasing her technical skills was delightful. The Hath are a bit awkward with their lack of speech and I am still astounded there were no subtitles used as it didn't make much sense. Martha's relationship with the one she fixed the dislocated shoulder of was nice and his death was a very powerful moment. The finding of the Source was good and I enjoyed that the Doctor ended the war that lasted a week through countless generations as the planet would be terraformed. However, the drama didn't end there as Jenny was shot and the Doctor was outraged. The moment where it looks like he might pull the trigger but then emphasises that he never would is sublime. Jenny surviving after all with an apparent semi-regeneration was really good and I am so glad Big Finish were able to pick up on her further adventures! Overall, a really great episode. 

Rating: 8/10

The Poison Sky

"The bravery of idiots is bravery nonetheless."

Writer: Helen Raynor

Format: TV

Broadcast: 03 May 2008

Series: 4.05

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Donna, Martha

Synopsis

As the Sontarans choke the Earth, the Doctor battles to keep both Martha and Donna alive. As the truth behind the Sontaran's plan is revealed, the Doctor faces impossible odds to save the planet and humanity from falling into the hands of his old enemies...

Verdict

The Poison Sky was an excellent episode to conclude the story already started in The Sontaran Stratagem and continue our way on our Series 4 rewatch of the modern era. Don't be fooled by the blog dates as we actually waited over a week between episodes to finish off this story and that was unique for me in a rewatch. The only time I would wait a week between parts of a multi-episode story is on broadcast when that's forced so this was unique and really allowed me to judge this episode by itself. Of course, I've seen it several times before and knew everything that was happening, but it was fun to look back. Martha is out of action for much of the episode with her Sontaran clone in her place, and it's always fun to see the giveaways that she isn't the real deal. It's clear the Doctor knows right from the off and his explanation when he gets to the real version about the hair follicle and her just smelling was great stuff. I liked the delay of the clone giving the code red about Sontarans to UNIT and the battle between this organisation and the Sontarans is an excellent clash. It really was a long time coming and having the human soldier mindset come up against a species bred for war was delightful. The Doctor was always going to have a losing battle when trying to maintain peace as it was clear that with the ATMOS gas on the rise in density, UNIT would go to arms despite the Doctor's warning that it was a losing battle. You'd think that if the Doctor warranted a salute in the previous episode, they would listen to what he had to say given his track record! The humour that came from Donna in this episode was sublime as she was the Doctor's weapon on board the Sontaran ship, and the three fingers comment still makes me laugh to this day. I also love the reference to The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances when the Doctor adorns the gas mask. I remember bursting out laughing on broadcast and actually rewinding to that point to rewatch immediately after the episode finished so that brings back fun memories. The use of the Valiant to help clear the gas initially and then the Doctor's rigged device to cover the planet was nicely done and I was really impressed with the special effects. I think it's quite fun to have the Sontarans basically cowering away above the planet and the Doctor confronting them as cowards about that was brilliant. He knew he'd get a bite and the mentioning of the never ending war with the Rutans was terrific. I loved the idea of the Sontarans turning the Earth into a clone world and their boasting about getting the TARDIS was fantastic. I liked the destruction of Luke Rattigan from thinking he could take himself and the other geniuses to an Earth 0.2, and his decision to do something clever with his life and wipe out the Sontarans at the last moment was very good. I've always been a little uncomfortable with the Doctor's decision to push him into doing that with his departing comment, but it's an emphatic end for the Sontarans. The cliffhanger finish with Martha staying on board the self-flying TARDIS is great stuff too! Overall, a really strong episode. 

Rating: 9/10

The Sontaran Stratagem

"These are toy soldiers. The playthings of children."

Writer: Helen Rayner

Format: TV

Broadcast: 26 April 2008

Series: 4.04

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Donna, Martha

Synopsis

Martha Jones summons the Doctor back to modern-day Earth, but an old enemy lies in wait. Reunited with UNIT and his former companion, the Doctor is in a battle against the Sontarans and the dangerous ATMOS which is in every car on Earth. But what exactly is the Sontaran plan?

Verdict

The Sontaran Stratagem was an outstanding episode to continue our way through the modern era rewatch and Series 4! This is one I've been particularly looking forward to for a number of reasons! I love the Sontarans so any chance I get to blog a story in which they feature then I'm a big fan and they rarely, if ever, let me down. There's something so brilliant about them that I can't exactly put into words but they just work and they have a firm place in Doctor Who folklore now. Another reason I was excited was because this sees a quick return for Martha Jones and even though she's not the companion anymore, it's wonderful to have her back and she really has moved on quickly. Gemma is far from her biggest fan so having her back allowed for some personal banter on the sofa which I always appreciate. Thanks to her experience in the field with the Doctor and everything she endured between The Sound of Drums and Last of the Time Lords, UNIT had fast tracked Martha into becoming a doctor and that was neat. It was fun for her to be engaged now to Tom Milligan and the humour wasn't lost on her that he was a doctor disappearing to strange places. That sounded familiar! The moment where the phone rings in the TARDIS is delightful and I think it is only with this rewatch that I am fully appreciating just how funny Donna is. The humour she provides is staggeringly good but it doesn't turn Doctor Who into an all out comedy which is impressive. She nails it. Her reaction to meeting Martha was lovely and the Doctor being worried that they would fight was amusing as he quickly became the target of some jokes. So skinny you'd get a paper cut! Brilliant stuff. The inclusion of UNIT is fantastic and it's nice to have the Doctor go back in the modern era. He still had a reputation that preceded him and I loved the salute sequences. The Doctor wasn't interested in one, but Donna was! Glorious stuff. I was slightly taken aback by just how small the Sontarans appeared here as they seemed incredibly tiny! They're still terrific though, although I must admit I have become less of a fan of their appearance beneath the helmet as it really did look potato-esque! I think earlier and later stories do them much more justice. The plan of using ATMOS and over 400 million cars to their advantage is incredible though and whilst the Doctor has merits in challenging them over their prevention of bullets and hiding away, the scale of the threat they provide is sublime. I think the reveal of the Sontaran appearance was built to nicely and a nice way to show homage to past helmet reveals, and Skorr getting to share in the honour with Staal was nicely done. The Doctor's comments about Staal's nickname being The Undefeated was incredible as well. The moment where Donna talks about going home and the Doctor misinterpreting it as her meaning she was permanently leaving the TARDIS was tremendous, as was the Doctor expecting a much bigger bang when the ATMOS system terminated. Luke and the Doctor have a really solid stand off of geniuses, and seeing him revel in the Sontar-Ha chants of the cliffhanger was good stuff. The cliffhanger itself is extraordinarily good and must go down as one of my favourites. The helplessness of the Doctor is in full view and bringing it to home with Wilf stuck in the car is incredible.The music does so much to add to it and I really can't compliment it enough. Overall, an excellent episode! 

Rating: 10/10

Planet of the Ood

"The Ood are happy to serve."

Writer: Keith Temple

Format: TV

Broadcast: 19 April 2008

Series: 4.03

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Donna

Synopsis

Finding themselves on the Ood-Sphere planet in the forty-second century, the Doctor and Donna discover the truth about the Ood's willingness to serve humankind.

Verdict

Planet of the Ood was a really good episode to continue our way through the Series 4 rewatch! It's always nice when we get a returning monster and whilst the Ood were from the enemies in their previous appearance in The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit, their unfortunate ability to be controlled through their telepathic nature came into play once again here. I liked how the Doctor's last meeting with the Ood was referenced and the way he revealed to Donna that it was the Devil who had controlled them was marvellous. She wasn't buying that! I thought this was another stellar outing for Donna in the companion role and watching back all these years later, it's crazy to think she was this good in what was only her third episode as official companion. The humour that came from the arrival on the Ood-Sphere and how cold it was worked really well. It was so fun for Donna to shun the Doctor as he gave an emotive speech about the wonders of travelling the universe and where you could end up purely so she could get a coat. The relationship between the pair was excellent here and a lot of emotion came from them finding the Ood that had been shot after going red eye. I liked how the red eye of the Ood was played on in the episode and the fear that comes from the image of the Ood going that way is great stuff. The actual makeup of the Ood-Sphere was good and the way it was basically one big advertisement for the Ood as a slave didn't sit well with Donna. I loved the reference to The Sensorites with the Doctor mentioning previously coming to this solar system a long time, and the suggestion there of the Sensorities and the Ood being possibly related was lovely. I was glad to be able to explain the significance of that reference to Gemma as sprouting knowledge is what I love to do for those not aware of the Classic era happenings. Donna's glee at being in the year 4126 was wonderful and a really nice reminder of this being early days. By the end of the episode though she knew life with the Doctor wasn't all a song and dance, and she did want to pop home. The focus on the circle as far as the Ood were concerned was well done and the scene of multiple Ood rising and saying that all at once was memorable. Halpen's journey through the episode from a stressed businessman losing his hair to actually becoming Ood is something I still find a little odd, but the scene of his transformation and the reaction of Donna is glorious. Catherine Tate sells it tremendously. David Tennant does as well as that even shocked the Doctor. Some hair tonic! The Ood brain is a good element of the story as well and the scene of it consuming didn't quite live up to modern day special effects which was a shame and is slowly ruining my childhood! The ominous ending with Ood Sigma warning of the Doctor-Donna's song coming to an end soon was dark and it's quite incredible really that we get this so early on in the series. Regardless, it's strong for the arc of the Tenth Doctor's time conning to an end and a good episode as a whole!

Rating: 8/10

The Fires of Pompeii

"The gods are always watching."

Writer: James Moran

Format: TV

Broadcast: 12 April 2008

Series: 4.02

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Donna

Synopsis

Psychic powers and stone beasts run riot in old Pompeii, but can Donna dare the Doctor to change established history?

Verdict

The Fires of Pompeii was an outstanding episode to continue my rewatch through the modern era of Doctor Who alongside my girlfriend Gemma. Unfortunately, this is not one she massively likes as she's not a fan of the historical episodes but for me that's right in my ballpark. I just love this episode and it does seem to get better every time I watch it. I must have watched countless times in the years immediately following broadcast, but I also blogged it pretty recently during the pandemic Tweet-alongs that were organised by Emily Cook. That time seems a totally different world away now, but I had no issues revisiting this here and it's become quite a pivotal episode in hindsight. It's delightful in having both Karen Gillan and Peter Capaldi feature in minor roles before they'd go onto the game-changing roles of Amy and the Twelfth Doctor, and the latter really would come into play as an explanation of why he had his own face! Hearing the voice of Gillan being almost unrecognisably as Amy was fascinating and it's also fun to see Capaldi revelling in the role of Caecilius. The fact that he bought the TARDIS is modern art is just so fun and I loved the sequence where the Doctor poses as an inspector. Proclaiming him and Donna as Spartacus was delightful and the initial confusion of them being a couple is always amusing. The setting of Pompeii on volcano day is a pivotal one and the different reactions of the Doctor and Donna are pretty powerful. The Doctor knows it is a fixed point in time so can't really interfere in what's going to happen, but that's difficult for Donna to accept. The sequence where the Doctor mentions being a Time Lord from Gallifrey and Donna retorts about being a human is magnificent stuff and with this being her first proper trip in the TARDIS, Donna absolutely shines. There's already the foreshadowing of the finale with the Doctor being told she's coming, Donna having something on her back and Pyrovilia being missing as part of the stolen planets. The episode really is perfect in my eyes. I really liked the design of the Pyrovile and even fourteen years later I was impressed with how well the special effects held up. The CGI of the Doctor and Donna running from the volcano as it erupted was particularly brilliant. Donna's reaction to the place of women in Pompeii at this time was great and I liked how she was trying female empowerment. Her warning of the eruption being proclaimed as false prophecy was excellent and her reaction to almost being sacrificed to the gods was marvellous. The Pyrovile Priestess was fantastic too and the disturbing nature of her appearance really adds to the Pyrovile as an enemy. The threat of the world being at stake and the Doctor's only option being to explode the volcano and cause the eruption that buries Pompeii is staggeringly good and the emotional investment there is incredible stuff. The performance of Catherine Tate when the Doctor is just going to let everybody die is outstanding and Donna's appeal to just save someone is so well done. The Doctor admitting that he does need someone is a nice touch, and this really does affirm Donna as companion. Overall, a phenomenal episode!

Rating: 10/10

Partners in Crime

"It's a beautifully fat country."

Writer: Russell T Davies

Format: TV

Broadcast: 

Series: 4.01

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Donna

Synopsis

Donna Noble is determined to find the Tenth Doctor again – even if it means braving the villainous Miss Foster. But when the alien threat escalates out of control, can Donna find her Time Lord before the march of the Adipose begins at last?

Verdict

Partners in Crime was a very fun episode to kick off my rewatching of Series 4 alongside Gemma for the first time! She has been incredibly excited to get going with this series and after a lengthy delay from finishing Torchwood Series 2, it was finally time to get going on this. She goes as far as giving it a perfect rating which I don't agree with, but one of her prime reasons in doing so was the absence of Martha which I found amusing. I think it's a brilliant reintroduction for Donna following her debut in The Runaway Bride and she has clearly matured since then. The idea of her seeking out trouble in the hopes of finding the Doctor again to take him up on his offer of travelling in the TARDIS is excellent and very logical! I was a big fan of that and Adipose Industries at the centre of it is a little odd but it does the job. The idea of the fat walking away is a good one but I'm not sure there's a massive amount of logic when it comes to why fat was used as the source for numerous new baby bodies. It's an odd choice but the UK was a prime candidate when it came to searching for obesity! A lot of memories came flooding back when watching this episode again, especially with the Miss Foster wielding the sonic pen scene. I remember the furore that caused in the trailer and all of the speculation so that was fun to see in hindsight all these years later. I also enjoy the subtle continuity with episodes to come as we see a taxi with the Atmos sticker that will play a big part in The Sontaran Stratagem/The Poison Sky later in the series as well as mentions of a lost planet which will be crucial in the finale. Having things all tied up like that is something I really do appreciate. The humour that comes with the silent meeting through the window and door between the Doctor and Donna is extraordinary and is one of the all time great comedy moments in the show. It's without doubt the highlight of then episode. Catherine Tate shines! I love the chemistry between the Doctor and Donna and it's fun to see them constantly missing each other by the slightest second until they finally do reunite. Donna having already packed her bags for the TARDIS adventure is terrific and so in line with her character, but the Noble family member I enjoyed most was Wilf. His fascination with space and the stars was delightful and his reaction to seeing Donna in the blue box after missing the Adipose nursery ship behind was a joyous conclusion. It's so sad that Bernard Cribbins passed away earlier this year but it's fitting that his final television appearance will be in Doctor Who. The fate of Miss Foster is brutal as she falls to her death with the nanny not needed after mum and dad had their Adipose children now, as they knew it was a crime so cutting ties with the accomplice made sense. The tease at the end of the episode with the return of Rose was very good and I remember spoiling this for my mum on broadcast and she wasn't too pleased! It certainly put a smile on Gemma's face and I just remember it being such a thrill when it first aired. Overall, a great episode! 

Rating: 8/10

The Savages

"They wouldn't have prisoners in a place like this."

Writer: Ian Stuart Black

Format: Novel

Released: September 1986

Series: Target 109

Featuring: First Doctor, Steven, Dodo

Synopsis

Landing on a distant planet, the Doctor confidently announces to his companions that the TARDIS has brought them to an age of great advancement, peace and prosperity. 

The Doctor's calculations seem to be confirmed when the travellers are greeted by Jano and the Elders who take them on a tour of their city – a haven of beauty, harmony and friendship, set in a wilderness inhabited by tribes of savages. 

But the security of the city is founded on one deadly and appalling secret. Soon the Doctor and his friends discover that it is not only outside the city walls that savages dwell...

Verdict

The Savages was an excellent novelisation of the televised serial of the same name! I must admit that I find it a shame when the later Target novels don't take the 'Doctor Who and the..." approach to the title, but that had no bearing on my enjoyment of this book! I thought this was a brilliant read from start to finish and was done very easily in two sittings which is always a delight. I remember really enjoying the reconstruction of this sadly entirely missing serial when I watched it some eight years ago, but this novelisation is by far the most 'complete' version currently available to the Doctor Who fan. It's so nice to have a book of a missing serial to ensure that even if we don't get to watch the performed version, we know exactly what happened and get a full account of events. It's a very solid story from start to finish and goes with a unique approach for this era by having the Doctor land the TARDIS on a planet where he was actually expected! I thought it was really fun for the Elders to have been tracking the Doctor's journeys across the light years and they anticipated his arrival here. He was known as The Traveller Beyond Time which was really good and I was intrigued that he was almost immediately offered the chance to become an Elder himself. He was seemingly accepting, but attached conditions because he wanted to know just how the Elders and their society had become so advanced. The truth was in the story's title and cast a dark shadow on progress. The concept of transferring life from the so called Savages into the Elders was horrifying, and they really did seem to treat them as a completely different and sub-par species despite the obvious similarities. That was something that horrified the Doctor. He saw all humankind as the same and even one life was not worth their progress. I thought Steven and Dodo had pretty strong outings as companions in this one, with the former standing out for obvious reasons as this is his departure. It's often forgotten just how long Steven spent as a companion with the First Doctor and this doesn't seem like an obvious conclusion for his travels, but installing him as leader to ensure stability and progress between the Savages and the Elders is a fitting place for him to finish. The Doctor couldn't think of anybody better suited to the challenge, and after an initial doubt he was more than up for the challenge. How that came about was really well done and I loved that Jano was essentially transformed in taking the life essence of the Doctor. He'd incorporated a sense of right and wrong which have a profound impact on the society. That was brilliant and so well done in explaining it by showing that he had the chance to shoot Steven as he was escaping, and also aided him and Dodo by pressing the button that set them free. Suspicions were ripe amongst the Elders and after a few slips as the Doctor's mind seemed to be almost within Jano, it was clear that the transformation had given Jano more than he bargained for. Senta was a good character as the doctor in charge of the transformations and he really was committed to his work. I also thought it was a nice shift to have the chapter titles as quotes from within each chapter which was nice as a little hint as to what was to come. Overall, a fantastic read!                    

Rating: 9/10

Time War: Assassins

"He is not a god."

Writer: Matt Fitton

Format: Audio

Released: March 2019

Series: Gallifrey 10.04

Featuring: Romana II, Narvin

Synopsis

Pushed to the brink by Rassilon's actions, Romana is thinking the unthinkable. 

A new threat has breached Gallifrey's defences. And its target is clear. A race of assassins has evolved at the heart of the Time War, dedicated to one purpose. The Sicari are coming for Rassilon...

Verdict

Assassins was a very good audio to conclude the second saga of Time War for Gallifrey and its tenth overall series! It's been an incredible journey so far and we are from done as the end of the episode indicates, but this intimate chapter of the Time War and focus on Ysalus seems to be over. There has been a great deal going on and it's been nice to not be overpowered by Daleks for the moment. This boxset was rightly all about Rassilon and the interaction he shared with Romana here was delightful. The references to the comically bad Zagreus were fun continuity and it's nice to utilise their history. Rassilon referring to the likes of Romana and Narvin as either a Daughter or Child of Time was intriguing and I loved how he mentioned things being better in the Old Times. This was something he was trying to bring back, at least the attitude. He was impressed with Narvin which was a bit of a surprise but his intention to wipe out the Daleks at their genesis hadn't gone unnoticed, even if the agent used to carry out that mission was wholly unreliable. Romana's comment about the Doctor not being able to stay out of the War for much longer was very good and some fun placing of the timelines as the Eighth Doctor's own Time War saga was already in full flow by this point. It's nice for Romana to know he might be coming though. I appreciated a lot of mopping up references here with Leela's position in The Lady of Obsidian explained and whilst I'm a huge fan of her character, the idea of her escaping the death endured at the hands of the War Master is something I'm not in favour of. Her supposed death was so impactful and whilst I do like the idea of Romana and Narvin searching for her at the heart of the Time War, I just wish characters stayed dead! The suggestion of Ace also being found was good and I loved how Braxiatel was blamed for involvement and the contradictions of her timeline going back to when she left the Doctor. That was a strong in-universe joke. It's nice to know that Narvin has been trying to find Ace and Leela and showed he cared. His being offered a brand new regeneration cycle was a brilliant moment and he was fully ingrained into the War Council without much of a hitch! The revelation that Livia had turned onto the side of Romana and against Rassilon was great but the President Eternal was expecting it and seemed to get the upper hand. Except the Sicari were on their way to try and assassinate the President, and why would the Time Ladies stop them? That was fun, but he survived and would go on to actually broadcast his regeneration live in a bid to showcase his power. The Time Lords were still the only interest when it came to surviving the War and it's really nice to have a direction for Romana and Narvin to head into the heart of the Time War. Romana drawing parallels with the Doctor was lovely here and I like the idea of her and Narvin actually getting to travel the universe a little. Overall, a fine end to what has been a really impressive and consistent boxset! 

Rating: 8/10

Time War: Collateral

"Our only thought now must be victory."

Writer: Lisa McMulin

Format: Audio

Released: March 2019

Series: Gallifrey 10.03

Featuring: Romana II, Narvin

Synopsis

As the scavenging Sythes descend on Ysalus, Narvin discovers how far his people will go to protect their interests. 

The universe is discovering that no place is safe from the fury of battle. 

Every victory in the Time War comes at a price, and too often it is the innocent who will pay...

Verdict

Collateral was another great audio to continue my way through the tenth series of Gallifrey and the second instalment of the range's Time War saga! I'm really enjoying the intimate approach of this particular boxset and not focusing on the all out war with the Daleks that we might expect from descriptions of the conflict from other sources. This series so far has centred on Rassilon and the extent at which he will go to in order to ensure victory against the Daleks. There could be no other outcome and the means at which to achieve victory for Gallifrey were pretty horrifying. The fate of Ysalus here was extraordinary and after it being put in a time freeze at the end of Partisans, I wasn't expecting it to already be freed! I liked the continuity and the build to the revelation that it was actually the War Council that were the ones to free it from its freezing was really well done. Rassilon sounded eery and like a man out of time which I think is the point, but his devotion for Gallifrey is unquestionable. He sees the Time Lords as the epitome of existence and if they wouldn't survive, well then with the Daleks victorious there wouldn't exactly be a universe left. I kind of understood the logic, but the destruction of Ysalus from its genesis over 47 million years ago was frightening. Romana was outraged when she heard the plan and it was nice for her to still have some followers on the inside of the War Council. Dalia was not afraid to hide communications and reveal War Council communications to Romana regarding their intentions for Ysalus, and that would later come back to hit him hard as he was removed from the Capitol altogether by the episode's conclusion. He was a really good character though and I hope this isn't the last for him as he could grow into a strong character in my opinion. Knyla was a fantastic character and I loved how she hacked into top Gallifreyan communication lines with intel from five years in the past. The mission that would be had for Eris was fascinating and I liked that with there being no means of saving Ysalus, the next best thing for Romana and Narvin to try was a planetary evacuation. Livia's explanation of sending a message and not setting a prophecy for sympathy  was pretty gruesome and showed the direction of Gallifrey under Rassilon. They were not to be messed with and they did all of this to Ysalus simply to send a message to the rest of the universe. That was absolutely horrifying and I would love now to see this Rassilon in action against the Daleks. The casualties will be in their masses, but placing Romana as someone against the War Council's direction is a really good way to go with the series. The ending was really good as despite their best efforts, the plan of Romana and Narvin failed and not one person was freed from Ysalus as it was destroyed before it came to be in existence. Dalia was off the War Council, but the swagger in the voice of Mantus when he proclaimed that Rassilon wanted some CIA involvement on the Council was brilliant. He was a dastardly politician using wartime to his advantage. That sounds familiar. The threat of the Sicari coming to Gallifrey is interesting and it could be nice for the Daleks to not be the only enemies in the saga. The Sythes could have been longer lasting as there was huge potential in them feeding off war and having a collective consciousness, but they worked very well whilst they lasted. Overall, a really good audio!

Rating: 8/10

Time War: Partisans

"The only good Neo is a dead Neo."

Writer: Una McCormack

Format: Audio

Released: March 2019

Series: Gallifrey 10.02

Featuring: Romana II, Narvin

Synopsis 

When the world of Ysalus becomes a strategic target for the Time Lords and their opponents, Gallifrey takes an interest in the planet's civil unrest. 

But the CIA and the War Council each have their own strategy. 

And, as good intentions only make things worse, the true horror of the Time War will be visited upon the people of Ysalus. 

Verdict

Partisans was was another great episode to continue my way through the second volume of Time War adventures for Gallifrey! It’s incredible to think that this is the tenth overall series of the spinoff range and I’ve liked how despite the threat of war and the Daleks looming, this boxset so far feels a little more traditional. There’s always mentions of the War in the background and here it was commented on ‘the times’ that Gallifrey was under, but it wasn’t just the Daleks that were the enemy. I like the strife between different divisions on Gallifrey and that’s what happened here with the War Council and the CIA. Romana was in the business of going off the record and behind the Council’s back when it came to the urgency of Ysalus. I liked its position as a rich source of olirium with that being a crucial element to the Daleks’ time travel capabilities. This was an excellent use of the Time War without the repetition of the Daleks actually featuring and I loved the strategic manouvering that was going on. I’m loving the politics on Gallifrey and Narvin wanting to be the one to go on the mission to Ysalus was really good. Romana was more interested in blooding some youth in the form of Eris so a compromise was made for them both to go. Mantus being alerted to the fact that both Narvin and Eris were missing was good and I liked how he was listening in on the conversation between Romana and Narvin regarding Ysalus. He’s going to be a player in this series I think, but I must admit I am waiting for a more triumphant emergence for Rassilon. I sense that may wait until the finale but it was important to keep his presence in the background. The extent of going to wiping out an entire planet and its people as casualties meant nothing in the grand scheme of things to him. Aladra arriving on Ysalus as the War Council’s representative was good and Narvin’s shocked reaction to a TARDIS materialsiing was a lot of fun. I thought she was great and the fact she actually came with weapons to sell on rather than just a ruse was brilliant. Narvin was horrified by that and it didn’t take too long for him to realise that she wasn’t on Ysalus to ensure the same side would win the war. The War Council actually wanting to lure the Daleks into a false sense of security of their work being done for them was a little strange, but it was a nice twist and showed the very different approach to the Time War that the Council had. Ystra was a great character as one of the planet’s natives and her choice of killing Alandra was incredible, especially with her reaction to witnessing regeneration! She just kept on shooting which was incredible and a really powerful moment highlighting a strong sense of desperation. Narvin’s reaction said everything as he was pretty stunned! I liked the conclusion in the fact that it appears more is going to come from Ysalus and the planet and that’s no real surprise given its importance to the Daleks. Narvin coming up with a plant to freeze the planet in time to ensure that it wasn’t destroyed and its inhabitants didn’t die was good, and the freezing taking place just as Ystra was going to shoot Temmis was excellent! Will he be shot immediately upon unfreezing? Or will that ever happen given how the Time War ends. I’m surprised that we haven’t heard more from Livia in this series and I do hope that we get more of her in the final two episodes, but it was nice to hear her again with Romana and not wanting to interfere. Overall though, this was a really strong adventure and I’m enjoying this instalment of the Time War saga very much! A great listen and good continuity to move forward.

Rating: 8/10

Time War: Havoc

"Rassilon is the only one who can lead us to victory."

Writer: David Llewellyn 

Format: Audio

Released: March 2019

Series: Gallifrey 10.01

Featuring: Romana II, Narvin

Synopsis

In the aftermath of Rassilon's return, Romana finds herself at the heart of the War Council's machinations, with the High Council, the CIA, and the Lord President's new security force all vying for control. 

But then, a mysterious stranger arrives in the Capitol itself. And they bring a terrible warning from the future...

Verdict

Havoc was an excellent start to the second volume of Time War audio adventures for Gallifrey! After a sublime cliffhanger at the end of the first volume with Rassilon returning, this was a fine opener. I really enjoyed the political nature of the episode in dealing with Rassilon’s return as the President Eternal. I think that’s a really fun title and does a lot to show just how prominent a figure he was. Rassilon was audibly not himself for much of the story which might not be much of a surprise given the fact he was resurrected and had been dead for a considerable amount of time. I thought Narvin also did a tremendous job during the story in selling how prominent and important a figure Rassilon was when it came to his comments about looking into his eyes. He felt inferior and that was intriguing to hear him admit. I liked how the episode started with Jevon being murdered and the mystery surrounding that worked very well. It was good that we didn’t know the identity until close to the end and the quietness of the pilot was really strong in enhancing the impact. The suggestion of the TARDIS that arrived with the murderer being from the future was good and I did wonder how that fitted in with the Time War and the time lock. It did seem that considerable effort went into getting him there and after a relatively straightforward murder, he hid himself away. Livia’s position was certainly feeling less than during this story following the emergence and resurrection of Rassilon, and with him as President she became Prime Minister which was very fun. It didn’t exactly bring a lot of power and prestige when it was newly created! Livia helping acquit Romana was a bit of a surprise and suggested a new direction for this series which I would definitely be a fan of hearing. Despite trying to reason and form an agreement with the Daleks, Romana worked her way back into prominence rather nicely here. I appreciated the reference to her having already encountered Rassilon and now she wanted full jurisdiction on the murder investigation. That seemed a logical move and was a good way to utilise her strengths. Rassilon wasted no time in reforming Gallifrey with the creation of the Internal Defence Unit and dissolving the Chancellory Guard which I liked as a way to assert his authority. The Drylands precedent being invoked was really good and with it being an ancient law that was never revoked, it caused a lot of uproar and chaos which was fun. Something that was not fun was Narvin actually going as far as killing the pilot that committed the murder of Jevon. He didn’t intend on shooting him dead but when it appeared that he was going for his staser, Narvin had no choice. Of course, it turned out that he wasn’t actually reaching for a gun but for a video communicator intended for Narvin to see. The CIA Deputy was audibly distraught by his actions and would do all he could to repair the staser blast damage of the video message. The revelation that the killer and future TARDIS-pilot was actually a future incarnation of General Trave was something I did not see coming! I liked it though and things really have escalated for him and Livia since their roles in bringing back Rassilon was perhaps outdated now on Gallifrey and hearing Romana also attempt to form an advisory board to bring up to scratch with the modern era on the planet was done well. There was strong scheming and politics at its best which is what this spinoff range does so well. I’m not sure I was exactly expecting Trave to be executed given the obvious paradox it created but the way it happened was pretty brutal with the gamma ripping him apart almost instantly. It was quite the way to set an example and I’m sure it will have had the desired effect. I’m looking forward to hearing if that is the case as we move forward with this series. The ending with Narvin getting the video communication from Trave to play was good and I enjoyed how it was a grave warning to the past from a world ravaged by war that was on its last legs thanks to Rassilon. Hearing a future version of Narvin warning his old self about the chance for change was startling, but it was something I really enjoyed. Overall, a fantastic audio to kick off the series!

Rating: 9/10

The Revolution Game

"Your reign of terror won't last."

Writer: Alice Cavender

Format: Audio

Released: July 2019

Series: Further Adventures of Lucie Miller 1.02

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Lucie

Synopsis

It's Lucie's birthday, and her birthday treat awaits. But whatever she's expecting, it's not what she's getting on the colony world of Castus Sigma in the year 3025: ringside seats for the interplanetary Retro Roller Derby – sponsored by Heliacorp ("Turning sunlight into gold"!)

It's more than just a game, though. For the competitors, it's a matter of life or death – a New Life with Heliacorp, or a living death on Castus Sigma. 

Or, on this fateful day, a very actual death. Because there are strange creatures living out on the plain, beyond the colony. Creatures with every reason to want to sabotage the games. Creatures with a grudge. 

Verdict

The Revolution Game was a decent story to continue my way through the first volume of the Further Adventures of Lucie Miller! I’m still so happy to be getting an extra boxset of adventures for the Eighth Doctor and Lucie and having this as the companion’s birthday was a lot of fun. The Doctor didn’t exactly live up to expectations when it came to throwing a celebration and to be honest, I wouldn’t have expected anything less. It was fun to hear Lucie all joyful and full of hope, but at one point as the episode spanned more than a day the Doctor was quick to tell Lucie that it wasn’t her birthday anymore! That was a bit harsh and pretty humorous. The dynamic between the pair was strong and I enjoyed the premise of the episode, but my gosh the pace was absolutely frantic. There was an awful lot to try and fit into the one hour and that became slightly to its detriment. I think if this was expanded into a two-parter or more traditional two-hour release, it would have been much better and really able to flesh out the ideas. Instead, there felt like there was no room to breathe in some instances and whilst that helped with excitement, there was little time to reflect and enjoy what was going on. Sash was a really nice character and I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship she built with Lucie. The impact George had on her was understandable and became an important aspect of the story, and it was just nice to have focus on her. The fact she took over as the Glasweigan Kiss for the games was good stuff and her punchline regarding Blackpool rock was so incredibly awful that it was brilliantly funny. The Castus Sigma setting was strong and I liked how Lucie would become the bionic women with the low sense of gravity there. She was able to utilise that to her advantage on more than one occasion which worked really well. I liked the Jengu as a concept and the way they were essentially harvested for the protein in their wings was horrifying. That was a good revelation and whilst a little predictable, Clegg’s reaction to the realisation that the Doctor knew all was very nicely done. He was a decent villain alongside Spartacus as the missing Jengu and the way everything tied together was pretty good, but I just couldn’t escape that feeling of it being a little rushed. There wasn’t anything particularly bad about the story as my rating reflects, it was just trying to do a little too much for one hour. I liked the direction and the plot twists for the most part, and there was good fun with the Roller City Derby for action and sporting involvement. Spartacus having already laid the explosives that would eventually bring about his downfall was a little convenient but did manage to tie everything up pretty nicely for the most part despite being slightly underwhelming. I just wish Lucie had a better birthday celebration! Overall, a decent listen. 

Rating: 7/10

The King of Terror

"I've been used by the devil himself."

Writer: Keith Topping

Format: Novel

Released: November 2000

Series: PDA 36

Featuring: Fifth Doctor, Tegan, Turlough, Brigadier

Synopsis

'All this useless beauty. All these great leaps forward. And for what? So that the first alien with an advanced degree in interplanetary warfare can take it all from you?'

As the millennium draws to a close, the future of humankind hinges on the activities of one multimedia company, InterCom. Suspecting that old mistakes are being repeated, the Brigadier asks the Doctor and his companions to investigate the company's Los Angeles headquarters. But their infiltration is disrupted by the murderous games of terrorists seeking the fulfilment of age-old prophecies.

When the Doctor and UNIT encounter aliens in the boardroom, Tegan meets a pop star, Turlough finds himself a victim of his own desires and Los Angeles becomes a war zone in which humanity is merely a helpless bystander. 

Verdict

The King of Terror was not the greatest of books I have ever read unfortunately! It’s been quite a while since I have been able to divulge into a novel with buying a house recently and the everyday life of having a one-year-old son, along with recent footballing trips to Poland, Netherlands and Belgium, so I was so excited to finally sit back with a book. However, this did not leave me with the best of tastes and I had the inclination from the first forty or so pages that this was not going to be a good read. I wouldn’t exactly call it a slog, but it took some perseverance to get it read within 48 hours. It just never felt right in terms of atmosphere and tone to match the era of Doctor Who that it was from. It was fun to play around with different incarnations of the Doctor meeting the Brigadier out of order, but this seemed to contradict Battlefield a bit too much with the Brigadier back in office even over a decade after the events of that adventure. That was a bit much to accept. I did though relish in the opportunity of the Fifth Doctor and the Brigadier pairing up once again and some of the comments about this fifth incarnation were intriguing and really interesting to know how he was perceived. Just having a full on UNIT story in the Fifth Doctor era was most welcomed, but it was far from what we saw on the show during the 1970s. Paynter and Barrington were the closest we came to Benton and Yates but the adult tone of the book really took them to a different level. I thought some of their dialogue together was far too long and just excessive, and I wasn’t a big fan of some of the comments against women. I know it’s soldier mentality and all that, but I don’t think it had much of a place in Doctor Who. Paynter did grow on me a lot by the end of the story though and that was all down to the relationship he built with Tegan. They freely admitted to loathing one another after Milligan was murdered and the UNIT soldier, shot in the leg himself, had to try and save Tegan whilst taking out the two other assassins on their way. That provided good context for the kiss that came after an uncomfortable slapping session, and Tegan’s reaction was humorous as she was shocked by the fact she’d kissed a man she hated and the kiss being brilliant. They did seem to get on more towards the end of the book and the Doctor teasing Paynter over Tegan and how she was supposedly singing love songs was delightful. From a personal perspective, I was a little disappointed to find considerable references and continuity with The Devil Goblins From Neptune which is a book I have yet to read. I understand Control and other characters featured there which the author of this adventure co-wrote and whilst I was impressed with the background being explained, I always try to do things in order where there is follow on but with my method of consumption overlap is impossible to completely avoid if I’m also to be free of spoilers. The ordeal endured by Turlough in this book was horrifying and whilst I actually liked the concept of InterCom being out for him because he was an alien, the descriptions were brutal and very umcomfortable. I’m not sure an anal probe was necessary, and a Doctor Who companion murdering someone the way he did to Eva was baffling. It was absolutely gruesome. It wasn’t quite on the lower levels of Tegan just calling Paynter a dickhead. The idea of a war in heaven was decent but trying to sell the Jex and Canavitchi on the same level as the Daleks was just ludicrous. That was a comment that never should have been put in the Doctor’s mouth as it is never going to be accepted or thought of as believable. The history of their races was explained very well and one slave race turning on their masters after being well equipped was a sound enough background, but the build-up to the war that occurred was just lacking. It meant nothing. Having them wait to extract the DNA they needed from Turlough in efforts to rewrite the nature of the human race just because they wanted to see what UNIT had on them made zero sense to me. It just made them look stupid. It was a shame as some of the characters were really good. Newton and his religious take on things was fascinating and I also thought the likes of Sanger and Cheng Sun had a lot of potential. The description of the war above the planet was good but the scale of the events was almost too huge. An entire web protecting the planet from the battle’s devastation was almost plucked out of thin air it was so quick. I did like them dealing with the little sections in which it was broken through, but I was then astonishingly perplexed by the book’s ending with the war being declared over and both races simply leaving Earth! The Doctor didn’t have to do anything! How utterly ridiculous. I’ve focused on the negatives of the book with this blog entry, which is slightly harsh as there were some strong characters and a unique setting of Los Angeles which I appreciated, but as a whole this is not a book I would be recommending. 

Rating: 5/10

Year of the Drex Olympics

"Who would have thought the Earthlings could be so wonderful?"

Writer: Paul Ebbs

Format: Audio

Released: April 2019

Series: Short Trips 9.04

Featuring: Second Doctor, Jamie

Synopsis

All the Doctor wanted to do on Venus was learn their aikido. But as ever, his plans have gone awry. The TARDIS has been stolen to be a prize in the Venusian Olympics. The Doctor is furious, not only at the theft but also that it is the third place prize! Now Jamie and Victoria must compete to get the TARDIS back, and soon find themselves winning every event. 

The TARDIS crew normally win, but this time it might cost them everything...

Verdict

Year of the Drex Olympics was a very decent and solid Short Trips audio adventure! I really like the idea of taking the Doctor to Venus as it’s something that has been alluded to on a number of occasions but we didn’t quite get it on screen which is a shame. This audio’s setting of Drex worked really well and I liked how it was essentially the Solar System’s second planet’s capital city as the biggest there. That was important context and gave credence to it hosting the Olympics. I love the idea of the Olympics not being exclusive to Earth and some of the imagery painted here was great. The Doctor giving a speech on biofuel extraction was not what I was expecting for a story referring to Olympics, but it was something I’d expect from him in showing the benefits. The fact that he was doing so to be taught Venusian Aikido in return was absolutely tremendous and I have to say I was so disappointed by the ending with him being confident in the art now based on what he saw from Finflalofix instead of actually taking the lessons. The concept was sound but I just didn’t understand the ending! Jamie trying to explain to the Doctor that the TARDIS was gone was humorous stuff and I always enjoy the threat of the isolation without it. The idea of having to partake in the Olympic Games to win it back was nicely done! It turned out though that it would be Jamie and Victoria competing but they were actually doing too well which was slightly odd. The prize for the third place only was the TARDIS, so the fact that Jamie and Victoria were topping the leaderboards was not good! I enjoyed that aspect. The companions were wowing the crowds but that wasn’t something the Doctor was pleased about for obvious reasons! The distortion of Victoria’s voice was a little odd and whilst it allowed her a lot more dialogue as it eliminated the need for Frazier Hines to do an impression of her, it just felt very wrong. It lasted the duration and whilst it was a clear way to show the DNA virus that was on the loose, it just didn’t sit right with me. I’d expect her to be a bit more hysterical if that happened to her in all honesty. The mystery of someone sabotaging the sporting equipment and endangering the health of Jamie and Victoria was good with the effects of the mutator wave more than being felt. Mother Superior was a good character and I liked her confusion as the wave was well known on Venus and especially Drex. It was created for the warrior nuns during a previous war and had the sole purpose of giving strength and desire. This was what had consumed Jamie and Victoria and explained their sporting edge nicely, as I just couldn’t believe that Victoria would be winning at something like javelin! Not on an Olympic level that’s for sure. Finflalofix being the cause was actually something I didn’t see coming and it initially seemed underwhelming for Mother Superior to just return the TARDIS, but that was something Finflalofix wouldn’t allow. He wanted to continue the monopoly he had on energy and wasn’t on board with the Doctor’s speech. His threat of taking the TARDIS and throwing it into a volcano was excellent and whilst it would be indestructible below a magma chamber, there was no means of entry. Quite the threat! I really enjoyed the potential of the TARDIS being destroyed and the means were pretty foolproof, but I was slightly late disappointed by the resolution at the end with the Doctor disengaging hover mode to save the TARDIS and had also concocted an antidote a little too quickly for my liking. Admittedly, the format is short but it was a little too easy and just described rather than explained. Perhaps I was just more disappointed by the Doctor not actually getting the Venusian lessons. Overall though, still a very solid audio with a lot of fun ideas. And faultless narration by Frazier Hines as always!

Rating: 7/10

The Power of the Doctor

"This is the day you die."

Writer: Chris Chibnall

Format: TV

Broadcast: 23 October 2022

Series: BBC Centenary Special

Featuring: Thirteenth Doctor, Yaz, Dan, Ace, Tegan

Synopsis

Her final battle. Her deadliest enemies. The Thirteenth Doctor faces multiple threats from Daleks, Cybermen and the Master in a fight for her very existence.

Verdict

The Power of the Doctor was an outstanding feature-length special to conclude the run of the Thirteenth Doctor! There was just so much going on from start to finish and it really did not disappoint. It brought a really nice end to the current run of the show whilst also paying homage to years gone by in a rather splendid way. With this episode celebrating the show and it's place on the BBC for fifty-nine of its century of years, it was fitting to finally combine the forces of the Master, Cybermen and Daleks. Their alliance being based on a hatred for the Doctor more so than hatred for themselves was excellent and the only motive necessary. I thought the departure of Dan was slightly abrupt but it was more than understandable that after a very close shave in space, he wanted to ensure he had a life to go back to. But things moved so fast that we didn't ponder and two companions from years gone by made emphatic returns! The moment the Doctor laid eyes on Tegan and Ace was sensational and it was such a look of joy and guilt all rolled into one. Ace was certainly more happy to see her old professor whilst Tegan was rather peeved not to have any contact in the thirty-eight years since she departed in Resurrection of the Daleks! The later scene where she barged her way onto the TARDIS was incredible as well. She was not messing around. Despite all the nostalgia and sentiment occurring, the star of this episode for me was by far the Master. Sacha Dawan gave an astounding performance as the renegade Time Lord and honestly it might be my favourite ever from a Master. The moment where he has the Doctor imprisoned in a Dalek casing is sublime and the Rasputin song overplaying is just glorious. So incredibly good. The concept of the Master being Rasputin in of itself is extraordinary and I love that as an in-universe explanation for the pull he had on the Tsar. The threat of the Daleks and the volcanos going off to destroy Earth was strong and the multiple threats for the Doctor to tackle at once provided strong jeopardy. I loved the familiarity Ace and Tegan brought as they both instantly reacted to mentions of the Master and Cybermen. The references to Logopolis and Survival were absolutely delightful as the Master asked after Tegan's aunt Vanessa whilst then describing his Catkind stage as experimental. Superb. Kate was brilliant as well and it's fitting that UNIT featured in such a celebratory episode. The idea of the Master forcing the Doctor to regenerate and him take over as her was sensational, even more so was the fact he was successful! The attire he wore with remnants of so many Classic costumes was just wonderful and the moment he screamed in Yaz's face that he was the Doctor was so chilling. Fantastic stuff. The scene that made me smile most was seeing the Thirteenth Doctor on the edge of regeneration and the remnants of her former selves, with the First, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Doctors all making splendid surprise cameos! That was such a lovely treat and I love that there was no effort to hide that they were much older now. Having the moments between the Fifth & Tegan and the Seventh & Ace was also gorgeous stuff that actually made me quite emotional. I loved it. The Fugitive Doctor being on hand to help Yaz with the forced degeneration was tremendous and harnessing the regeneration energy from the Cyber Masters was magnificent. I thought Ashad was a little quiet, but it was nice for him to torment UNIT. The Master forcing the Doctor into regeneration was a fitting way to round out her era as he seemed doomed on the metal planet destructing, and the Doctor was able to postpone her regeneration just long enough for a heartfelt goodbye to Yaz. It was a really emotional ending and I have to say that Jodie Whittaker has been truly wonderful. I am going to miss her greatly, but this was a fitting sendoff and her regeneration was handled lovely. She had an extended fam and getting to see that with a club with Graham, Jo, Ian and Mel making surprise returns was also glorious! Ian getting a line about the Doctor being a her was just so much fun. But that moment of regeneration on the clifftop was so perfect, and a familiar face became the Fourteenth Doctor! David Tennant is back as a completely new incarnation, one he remembers but clothes as well? Just what is going on? Well, it looks like we have to wait over a year to find out! Overall though, a wonderful special.

Rating: 10/10 

Queen of Rhodia

"Your reign of terror won't last."

Writer: Blair Mowat

Format: Audio

Released: April 2020

Series: Class Vol 4.03

Featuring: Miss Quill

Synopsis

Quill wakes to find herself unexpectedly back on Rhodia – which is impossible – though not quite as impossible as the life that waits for her there. To save her future, Quill must turn her back on the past. But is this the end or a new beginning?

Verdict

Queen of Rhodia was a great audio to conclude the fourth and final volume of audio adventures for Class! I have come to the end of the audios for this spinoff range and whilst there is potential for more in the future, this serves as a fine end and definitely has more of a finale feeling than what we initially got on television with the Weeping Angel cliffhanger. I still can't quite believe that this cliffhanger remains unresolved and whilst it has been fun to have four series to go alongside the one we got on television set within it, I would love for a future continuation as there's a lot of potential to explore with the main characters as they grow up. This volume has been focused on Quill which has been really terrific and having her wake up on Rhodia was a nice touch and it was brilliant just to visit the planet in full despite it not being the real article. Quill was impressed at first as she assumed it was some kind of recreation given the impossibility of her planet being returned after the Shadow Kin destroyed it. She was a lot of fun here and suffering from supposed amnesia worked well as it turned out she was actually in command! Rhodia was far from the version she knew, especially when Tanya emerged as its Queen! The idea of her being royalty on Rhodia was amusing and Quill couldn't quite believe that someone she knew from her torment teaching physics was supposedly on top of the hierarchy on her homeworld. The difference between the war and Quill actually being on the side of Rhodia was a fun twist but not one that was quite believable. Corporal Blood was a strong character and the suggestion of him being a blood cell and Quill dealing with a virus was something I definitely could have seen expanded upon. In saying that, I was kind of glad that this wasn't revealed as the case, but it was a fun idea and one that could certainly have worked. Charlie being on the other side of the war was a fun twist too and Quill wasn't buying that he wasn't the Prince. She was blasphemous at times regarding the royalty which was good stuff and this was a fun exploration of her character. The little cameos of April and Ram were welcomed and I have been surprised by how little the latter has featured in this boxset. It was a good way to show Quill that the planet and dimension was a little too personalised to her life on Earth and that was also evident from her being referred to as Andrea. That was the alias she went by on Earth, but that wasn't her true name. I thought it was great for her to work all that out and tying in with the loose story arc of the boxset with the gaps in time and space was brilliant. I was a big fan of that. It's ironic actually that by the end of the episode, Quill wanted to return to Earth and her imprisonment there at the hands of the angry Scotsman which was how she humorously described the Twelfth Doctor.  I loved the dialogue at the end which really did feel like the spinoff range had come to an end as they reflected on leaving things on a cliffhanger with it opening up new stories as one closed. I'm not at all a fan of it happening and things going unresolved, as Agent Carter did, but this was a nice way to address things and give a comfortable conclusion. Overall, a very strong audio!

Rating: 8/10