Broken Hearts

"You made me tear myself to pieces."

Writer: Lisa McMullin

Format: Audio

Released: November 2023

Series: Eleventh Doctor Chronicles 4.04

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Valarie

Synopsis

He took her apart, and she told him she was fine. She lied.

He saved their world, and told them they'd be safe. He was wrong.

Verdict

Broken Hearts was an excellent episode to act as a bonus story in the Eleventh Doctor Chronicles! This release took me by surprise and it does seem a long time now since the emotional finale to All of Time and Space with Curiosity Shop that really did take a big toll on the relationship between the Eleventh Doctor and Valarie. The companion was far from pleased with the actions of the Doctor in literally using her own cybernetic parts to build a weapon, luring her in by not telling her the true purpose. He’d even put her in a position where she had to sell herself off part by part and the torment and suffering both physically and mentally had come to full fruition here. Having the Eleventh Doctor as the incarnation to tackle that is an interesting choice and the dynamic presented is incredible to listen to. This Doctor is both playful but also so serious at times which was on full display in the episode. He was trying to play off what happened to Valerie with humour and have them just go off on their next trip, but she was having none of that. It was so powerful to hear her desired destination to be away from the Doctor. She’d really had enough. This episode allowed her to learn a lot about the man with whom she travelled and that coming from a statue of the Eighth Doctor was rather fun. She thought her version was actually an imposter so the Doctor was able to explain regeneration and his numerous faces. I liked how he emphatically stated this was the final face he would wear which is good continuity with The Time of the Doctor, but we know that’s not where things conclude. She also learned about the Time War and the moment where the Doctor admits to all of those who have died because of him is incredible. It’s a shining moment for Jacob Dudman in the role of the Eleventh Doctor, and I must say I think this is his best impression. It’s uncannily like Matt Smith and that makes it such an easy listen. I’m a big fan. Augustus and Lionel were fun characters as the servo robots gaining emotion and a connection verging on a relationship. That was really nice to hear them grow and it was clear they’d get to the Doctor and Valarie eventually, but the twist of the third life form being Augustus was a neat touch. He’d held on. It was an emotional end to both relationships in the episode as it was clear that a big toll had been taken out of the Doctor and Valarie. He’d opened up to her and it was nice that things finished with her getting the TARDIS key! That’s the least she deserved after her recent ordeals and it was nice to get that official companion moment after the legend on Iptheus just referred to the Doctor and a nameless companion. She was that person. The Doctor having saved this world but then letting them down was such a shame, but I adored the idea of empathic weather. That’s some weapon in the Time War! The aim of using the Daleks’ own rage against them was magnificent and it worked very well with the outrage and fluctuating mood felt by Valarie. It’s definitely a concept that should be explored further! Overall, an excellent episode. 

Rating: 9/10