The End of the Line

"Trains don't just vanish."

Writers: Simon Barnard & Paul Morris

Format: Audio

Released: August 2015

Series: Sixth Doctor Adventures: The Last Adventure 01

Featuring: Sixth Doctor, Constance

Synopsis

The Doctor and his latest companion Constance investigate a commuter train that has lost its way...

Verdict

The End of the Line was a great story to kick off The Last Adventure that deservedly and rightly gives the Sixth Doctor a fitting swan song. It's such a shame the way Colin Baker was dismissed from the role of the Doctor after The Trial of a Time Lord and the rushed regeneration at the start of Time and the Rani has never sat right with me. I remember the first time I watched the aforementioned serial that comprises all of Season 23 and being so excited by the prospect of a fourteen-episode regeneration adventure. My reaction at the end when I didn't get one was one of sheer disappointment! Alas, I think this could be something terrific and the fact the Valeyard is back with this incarnation of the Doctor just feels right. Now, I went ahead and listened to this boxset at this point in time because after a little research on where I'm at currently with the Monthly Adventures, I saw that there were no further Sixth Doctor tales released before this one. It was only after listening that I realised the release date was just pushed forward and that's why Constance appears as if she has always been the companion. That feels a little odd and it's a shame I won't get what I anticipated would be something of a timey-wimey explanation for her presence. It's all just scheduling! I don't think she had a lot to write home about here which was a shame for a debut story, but I think it's a little difficult to relate to a companion when we haven't heard how she is introduced. There's not a lot of backstory at the moment so I'm more than happy to give things a chance. I thought the episode started a little slowly for such a milestone release, but it built well and I think the commuter train theme was really well done. The time being stopped at 06:10 was good stuff as well and the way the multiverse was handled was exciting. It's a very interesting concept and the theory is quite extravagant. The Doctor mentioning how there could just be the difference of not having a shave was a stark reminder of how the theory must be that way to stay true. It doesn't have to all be grand differences like no Second World War. I thought the use of avatars was excellent and a fine way to bring in the Master! Of course, I think Jon Culshaw these days could have admirably took on the role of the Tremas incarnation that features here, but it works well with the lack of visuals and the explanation of the Master not wanting to risk himself physically is absolutely sound given the confines of the dimensional break down. The Normans as normal animates was quite fun and I loved the idea behind the Parallel Sect. That was right up my alley. The concept of the multiverse is just something that appeals to me, so the idea of the Master wanting to rule every universe works in my eyes! It's audacious, but when has this version the Master ever been content with small scale? I loved how his reveal echoed The King's Demons cliffhanger in the Master's speech and the reaction of the Doctor was marvellous. I was surprised with how significant a role Norman had as the train ticket collector, but the focus was rightly on Hilary as the reveller of death and then on Tim Hope as the true villain of the piece. The reveal at the end that he was the Valeyard and he'd been invigorated at the nexus was excellent, if not surprising. It's very exciting to have him back for an extended amount of time and the series jumping around the eras of the Sixth Doctor should be tremendous! Overall, an underwhelming debut for Constance but a very exciting start this milestone adventure. One last hurrah for old Sixie! 

Rating: 8/10