Death Will Not Part Us

"Their past had been sold to preserve their future."

Writer: Alfie Shaw

Format: Audio

Released: February 2022

Series: Short Trips 11.04

Featuring: Eighth Doctor

Synopsis

On the 14th of August 3097, everything is fine on the world of Gernica. Except, on the same day, the planet is being destroyed. Also, on the 14th of August 3097, no one in the universe has heard of Gernica. The planet's only chance to survive the horrors of the Time War lies with Viola Wintersmith. For Viola has a weapon that can destroy anything that stands in her way. A weapon that requires a unique form of ammunition. Her past.

Verdict

Death Will Not Part Us was an excellent little story to continue my way through the eleventh series of Short Trips! Despite the vast amount of content that now exists from Big Finish within the Time War, I remain excited by stories from that time period because the potential continues to be literally endless. I think this audio was a fine example of pushing the boundaries of the Time War to its limits and it was right up my alley with how time itself was utilised. The potential of the Time War really is endless and having a weapon here that requires someone to give up their past as ammunition was incredibly exciting. That's such a daunting prospect and really does let the user question just how much they want to use it. I'm sure all of us have had several repetitive or boring days that we wouldn't miss at work and then not doing a great deal at home, but having a wedding day thrown into things really shook things up. I thought Viola Wintersmith was a fascinating character and the way her relationship with the Doctor developed and was explored over the course of the thirty-seven minutes or so was fantastic. I really liked the dynamic and the Doctor showing up at her wedding day towards the end to object to the union was a fun moment. I thought the way the timey-wimey nature of the episode was sold was superb in utilising multiple opening credits. That felt very unique and I must admit the first time it happened it had me looking at and questioning my Big Finish app! It really took me off guard but once I realised what was happening, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a fun interpretation on the Time War and it went even further with the cameos of the War Doctor and the Ninth Doctor. The latter reflecting on what had happened to Gernica was powerful stuff and I liked the narration focusing on him having lost his people and his planet but had been able to reclaim his title now. There was some sort of solace. I thought it was also a really nice touch to close out with the closing theme of the Ninth Doctor from the modern era. It really was quite something to hear that in a Time War story. It really did kind of bring the conflict full circle by going from primarily the Eighth Doctor and then to the Ninth to conclude. It was really well done. I must say I am not aware of who Adele Anderson is as the narrator but with the focus primarily on Viola rather than the Doctor, she did a stellar job in bringing that character to life. She was impressive in her performance and I like how she kept things simple when it came to voicing the Doctor. It was effective and didn't feel like a bad impression at all. The number of weddings that were occurring was vast and that was fun for so many to happen. Toying with feeding the weapon ammunition by your past days was sold really well over the course of the episode and the fate of Gernica having multiple conclusions showed just what the Time War is all about. It's almost impossible to comprehend and that's something I really love. Overall, a fine use of the Time War that felt original and confusing in the best way possible. I loved playing with the different versions and potential events. A terrific listen! 

Rating: 9/10