Inner Demons: Self-Help

"Without our plans and schemes, who are you?"

Writer: Robert Valentine

Format: Audio

Released: February 2025

Series: Call Me Master 1.01

Featuring: The Master

Synopsis

The Master is having a crisis of the existential variety.

While he may have a classic diabolical scheme on the go, the dastardly Time Lord's latest incarnation isn't quite feeling himself. In fact, he's not even sure who he is anymore. He needs help. But can he help himself?

Verdict

Self-Help was an excellent start to the Inner Demons opening series of Call Me Master! This is a series I have been anticipating for quite some time now when it was announced alongside the Fugitive Doctor Adventures at the back end of the Jodie Whittaker era, and it wa aaw/c s worth the wait. I absolutely adore the character of the Master and Sacha Dhawan’s chaotic incarnation is one of the very best. He is the defining villain of the Thirteenth Doctor era so it absolutely makes sense for him to have his own series! I thought going in chronological order, at least for the opening episode, was a fun prospect and this basically serves as the post-regeneration story for this incarnation of the Master! That was a terrific concept and dealing with the events of The Doctor Falls with the Saxon Master shooting Missy apparently dead would certainly be traumatic! It would appear that it wasn't quite fatal as it was made out on screen, but if one thing is certain about the Master it's that no matter the incarnation they endure. They are forever. The way this Master didn't refer to himself as such for the story was fascinating after seemingly going by a different name as a female incarnation, he needs to remember just who he is. That's a fantastic basis for the story and it worked very well. I liked that there was still the traditional scheming of the Master and his plan to disguise himself as the Great Zenith was magnificent. It was ludicrous for him to want to stay up the top of a mountain and wait for pilgrims, but that's why I adored it. It was so very Master. I thought the title of the episode coming into play with the circle was intriguing and it was quite ironic that Kristopher was able to help remind the Master just who he was. His reaction to hearing the word 'master' in its pure sense of mastery was just delightful. I was a little put off at the start about the narrative style of the episode with the Master voicing events over, but the way it turned out by the end was superb. It was great to hear the inner thoughts of the Master as he contemplated with just who he was. His reaction to making a mistake in his calculations was extraordinary and that sent him off into what was basically a meltdown. He'd put it down to post-regeneration trauma but still couldn't accept that it had happened. That was really strong stuff and credit must go to Dhawan for his performance. Although this is chronologically the first appearance for this incarnation prior to Spyfall, he stepped back into the role effortlessly. His energy is sublime and that makes for a hugely exciting version of the Master. We're used to more cunning and measured approaches for the most part, so for this incarnation to realise he was the chaotic one was magnificent. It's a fitting description. The way he was convinced that Silla had murdered her husband was glorious and when she admitted it their combined reaction was an incredible moment. His comments to Lezlee about her just dying anyway was a fun moment of double meaning because he had plans for it to be much sooner. His advice on knowing when to kill those accompanying you was quite something and despite the almost calamitous nature of this Master, he still always felt in control. I really liked how this episode as an opener was almost like an introduction to this incarnation once again as he remembered who he was. Call him Master we shall. Overall, an excellent opener! 

Rating: 9/10