Saggitarius: Five Card Draw

"He'd forgotten how his other personalities could clash."

Writer: Todd Guerrier

Format: Short Story

Released: March 2002

Printed in: Short Trips: Zodiac 09

Featuring: Fifth Doctor, Peri, Sixth Doctor, Third Doctor, Second Doctor, First Doctor

Synopsis

Take a TARDIS trip through the constellations, as the Doctor travels to twelve thrilling tales inspired by the mystical zodiac. 

Telepathic fish, miniature lions and twin planets are the least of his problems, as the Doctor – all eight of him – faces the Capricorn Killer, endures a mind swap with the Machiavellian Master, and dances with Death herself. 

And that's not the half of it – as the two K9s can attest.

Verdict

Five Card Draw was a very fun little story to continue my reading through the Zodiac edition of Short Trips! This was a very quirky adventure and whilst I’m usually a sucker for a multi-Doctor story, this did become a little bit of a mess at times. But it was a fun mess! I found the choice to include the Sixth Doctor was exciting in meeting different incarnations, but for the Fifth to be considered the current Doctor and the story be told from his perspective was a little strange. It’s usually the latest incarnation of the Doctor that has that role so it was a little weird at times for the Fifth Doctor to be the only one referred to as the Doctor. The nicknames assigned to other incarnations were interesting to say the least, but it did feel a little harsh to refer to the First Doctor as old man. I did like the caveat of that though with it being clear that the events of The Tenth Planet and his regeneration were very near. The Second Doctor being called a hobo is something I’ve always found a bit strange but the aristocrat description of the Third feels right. As does calling the Sixth a jester! The hatred that his attire gets never ceases to amaze me as it just screams the Doctor with how audacious it is! I thought the interactions between the Doctor were quite fun but the descriptions did make it a little difficult to follow at times. I liked that the First Doctor was the one to take the lead and insinuating that he wasn’t brought there but came by choice was terrific. The use of the titular card game to see which incarnation would set things right outside of the TARDIS was quite fun, but it always felt that the Fifth was going to be the one to get the nod. I’m surprised no incarnation volunteered! I enjoyed the discussion about regeneration and the deep conversation about whether a decapitation would prevent renewal was fantastic. They all seemed to be in agreement that with the head detached from the body the brain couldn’t trigger cell regeneration. Not the nicest of prospects! I thought the role of Peri in the story was interesting with the Doctor keen to basically keep her away. The predecessor wasn’t quite ready to tell her about regeneration yet which is ironic given what happened at the end with her seeing the Fifth Doctor and being shocked. It said a lot to the Fifth Doctor that he would regenerate with Peri at his side and it was coming very soon indeed. I thought the prospect of the Fourth Doctor declining arrival was a fun dig at The Five Doctors, and it also worked in them not wanting the Seventh around because of how he would manipulate things. And the Eighth Doctor not answering the call was of interest for sure. Talk about that hair! I sensed some jealousy for sure. Overall, some fun interactions and certainly a unique adventure! A good little read. 

Rating: 7/10