Enemy Mine: The Hybrid's Choice

"You were afraid to become whole."

Writer: Ajjaz Awad-Ibrahim

Format: Audio

Released: December 2023

Series: The War Doctor Begins 6.01

Featuring: War Doctor, Case

Synopsis

The War Doctor believes Case is dead. But her true fate may be worse – embracing her Dalek nature, recruited to the enemy's cause. But serving her new masters is not easy. The Dalek Time Strategist knows that Case's inner self is in conflict, and seeks a way to seal her fate forever.

Verdict

The Hybrid's Choice was an excellent start to the Enemy Mine sixth series of The War Doctor Begins! It's quite fun to think that I'm at the end of the beginning for the Time War incarnation of the Doctor as this is the final series before his rise and I'm very intrigued and excited to hear what that will be like, but this is some beginning! The emotional ordeal he has already gone through with Case is pretty staggering and following on from the events of Memnos the Doctor appears to have been moping around for a month. I really liked how Veklin was challenging him about who he was and despite him refusing to take the name of Doctor, she knew he was still the same man deep down. He might bear the appearance of a warrior and the way he almost mocked the dying Dalek to get information about what had happened to them and the Time Lords who had died in ecstasy. That was a devastating concept and even with regeneration inhibitors the Time Lords welcomed death because of what they had experienced in the manner of hyper-extermination. I thought the concept behind that was intriguing and it worked like a drug for Case as the come down for her was devastating. She was hurting. I found the entire format fantastic in having Case embrace her Dalek side and that really was special because the destruction she was causing was sensational. She almost revelled in it! The reaction when the Doctor realised that Case was the cause was impressive because he was both devastated by what had happened but also got clarity that she had survived. That also likely meant the Dalek Time Strategist had too and his voice was definitely changed following aforementioned events. I thought that was good and it gave him an even more creepy kind of feeling. He was uncomfortable but I adored the conversation had between the Time Strategist and the Dalek Facilitator about purity. For the Daleks, existence itself was the greatest thing anyone could aspire to so I found their fake reactions to Case really disturbing at times. There's something quite frightening about a Dalek being artificial and trying to fit in. It just feels eery! Case initially having strong anger and resentment to the Doctor for leaving her was a little heartbreaking given how he clearly feels about her and can't quite take hurting her again. It was lovely for him to convince her when she was almost at her weakest that he truly was there and wanted to help. The Daleks showing their hand a little with how much they needed Case was a bit of a surprise but it was good to understand that she was only needed and wanted whilst she was useful. They almost tolerated her for her impurity but this was war and she had a big role to play as far as they were concerned. I thought the relationship between the Doctor and Veklin was really strong and it was good for her to be at the forefront in something akin to the companion role. Her reaction to the Doctor using the chameleon circuit for her TARDIS in the form of a Dalek was excellent! That really was audacious but he was trying things and innovation only worked once against the Daleks. Veklin trying to convince the Doctor that he wasn't that man anymore but the way Case in particular as a companion and friend reminded him of his true self was quite wonderful. It's a staggering dilemma for the War Doctor throughout his existence and that really is coming to the forefront now. We're far from over in the battle for Case and the Doctor wanting to join the attack now is an exciting way to lead into the next episode! A fantastic series opener.

Rating: 9/10