Big Finish News: ‘Gallifrey: Time War’ – cover and episode details
By James Aggas
Big Finish have revealed more details about their upcoming spin-off, ‘Gallifrey: Time War’. We take a look at both the cover and episode details, and what they could mean for the series!
Big Finish earlier revealed some further details about their upcoming series, Gallifrey: Time War. These included a cover, as well as individual episode details.
The spin-off will focus on the earliest days of the Time War from the perspective of the Time Lords, as well as from some of the Doctor’s oldest friends. It’ll also be a continuation of the popular audio series, Gallifrey.
Episode details
"1.1 Celestial Intervention by David LlewellynThe Temporal Powers are under threat. It is only a matter of time before the Daleks attack.Now CIA Coordinator, Romana must protect the interests of Gallifrey, while dealing with demands from President Livia and an increasingly powerful War Council.As allies are whittled away, the Time Lords are drawn into a conflict they can no longer avoid…1.2 Soldier Obscura by Tim FoleyBraxiatel has always planned for contingencies. As hostilities escalate, he takes Ace into a deadly region of spacetime – The Obscura – to locate an ancient research station.But Ace is about to learn more about Irving Braxiatel than anyone should know.Some soldiers are ready for this fight, but some will not make it through the first round.1.3 The Devil You Know by Scott HandcockThe Time War has begun in earnest, and Romana must think the unthinkable. For a most dangerous mission, she selects the most dangerous warrior – the Master.But he will not be alone. Leela accompanies her old enemy as they begin an unusual interrogation.What does Finnian Valentine know? And can Leela and the Master ever truly be on the same side?1.4 Desperate Measures by Matt FittonThe Dalek Emperor attacks a vital Time Lord outpost. Victory would be a devastating blow to Gallifrey.Romana is caught in the machinations of a President who sees control slipping away. Is it time to bargain with the War Council, or perhaps to parlay with even more dangerous parties?The Time War has barely begun, and for Gallifrey, desperate times are already here…"
The beginning of the War
You may have noticed that I’ve been keeping a close eye on this one for a while. Partly, it’s because I’m a huge fan of Gallifrey. It’s not just an interesting look at “what happened next” to some of the Doctor’s former companions, including Romana, Leela and Ace. It’s also a great mix of political drama and science-fiction serial.
The fact that we’ll be getting to see the Time War from characters that some of us have been following for years is already exciting. But looking at the plot synopses, this sounds like it’s set in the earliest days of the War. Perhaps the very beginning of it.
For the Time War itself, this is incredibly exciting. We’ve seen the very end of the War in the TV series. Notably in the episodes The Day of the Doctor and, to some extent, The End of Time.
We’ve experienced a lot of what happened during the middle of it, both with the Eighth and War Doctor’s audio series, as well as The Night of the Doctor.
But the very beginning of it? Showing how it really began? That’s a bold story for Big Finish to tell. But it also makes a lot of sense that Gallifrey should be the series to tell that story, not Doctor Who. After all, the Eighth Doctor himself once said:
"I’m not part of the War. I swear to you, I never was."
Admittedly, that eventually changed. But the fact remains that, while the Doctor has been fighting the Daleks for a long time, the beginning of the Time War had far more to do with the Time Lords themselves than with the Doctor. So revealing the earliest stages of it in the spin-off series that’s actually set on the Time Lords’ home planet makes a lot of sense.
The cover
Let’s have a better look at that cover:
Big Finish
I’ve got to say, I really like it. Simple, but effective. I’m not sure what I’m more excited about. The appearance of the War Master, as played by Derek Jacobi? The words “Volume One” at the bottom, hinting at more Time War stories to come? Or Narvin with a beard?
Speaking as a big fan of the character (expect an article from me on why he’s so brilliant in the new year), I have to say that Narvin looks awesome with a beard! Also, when a typically clean-shaven character suddenly grows facial hair, it’s usually a sign that things are going to get serious. Or, in this case, that actor Seán Carlsen just decided to grow one. Either way, it’s exciting!
So far, Big Finish have been very successful at telling stories in the Time War. I can’t wait to see what they’ve got planned for the planet at the center of it.
Next: Sherlock’s Amanda Abbington desperately wants to be in Doctor Who!