The third episode of Gallifrey features a lot of twists and turns. But it’s also a key establishing episode for the Doctor Who spin-off series.
Out of the four episodes in the first season of Gallifrey, The Inquiry is definitely my favorite. Interestingly, it has a lot of key elements that will become common for the following two seasons, at least.
The first thing that leaps out is that, despite the title of the series, this is the only episode of the first season where the vast majority of the story actually takes place on Gallifrey. This was the original intention for the spin-off, with most stories planned to focus on the Doctor’s home world, rather than on adventures on other planets.
So it’s ironic that this isn’t quite the case with the other episodes this season. However, later seasons would stay closer to the spin-off’s original intention.
Establishing the serial narrative
Another thing that makes The Inquiry a key episode for the series is how, unlike the previous episode Square One, it’s certainly not a standalone story. The Inquiry builds on events established in the first episode perfectly, and Gallifrey‘s serial nature really comes into focus here.
There are some series where you can jump on board at any point, but Gallifrey was never really that kind of series. There are some easy jumping-on points much later in the series (especially Time War). But for the first six seasons, it really is one continuous narrative.
It’s ambitious for Big Finish to attempt, but it’s also incredibly satisfying at rewarding the long-term audience. And we really get our first hints of that with this episode.
Narvin and Braxiatel
There are also a number of great twists and turns throughout The Inquiry. There are some major revelations about many of the characters, especially Narvin and Braxiatel.
I should also point out that the fact that these two characters in particular get focused on so much in this episode is another excellent strong point. Both Narvin and Braxiatel are absolutely fantastic characters. We’re learning a lot more about each of them at this point, and where their loyalties lie.
Braxiatel in particular gets explored considerably more. Up to this point, it’s easy to think that he’s a clear ally for Romana and the rest. At least, if you’ve only followed him in Gallifrey.
Hints of what’s to come
But Braxiatel had long been portrayed in other series as a very devious character, one that’s constantly working towards his own agenda. Gallifrey fans get their first glimpse of this in this episode. (It should also be noted that Justin Richards, the writer of this story, also created Brax.) There’s a line he gets in this story that really does sum him up perfectly:
"I like to be independent on the right side."
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On top of all that, this story features Inquisitor Darkel (known just as the Inquisitor in her original appearance, the Sixth Doctor story Trial of a Time Lord) in her first major story for the series. (She briefly had a cameo in opening episode Weapon of Choice.) Running the inquiry into Romana’s behavior, she’ll have an even greater role to play in seasons two and three.
And that’s true for much of The Inquiry. This is an episode that packs in a lot of plot, but it’s also an episode that’s great in setting up major storylines and characters for the following two seasons. (And trust me: that’s when Gallifrey gets really good.) Definitely the best episode from the first season.
Have you listened to The Inquiry? Do you agree with this review? What is your favorite episode from season one? Let us know in the comments below.