Gallifrey review: Pandora shakes up the Doctor Who spin-off in a big way
By James Aggas
As the threat of Pandora returns and the full ambitions of Romana’s enemies and even friends are revealed, who will stay on Gallifrey and who will leave? Who will even survive?
Following on from the relatively story-light episode Spirit, Pandora is definitely a major episode for Gallifrey. There are a huge number of plot developments that shake up the series in a big way.
One of the key ways this is done is with the regulars. There are a number of secrets and private ambitions that a few of the characters have been hiding all series, and it’s in Pandora that the truth is finally revealed.
We learn a lot more about Braxiatel, and just how far his ambition really goes. He’s always been seen by Romana as a very close friend and ally. But is he really someone she can trust?
Miles Richardson has always been fantastic to hear as Braxiatel, and I love how Pandora really explores his character. Not to the same extent that Spirit explored Romana and Leela, but it’s great to get a clearer idea of who he really is.
Especially since, with the exception of a brief cameo in Zagreus, Gallifrey was essentially my main introduction to the character. I hadn’t even been aware of his earlier appearances in New Adventures novels with the Seventh Doctor, or his other regular role in the Bernice Summerfield audios. (Which, when all previous seasons are available to download, I certainly plan on reviewing at a later date.)
A villain you love to hate
Inquisitor Darkel also cleverly plays her hand in this one. If you didn’t hate the character before, trust me, you will definitely hate her by the end of this episode.
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It’s amazing how Gallifrey took a character that was essentially harmless in The Trial of a Time Lord, and fleshed her out into one of the most venomous and well-written villains of the Doctor Who universe.
There are also strong elements of both tragedy and horror in this episode. Particularly during one gruesome scene that’s definitely not for the squemish, and will certainly make you glad that this series is only on audio.
It’s the combination of such elements with both science-fiction and political storytelling that have made Gallifrey truly stand out as one of the best Doctor Who spin-off series. It’s also why Pandora itself is an incredibly strong episode in the series, and perhaps one of the very best episodes.
Next. Why this Eighth Doctor story sums up the insanity of the Time War best. dark
Have you listened to Pandora? Are you a fan of Braxiatel? What was your introduction to the character? Let us know in the comments below.