Gallifrey review: Evolution explores science and belief in interesting ways

As Romana and Narvin look into experiments into potential time travel, Leela finds a group of former slaves desperate for new life, in the middle episode of Gallifrey: Series Five…

Evolution, the second episode of Gallifrey‘s fifth series, is a very slow-paced affair. Very little happens across its one hour duration in terms of plot. But if I’m honest, I think I like it more than the last episode, Emancipation.

That episode was enjoyable, don’t get me wrong. And I loved returning to the world of politics that made Gallifrey such a compelling series in the first place.

But Emancipation feels like an episode that’s driven more by themes and character exploration than by plot. And that works very well for it, especially in this series. With just three episodes to focus on this alternative Gallifrey, it can be tempting to squeeze as much plot in as possible. But I genuinely enjoy the fact the world is explored through other means than just story.

For example, one key aspect that drives Evolution is belief. And belief comes across in different ways. Yes, there’s the more spiritual kind, as Leela discovers from a group of former slaves eager for a better life.

But there’s also belief in progress, too. About pushing things forward and taking the next step. And how dangerous belief can be when you believe that the ends justifies the means.

Leela has always had a very strong sense of morality. But is it as clear-cut as it once was?

(Image credit: Gallifrey/Doctor Who/Big Finish Productions.

Image obtained from: Big Finish Productions.)

Leela’s morality

With these themes, we really explore the lives of the slaves on this particular Gallifrey like never before. We obviously knew that they didn’t exactly have easy lives before Romana, Leela and Narvin came along.

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But in this episode, we find out exactly what the worst fates for them could be. How they were really seen by the Regenerators. And what the Regenerators are willing to do in the name of “progress”.

The episode also explores Leela, particularly who and where she is now at this point in her life. She’s not as idealistic as she once was, and she knows that. While she’s still a very moral person, not everything is so black and white to her anymore. And, as much as she wants to help the Outsiders on Gallifrey, she’s also starting to learn that she’ll never be seen as one of them.

Like I said, there really isn’t a lot of story in Evolution. But the character focus and exploration of some interesting themes still make it a fantastic listen. And the ending leaves a clear indication that, for our heroes lives on this particular Gallifrey, at least, things are rapidly coming to an end…

Next. How my favorite Doctor and writer helped me to find true love. dark

Which episodes of Doctor Who do you think best explore themes of both belief and science? Are they themes that you like to see explored? Let us know in the comments below.

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