The Doctor’s future returns to haunt him in the next volume of Doctor Who: The Eighth Doctor: The Time War, as the Valeyard returns!
At Doctor Who Watch, we’ve been keeping a close eye on Big Finish’s website for any news on the third volume of The Eight Doctor: The Time War. For the longest time, we’ve heard very little on this particular Doctor Who release, which is surprising. Especially when it’s two months away, and we’ve known details about other upcoming releases such as The Legacy of Time and The War Master: Rage of the Time Lords for months.
Today, Big Finish have finally revealed details about what to expect in Time War: Volume Three. And it’s easy to see why they’ve been keeping it secret for so long – the Valeyard has returned.
For those of you who don’t know, the Valeyard has been described as “an amalgamation of the darker side”, and comes from “somewhere between twelfth and final incarnation”, to quote the Master. He first appeared in The Trial of a Time Lord, as prosecutor for the Sixth Doctor’s trial. His ultimate aim at that point was to gain a full existence and steal the Doctor’s remaining regenerations.
So far, the only Doctor he’s faced has been the Sixth. He last met him in The Sixth Doctor: The Last Adventure. That story seemed to stop him for good. But how has he returned?
The Doctor’s future?
The Valeyard’s return is something I’m definitely excited about. Considering the nature of the Time War, it actually makes sense that a version of the Doctor’s future shows up – something that both is and isn’t the Doctor.
It’s also something that will allow Paul McGann’s Doctor to be dark and reflective. The Eighth Doctor has often worried about what the Time Lords are becoming. But with the Valeyard’s return, I suspect he’ll be far more worried about his own future, this time.
More from Winter is Coming
- For All Mankind finally gives us information in Episode 405, “Goldilocks”
- Watch a stunning VFX breakdown of The Wheel of Time season 2
- Of course Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon) thinks Eve Best (Rhaenys Targaryen) should rule Westeros
- Confirmed: The Last of Us season 2 will air in 2025
- Final season of Star Trek: Discovery will have “a lot of action, a lot of adventure, a lot of fun”
Lastly, Michael Jayston has always been superb as the Valeyard. He always plays the part with relish, so hearing him play the Valeyard opposite McGann’s Doctor – one possibly even more moral than Colin Baker’s Doctor – is going to be a joy to hear.
The War Valeyard
Here’s the official description for his return appearance:
"The War Valeyard by John DorneyThe Valeyard has returned to the universe amid the Time War – and the Time Lords see his potential to end the conflict for good.When the Doctor discovers that his twisted future self has been conscripted, he sets out with Bliss to find him, braving a planet ravaged by Daleks.But in a world where he can finally be a hero, will the Valeyard want to leave?"
The Valeyard playing the hero. Now I definitely can’t wait for this one!
The War Valeyard will be released in August as part of The Eighth Doctor: The Time War 3. You can pre-order it on CD or download directly from Big Finish’s website.
Are you excited about the Valeyard’s return? Do you think the character could work well in the Time War? How do you think the Eighth Doctor will react to him? Let us know in the comments below.