This episode is the one that really got me hooked on Gallifrey. I have no idea how I managed to avoid spoilers for it because I was not trying that hard and I think I read something about it long before listening but somehow it just didn't stick in my brain. I really need to listen to the whole first series again because I feel like there were probably a lot of tiny hints regarding the reveal, I remembered Andred’s bio-data being tampered with and in this one he’s very clearly speaking of Torvald as a different person from the beginning.

I simply adore Leela in this. I especially love that her voice turns so soft when she realizes Torvalds is Andred. The way their conversation is almost a wedding vow is incredible. Leela/Andred is a relationship that comes totally out of nowhere in the Invasion of Time but god, does Gallifrey manage to sell it. I love them.

It’s such an excellent contrast to the rest of the audio when she’s fighting and out for revenge, and makes the character so much more interesting. She just has so much emotion in her voice.

Leela really gets a lot of amazing character moments in this one and she’s excellent against Sissy, the way she shows her competence and dignity and doesn’t let herself be demeaned in any way by her.

I think Sissy as a character is actually quite horrifying precisely because she is presented somewhat sympathetically. It makes quite clear that being a Nazi, or a bigot or falling for propaganda is not a trait unique to those born evil, but instead something anyone could be complicit in. I had an excellent history teacher when we covered this period in school who both made it very clear how much easier it would have been to look away, how human that instinct might’ve been but also how horrifying inaction is and how important it is that we stand up against fascism and bigotry. I kind of understand this character as a warning in that way. Also India Fisher is quite good at making her distinct from Charley.

I think Romana continuing her political strategies in her very own way is also quite fun. I love that she just always uses her power to do whatever she wants with only the barest excuse. It’s so entertaining!

Loved it!