This wasn't as bad as Time-Flight, but it wasn't much better either. A terrible waste of a trip to Amsterdam - a setting that was absolutely wasted here and just looked drab.

I enjoyed how long this story proceeds with two seemingly unrelated storylines, one set in modern day Amsterdam, the other on Gallifrey. It builds up the mystery of the slowly revealing plot - until the plot runs out that is. Omega does not make a huge impact in part one, but it’s exciting seeing the Time Lords (including Colin Baker!) become the threat for The Doctor, who will take him down in order to foil Omega’s plot.

The Netherlands storyline is more interesting than that of Gallifrey, which is to be expected as it’s more relatable. I like how they threaded Tegan back into the story. Side note - it’s great to see her in such a fun outfit after being stuck in the hostess uniform all last season! The scallop detail on the top is very cute. I wish her part, which is initially quite interesting, didn’t result in her just being held hostage for final half of the story.

I do wish the Time Lords came across as a little more reasonable, they don’t seem to have a strong enough motivation for wanting to kill The Doctor. Outside of The Deadly Assassin Gallifrey has never come across as that worth seeing. It would be such an incredible asset to the show if it was a more intriguing place to be. But its so stiff and formal and lifeless.

There’s always the issue with elaborate alien costumes that cover the face when there is no way for an actor to emote other than pointing or waving their arms about. The scene when Omega is talking to a Time Lord hidden in the shadow (bar from their gesticulating hands) has zero dramatic value. This is director Ron Jones' failure as much as it is the actor's.

The whole story culminates in a bland run-around with unexciting revelations and exposition overloads. Meh. I'm not enjoying this era as much as most of what came before it unfortunately.