Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

“ARRANGEMENTS FOR WAR: LOVE, LOSS, AND POLITICS COLLIDE”

Arrangements for War picks up immediately after the harrowing events of Project: Lazarus, exploring the emotional aftermath of the Doctor’s choices. Evelyn, furious and disillusioned, demands to be left on a world where she can avoid getting involved, needing time to process what she perceives as the Doctor’s moral failings.

Doctor Who rarely delves into the emotional consequences of the Doctor’s actions on their companions, but this story places that dynamic front and centre. Evelyn’s core beliefs clash with the Doctor’s decisions, and she needs space to reflect. From the outset, the mood is set with sombre music and Evelyn’s exasperation as she forces the Doctor to listen to her grievances.

A WORLD ON THE BRINK OF PEACE… OR WAR

The Doctor takes Evelyn to Világ (Hungarian for “world”), a planet embroiled in a bitter conflict between two ruling families. A political marriage is being arranged to unite them and prevent an impending invasion, and the Doctor believes this is the perfect place for Evelyn to observe without interfering. However, as soon as they arrive, it becomes clear that their presence is disrupting events rather than simply witnessing them.

Much of the story is dedicated to building this world—its intense political climate, the emotional turmoil of Princess Krisztina, and the sense that the peace efforts may be in vain. The setting itself is vividly realised, with its tropical heat, singing flora, and distinct culture giving it a unique identity.

A SLOW-BURNING POLITICAL DRAMA

The pacing is deliberately slow and contemplative, with an emphasis on politics and war strategy. At times, it’s difficult to keep track of the shifting allegiances, and the story’s tone remains oddly low-key despite the stakes. The Doctor and Evelyn find themselves forming personal bonds with the locals, engaging in leisurely activities and deep conversations, almost as if they are on a rare, peaceful holiday. The underlying tension of the plot—a forbidden romance, political scheming, and the looming invasion—remains somewhat muted, lacking the dramatic urgency one might expect.

However, the narrative cleverly positions the Doctor and Evelyn on opposing sides, with Evelyn advising one family while the Doctor aligns with the other. This reflects their own fractured relationship, as the Doctor tries to reach out to Evelyn, only to be repeatedly ignored. Evelyn, in turn, wrestles with her understanding of the Doctor’s nature, contemplating the man he truly is beneath the surface.

WHEN EVERYTHING FALLS APART

As the story progresses, tensions rise, particularly with Governor Rossitor pressuring Evelyn to leave the Doctor and marry him. Meanwhile, Evelyn pushes her side towards war while the Doctor fights for a ceasefire, knowing that time is running out before the inevitable invasion begins.

It’s in Part 4 that the story finally erupts into chaos. The invasion is depicted with an impressive sense of scale and urgency, bringing with it tragedy and destruction. A particularly gut-wrenching death shakes the Doctor to his core, leading to a rare moment of vulnerability as he snaps, desperate to undo the loss. This moment, however, also marks the turning point in his relationship with Evelyn, drawing them back together. The emotional weight of the climax is significant, even if it doesn’t quite achieve the full impact it strives for. What stands out is how both characters grow from the experience, emerging stronger than before.

A SOFTER SIDE TO SIXIE

If anyone still doubts that the Sixth Doctor can be mellow, compassionate, and deeply affected by loss, Arrangements for War should put that to rest. Colin Baker delivers one of his most likeable performances as Sixie, portraying a Doctor who is more introspective and emotionally available than usual. Maggie Stables, as always, is phenomenal as Evelyn, torn between her knowledge of the future and her conflicted feelings about the Doctor. Her discussions about her heart condition and her deeply emotional scenes with Rossitor in the final moments are particularly moving.

The guest cast is solid, even if the characters themselves don’t leave a lasting impression. The standout is the legendary Gabriel Woolf, returning to Doctor Who as Governor Rossitor with a commanding presence. Philip Brotherton as Suskind and Katarina Olsson as Princess Krisztina (named after writer Paul Sutton’s Hungarian wife) also deliver strong performances.

📝VERDICT: 6/10

Arrangements for War is an introspective, slow-burning character piece that focuses on the fractured relationship between the Doctor and Evelyn. While the political intrigue sometimes lacks urgency, the emotional beats—particularly in the final act—hit hard. Colin Baker and Maggie Stables shine, and the story offers a rare exploration of the Doctor’s softer side. It may not be the most gripping tale, but it’s a fascinating study of character, consequence, and the cost of war.