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“CAERDROIA: A MAZE OF MINDS AND MULTIPLE DOCTORS”

Caerdroia is a standout entry in the Divergent Universe arc, finally pushing the Doctor closer to the answers he’s been chasing. With a surreal setting, a labyrinthine plot, and Paul McGann delivering a multi-layered performance, this adventure is as mind-bending as it is entertaining.

The long-awaited confrontation between the Doctor and the Kro’ka delivers immediate tension. After spending multiple stories as a cryptic manipulator, the Kro’ka is now backed into a corner, pressured by his masters and struggling to maintain control. The battle of wits between McGann’s Doctor and Stephen Perring’s Kro’ka is electric, with sharp dialogue and superb performances. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching the Doctor finally put his adversary on edge.

THE THREE DOCTORS – A BIZARRE BUT BRILLIANT TWIST

Once the narrative shifts to Caerdroia, the adventure takes a turn for the bizarre—in the best possible way. The Doctor is split into three distinct versions of himself: his usual self, an irritable and impatient incarnation, and a playful, childlike persona. This allows McGann to showcase his versatility, making each version of the Doctor distinct while still feeling like facets of the same man.

The splitting of the Doctor creates fresh dynamics with Charley and C’rizz. The Fun Doctor is erratic and unfocused, forcing C’rizz into the unusual role of being the responsible one. Meanwhile, the Irritable Doctor and Charley are at constant odds, making for a more tense and unpredictable pairing than usual. These altered dynamics add energy to the story, ensuring that the companion roles feel just as crucial as the Doctor’s.

A LABYRINTH OF STRANGE SETTINGS

The setting of Caerdroia itself is as varied as its versions of the Doctor. Each storyline unfolds in a different surreal location:

The Normal Doctor finds himself trapped in an endless, bureaucratic nightmare, navigating an office filled with pointless sections and unhelpful secretaries—a biting satire of corporate culture.

Charley and the Irritable Doctor struggle through a deadly cuckoo clock environment, where their lack of teamwork puts them in constant danger.

C’rizz and the Fun Doctor explore a bizarre park filled with the flora and fauna of their home worlds while being pursued by a Minotaur.

This constant variety keeps the story engaging, shifting tones and challenges while still driving toward the same central mystery. The maze-like nature of the planet is brought to life through creative sound design and imaginative concepts, making it feel like a true puzzle box of a world.

A FINAL SHOWDOWN AND A PLAYFUL FINALE

As the Doctors converge in Part 3, the pieces start to fall into place. The reveal that they’re inside a circular pyramid adds another layer to the mystery, and the looming presence of the Minotaur keeps the stakes high.

Part 4, however, wobbles slightly as the focus shifts to a lengthy “door game” sequence—reminiscent of the Fourteenth Doctor and Donna’s puzzle in The Giggle. While this slows the pacing, it allows for some much-needed character moments. The banter between the reunited characters feels more natural than ever, and there’s a genuine sense that Charley and C’rizz have finally bonded as true friends.

Ultimately, the episode’s greatest strengths lie in its strong character dynamics and inventive storytelling. The final confrontation between the Doctor and the Kro’ka bookends the adventure with the same intensity that it began with, providing one of the best exchanges between these two characters in the arc so far.

📝VERDICT: 8/10

Caerdroia is a clever, layered adventure that takes full advantage of the Doctor Who format’s ability to be surreal, comedic, and unsettling all at once. Paul McGann delivers a phenomenal performance across three versions of the Doctor, and the shifting dynamics between the characters keep the story fresh throughout.

A mind-bending maze, a Minotaur on the hunt, and three Doctors for the price of one—this is Big Finish at its most experimental and entertaining.