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"Fast Asleep: Eleven's Paradox Puzzle Unravels"

Fast Asleep plunges us back into the Eleventh Doctor’s chaotic adventures, opening with him caring for River in her stasis capsule. The story wastes no time as a paradox wave, triggered by Alice’s actions in the Time War, hits the TARDIS, bringing high-stakes drama and clever storytelling.

The sequence where Daak is nearly swept away by the wave only for the Doctor to lean into the chaos instead of trying to save him is both tense and darkly humorous. The banter between the two adds levity, while the vibrant art style perfectly captures the explosive energy of the moment. Scene transitions are masterfully handled, keeping the story engaging as it zips between timelines and events.

The episode’s strongest element is its ability to tie together the sprawling threads of this arc. It provides a sharp, high-stakes explanation for ongoing mysteries: the Then and the Now, the Malignant, and the enigmatic Squire. The paradox storyline is intricate without becoming overwhelming, giving us just enough complexity to feel satisfying while remaining accessible.

The reveal that Squire is, in fact, a Volatix Cabal Dalek is both shocking and effective, delivering a twist that recontextualizes much of what’s come before. Additionally, the subtle suggestion that the paradox wave hits the Master’s TARDIS, aging him into the War Master we recognize from Utopia and Big Finish audios, is a brilliant touch, connecting disparate parts of the Doctor Who universe in a satisfyingly clever way.

📝Verdict: 8/10

With its sharp dialogue, inventive visuals, and a narrative that finally clicks all its puzzle pieces into place, Fast Asleep is a standout paradox tale that’s as thrilling as it is rewarding.