This is a fantastic story. Each of the four distinct parts propels the narrative forward while maintaining a cohesive whole. IDW has perfected the formula here: Part One’s courtroom trial brilliantly portrays the Doctor on the back foot, building an alliance with the Advocate - a character whose death in Part Two resonates, only to shock audiences when she resurfaces in Part Four as the mastermind behind the entire scheme(!) This layered storytelling is exciting and frankly unexpected.

Parts Two and Three shift into a thrilling space-opera chase, hopping between spaceships and alien planets - a dynamic contrast to the land-bound tension of Part One. The balance works beautifully. The space battle in Part Four is well-executed, and the restraint in action sequences across the serial means this is not tiresome, but instead more of a climax. The return of the Shadow Architect is a welcome touch, enriching the expanded Doctor Who universe by revisiting a character last seen fleetingly in Journey’s End that most viewers would have wanted to see more of. Her inclusion offers a tantalising glimpse of the show’s broader, unseen lore.

The story excels in continuing prior arcs while setting up future threads, giving the IDW comic series a newfound sense of purpose and direction. The only slight oddity is Mr. Finch’s abrupt appearance at the Shadow Proclamation in Part 1 - a fun nod to School Reunion, though greater context for his role would have eased the randomness. Nonetheless, he is a good villain in this and a welcome presence.