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12 December 2024
This review contains spoilers!
📝7/10
Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!
"A Pantomime of Plastics and Time Lords"
Dave Rudden’s The Wintertime Paradox opens with a whimsical and festive tale featuring the freshly regenerated Tenth Doctor and Rose. Set against the backdrop of a Time Lord-themed pantomime, the story cleverly blends British tradition with the sci-fi antics of Doctor Who, all while pitting the duo against the Autons.
Rose, Regeneration, and a Dose of Drama:
Rudden takes the opportunity to delve into Rose’s adjustment to the Tenth Doctor, capturing her lingering confusion and unease following Nine’s regeneration. This exploration adds depth to her character, offering a relatable perspective on such a surreal experience. Meanwhile, the Doctor’s charm and exuberance shine through, with his bond with Rose feeling warm and authentic—thankfully without their usual air of smugness.
Panto with a Sci-Fi Twist:
The story’s inventive premise places the Doctor and Rose amidst a Time Lord-themed pantomime—a uniquely British tradition Rudden reimagines with a delightful Who spin. The panto is populated by Auton duplicates of real people, creating a clever yet light-hearted trap for Time Lords. While the concept is brilliant, the Autons themselves are underused, dispatched almost as an afterthought, which feels like a missed opportunity.
Quirky Characters and a Clever Climax:
The supporting characters, particularly Shara Betomax and Gabadine Tho, add humour and charm to the narrative. Their antics behind the scenes of the panto are engaging, especially as Rose teams up with them to navigate the unfolding chaos. The image of Rose on stage in Gallifreyan robes is particularly entertaining, and her quick thinking provides a clever resolution to the Auton threat, neatly tying the panto plot into the larger story.
Final Thoughts:
Rudden’s story captures the festive spirit while providing a playful and imaginative adventure for Ten and Rose. Although the Autons’ role feels underwhelming, the warmth of the characters, the humour, and the unique setting make this a charming addition to The Wintertime Paradox.
A delightful romp that turns Time Lords and pantomimes into a surprisingly cohesive (and very British) combination.
MrColdStream
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