This is the sort of story I wish all of fiction did more of. In terms of the main storyline of Series, this episode is mostly a lot of political manoeuvring, in preparation for the series finale. But a good chunk of this episode focuses on a new group of students (from many races) who are attending the Academy. This allows us to see the hate and divisions that are being sewn for political gain, through the eyes of more ground level characters. Too many stories about seismic changes to people’s lives, focus primarily on the main cast of their respective story, and we’re just told that this is good/bad for the everyday people in this world. But here we get to see first-hand how the political game being played has serious negative consequences for regular people on Gallifrey as well.

I may not have spent enough time with this new group of students to be fully invested in them, I didn’t feel particularly upset at Taylor’s death for example (although I am intrigued by it, the details of his death are conspicuously absent from the story). But, I do find this group of friends incredibly relatable. The way Darkel’s (Lynda Bellingham is still crushing it in the role btw) schemes and the growing resentment they create for the offworld characters, affect this group of friends. Tearing the group apart, and compelling some of them into taking extreme action. All of this is done in ways that are both tragic and understandable.

I can’t imagine Taylor’s attempt to locate the Great Key of Rassilon is an accident here. I suspect that it has been reintroduced here to remind viewers of its significance. Considering that in conjunction with the Sash and Rod of Rassilon it grants powers to its holder (including ability to control the Eye of Harmony). With the teases that Romana might indeed become the Imperiatrix, and with her already being in possession of the Sash & Rod, this feels like foreshadowing for the series finale.

Romana becoming the Imperiatrix has been foretold since the first episode of the series. It’s never felt more likely than it does now though. Romana in her desperation to maintain control of Gallifrey, and stop the infighting that threatens civil war, has been communing with the future version of Pandora. She hopes this will give her the knowledge she needs to fend off Darkel’s political attacks. But in doing so Romana appears far less mentally stable than I’ve ever known her to be. We even appear to hear Romana killing Andred, although I’m sure there’s more to this than what is portrayed here.

Andred for his part has been doing some political manoeuvring of his own; although it’s never clear what he’s been up to, or whose side he’s been on. He does get some good scenes with Leela though. It’s smart that the series didn’t give them a quick reconciliation, Andred’s betrayal felt too great to be fixed quickly. But this episode does suggest there is hope that Leela may forgive Andred someday. It’s more than enough to suggest that she will not take too kindly to Andred’s murder and this may well lead to a confrontation between Leela and Romana.

It’s probably redundant to say so at this point in the show, but Lalla Ward and Louise Jameson are of course great in this episode. Romana’s descent into paranoia & despair, and the danger it implies are wonderfully conveyed by Ward. Jameson for her part strikes a perfect balance between her characters inherent steeliness, and a warmer more maternal nature that she displays towards her students.

The episode leaves us with the stakes for this series sky high. Darkel has openly challenged Romana for the presidency. Romana ends the episode unhinged (apparently murderously so) and potentially dangerous herself. Leela has had a rough time, the prejudice shown to offworlders obviously struck a chord with her, as well as the repercussions it’s had on her students. One of her students is dead, and I’m sure she’ll soon discover her husband is as well.

This episode raised the stakes for the show and its main characters. But more than that it has also shown how high the stakes may be for its world and the ordinary inhabitants as well. Whatever happens in the finale, it now tangibly feels like everyone on Gallifrey will feel its affects.