📝8/10

Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

THE WEB OF LIES: ROMANA, PANDORA, AND GALLIFREY'S FRACTURED FUTURE

Lies opens with a captivating flashback to Romana’s days at the Academy, where she discusses the nature of her education with Braxiatel. This scene not only offers a glimpse into Romana's formative years but also cleverly introduces the story’s central antagonist—Pandora, making her first impression on the young Time Lady. It’s a delightful prologue that sets the tone for the unfolding drama.

Darkel’s Return and Schemes Aplenty:

Lynda Bellingham returns as the ever-scheming Darkel, now with a larger role. Her machinations against Romana add an extra layer of political tension, while Narvin continues to pursue his own agenda. The plot draws further intrigue as Romana proposes allowing alien species with temporal potential to study at the Academy—a bold move that stirs up controversy on Gallifrey.

Sharp Wit and Stellar Performances:

The political manoeuvring takes a slightly calmer turn in this episode, but the witty exchanges between characters remain a highlight. Romana’s sharp dialogue shines, particularly in her interactions with Andred, Braxiatel, and the newly introduced Castellan Wynter, a recent Academy graduate whose addition to the cast is both fresh and enjoyable. Lalla Ward and Andy Coleman are on top form, delivering sparkling performances.

Mary Tamm’s Big Finish Debut:

Mary Tamm makes her Big Finish debut as Romana I, and her bickering with Romana II and Leela is a treat to listen to. Though her role in the story is relatively small, her presence adds an enjoyable dynamic to the unfolding events.

Leela’s Journey Below the Capitol:

Leela spends much of the episode exploring the Vaults beneath the Capitol with K9, grappling with the shocking revelation of Andred’s regeneration in A Blind Eye. Her scenes with K9 are among the best written for her character so far, showcasing her growing complexity. Inadvertently, she unleashes Pandora, a hidden force from Gallifrey’s ancient past, who now seeks to reclaim her power through Romana.

A Sinister Pandora and Andred’s Quest:

Brenda Longman delivers a chillingly fun performance as Pandora, managing to balance menace with charisma. Meanwhile, Andred continues to dig into Pandora’s history, setting off on a mission that places him at odds with both Romana and Leela.

Tightly Woven Plotlines:

The episode balances two compelling threads: the charged relationships between the main characters and the growing threat posed by Pandora. The narrative intriguingly hints at parallels between Romana and Gallifrey’s first female president, suggesting that Romana’s progressive reforms could destabilise Time Lord society. This conflict intensifies the stakes, pitting Romana against those who see her as a threat.

A Thrilling Final Act:

The story’s final act is a whirlwind of banter between the two Romanas, Leela’s attempts to make sense of Pandora’s schemes, and Andred framing Narvin for murder. The tension ramps up without losing the series’ signature wit and charm, delivering a satisfying conclusion that sets up the threads for Season 2.

Final Thoughts:

Lies expertly blends political intrigue, character-driven drama, and mythological depth. The streamlined plot keeps the focus tight, while the interplay between Romana, Pandora, and Gallifrey’s fractured political landscape builds a compelling narrative.

With its rich characterisation and tantalising set-ups for the next season, Lies firmly establishes Gallifrey as a thrilling and intelligent series. Colour me intrigued for what’s next!