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“Living Legend: World Cup Chaos Meets Alien Fools"

A short, comedic gem that thrives on charm and wit rather than substance.

A Brief Adventure in the Heart of 1982 Italy

Living Legend, a 20-minute audio escapade with the Eighth Doctor and Charley, is a playful interlude set against the jubilant backdrop of Italy's 1982 World Cup victory. Originally a Doctor Who Magazine exclusive, it’s now a freely available treat, and while it’s light on stakes, it’s rich in humour.

The story’s setup is wonderfully absurd: the Doctor and Charley stumble upon the Threllips, aliens planning an Earth invasion, and decide to thwart them through sheer cunning and comedic deception. What follows is a breezy tale that leans heavily on its characters and dialogue rather than intricate plotting.

Paul McGann and India Fisher Shine

Paul McGann’s Eighth Doctor is at his charming best here, effortlessly blending intelligence with mischief. India Fisher steals the show as Charley, relishing the chance to play a pompous Time Lady. Their dynamic crackles with chemistry, and their delight in fooling the hapless Threllips is infectious.

The Threllips, while comically inept, are memorable thanks to their over-the-top vocabulary and ridiculous threats. Their exaggerated bluster contrasts perfectly with the Doctor and Charley’s calm manipulation, creating a delightful comedic tone.

Humour Over Substance

The script revels in silliness, with highlights including the Doctor convincing the Threllips that Earth is plagued by a deadly "world cup fever" and Charley’s haughty dismissal of their captain as a future laughingstock. These moments of humour compensate for the thin plot, which lacks any real tension or stakes.

The conclusion, where the Doctor nonchalantly sends the Threllips packing with the push of a button, is undeniably anticlimactic. However, given the story’s tongue-in-cheek tone, it’s hard to be too critical. This is a tale that never pretends to be more than a bit of fun.

Verdict: A Whimsical Diversion

Living Legend isn’t a groundbreaking Doctor Who story, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a short, comedic romp that delivers laughs and showcases the sparkling dynamic between the Eighth Doctor and Charley. While the plot is wafer-thin and the resolution lacklustre, the sheer charm of the performances makes this a delightful way to spend 20 minutes.

📝74/100