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“Panacea: A Twisting, Bittersweet End to the Season”

The Series 3 finale of Gallifrey brings the civil war’s fallout to a head, delivering a politically and emotionally charged story that reflects the shattered state of the Time Lords. With Romana exiled, Matthias in power, and a deadly resurgence of the dogma virus threatening the Time Lords’ very existence, Panacea ties together threads from previous series while setting the stage for an uncertain future.

Romana, Resilient in Exile

Romana’s journey from Lord President to renegade continues to be one of Gallifrey's greatest strengths. She’s resourceful and determined, even as she’s dismissed and undermined by former allies. Her camaraderie with Leela and K9 offers some of the story’s best moments, from K9’s volume-control gag to Romana and Leela’s shared determination to solve the virus crisis.

Romana’s interactions with Elbon, the morally dubious surgeon experimenting on the dogma zombies, showcase her righteous anger and moral clarity. She’s still every inch a leader, even when stripped of her title.

Complex Villains and Allies

The return of Hugo Myatt’s Arkadian is a highlight. His charmingly manipulative performance anchors much of the political intrigue, particularly in his tense confrontation with Leela. Offering to restore her sight in exchange for loyalty, he epitomises the slimy opportunism that thrives in Gallifrey’s chaos.

Elbon, as a secondary antagonist, is suitably reprehensible, while Matthias proves himself unfit for leadership with his selfishness and reliance on Arkadian’s schemes. Narvin, ever the cautious pragmatist, shines as he attempts to steer Gallifrey toward stability, all while remaining suspicious of Arkadian’s machinations.

But the biggest twist is the revelation of Braxiatel’s role as the mastermind behind the Free Time movement. This jaw-dropping reveal reframes much of the series’ events and positions Brax as a morally grey figure—working to save Gallifrey’s legacy while abandoning its people to their fate.

Twists, Turns, and Tension

The narrative is packed with twists, from the resurgence of the dogma virus to the shocking betrayal by K9, revealed to be working for Arkadian and Brax. The slow-burning political intrigue of the council meetings contrasts with moments of high tension, such as Leela’s confrontation with Arkadian and the climactic unveiling of Brax’s plan.

While the story delves deeply into Gallifreyan politics and strategy, it never loses sight of the personal stakes. The emotional weight of K9 and Leela leaving Romana adds a bittersweet tone, while Romana and Narvin’s reluctant alliance with Matthias hints at uneasy compromises to come.

A Bittersweet Cliffhanger

The unresolved ending, with Gallifrey’s fate hanging in the balance, is both frustrating and thrilling. Brax’s ark, the cure that strips Time Lords of their regenerations, and the looming spectre of Gallifrey’s fall set the stage for a fascinating continuation.

📝90/100

Panacea wraps up Gallifrey’s third series with a story that’s equal parts introspective and action-packed. Its political intrigue, character development, and shocking twists make it a standout entry, even as its cliffhanger leaves much unresolved.

Random Observations:

• Somehow I think that the expression “going the way of the dodo” wouldn't mean a whole lot for non-Earth beings.
• Arkadian has a communication device with the Nokia ringtone, which makes the Finn in me very happy. What doesn't make me happy is the fact that Arkadian claims it to be an original composition.