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“THE COUNCIL OF NICAEA – FAITH, PHILOSOPHY, AND FURY IN A FORGOTTEN FUTURE”

In The Council of Nicaea, Caroline Symcox pens a rich and serious-minded historical for the Fifth Doctor, Peri, and Erimem that trades the whimsy of The Romans or The Marian Conspiracy for the intellectual and ideological gravitas of 325 A.D.—a pivotal moment in early Christian history. While the story structure may seem simple, the thematic complexity beneath the surface is anything but.

This is a full-blooded historical in the classic sense: no alien interventions, no secret monsters, just real historical tensions and the TARDIS crew dropped into the thick of it. And like The Aztecs before it, The Council of Nicaea explores the ethical minefield of interfering with events that must unfold, no matter how unjust or painful they appear to be.

ERIMEM VERSUS HISTORY

At the heart of the story is Erimem, whose background as a former Pharaoh means this past is still her future. Caroline Morris delivers her finest performance to date—full of fire, frustration, and a fierce desire to do what she believes is right. Erimem’s refusal to treat this as “just history” places her in direct conflict with the Doctor, who wants to observe without interference, and with Peri, whose understanding of the stakes is initially more superficial.

Their dynamic becomes the story’s beating heart. Erimem's desire to intervene and challenge Emperor Constantine's authority provides some of the most compelling moral debate in any Doctor Who historical. Her confrontation with the Doctor in Part 1—echoing Barbara’s dilemma in The Aztecs but taken much further—is a standout moment. When the Doctor threatens to leave her behind, and she calls his bluff, we see just how far she’s willing to go to stand by her convictions.

DIFFERING VIEWS, FRACTURED FRIENDSHIPS

What makes the drama all the more potent is the way the story cleverly draws distinctions between how each character interprets history. The Doctor, with his timeless perspective, warns against interference. Erimem, as a product of her own royal past, cannot accept that inaction is the best response. And Peri, as a 20th-century American, initially views the theological debates with confusion or indifference—only to slowly understand their real-world implications.

Peri and Erimem’s strained friendship adds emotional heft to the narrative. When Peri tries to reason with Erimem, it's not from a place of manipulation but genuine concern. Yet Erimem feels betrayed, widening the rift between them. This culminates in Erimem viewing both her fellow companions as enemies—a powerful twist that adds stakes beyond the historical.

A COUNCIL IN CRISIS

David Bamber’s performance as Constantine is another highlight. He’s a commanding figure—stern, proud, and clearly grasping for control over a fracturing empire. Importantly, Symcox doesn’t fall into the trap of portraying him as a cartoonish tyrant. This Constantine is nuanced: he wants unity but is willing to use oppressive measures to get it. The moment he enlists the Doctor to restore order shows how even the Time Lord isn’t immune to being swept into the politics of the moment.

The depiction of Nicaea’s unrest—rioting in the streets, theological factions clashing—is vivid and grounded. It’s a reminder that history wasn’t just decided in grand council halls, but also in alleys and forums by real people, fighting for ideas they believed could change the world.

FAITH, PHILOSOPHY, AND FLARE-UPS

Perhaps the boldest element of the script is how openly it engages with religious and philosophical themes. It doesn’t attempt to sanitise or simplify the Council’s fierce theological disputes; instead, it lets the characters wrestle with them. Peri’s initial confusion gives way to a greater understanding of why this moment matters, while Erimem’s passion illustrates how history is often a battleground of beliefs as much as politics.

Part 3 does lose momentum slightly, as the plot meanders before the inevitable final confrontations. But Part 4 brings everything back into sharp focus, with Erimem leading a march against the Emperor and the tension hitting its peak. The final resolution, with Peri helping Erimem see that they’ve misinterpreted certain events, is a subtle but poignant character moment. Erimem doesn’t lose her fire, but she gains perspective—a satisfying arc.

📝VERDICT: 86/100

The Council of Nicaea is one of Big Finish’s most ambitious historicals—serious, thought-provoking, and refreshingly free of sci-fi bells and whistles. It offers an intense, character-driven narrative that dares to grapple with questions of morality, faith, and historical agency. Erimem shines throughout, with Caroline Morris delivering a powerhouse performance, and the ideological schisms between the TARDIS team add real dramatic weight.

This isn't a romp, nor is it a typical historical drama—it’s something denser and more rewarding, a story that challenges its characters and its listeners alike.