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“The Dying Breed: Of Royals, Warriors, and Revered Robots"

A character-driven exploration of the Lupari homeworld with court intrigue, quantum wormholes, and K9’s surprising rise to prominence.

Lupari Lore and Royal Intrigue:

The Lupari, introduced in Flux, make a welcome return in The Dying Breed, bringing Fourth Doctor energy to their canine-centric society. The setting—a ravaged Lupari kingdom—is rich with potential, allowing for a deeper look at their culture, from their noble royalty to their soothsayers and warriors. While the backdrop is fascinating, the story leans heavily into political and personal drama, centering on the royal family’s turmoil.

Miriam Margolyes shines as the enigmatic soothsayer, providing an ominous, prophecy-laden tone. Peter Guinness gives gravitas to the weary king, though his occasional resemblance to Peter Davison’s voice is oddly distracting. The warrior princess Kiera’s fiery nature plays well opposite Leela, creating a clash of determined personalities and mutual respect.

Familiar Yet Quirky Plot:

The story follows a familiar Doctor Who trajectory: the Doctor is framed for murder while uncovering the truth, Leela asserts her warrior prowess, and K9 has more to do than usual. The twist here lies in K9’s elevated status—hailed as a superior being by the Lupari and forcing the Doctor and Leela to act as his subordinates. This amusing reversal echoes C-3PO’s role among the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi and provides fresh dynamics, especially for K9, whose contributions often feel peripheral in other stories.

The sci-fi elements, including quantum wormholes linking the Lupari and human worlds, add intrigue but don’t overshadow the central drama. The wormholes also serve to cleverly tie this story into Flux, offering an origin story for the Lupari-human alliance that played a critical role in Series 13.

Slow-Burn Peladon Vibes:

Much like the classic Peladon stories, The Dying Breed is a slow-burning tale steeped in courtly intrigue and character exploration. While this approach works to flesh out the Lupari and their royal family, the lack of dynamic action or high stakes leaves the narrative feeling plodding at times. The emotional depth and development of the guest characters are commendable, but the story struggles to maintain momentum.

Performances and Dynamics:

Tom Baker’s Doctor is as commanding and playful as ever, navigating the Lupari court with charm and wit. Leela’s warrior instincts make her a natural fit for this story, and her dynamic with Kiera adds depth to both characters. K9’s elevated status is a refreshing touch, giving him a more active and influential role. The interplay between the TARDIS trio and the Lupari characters keeps things engaging, even as the plot meanders.

"Verdict: A Character-Driven Canine Drama"

The Dying Breed excels in world-building and character exploration, diving into Lupari society with court intrigue and emotional nuance. However, its slow pace and lack of thrilling action make it less engaging than it could have been. Fans of the Peladon stories or those eager to see K9 in a rare spotlight will find plenty to enjoy, but others might find the story too subdued.

📝67/100