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“THE HOUSE OF MASKS: MYSTERY, INTRIGUE, AND A GROWING BOND”

The Eleventh Doctor’s new era continues with The House of Masks, an atmospheric mystery set in 18th-century Venice during a grand carnival. It’s the first true adventure for Eleven and Valarie together, and while the story itself has its flaws, it succeeds in further developing their dynamic, laying the foundations for their relationship and the overarching mysteries surrounding their travels.

VENICE, MASKS, AND A WEB OF DECEPTION

Right from the start, The House of Masks plays with contrasts. The Doctor is cautiously excited about returning to Venice, knowing that his last visit involved vampires and chaos, while Valarie is simply delighted to be somewhere so different from her own time. Her awe at seeing real water, buildings, and people – things that no longer exist in her future – adds an emotional depth to the setting, reminding us of how alien even the past can be to a companion from a distant future.

However, it’s not long before the pair find themselves drawn into a murder plot from opposite sides. The Doctor is persuaded by the enigmatic Lady Sicura, who believes there’s a murderer after her, while Valarie, drawn in by the charming Captain Tommasi, is led to believe that Sicura must be stopped. It’s a classic case of misdirection, and the uncertainty over who is telling the truth lends the story a solid air of mystery. Adding to the tension is the reveal that everyone inside the lavish house is trapped, slowly sinking into the water at Sicura’s mercy.

This locked-room setup is engaging, and the story takes its time exploring the different angles, allowing the Doctor and Valarie to slowly unravel the secrets of the house while using their own unique strengths.

VALARIE TAKES THE LEAD

If The Inheritance introduced Valarie as a capable and emotionally rich character, The House of Masks cements her as a true lead in her own right. She doesn’t just follow the Doctor’s lead—she actively takes charge, using her enhanced body and sharp mind to seek solutions that don’t involve bloodshed. Her technological prowess, combined with her strong sense of morality, makes her a standout companion, and it’s refreshing to see a Doctor-companion duo who feel like equals so early on in their journey together.

The story also plays nicely with the Doctor’s quirks, particularly in how he introduces Valarie to staple elements like the psychic paper and the TARDIS translation circuits. What makes these moments fun is that Valarie is unusually quick on the uptake—she understands the mechanics of the psychic paper better than most companions, which throws the Doctor off balance. It’s a small but delightful touch that helps define their dynamic.

And then there’s the deeper, more introspective side of their growing friendship. The final scene, in which the Doctor opens up to Valarie about being the last of the Time Lords, is one of the highlights of the audio. It’s a quiet but weighty moment, strengthening their bond and reminding us that, despite his manic energy, this Doctor still carries immense loneliness.

A SOLID MYSTERY WITH A WEAK PAYOFF

The initial setup of The House of Masks is strong, with its eerie, slowly sinking mansion and the mystery surrounding its inhabitants. However, the resolution doesn’t quite match the promise of the premise.

The twist—that the house is actually a stranded luxury space cruiser—feels somewhat predictable, and the real mystery shifts towards how it crashed and why its occupants survived. The answers, revolving around AI, robots, and the use of masks, are serviceable but not particularly engaging. While the personal drama between the crew members adds some emotional weight, the climax ultimately drags on longer than necessary without delivering a truly satisfying payoff. And then, just as things seem to be building to a final resolution, the story simply… stops.

This abrupt ending leaves a slightly underwhelming impression, as if the story was missing one last strong beat to tie everything together.

A PROMISING VILLAIN AND A FORGETTABLE FOIL

Lady Sicura is an intriguing figure, shifting from a mysterious presence to something far more unsettling as the story progresses. She never quite goes overboard into full-blown villainy, which works in her favour—her calculated control over the situation makes her more fascinating than a traditional over-the-top antagonist.

On the other hand, Captain Tommasi barely makes an impact. Despite being set up as an important figure in the plot, he ultimately fades into the background, failing to leave much of a lasting impression.

BUILDING A SEASON, PIECE BY PIECE

One of the most exciting aspects of this story is how it subtly contributes to the feeling of an ongoing Doctor Who season. From the Doctor introducing Valarie to classic TARDIS tools to the lingering mystery of why their ship keeps being pulled to specific places, The House of Masks isn’t just a standalone adventure—it’s another step in a larger narrative. The slow-burn development of these elements adds intrigue and makes the story feel like part of a bigger picture rather than an isolated tale.

The production values are also a highlight. The music and sound design do an excellent job of bringing 18th-century Venice to life, with its grand ballroom settings and bustling carnival atmosphere. Even when the story falters, the rich atmosphere keeps it immersive.

Jacob Dudman and Safiyya Ingar continue to shine, with their chemistry making every scene engaging. Their performances are so natural that it already feels as if they’ve been playing these roles for years.

📝VERDICT: 7/10

The House of Masks is a solid second outing for the Eleventh Doctor and Valarie, offering a strong setting, a compelling mystery, and further development of their relationship. However, the story stumbles in its final act, with a resolution that feels less satisfying than its setup.

Valarie continues to impress as a companion, and her dynamic with the Doctor is developing beautifully, making up for some of the weaker narrative beats. The growing sense of an overarching season arc also adds an extra layer of intrigue.

While it doesn’t quite live up to its full potential, The House of Masks is still an enjoyable adventure that reinforces why this new era of Doctor Who audios is one worth following.