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“The Krillitane Relic: Echoes of the Past and Shadows of the Present"

Seven faces a ghost of Zoe's past, but a lack of surprises and a by-the-numbers narrative make this adventure a missed opportunity.

A Random Pairing and Missed Companion Potential:

Pairing the Seventh Doctor with Ray, the companion from Delta and the Bannermen, feels like a fresh deviation from his usual Big Finish companions. However, the choice ultimately adds little to the narrative. Ray is given the traditional companion role of asking questions and reacting to events, but her presence feels interchangeable—Mel, Ace, or even no companion could have worked just as well. The story misses an opportunity to make Ray a more distinctive part of the adventure.

The Zoe Twist That Isn’t:

The story revolves around the intriguing concept of Zoe’s doppelgänger, a Krillitane copy from The Krillitane Feint. The Doctor’s confusion over why “Zoe” doesn’t remember him, combined with her mysterious presence, should create a compelling emotional thread. However, the mystery falls flat because the audience already knows the truth from the start: this isn’t the real Zoe. The reveal lacks impact, and the emotional weight that should accompany the Doctor’s lingering attachment to his past companions isn’t fully explored.

That said, Wendy Padbury deserves praise for her performance. She seamlessly transitions from the seemingly innocent “Zoe” to the sinister Krillitane, capturing both sides of the character with flair. Sheila Hancock also excels as the Krillitane Captain, managing to make her character’s transformation from likeable to menacing quite effective.

A Familiar Setting, A Predictable Plot:

The cryogenic space station for the rich and dying is a serviceable but uninspired backdrop, reminiscent of similar settings in Doctor Who lore. While the concept provides a functional playground for the Krillitanes’ plans, it doesn’t bring anything particularly unique to the table.

The story unfolds in a straightforward manner. The first act introduces the Doctor and Ray, while the guest characters debate their identities (a trope that feels overused). The Doctor spends much of the plot pondering why Zoe doesn’t remember him, while the Krillitane gradually reveal their hand. The third act delivers some action-packed moments with ray guns and the Krillitanes in humanoid form, but even this feels more perfunctory than thrilling.

A Thoughtful but Rushed Conclusion:

The story’s resolution is simple, offering little in the way of surprises. The emotional crux of the episode—Seven realising he needs to let go of his past and stop chasing ghosts—has potential but feels underdeveloped. Given the rich history between the Doctor and his companions, this could have been a poignant moment, but the rushed pacing robs it of its emotional depth.

"Verdict: Serviceable but Forgettable"

The Krillitane Relic is a functional but unremarkable adventure. Its premise—a Krillitane doppelgänger of Zoe and the Doctor’s struggle with his past—has potential, but the predictable narrative and lack of tension hold it back. Wendy Padbury and Sheila Hancock deliver strong performances, but even their talents can’t elevate the script beyond mediocrity.

Fans of the Seventh Doctor or Zoe may find some enjoyment in the nostalgic elements, but this story is unlikely to linger in the memory.

📝59/100