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"THE RIBOS OPERATION: A SCATTERED START TO THE KEY TO TIME QUEST"

Robert Holmes kicks off The Key to Time season with The Ribos Operation, an adventure that establishes the overarching arc while introducing K9 Mark II, the refined yet underutilised new Romana, and the enigmatic White Guardian. The quest format is an intriguing departure for Doctor Who, with each story in Season 16 focusing on the Doctor retrieving one of six key segments to restore universal balance. However, despite the promising setup, the adventure itself lacks energy and urgency, often meandering rather than building tension.

A STORY THAT NEVER REALLY BUILDS UP

The opening episode does a solid job of setting the scene, but the serial quickly settles into a repetitive loop, moving between the same locations and characters without escalating stakes. Holmes, usually a master of pacing and wit, seems content to let the story coast along until the Doctor finally gets his hands on the Key segment. The cliffhangers are particularly underwhelming—one even sees the Doctor throwing himself under a closing door in a bafflingly silly moment. The teased Shrivenzale monster could have added a layer of menace but is barely utilised, making its eventual appearance feel more like an afterthought than a real threat.

ROMANA’S INTRODUCTION AND A CLASH OF PERSONALITIES

Tom Baker’s performance here marks a shift in his approach to the show. It’s clear that by this point, he was becoming more protective over Doctor Who and his interpretation of the Doctor, and his early interactions with Romana reflect this. Mary Tamm’s Romana is refreshingly different—an intelligent, confident Time Lady who refuses to be in awe of the Doctor. While she lacks the raw energy of Leela, she provides a new dynamic, frustrating the Doctor with her intellect rather than her impulsiveness. It’s a promising contrast, even if their chemistry isn’t fully developed yet.

A STRANGE MIXED BAG OF GUEST CHARACTERS

The supporting cast in The Ribos Operation is an unusual bunch, with performances that range from compelling to outright irritating.

Iain Cuthbertson’s con artist Garron and Paul Seed’s aggressive Graff Vynda-K dominate much of the story with their bickering, but their exaggerated, theatrical performances can be grating rather than engaging. Their political and economic debates feel weighty in concept but rarely translate into compelling drama.

Robert Keegan’s scarred warrior Sholakh has a great presence but is underused.

Anne Tirard’s portrayal of the Seer is, frankly, one of the weakest performances in Doctor Who history.

However, there is one standout: Timothy Bateson’s Binro the Heretic. His character, an allegory for early scientists persecuted for challenging religious dogma, is a highlight. His interactions with Unstoffe are surprisingly moving, adding a layer of depth and humanity to an otherwise uninspired adventure.

A PLANET THAT NEVER QUITE COMES TO LIFE

The planet Ribos has the potential to be an intriguing setting, but its limited set design prevents it from feeling fully realised. The snowy, medieval aesthetic is interesting, and the Ribosian costumes are well-designed, but the small number of sets makes the world feel constrained rather than immersive. The production doesn’t do enough to make Ribos feel like a living, breathing society, reducing it to a mere backdrop for the story’s events.

📝VERDICT: 6/10

The Ribos Operation has moments of brilliance—particularly in its themes and the introduction of Romana—but ultimately feels like a slow, unfocused start to The Key to Time arc. The narrative never gathers much momentum, the guest performances are inconsistent, and the script lacks the sharpness expected from Robert Holmes. While there are glimpses of the wit and depth that make Holmes’ work so beloved, the story struggles to maintain engagement. A passable introduction to Season 16, but not one of Holmes’ strongest efforts.