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TARDIS Guide

Review of The Story & the Engine by joeymapes21

10 May 2025

The power of stories is incredible, particularly when attention is given to whose stories they are. Is the hero of the story and the one who is behind it all, the one credited for the story or the one side lined?

Throughout, the detailed web of the stories, and how this supports the God's is fascinating, and such a beautiful concept. And the idea of someone behind this, and building these stories, who is forgotten is brilliant. The small setting, within the barber shop is executed fantastically. With the tapestry of stories weaved throughout, this never feels tiring, with the beautiful depth of character executed throughout the stories.

Throughout, Doctor Who steps and breaks new ground - has it ever told a story like this, this bold? It's exactly what I hoped for new writers this season, particularly when it gets to tell a story, so rooted in experiences that it is brand new.

I am singing its praises, but it isn't without flaw however. Unfortunately, as brilliant as the concepts are, the pacing is all over the place. The first time writing of a TV script is difficult when trying this medium, to match and fix the pacing. And consequently, this shows. The pacing throughout just always managed to take me out of the story slightly, even if I wanted to be immersed so much more.


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