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"Unknown Soldiers: War, Intrigue, and a Ragtag Team"

Unknown Soldiers, the second installment of the War Doctor Rises series, plunges us deep into the chaos of the Time War, following a fascinating ragtag team on a high-stakes mission. Timothy X Atack’s three-part story (Ready, Aim, Fire) expertly balances humor, tension, and character development in a narrative that mirrors classic heist films like The Suicide Squad or Ocean's Eleven.

The opening chapter, Ready, sets the stage with a squad of unlikely operatives: a banished Movellan named Ormarelle, an amnesiac Time Lady spy stripped of her regenerative abilities named Pars, a deposed alien ruler, and some surprisingly competent (yet still amusing) Ogrons. Their mission to recruit the War Doctor leads to a gripping series of twists, including the reveal of a human Dalek and a mysterious shared past between Pars and the Doctor. The War Doctor, initially detached and running doomed world-saving simulations, is drawn into their dangerous operation, promising a chance to end the Time War.

Aim propels the team into battle, highlighting their individual struggles and deepening the mystery of Pars’ past. They set out to locate the Blind Bomb Maker, a central figure for the war effort. The bumbling, armored hamster Bevvakk provides comic relief while the group faces interrogation, malfunctioning allies, and Dalek threats. This chapter builds tension beautifully, culminating in the Doctor’s betrayal by his own team.

The final chapter, Fire, brings the characters into the heat of battle, forcing them to confront both external threats and their own conflicts. The Bomb Maker’s identity as a Thal ties back to The Daleks, creating a poignant connection to the Doctor’s past. Pars’ tragic backstory is revealed, adding emotional weight. However, while the character-driven moments shine, the pacing feels uneven, and the conclusion lacks the impact the story seemed to build toward.

The performances are stellar, with Isla Blair as the layered Pars, Amanda Shodeko’s eager and complex Ormarelle, and Simon Kane’s delightful turn as Bevvakk stealing the show. Adam Martyn impressively portrays the Bomb Maker, embodying both charisma and tragedy.

📝Verdict: 8/10

Though the finale doesn’t quite stick the landing, Unknown Soldiers is a compelling exploration of war, morality, and the unlikely alliances forged in the Time War. The blend of humor, tension, and character drama makes it a standout entry in Big Finish’s War Doctor saga.