📝6/10

Time Lording through time and space, one victory at a time!

TIME LORDS, TERROR, AND TENSION: A PROMISING START

This opening chapter of Gallifrey grabs attention straight away, blending political intrigue with a unique setting and a groovy score. The initial scenes, featuring four assessors inspecting time technology on a barren moon, set an engaging tone. Characters like Torvald, the Time Lord inspector, and the enslaved woman inhabited by another consciousness stand out, giving the story an unexpected Raiders of the Lost Ark vibe.

Intriguing Introductions:

It takes a little time to orient yourself among the cast and plot threads, but the main players—Torvald, Narvin, Romana, K9, Leela, and Braxiatel—are quickly introduced, along with the key themes of the series. The mix of space politics, terror organisations, and the larger question of Time Lord ethics immediately sets the stage for compelling drama.

The characters are effectively established: Romana shines as a sharp and capable leader surrounded by frustrating colleagues, while Leela’s hands-on, action-driven approach creates an intriguing contrast. The tension between Leela and Torvald is especially gripping, and Braxiatel emerges as a quintessentially dry Cardinal, shrouded in mystery.

Atmosphere and Allegory:

The sparse, well-crafted music and sound design complement the superb performances, building an atmosphere that’s both subtle and effective. The Free Time movement’s battle over the regulation of time travel serves as an intriguing political allegory, providing depth to the narrative and a unique angle on Gallifreyan society.

Potential Amid Complexity:

The abundance of characters and new concepts can feel overwhelming at times, but there’s immense potential in the political intrigue and character drama. The interplay between Romana, Narvin, and Braxiatel hints at deeper tensions and alliances to come, keeping you invested despite occasional confusion.

A Slightly Disjointed Finish:

Unfortunately, the episode loses some momentum in the final stretch, with the plot becoming harder to follow. However, Leela’s appointment as Romana’s bodyguard offers an exciting setup for future episodes, hinting at further development in their fascinating dynamic.

Final Thoughts:

This first episode effectively establishes the key players and themes of Gallifrey, laying the groundwork for a series rich in political intrigue and character drama. Though occasionally dense and disorienting, it offers a promising start that balances action, tension, and thought-provoking allegory.

A compelling introduction that hints at great potential despite a few early stumbles.