Too good of a story. Love the themes. This is my introduction to Paul Sutton, and so far... he's a pretty great writer! [spoiler]Return of Colin Baker was very pleasing. I think everyone by now knows this theory, but I still got to say that Colin Baker's appereance is just one of the standart appereances of Time Lords. He could play any Time Lord! So let's presume the next incarnation of Rani is played by him... /j[/spoiler] Tense political thriller with great character development... It's 10/10 in my book!

Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time! 

“Appropriation: Gallifrey’s Politics in Flux”

Appropriation, the third chapter of Gallifrey: Series III, deftly explores the aftermath of the civil war, with Gallifrey in political disarray and external threats looming. The narrative slows the pace compared to the previous entries, focusing on scheming and character dynamics, offering a thoughtful, if slightly uneven, installment.

This episode shifts the spotlight away from Romana, allowing supporting characters to step into the foreground. Narvin’s steadfast loyalty to Gallifrey, Leela’s sharp wit, and Matthias’s rise to prominence as a negotiator bring depth to the ensemble cast. Each character’s actions feel genuine and contribute meaningfully to the unfolding drama.

Valyes, in particular, stands out as a symbol of ineffective leadership. His decision to abdicate in favour of Darkel underscores the dangers of conservatism and self-interest in a time of crisis. Darkel, played with biting intensity by Lynda Bellingham, emerges again as a formidable antagonist, using Romana’s exhaustion to her advantage.

Romana, though not the focus, remains pivotal. Lalla Ward’s portrayal of a worn-down but determined Romana is compelling, especially as she cleverly navigates the political turmoil. Her ingenious decision to name herself as her successor via regeneration is a testament to her strategic brilliance.

The High Council meeting crackles with dramatic tension. Romana’s confrontation with Darkel and Narvin’s heartfelt pledge of support stand out as highlights. These moments reinforce the central themes of loyalty, resilience, and the struggle for power.

Colin Baker’s surprise cameo as Commander Maxil is a delightful nod to continuity, adding a touch of nostalgia for long-time fans.

The peace negotiations led by Matthias with the temporal powers feel underwhelming. While they provide necessary context for Gallifrey’s precarious position, these scenes lack the urgency and intrigue of the political machinations on Gallifrey. They often come across as a secondary concern rather than an integral part of the story.

Leela, though well-acted by Louise Jameson, has less to do here, her role more reactive than proactive. This feels like a missed opportunity to further explore her unique perspective as an outsider.

Despite its slower pacing, Appropriation lays the groundwork for a thrilling conclusion to the political conflict. The prospect of a presidential election between Romana, Darkel, and Matthias promises high stakes and intense drama.

📝Verdict: 8/10

Appropriation is a solid entry that emphasises character development and political intrigue over action. While some elements falter, particularly the negotiations subplot, the core narrative remains engaging. With strong performances and clever twists, it keeps the tension simmering as Gallifrey hurtles toward its next political showdown.