While not big on plot, that's not the intention behind this story, instead it offers us a deep dive into the Doctor's core character. For someone who isn't part of the main line of Doctors, David Warner carries the role brilliantly as scene be scene we break down the layers of the Doctor's character through several therapy sessions as well as his struggling attempts to rule the universe which has strained his friendship with Bernice Summerfield, until finally we get not one but two breakdowns from him. Not only a both of them done brilliantly but they work together as different extremes of the Doctor reaching his emotional breaking point, the first being more explosive as his frustrations boil over. The other once his therapist works out what the Doctor's been doing to her life behind the scenes is more calm and more from the heart as the Doctor opens up about his loneliness and the weight he carries. Not only is this David Warner's best scene as the Doctor, it's one of my my favourite Doctor Who scenes ever written. This was a much better version of the idea Russel was going for with the Fourteenth Doctor, and I really liked what he did with Fourteen, in fact if Big Finish ever did a Fourteenth Doctor audio I'd want it to be something like this story.

An absolutely incredible story that sees the Doctor going to therapy, and decides to try and help out his therapist. Of course he does so in a way that's so tragically Doctor. Truly the highlight of an exceptionally strong run of stories.

this blew me away, the doctor confronting his inner demons and going to therapy just to mess it all up while trying to do the right thing. story wise its nice to get a break away from conflict politics monsters etc and really give us an insight into this doctor and his turmoils. really strong performance from everyone including annette badland (her voice is so recognisable everytime). phenomenal!!!

📝6/10

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

MY SCATTERED AND TOTALLY IRRELEVANT NOTES:

Asking For a Friend brings the Unbound Doctor face-to-face with his psychiatrist, forcing him to confront the heavy burdens he carries: being the President of the Universe and betraying Benny’s trust.

The story alternates between sharp, tense interviews with the psychiatrist and more dramatic, emotionally charged dialogues between the Doctor and Benny. These scenes vividly showcase the Doctor's flaws, highlighting the mounting stress he’s under and his tendency to make poor decisions that only escalate the situation.

As the narrative progresses, Benny begins attending therapy sessions herself, while the Doctor drowns his sorrows in alcohol. The story unfolds as a series of two-character exchanges, which slows the pacing but offers valuable insights into the characters and their personal struggles.

However, the plot doesn’t seem to lead anywhere substantial. Despite strong performances, I found it hard to fully connect with the characters or their emotional turmoil, which diminished the impact of the story for me.

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS:

• It’s amusing that the Unbound Doctor is reprimanded for cheating during therapy and doing it out of order. But, as the Fifteenth Doctor quipped in The Giggle, doing therapy out of order is just what Time Lords do.