I started off the Wintertime Paradox after meaning to listen to the audiobook since it came out.  I've already read Canaries online, which was nothing short of exceptional, and I've got to say, He's Behind You is a fun start to the rest of the anthology.  Aside from the aforementioned Canaries, this is my first experience with author Dave Rudden, and I think he did a good job here of really bringing us back to the era of Rose and the Tenth Doctor.  There's a lot of references to the first series, and some good mentions of recent events with Rose after the Christmas Invasion.

It's such an authentic take on Series Two that it even features that same level of cringe-worthy that I really remember between Ten and Rose.  Sure, it's a bit of a fault in the story, but the larger narrative more than makes up for that.  I hadn't heard of the UK's tradition of pantomime theatre until it was introduced to me on the forum, so it was very cool seeing that in action and informing the entire story.  I also very much enjoyed all the details of this short story.  He's Behind You makes an excellent, novel, and truly original take on the Autons.  Them posing as actors for so long they began to break down was a very cool take on these now familiar aliens, plus it felt very appropriate for a Rose story.

The theatre angle was also great.  It's used well as a bit of character work for Rose, plus, because this is a story about Gallifrey, it gives Rose the opportunity to dress in Time Lord robes and speak a little of the Doctor's home, something that never really came up with her in the main series.  I'm very glad I listened to the audiobook version, too.  Sophie Aldred's narration greatly enhanced my overall experience of this story.

A delightful panto story after recently reading the mess that was 'Behind You'.

I think the story sort of lost it's way a bit as it kept going on and the threat emerged, but even then it was still a delight to read. The characterisation for Ten and Rose is spot on, I love their back and forth, and this view inside the head of early Season 2 Rose is a really interesting one.

I adore a panto, so that probably helped here, but even without that the way this is written is just incredible. The comedy especially got me every time, talking about the rage of a time lord as Ten asks how Rose can not like pantos, Rose's comment about how it must be innaccurate after seeing the panto's gallifreyan costumes because the robes just look silly and Ten moving quickly on. It's just a load of fun.

And the use of autons for the bits about actors playing actors playing characters is also just silly in the best way too.

📝7/10

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

"A Pantomime of Plastics and Time Lords"

Dave Rudden’s The Wintertime Paradox opens with a whimsical and festive tale featuring the freshly regenerated Tenth Doctor and Rose. Set against the backdrop of a Time Lord-themed pantomime, the story cleverly blends British tradition with the sci-fi antics of Doctor Who, all while pitting the duo against the Autons.

Rose, Regeneration, and a Dose of Drama:

Rudden takes the opportunity to delve into Rose’s adjustment to the Tenth Doctor, capturing her lingering confusion and unease following Nine’s regeneration. This exploration adds depth to her character, offering a relatable perspective on such a surreal experience. Meanwhile, the Doctor’s charm and exuberance shine through, with his bond with Rose feeling warm and authentic—thankfully without their usual air of smugness.

Panto with a Sci-Fi Twist:

The story’s inventive premise places the Doctor and Rose amidst a Time Lord-themed pantomime—a uniquely British tradition Rudden reimagines with a delightful Who spin. The panto is populated by Auton duplicates of real people, creating a clever yet light-hearted trap for Time Lords. While the concept is brilliant, the Autons themselves are underused, dispatched almost as an afterthought, which feels like a missed opportunity.

Quirky Characters and a Clever Climax:

The supporting characters, particularly Shara Betomax and Gabadine Tho, add humour and charm to the narrative. Their antics behind the scenes of the panto are engaging, especially as Rose teams up with them to navigate the unfolding chaos. The image of Rose on stage in Gallifreyan robes is particularly entertaining, and her quick thinking provides a clever resolution to the Auton threat, neatly tying the panto plot into the larger story.

Final Thoughts:

Rudden’s story captures the festive spirit while providing a playful and imaginative adventure for Ten and Rose. Although the Autons’ role feels underwhelming, the warmth of the characters, the humour, and the unique setting make this a charming addition to The Wintertime Paradox.

A delightful romp that turns Time Lords and pantomimes into a surprisingly cohesive (and very British) combination.

THE WINTERTIME PARADOX: STORY 1

He’s Behind You is the first short story in The Wintertime Paradox by Dave Rudden.

It’s a solid introduction to the anthology, with a Ten and Rose tale.

It’s about a pantomime about Gallifrey. Dave Rudden clearly knows his stuff, with some hilarious jokes and references all adding to the pantomime feel of the tale.

The mention of Irving Braxatiel was a particular highlight!

Thankfully, Rudden doesn’t expect the reader to be a super-fan, and knowledge of the more obscure corners of the Whoniverse is thankfully not needed to enjoy this story.

All in all, it’s a cracking good story, with some great visuals, funny moments, and an intriguing prologue, which gives a sense that the seemingly unrelated stories to follow in this collection may all be connected...