What is there to say? Romana has a mental breakdown of gigantic proportions and it is not done, the students are wonderful and everything happening to them is terrible, Leela is amazing, her identity as an outsider is played amazingly with the students, I am going insane about the tragedy of Leela and Andred, the politics are getting even more breathtakingly tense. In short, what the hell how do these keep being so good!! This ties with Spirit for my favourite yet

I very much like the slice of life aspect of this. It was very cool hearing about life at the Time Lord academy and there's some really good build-up for Darkel here. 8/10 - great overall but a little disjointed in the narration and pacing.  It's good but some scenes sat with me better than others.

The whole thing with Pandora and Imperiatrix feels fine but on the heels of Neverland and Zagreus, it does feel like we are treading very similar ground with the usual dark reflection of the Doctor now being transposed onto Romana instead.  That side of things feels less fun and original, which is harder to really be excited about.  I can't say I'm as excited for the finale as I think I should be.

Enjoyed Romana’s storyline. I could have done without the rest.

A great view into the lives of regular people on Gallifrey.

A lot of the previous stories had been talking about civil unrest and the conflict that Romana opening up the academy had caused, but it's one thing hearing about it, another seeing it from the front lines.

The core cast we get here are immensely relatable, you can so easily see this friendship group existing at school, so easily put yourself in their shoes, and so easily understand when everything starts to fall apart.

Leela is also just a brilliant teacher, you can see why Brax thought she'd be a good fit, but you can also understand her motivations when she wants to leave at the end of the story. The moments she has with Andred are also great for character, she's starting to understand, but she can't forgive everything that's happened. Her talking about Trauma and how on her planet it would just be seen as a sign of weakness, even if backtracking on it and saying how her thoughts have changed, shows a sharpness and harshness to her that we don't really get to see often.

Romana as well is great here, her interactions with the future Pandora are interesting, and that final moment of her deciding that she's the president and she's going to put her foot down are great. Not here much, but what we get is great.

And god, Darkel continues to be such a lovable yet hatable villian, I can't wait for this to keep going.

📝8/10

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

ACADEMY UPRISING: POLITICS, POWER AND BETRAYAL ON GALLIFREY

Insurgency shifts the spotlight onto President Romana’s daring policy of admitting alien students into the Time Lord Academy, a reform that sparks tension across Gallifrey. The episode deftly explores the friction this change generates, not only politically but also on a deeply personal level for key characters like Romana and Leela.

A New Order Meets Old Resistance:

The introduction of Steven Wickham as Valyes, the pompous and staunchly traditionalist new Chancellor, adds a layer of gravitas to the opposition against Romana’s reforms. His disdain for her progressive policies provides a sharp counterpoint to her vision of a more inclusive Gallifrey. Meanwhile, a group of alien students, caught in the crossfire of political upheaval, offers a fresh perspective on Gallifreyan society.

Leela, as Romana’s unwavering ally, is sent to the Academy as a tutor. However, this role places her uncomfortably close to her estranged husband, Andred, now the newly appointed Castellan. Their interactions crackle with tension, forcing Leela to confront her complicated past while navigating the murky waters of Gallifrey’s political machinations.

Parallel Struggles:

The narrative elegantly weaves together the alien students’ struggles to assimilate with the broader political turmoil engulfing Gallifrey. This interplay mirrors the best of Gallifrey’s tradition as a gripping political thriller, with Romana’s ideals clashing against the staunch conservatism of the High Council.

Darkel and Narvin’s plotting to undermine Romana is both chilling and compelling, adding layers of intrigue as they pull strings from the shadows. Their scheming, paired with Valyes’s obstinate resistance, creates a sense of inevitability that heightens the stakes.

Leela’s Crisis of Faith:

The alien students’ plight is mirrored in Leela’s growing doubts about Romana’s leadership. As tensions rise, her faith in Romana begins to waver, particularly as Romana’s reforms seem to lead to greater division rather than unity. This personal conflict adds emotional depth to the story, making the political struggles feel more immediate and human.

Shocking Twists and Unfolding Chaos:

The climax delivers a series of shocking revelations that fundamentally alter the status quo. Andred’s brutal murder, seemingly at the hands of Romana, is a devastating moment that threatens to destroy the trust between her and Leela. This act sets off a chain reaction, culminating in Darkel’s formal challenge to Romana’s presidency—a move that leaves Gallifrey on the brink of chaos.

The looming threats of Pandora and the dogma virus serve as an ominous backdrop to these events, their presence ensuring that even as the political drama unfolds, there is a constant undercurrent of existential danger.

Final Thoughts:

Insurgency masterfully balances political intrigue with personal drama, delivering a rich, thought-provoking narrative that sets the stage for a gripping season finale. Its exploration of Gallifrey’s shifting societal dynamics evokes the complexity of a Doctor Who take on Marvel’s New Mutants, blending high-stakes politics with deeply personal struggles.

Revolution is brewing on Gallifrey, and the Imperiatrix is waiting in the wings.