I'll be honest, I was listening to the audiobook version of this more out of obligation than actual desire to read it. I was borrowing the 15 Doctors, 15 Stories from a digital library mainly to listen to the 13th Doctor story that had been added, and while I had it borrowed I thought I would catch up on the 12th and 15th Doctors' stories.

All that to explain, I really wasn't in the right mood or headspace to enjoy this one, and mainly listened to it in the background while doing other things. The idea of a planet full of dogs was interesting, and I thought the escaping-from-prison-by-playing-fetch scene was fun. I might have to circle back and reread this sometime when I'm actually in the mood for a 15 and Ruby story!

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

"The Dalmatian Terrain: A Playful Start That Stumbles”

The first official short story featuring the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday aims to capture the lighthearted charm of their dynamic while introducing a quirky adventure. While it has moments of humour and intrigue, it ultimately feels like an underwhelming introduction for this new TARDIS team.

The story kicks off with a casual, Brighton-based conversation about seagulls and fish and chips, setting a friendly tone. There’s a genuine attempt to establish the easygoing rapport between the Doctor and Ruby, with nods to their unique quirks—like Ruby’s sass and the Doctor’s eccentricity. The Doctor’s musings on K9, Beyoncé, and his ignorance of Usain Bolt add to his whimsical personality.

However, the characters don’t quite feel like Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson. The dialogue is playful, but it lacks the distinct energy and chemistry that these actors bring to their roles on screen. The obligatory mention of “mavity” feels shoehorned, serving as a faint reminder of the gag rather than a meaningful addition.

The blue-spotted Dalmatian tailing the Doctor and Ruby initially feels like a whimsical twist but soon echoes familiar territory (Constant Companion, the Big Finish Short Trip with the Second Doctor). When the story shifts to a planet of Dalmatian dogs, it teases fascinating world-building but sadly skims over its potential. The culture, biology, or society of these canine inhabitants remains largely unexplored, reducing the setting to little more than a backdrop.

Dame, the reptilian space criminal, is a standout. She’s cunning, manipulative, and intriguing, bringing a spark of menace to the story. However, her defeat feels too easy, undermining the threat she initially posed. The seamless teamwork between the Doctor and Ruby is fun to read, but the resolution feels rushed and simplistic.

📝Verdict: 65/100

The Fifteenth Doctor’s first short story is a mixed bag. While it succeeds in setting a lighthearted tone and introduces an intriguing villain, it struggles to bring the characters of the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby to life in a way that feels true to their on-screen counterparts. The unexplored potential of the alien world and the derivative nature of the plot leave it feeling more like filler than a meaningful entry into the Doctor Who canon. A charming start, but this duo deserves sharper, more imaginative adventures.

The Fifteenth Doctor #09

'The Dalmatian Terrain' (2024) from Fifteen Doctors 15 Stories.

My second favourite 15 story honestly after Rogue at the moment, and if it was more thoroughly stretched out and realised then it would make for a good televised episode. A lovely extended scene of Fifteen and Ruby at Brighton beach together, before they're whisked away to a planet populated with dalmatians and an evil lizard / seagull lady - a fairly fun villain. A very nice time spent.