Shout out to David K. Barnes for this two-parter (The Silent Priest/The Silent City). I really do feel lucky being a Doctor Who fan. Here we have a spin-off featuring a Doctor from the Classic Series, the Doctor from the TV Movie and villains from the New Series blended seemlessly into an atmospheric two-hour adventure exploring themes of income inequality, crime, memory and morality. There's simply no reason for a spin-off like this (tacked onto a boxset where the pitch is: What is a classic doctor faced a nu-villain?) to be this good. And yet it is.

I really appreciated the setting of Sunset City. With audioplays, I frequently imagine some generic sci-fi backdrop (especially when the setting is not explained very thoroughly) but this city felt real. Not just aesthetically, but the whole *vibe* of this torn-down city at war with itself as rival factions battle for control and then (in part two) when the war is over, things still don't feel quite right. I imagine sound design plays a huge role here too, but I don't understand that element enough to say.

I wish we got an entire season of Doctor Who set in a place like this. Sunset City itself or something like it. A location that, being featured across 8-12 episodes, becomes a character in itself. That would be a really fun break from the formula. And as this two-parter shows, you could really dig in and do some interesting things with your characters.

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

“The Silent City: A Gamble With Time and Consequences"

Seven dances with Eight’s mistakes in this time-twisting sequel, where past and future collide in a city of shadows.

A Unique Casino Setting With Missed Potential

Set two years after The Silent Priest—for the supporting characters, at least—The Silent City takes place in a once-quiet city now transformed into a bustling gambling haven. While the casino setting is a fresh and imaginative location for a Doctor Who story, it isn’t explored as richly as it could have been. The high stakes and moral complexities of gambling culture are only lightly touched upon, leaving the setting feeling more like a backdrop than a fully realised world.

The police investigation plotline fares better, providing a steady narrative thread that grounds the story amidst its temporal complexities. It adds an air of mystery and suspense, though it rarely rises above standard fare.

Seven’s Manipulative Brilliance

This story’s highlight is undoubtedly Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor. Tasked with cleaning up Eight’s mess while avoiding spoilers about his own future, Seven’s cunning and subtle manipulation shine through. He carefully maneuvers the narrative, keeping his cards close to his chest while addressing the chaos left in his wake. The dynamic of one incarnation grappling with the actions of another is fascinating and well-suited to Seven’s more enigmatic and calculating nature.

The Silents: Minimal Use, Maximum Impact

Much like in its predecessor, the Silents are used sparingly but to great effect. The Silent, whom Eight inadvertently helped empower, now wields significant influence over the city’s corruption. Their unsettling presence remains one of the story’s strongest elements, and their appearances are timed perfectly to maximise tension. Pairing the Silents with Seven feels particularly inspired, as his scheming nature matches their insidious influence.

Timey-Wimey Layers and Consequences

The timey-wimey structure, with Seven dealing with fallout from his future self’s actions, is handled well, creating an intriguing narrative thread that challenges the Doctor’s sense of responsibility. The interplay between Eight’s unintentional empowerment of the Silent and Seven’s attempt to limit the damage adds depth, though the emotional weight of these consequences isn’t fully realised.

Atmosphere and Performance Over Plot

While the setting and narrative premise are compelling, the story ultimately struggles to capitalise on its potential. The casino could have been a vibrant, dangerous arena for moral dilemmas and character drama, but it feels underutilised. Similarly, the plot, while serviceable, doesn’t quite rise to the level of its ambitious setup.

That said, the performances are excellent. Sylvester McCoy brings his usual blend of charm and quiet menace, perfectly embodying a Doctor who is always three steps ahead. The supporting cast also performs admirably, especially in the police procedural elements, which add a noir-ish flavour to the story.

Verdict: Clever but Underwhelming

The Silent City delivers an intriguing premise, strong performances, and some chilling Silent moments, but it falls short in fully exploring its unique setting and emotional stakes. Fans of the Seventh Doctor will appreciate his manipulative brilliance, and the connection to The Silent Priest adds a satisfying layer of timey-wimey continuity. However, the story leaves you wishing it had taken more risks with its themes and setting.

📝71/100

This is an alright sequel to the silent priest but because I didn’t click with the silent priest I don’t get much out of this story