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“THINGS SHE THOUGHT WHILE FALLING: A MOMENT OF REGENERATION IN FREEFALL”
Originally published on the official Doctor Who website before being collected in Adventures in Lockdown, Things She Thought While Falling offers a unique perspective on the immediate aftermath of the Twelfth Doctor’s regeneration into the Thirteenth. As the title suggests, the story unfolds in the space of mere seconds, during the Doctor’s chaotic descent from the TARDIS to Sheffield, seamlessly bridging Twice Upon a Time and The Woman Who Fell to Earth.
Written by Chris Chibnall himself, the story is presented in a snappy, fast-paced style that perfectly captures the racing thoughts of a Time Lord in mid-regeneration crisis. The fragmented sentences and erratic thought process reflect the usual post-regeneration instability, making for an engaging and immersive read.
CHAOS, HUMOUR, AND INSIGHT
Despite its brevity, this short story packs in a wealth of detail. The Doctor’s inner monologue bounces between self-arguments, deduction, past memories, and future plans—all while plummeting at terminal velocity. She debates her survival strategy, reminisces about a recent alien encounter, notices something amiss on the train below, and even grapples with her shifting pronouns as her new identity settles in.
This rapid-fire mix of logic, whimsy, and existential contemplation makes the story both amusing and deeply insightful. Unlike previous incarnations who had time to stabilise post-regeneration (The Christmas Invasion, The Eleventh Hour, Deep Breath), Thirteen is thrown straight into peril, leaving her no space for reflection. Chibnall captures this perfectly, showing how she processes the change on the fly—quite literally.
A FUN COMPANION PIECE TO THE EPISODES
Much like Born Again (the 2005 Children in Need minisode bridging The Parting of the Ways and The Christmas Invasion), this short story adds an extra dimension to the Thirteenth Doctor’s first moments. While not essential, it enriches her introduction, offering a deeper understanding of her mindset before she crashes into her first full adventure.
The story is also accompanied by a striking illustration of the Doctor mid-fall, an effective visual that reinforces her situation and helps set the tone for those unfamiliar with the episode.
📝VERDICT: 9/10
A brief but wonderfully immersive glimpse into the Thirteenth Doctor’s mind at the moment of her rebirth, Things She Thought While Falling is a witty and well-written addition to her era. Chibnall’s writing captures the frantic energy of regeneration, making it both a fun and insightful read. While not a must-read for casual fans, it’s a great companion piece for those wanting a little more depth to Thirteen’s chaotic arrival.
