A short but sweet Story which acts in the same Vain as the Short Born Again, I must admit I liked this one a lot more. Chibnall writing Prose works surprisingly well, which makes us 3 for 3 when it comes to Showrunners nailing it with Proses! Giving us an Insight in this very early Part of 13's Life was great and very enjoyable. It, being paced rather quick, works for me, a slow burner-lover, a lot more due to its hectic Nature of falling down into a Train. (Does that sound Insane without of Context? Yes it does). Great first Look into 13 and her Mindset, I enjoyed this one!

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

“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.

A mini story fizzing with energy and potential, giving you insight into the earliest moments of the 13th Doctor. It is super cute.

The Thirteenth Doctor #2

'Things She Thought While Falling' (2020) from Adventures in Lockdown.

An enjoyable and brief time seeing Thirteen's personality developing mid-fall.