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TARDIS Guide

Overview

Released

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Written by

Dave Rudden

Story Type

Christmas

Time Travel

Future

Location (Potential Spoilers!)

Stormcage

Synopsis

Visiting Hours was the fifth short story published in The Wintertime Paradox.

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2 reviews

This review contains spoilers!

Not bad, not bad at all.  Visiting Hours features Rory coming to visit River Song and bring her a bunch of Christmas stuff for the holidays at the Stormcage.  It's a great premise that leads into a full-blown prison break.  River and Rory are a lot of fun here.  Rory in particular stands out because this short story gives us a unique insight into his thoughts and feelings.  This includes travelling with the Doctor, but also how he feels about River knowing she is his daughter.  We didn't get a lot of follow-up or time to really explore how Amy and Rory feel about River as their daughter so it's pretty delightful seeing that explored even a little bit here.  I also like some of his thoughts surrounding his work as a pediatric nurse and his time as the Lone Centurion.

Visiting Hours is solid in these regards, but is much weaker around Henrck Chyll and his whole villainous scheme.  He feels more like an annoying character than a fun villain.  At least the setting of the Stormcage is a lot of fun.  Writer Dave Rudden does a good job of using an existing setting, and he really makes it feel like a full facility more than it ever was shown to be like in the show.  I also like how Chyll's story ends in a way tied into the larger narrative around the Wintertime Paradox, and it feels like he meets a fairly well-deserved sinister end.


dema1020

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📝9/10

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

"CHRISTMAS IN STORMCAGE: RORY'S DARING FAMILY AFFAIR"

This clever twist on a companion story sees Rory visiting the Stormcage to spend Christmas with River Song. His plans for a festive reunion are disrupted by the prison’s insufferably self-absorbed psychiatrist, Henrik Chyll. Chyll, obsessed with River’s story, plots to publish her secrets in exchange for her freedom—a scheme that sets the stage for chaos.

Things take a turn when a breakout attempt forces Rory, River, and Chyll into an uneasy alliance. Using Chyll’s credentials and River’s trademark ingenuity, they must thwart the escape of mad scientist Isolde Rubel. While Rubel makes for a formidable antagonist, her inclusion feels somewhat unnecessary to the core of the narrative.

Rory is beautifully written here, showcasing his wit, charm, and resourcefulness. The story delves into his often-overlooked relationship with River, offering heartfelt moments that explore his role as both a husband and father. Rudden also uses the opportunity to highlight Rory’s unique skill set, from his background as a nurse to his extraordinary experiences as an Auton and Roman legionnaire.

With sharp characterisation and entertaining dialogue, this festive tale gives both Rory and River plenty of time to shine, making it a delightful addition to the Doctor Who universe.


MrColdStream

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‘Can’t be easy.’ Chyll eased himself to the floor beside Rory, his skin grey and washed out in the half-light of his suit.

Rory didn’t say anything. He just chewed. Maybe he would get to like the taste. People could get used to anything.

Chyll waved his hand, indicating the dark corridor, the open cell, the wailing alarms. ‘I doubt this is anyone’s ideal Christmas.’

Rory shrugged. ‘I’ve had weirder,’ he said, before realising with a start that it was true. At least the whole thing with the space sharks had snow.

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