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

TARDISODE 6

Here, Lumic gives global orders to upgrade people into Cybermen, and it shows parts of the conversion process. It’s really just a microcosm of what is seen in the full episode.

📝5/10

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TARDISODE 5

This is presented as a case file on John Lumic and his Cyberman project, showing exactly why it’s so dangerous. It’s a bit messy, though, and the little moment of Rickey looking angry just sort of feels misplaced.

📝5/10

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

TARDISODE 4

Here we see a spaceship hit by an ion storm and then attacked by an unseen danger. Seeing that red-tinted control room and hearing that poor woman’s scream makes my blood run cold. It’s also a scene that fits in nicely as backstory for The Girl in the Fireplace. The final shot of the clock breaking down is pretty ominous as well.

📝7/10

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

TARDISODE 3

This one actually features Mickey doing some research on alien activity, coming across secret Torchwood files, and alerting Rose and the Doctor to come and investigate. It’s actually a fairly decent setup for the main episode.

📝6/10

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

TARDISODE 2

This one grabs your attention with a meteor strike and werewolves howling before we see a poor man being chased down by a werewolf in a surprisingly tense sequence. I always like to see moments of danger shown from the monster's POV. And that quick werewolf reveal is quite effective. It’s a messy but fun use of the short format.

📝7/10

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

TARDISODE 1

Framed as a sort of infomercial for New Earth and their perfect hospital that never loses a patient, we see a woman cured from a terminal illness before cries for help tease us of dangers brewing. The acting is stiff, and the editing is quite abysmal. I guess it's fun to see Novice Hame from the episode, though.

📝4/10

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

“FAITH STEALER: WHEN RELIGION BECOMES A NIGHTMARE”

Faith Stealer takes the Eighth Doctor, Charley, and C’rizz deeper into the Divergent Universe, leading them to Multihaven—a place where all religions supposedly coexist in peace. However, as is often the case, utopia hides a sinister underbelly. The rise of the Church of Lucidity, a dangerous cult led by the mesmerising Laan Carder, threatens to unravel the delicate balance, testing our heroes’ resolve and beliefs.

This sole Doctor Who contribution from Graham Duff is a fascinating blend of social commentary and creeping horror. The first episode does an excellent job setting the stage, with its closing moments twisting the seemingly peaceful world into something much darker. As the Church of Lucidity’s influence grows, the story explores themes of religious manipulation, the exploitation of vulnerable minds, and the blurred lines between faith and control.

AN UNSETTLING ATMOSPHERE ENHANCED BY SOUND DESIGN

One of the strongest aspects of Faith Stealer is its immersive soundscape. The tolling church bells, distant sermons, and ghostly choirs create a rich audio environment that is both atmospheric and deeply unsettling. At times, it feels like an eerie form of ASMR—particularly when coupled with Christian Rodska’s hypnotic, treacherous delivery as Laan Carder. His voice alone is enough to convince you of the power he holds over his followers.

CHARISMATIC LEADERS AND DIVINE CONFLICTS

Laan Carder is an excellent villain—calm, persuasive, and utterly chilling in his certainty. His ability to turn lost souls to his cause is disturbingly believable, and his dynamic with Tessa Shaw’s Bordinan is one of the story’s highlights. The Bordinan sees through his deception, fighting fiercely to stop his growing influence, and their conflict adds a compelling layer to the narrative.

Meanwhile, the Miraculite—a being that feeds on REM sleep energy—adds another dimension to the cult’s power, though its inclusion sometimes feels unnecessary. The horror of the cult itself is already strong enough without needing a supernatural entity behind it. However, the way the Doctor ultimately defeats both Laan and the Miraculite—by introducing a crisis of faith—is a satisfying resolution that perfectly suits Eight’s character.

C’RIZZ’S INNER DEMONS COME TO THE SURFACE

This story gives C’rizz some much-needed development, exploring the lingering trauma of his past and how his guilt makes him vulnerable to manipulation. His brainwashing at the hands of the Lucidians is chilling, particularly during the distressing religious rituals he is subjected to. The horror here is psychological as much as it is physical, with C’rizz’s fragile state making him an easy target for those seeking to "cleanse" his soul.

THE DOCTOR AND CHARLEY: A WELL-OILED TEAM

After a run of stories where tension brewed between them, Eight and Charley finally feel like their old selves again—relaxed, playful, and determined. Their hunt for the missing TARDIS, which the locals consider a miracle, adds a fun dynamic to the adventure. Paul McGann and India Fisher’s chemistry remains as strong as ever, with Charley proving a resourceful and loyal companion throughout.

A WELL-BUILT WORLD WITH THOUGHTFUL THEMES

Multihaven is an intriguing setting, feeling alive with its bustling town squares, diverse religious figures, and strange faiths—including one that worships happy accidents. The story smartly dissects the idea of religious coexistence, questioning whether true harmony between belief systems is ever possible. More importantly, it critiques how faith can be weaponised, manipulated, and used as a means of control, making its themes feel unsettlingly relevant.

📝VERDICT: 8/10

Faith Stealer is an unsettling and thought-provoking entry in the Divergent Universe arc. Its chilling atmosphere, strong villain, and psychological horror elements make it one of the more memorable stories of this era. While the Miraculite feels like an extraneous addition, the cult dynamics and C’rizz’s internal struggles more than make up for it. The result is a gripping and well-crafted tale that explores faith, fanaticism, and the power of belief in a way that lingers long after the credits roll.

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

“WARRIOR'S GATE: A PUZZLINGLY AMBITIOUS FAREWELL TO E-SPACE”

The E-Space Trilogy concludes with Warrior’s Gate, a story that fully embraces the cerebral, experimental tone of Doctor Who’s Season 18. Written by Steve Gallagher, this four-parter is as visually ambitious as it is narratively perplexing, pushing the limits of what the show could achieve with its budget and storytelling. While the abstract nature of the plot is fascinating in concept, it often teeters on the edge of being impenetrable.

TECHNICALLY IMPRESSIVE BUT DENSELY OBSCURE

From the Alien-inspired opening shot of a derelict spaceship to the eerie white void reminiscent of The Mind Robber, Warrior’s Gate is a triumph of direction and atmosphere. Paul Joyce and Graeme Harper, in his first involvement with the show, employ innovative camera techniques, distortion effects, slow motion, and striking close-ups that make the serial visually distinct from anything Doctor Who had attempted before.

However, where the production excels in mood and style, it falters in clarity. The first three episodes largely consist of characters standing around, engaging in cryptic, unnatural dialogue that feels more like a puzzle than a narrative. Concepts like time sensitives, Tharils, and alternate dimensions are introduced, but the script is so abstract that it’s difficult to grasp what’s actually happening. Even in the final part, when the Doctor takes a more active role against Rorvik’s increasingly desperate attempts to control events, the story remains more concerned with mood than with making things comprehensible.

A STRANGE BUT MEMORABLE EXIT FOR ROMANA AND K9

Romana and K9’s departure from the show is handled in a curiously offhand manner, with Romana suddenly deciding to stay behind in E-Space and help free the enslaved Tharils. While it’s a noble fate for the character, the abruptness of the decision feels unearned, as if the script simply needed to remove her at the last possible moment. K9’s exit is tied into this as well, giving him a reason to remain by Romana’s side. It’s far from the worst companion farewell, but it lacks the emotional weight one might hope for after two seasons with these characters.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES AMIDST THE CONFUSION

Despite the dense script, the cast does well with what they’re given. Tom Baker remains effortlessly commanding, injecting occasional moments of dry humour to break the heavy atmosphere. Lalla Ward delivers a strong performance in her final outing, making Romana feel assertive and capable until the very end. Matthew Waterhouse, as Adric, is once again relegated to the sidelines, doing little to leave an impression.

Among the guest cast, David Weston is a standout as Biroc, a Tharil with an intriguing backstory and a haunting presence. Clifford Rose also makes an impression as the unhinged Rorvik, a slave trader who descends into full-blown mania by the final episode. Unfortunately, his performance loses its effectiveness in the climax, where his exaggerated laughter turns his character into a caricature.

📝VERDICT: 4/10

Warrior’s Gate is a bold and visually striking experiment in Doctor Who storytelling, but it’s also frustratingly obtuse. While the atmospheric direction and unique setting are impressive, the script’s abstract nature makes it difficult to fully engage with. As a send-off for Romana and K9, it feels rushed and lacking in emotional weight. However, as a pure exercise in style, it remains one of the most visually daring Doctor Who stories of the classic era. Whether that makes it a masterpiece or a misfire depends entirely on the viewer’s tolerance for its abstract storytelling.

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS:

• The serial was originally going to be a Gallifrey-set thriller by Christopher Priest. Steve Gallagher's original script, Dream Time, was heavily rewritten by story editor Christopher H. Bidmead and director Paul Joyce.
• Both Baker and Ward were notoriously difficult to work with during production, while director Joyce clashed with producer John Nathan-Turner, and a carpenters’ strike halted production.
• As of the writing of this review, this is the earliest Doctor Who story where both the credited writer and director are still alive.

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

“PRELUDE TO DECEIT: A BRIEF GLIMPSE INTO ARCADIA”

Originally published in Doctor Who Magazine #198, Prelude to Deceit stands apart from previous Virgin New Adventures preludes by adopting a more introspective and sombre tone. Instead of focusing on the Doctor or his companions, it is told from the perspective of the last surviving Earth colonist on Arcadia, reflecting on his dying moments.

A GLIMPSE INTO HUMANITY'S PAST AND FUTURE

The story opens with a snippet from a research article detailing humanity’s departure from Earth and the decision to colonise Arcadia. This academic-style introduction provides a broad historical context before shifting to a more personal narrative about the struggles and transition of the colony. It highlights the tensions between the original colonists and the new generation taking over, offering a thematic backdrop for Deceit.

MORE ATMOSPHERIC THAN ESSENTIAL

Like many VNA preludes, this serves more as an atmospheric companion piece rather than an essential introduction to the novel’s plot. It offers valuable backstory and sets the stage for Deceit, but its connection to the main events of the book remains fairly loose. Readers can appreciate the additional context, but skipping it won’t hinder their understanding of the novel.

📝VERDICT: 7/10

Prelude to Deceit does a solid job of expanding the world of Arcadia and adding depth to Deceit’s setting, but it doesn’t feel crucial to the novel itself. Its introspective tone and detached storytelling make for an interesting read, but, as with many DWM preludes, it remains a minor curiosity rather than required reading.

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

“ALIEN ARENA: A CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE DONE RIGHT”

After the underwhelming experience of The Spaceship Graveyard, expectations for Alien Arena, the second Decide Your Destiny book, weren’t high. But this one turned out to be a pleasant surprise, thanks to three key elements that elevate it above the usual interactive book fare.

A MORE IMMERSIVE POV

One of the best decisions here is to frame the story from the perspective of a child. Rather than having the reader step into the Doctor’s shoes, Alien Arena casts you as a regular Earth kid caught up in an extraordinary adventure. This instantly makes the experience more immersive and the dangers more tangible—you’re not some all-knowing Time Lord, just an ordinary person trying to make the right choices. The book allows for a range of approaches, whether cautious, brave, or downright reckless, making the choices feel more personal.

MEANINGFUL CHOICES

Where some Decide Your Destiny books fall flat by offering inconsequential choices, Alien Arena ensures that many of the decisions actually impact the narrative. The previous book, as well as some later entries in the series, suffered from choices that felt arbitrary—paths that led to nearly identical outcomes, making them feel hollow. Here, there’s a genuine weight to your decisions, even if some moments still funnel into the same result. You find yourself pausing to consider the potential consequences, which makes for a much more engaging reading experience.

A STORY WORTH REPLAYING

Unlike many Choose Your Own Adventure books that feel thin on narrative, Alien Arena is packed with enough depth to encourage multiple readthroughs. Different choices unlock different aspects of the world, meaning you can go through a significant portion of the book without even encountering the Doctor or Martha. The titular alien arena fight sequence can stretch across several decisions, depending on the path you take. That said, while the setting is compelling, the supporting characters aren’t quite as memorable as those in Terror Moon.

CONSISTENTLY ENGAGING, BUT A RUSHED ENDING

The writing maintains a solid flow, keeping the tension and excitement levels high. One of the book’s strengths is that the Doctor and Martha aren’t shoehorned into every moment, allowing for an adventure that feels genuinely player-driven. However, the ending can feel a bit abrupt, sometimes resolving itself in an overly convenient, deus ex machina fashion—very much in line with RTD’s signature storytelling style.

📝VERDICT: 7/10

Alien Arena is one of the rare Decide Your Destiny books that truly delivers an engaging interactive experience. With a relatable protagonist, meaningful choices, and a setting rich enough to justify multiple playthroughs, it stands out as one of the stronger entries in the series. While some paths still feel predetermined and the ending can be rushed, the overall execution makes this a Doctor Who adventure worth revisiting.