Torchwood #15: Sleeper

Torchwood Team;

• Captain Jack

• Gwen

• Owen

• Tosh

• Ianto

Notable Characters; 

Beth- Burglary victim with a hidden twist

Mike- Injured burglary victim

Sleepers- Main enemies

Detailed Plot; 

Sleeper begins with a very eery feel to it and the background music is responsible for this and it does it in a great way. An unknown couple are asleep in the middle of the night and they suspect they are bring burgled. The burglar is seen, masked, but the camera spans down and we don't get to see what happened, only hear it. It sounded like there was a very alien effect. 

A burglar (it's revealed there were two) is seen dead on the road below the couple's flat having fallen from the fifth floor, the broken glass evidence of that. Torchwood arrive and in comical fashion the police still don't like Torchwood and the authority they've got. It was very interesting how the women, Beth, was scarless and safe, whilst her husband was wounded and the burglars both dead. The other had been visibly stabbed. Just what had happened inside the flat? All signs pointed to Beth being the cause, but how could she possibly have done it? 

Gwen and Owen were in the hospital in which Mike was being attended to. Was there a third party that caused the devastation in the flat? Owen didn't think so and suspected Beth undoubtedly, almost too certain, and to me he was basically assuring the viewer it was her. Gwen suspected it was Mike who was protecting his wife but the evidence didn't really make much of a case for that. It turned out that one burglar, the stabbing victim, was still alive. Gwen was to stay with him overnight despite his unconsciousness. Suddenly, the burglar woke, told Gwen 'keep the women in the flat away from me' very worriedly and died. It was a shock! 

Beth was now in Torchwood custody and Jack was angered at her. He too was adamant she was the cause and this to me again confirmed to the viewer that Beth had caused the incidents, it was just a matter of time until she was found out for certain. Beth though seemed legitimately certain she hadn't done anything that night. Ianto briefly flirting with Jack in the hub was comical and shows how much the pair's relationship has grown since Cyberwomen. 

Tests were to be ran on Beth and whilst in the process, the hub's lights were affected, similarly to an earlier incident in the hospital. It was found out that Beth had an electromagnetic field around her! Jack was categorically certain it was her, and that she was alien. Once Beth saw the hub insides for proper, she was astounded! Testing was to continue in the medical bay with Owen carrying them out. However, when trying to inject a needle into her, it snapped, and then again. He tried a knife, and that to snapped! Beth's skin was unbreakable. What the hell was she? 

She was put in the cell next to the Weevil the team still had captive, but even that monstrous being seemed scared of Beth! The mystery deepened. It now seemed Beth didn't know of what she truly was, but she could still be hiding something. Nothing was certain. Jack though was 100% sure she was an alien. The mind probe test was next.  

The test was carried out by a helmet of sorts with Tosh controlling how deep into the consciousness the device would delve. It could find anything that was hidden, although the team hadn't used it properly last time (unseen) and resulted in somebody's head blowing up! The device was in fruition and it was causing mass amount of pain to Beth, but Jack was adamant that something was hidden and demanded it go deeper until something was revealed. Jack was going to get what he wanted. Beth's magnetic field was increasing as the probe delved deeper. Suddenly, Beth reverting from utter pain to soft calmness. The skin on her arm literally opened up and revealed what seemed like a controlling device. Tosh explained how the probe had gotten out a hidden compartment, and that Beth couldn't of known about it. So she was telling her version of the truth at least. Interestingly, this now confirmed to Jack who she was and why she was here. Still in a possessed form, Beth was speaking, but just repeating the same thing in some foreign language. Simply her name and rank according to Jack. 

Jack revealed that she was a Sleeper agent, but that little was known about the alien race as they never left survivors to tell any stories. He explained how the race produce fake memories and thoughts, whilst just watching and sitting, gaining information and due to their intelligence knowing everything. Yes, everything about a planet! 

Beth was completely clueless she was an alien and she reverted back from the Sleeper stance to her norm. Worryingly, and almost certainly, Beth wasn't the only Sleeper out there. Torchwood showed Beth the video of her alien speaking and she was effected greatly. It was she who killed the burglars in her Sleeper form, an act of self preservation. Jack explained how she couldn't be fixed, and that once the races had all the information they required, they'd activate and the invasion would begin. 

Torchwood couldn't even consider letting Beth go, activation could occur at any time. There was question of freezing her, it seemed logical. Beth had a horrific flashback of her killing the burglars, her real memories, as a Sleeper, were coming to the foreground. Her real history was approaching. Activation wasn't far away. Jack knew what had to be done. The human race was binding over everything- Beth had to be frozen. She quickly agreed to protect others and once she was frozen, the magnetic field around her was gone. 

Another random couple was seen in their home, but a new Sleeper killed the male at the door in front of his wife and children. A sickening act. It seemed it was time for the invasion. More people were activating, conveniently close to one area. Why would a race hoping to wipe out the planet stay together in one city? That didn't seem to make sense to me. Nonetheless, danger was on the cards. 

Beth was seen in her frozen state... and woke up! She was soon gone and the lights were out. She knew everything about Torchwood, security codes, pass-locks, the lot. Her Sleeper form was extremely clever, and fooled the readings and the Torchwood team. She could simulate the lot. I admired that. It was interesting though and it seemed that the human form of Beth was still battling for control. She knew everything about the hub and could've sent it into lockdown, but she didn't. She simply made it dark. She had another agenda, and that was with her husband Mike. She was seen at his bedside in the hospital and was explaining how she had to go away from him in order to protect him. Love at its very best! It wasn't clear though if she was fully activated, but for the time being at least she had become so. Her arm impressively transformed into a giant blade and stabbed Mike. Beth had killed her husband. The Sleeper had a weapon system within, and was killing randomly. Jack and Gwen were quickly at the hospital but danger was spreading. Sleepers were on the loose! They were stabbing, murdering and in one case blowing up a bank! They were getting the pieces in place for their invasion- killing important people and collapsing important buildings. Pipe supplies were also being damaged. Interestingly, it seemed all the Sleepers were linked as one cell and were activating together. Beth though wasn't included as the freezing had turned her off, but the alien within was still partially in control. Beth, proving she at least in her mind was human, was helping the team, showing her human instinct. 

The Sleepers though had now shut down all the phone networks, communication was out. Well, almost out. Jack and Gwen got through to hub via radio and communication links were back! It was revealed how two Sleepers had been killed causing their own destruction in destroying others. But that didn't matter as they were all one cell. It was revealed one Sleeper remained, and he was heading for a mind shaft. Why exactly? 

Tosh effortlessly hacked into the military, out of bounds even to Torchwood, and explained how there were ten secret nuclear warheads. If they weren't stopped then it was all over. I can clearly see the destruction it would cause if ten warheads were set off, but I'm certain there would be millions, probably billions of survivors so I didn't see the threat as planet threatening as the episode intended, but of course I could see the devastation it would cause. 

Thinking the end was nigh, Owen comically suggested a threesome between himself, Tosh and Ianto. Brilliantly Owen. His wish was however denied. The lone Sleeper was at the army area and with ease killed the militant guards. He was indestructible. Time was against Jack, Gwen and Beth who were closing in in the SUV. The warheads were waiting to be let off, but the SUV arrived and sadustscllt ran over, well, through the Sleeper. The forcefield and transmitter was down. The warheads had been stopped, too simply for my liking. But the Sleeper was still trying to kill what he could, and an explosion countdown was initiated. The saviour trio ran and just about made it to safety. The Sleeper had destroyed itself. 

Whilst all danger was thought gone, Beth could feel the Sleeper within herself. She thought she was too dangerous and was frightened of the thought of her being fully activated. Gwen was alone with her, and to Gwen's dismay, she activated. The blade was holding Gwen hostage, not killing, showing signs of a vital attack, the other four members of the team shot Beth dead, saving Gwen. It seemed she wanted death, she'd got it. The Sleepers were gone.

Jack asked Gwen the date she was to be married, he just wanted to make sure she still lived her life as the young gorgeous Welsh girl she was. And she planned to. 

My analysis; 

Overall, this was a good episode but I have been critical in some aspects. I thought the idea of the Sleepers was fantastic and loved the thought of them praying and waiting until they had knowledge of everything. The weapon and control system of their arms was sadistically excellent. I liked the ending of this with the team uniting as one to protect Gwen, not taking any risk of her life being over. Jack showing he was undoubtedly back and leader was excellent I thought, showing his complete priority was the protection of a Earth and its people. The flirting between Jack and Ianto was pretty comical and will lead to something soon, I'm pretty sure. However, as I mentioned, although I recognise the danger the Sleepers presented, I don't think it was as bad as intended with the claim that Earth would be no more if the warheads hit. I'm certain that wouldn't be the case. 

Rating; 8/10- all the right ingredients, just not mixed quite efficiently! 

Torchwood #14: Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

Torchwood Team; 

• Captain Jack

• Gwen

• Owen

• Tosh 

• Ianto

Notable Characters; 

• Captain John Hart- Time Agent

• Blowfish- Alien menace 

Detailed Plot; 

The second season of Torchwood really does kick off with a bang! Pun intended. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang is fast paced from the get go, filled with action and the plot and story is just magnificent. It begins very uniquely with a Blowfish driving a sports car! Yes, you did read correctly. He's speeding away but stops at some traffic lights to let an elderly women cross. As soon as she had, the sports car driving Blowfish sped away. Moments later, the familiar sight of the Torchwood SUV arrived, no Jack within after his disappearance at the climax of the previous season, and Gwen asked the women if she'd seen the fish. She pointed the team in the right direction. 

The thrilling high speed car chase was ensuing and now Torchwood were closing in on the Blowfish. Owen had sight, leaned out of the window with Gwen taking the wheel and he shot the tyre of the Blowfish's car. The team quickly ended up at the deserted car in a neighbourhood, late at night. A gun shot was heard and the team quickly stormed a house. As the team entered, a man was wounded having been shot by the Blowfish whilst the mysterious alien had a women hostage at gunpoint. It was humorously revealed that the Blowfish was high on crack. What better way to start a season than Torchwood chasing after a high-on-drugs alien fish! The start credits were yet to hit. 

The Blowfish knew a lot about the Torchwood team which was interestingly good. He mocked each member individually and claimed they were lost without Jack's leadership. Ianto was holding a gun at the Blowfish, but the alien questioned his nerve and his aim. He might miss and kill the hostage, but the alien might kill her first. A shot echoed, the Blowfish collapsed after a bullet cracked through its skull. Ianto was still and confused. Captain Jack had returned in the nick of time and killed the alien dead. I liked how he referred to his team as kids, immediately demonstrating he was the leader. But once back in the hub Jack was impressed at how the team had gotten on without them and that they were very organised. Gwen more so than her teammates was angry at Jack for leaving. She questioned his whereabouts but all Jack could reply with was saying that he'd found the 'right Doctor' in a reference to Utopia and the season 29 finale of Doctor Who. Sparing him a few more questions, rift activity had occurred. 

Upon this activity, a device in the Blowfish's pocket (the dead body was in the hub) was flashing. A connection of some sort. On a rooftop car park, a man walked from out of the rift. A knife attack was going on but rather than save the victim, he seemed more interested in which artery the knifer intended on cutting! It was chilling. But after mocking the knifer for saying he wasn't bluffing, the man picked up the knifer with ease and just dropped him off of the roof. Murder. He let the victim free, but this man, just like Captain Jack, had a vortex manipulator. 

The mysterious murdering man entered a club and immediately acted as if he owned it, telling people to either 'go' or 'stay.' He had an eery swagger. The bouncer soon came to him, but the man pulled out two guns, one in each hand, and the club soon evacuated in fear. It seemed he was causing mayhem simply for fun and games. 

Torchwood were now at the scene of the dead knifer, and there were rift readings on and around him. Andy had a brief cameo and still seemed a bit jealous of his ex-PC partner Gwen. In an extremely rare occasion, Jack's vortex manipulator beeped and flashed, and the mayhem causing man appeared in a hologram message. Jack quickly left, leaving the rest of Torchwood clueless and alone once more. 

Jack entered the club to which the man was in, the pair stood opposite in a standoff. They approached each other and... snogged! That was certainly to my surprise. But as the episode title suggests, after the kisses came the bangs. Punches were soon thrown and a pub fight soon had begun, and the pair were enjoying it! They both had each other at gunpoint before they sat and had a drink. The man was finally named. Captain John Hart. He'd been to rehab it was discovered, and the pair clearly had a history together as Jack laughed at this. And it was pretty obvious anyway. John was a fellow Time Agent as we'd learned about Jack in The Empty Child, but now the agency had shut down. Torchwood though had tracked Jack down and entered the pub, armed. They were soon told it was safe and John was like Jack, but worse, according to the team at least. Their history was briefly explored and it was revealed Jack and John were partners, and were for five years, although it was the same two weeks repeated in a time loop. The intentions of John were revealed- he was searching for three canisters and they were filled with toxic radiation, he needed to find them. A dying women's wish apparently. The Earth needed to be saved, but somehow John had the look of a villain. Could he be trusted? 

Jack, reluctant to believe it, said the team would help John find the canisters on the basis that once they were found he would leave and go back through the rift. John was taken to the hub, and once in all his weapons were confiscated. He definitely didn't seen trustworthy, especially when Jack explained he was a compulsive lier. The Torchwood team didn't seem too pleased at how Jack was always hiding his past, when he knew pretty much everything about them. Gwen, alone with Jack now, wanted to know about his disappearance and where he'd really been. Jack referenced Last of the Time Lords and how at the hands of the Master he'd seen the end of the world. It was soon discovered that Gwen Cooper was engaged! Jack seemed a little disappointed, did he love Gwen? He certainly seemed to envy Rhys. 

The locations of the three canisters were soon established. With three locations, that meant two members (including John) being assigned to each location. Gwen planned to partner John and flirt her way to some truth of his real intentions. Jack reluctantly agreed but gave Gwen some rules and warnings to watch out for. 

Gwen and Captain John arrived at the docks in search of the first canister. Rhys rang Gwen, subtly gloating about his new job, but to Gwen it was just a distraction. John was momentarily lost before scaring Gwen in returning. He subtly mentioned to Gwen how 'once a conman, always a conman' but she seemed confused. She really didn't know anything about Jack's past. Though the pair had now found the canister but John's intentions soon came into fruition. He quickly kissed Gwen and she quickly collapsed in consciousness. She was awake but despondent. John revealed she had two hours before her organs shut down. He trapped her in a container and lobbed her phone away from her. He told her that Jack wouldn't stay with Torchwood. 

Owen and Tosh were in search for the second canister (from the viewer's point of view, there was no established order) and they were in a storage works. They hadn't wasted much time and the canister was found. But Captain John was with them. He entered, head butting Tosh subtracting her from the equation and threatened Owen at gunpoint who had the canister in hand. A shot was heard but the picture quickly turned to Jack and Ianto before a victim of a bullet was seen. 

The flirtatious pair were in an office and humorously, but seriously, Jack asked Ianto on a date. The answer was of course yes and the pair split up to find the canister. Ianto took the office whilst Jack took the roof. Ianto was soon worried as the lift was heard, he investigated but it was empty. From behind John had Ianto at gunpoint and walked him into the left, explaining the predicament his teammates were in and that he needed to save them. They were in a 'bloody' condition. Ianto was sickened but had no choice. 

On the roof Jack had found the third and final canister but was soon approached by John. John wanted his old partner back, to go with him and claim the stars. Jack though couldn't and wouldn't even consider the offer, and threw the canister backwards from the roof and to the ground. Angered, John pushed Jack off of the roof and he landed many stories down, almost in half, over a bench. Murder therapy hadn't worked. But his current plan seemed to be, he had the third canister and took Jack's vortex manipulator from the corpse that would soon resurrect, not that John would know. 

Tosh was working on Owen who it was now officially confirmed had been shot. Ianto arrived to the pair and Owen wasn't in such a bad state considering what had happened. He was still able to get on with his job. The trio soon found themselves at the docks and were searching for Gwen. Had they arrived in time? It seemed so as she was found, poisoned. But the anti-toxin kit was soon going to bring her back around. Gwen would be safe. 

John was alone in the hub with his canisters and the corpse of the Blowfish. The flashing device that indicated upon John's arrival seemed a vital piece in the puzzle to which John was working on. They were all pieces of a conjoined device it seemed. But would he fix them together? It seemed not as the team were all armed and had him at gunpoint. To John's astonishment and something which highly impressed him, Jack returned to the hub alive and well. He told John the secret of how he couldn't die. 

John though had lied about the canister's true meaning, that was pretty obvious anyway by now. Instead they were all parts of a valuable Arcadian diamond. But it seemed John had been conned! It was a tracker. No diamond and once the puzzle was complete a device attached itself to John. The diamond was all a fake and hologram message for John was seen, he was destined for death as the device was specific to his DNA. He had ten minutes before detonation. The women on the hologram was that of whom John had killed wanting the diamond, but she had the last laugh even after her death. 

John was quick and skilful though and quickly handcuffed himself to Gwen with a deadlock seal. If John was going, Gwen was going with him. The Torchwood team quickly needed the solution! Gwen though knew the solution. If she entered the rift with John, then the explosion, bound to be calamitous, would save Cardiff. It was clear that the courageous Welsh girl wasn't bluffing. The countdown was on. Would a solution be found to prevent Gwen's death? 

With time running out, the team minus Jack and Owen arrived with John at the car park of his arrival. Jack and Owen though had a plan, they thought they had a solution. They quickly arrived in the Blowfish's sports car, Jack took down John, and injected him with something. In the nick of time the explosive device was off and lobbed into the rift entrance where it exploded. Cardiff was safe. But immediately the Welsh capital went from day to night. Time had reverted back to the moment of John's arrival, a temporal displacement had occurred and the events of the episode technically hadn't happened. 

The injection was explained and Owen had mastered a solution containing a part of DNA of each Torchwood member and it had temporarily corrupted John's DNA. The handcuffs joining Gwen and John were undone now and the feisty, gorgeous Welsh girl punched him straight in the face! 

John seemingly wanted membership in Torchwood but of course he couldn't be trusted. Jack said no and told him to go. Just as John was leaving through the rift, he revealed something. 'Oh by the way, I found Gray.' Jack had a flashback of hands releasing and he was massively shocked. Just who was Gray exactly? 

My analysis; 

An outstanding beginning to the second season of Torchwood. All the team are still their same old brilliant selves and this episode was just sensational. Filled with action, thrills and a high alien fish, this really did have the lot! The questioning and mystery of Jack's past was great and I'm sure that based on the cliffhanger-like ending it will be further explored. The villain of Captain John was just magnificent and he's certainly to Jack what the Master is to the Doctor it seems. A lot of history but very different approaches to things now. The plot was excellent and I loved how John used the team then took each of them out of the picture, one by one. The Blowfish was a great character also and the comedy at the beginning of the episode was excellent. I loved Gwen in this, but I really like how it seems Jack's history will be further explored during this season. I very much look forward to it! 

Rating; 10/10, it really did have the lot!

Audio #6: The Marian Conspiracy

TARDIS crew;

• Sixth Doctor

Notable Characters;

• Evelyn Smythe- Historian

• Queen Mary- Reigning monarch 

• George Crow- Young ordinary man

• William Leaf- Young ordinary man

• Reverand Thomas- Reverend with a twist 

• Lady Sara- The Queen's maid

Detailed Plot;

Part One

An excellent introductory part with a lot of historical reference and much intrigue and fascination. It begins in the middle of lecture, the subject at hand is Elizabeth I, so the study was obviously history. In a pretty humorous moment, the Doctor was in the lecture and had something that was making a rather disturbing noise disrupting the lecturer. The noise seemed to be accounting a measurement of some sort. The Doctor said he couldn't turn it off, as the safety of Earth was at stake. The other students laughed. As the lecture came to a close, the lecturer wanted to see the Doctor. As the Doctor drew closer, the device's sound increased and quickened. The Doctor was intrigued, she was the nexus point he'd been tracking. Or at least she had a massively strong connection with it. He wanted her to come back to the TARDIS with him, for more study of this nexus and what was happening. The Doctor claimed the nexus was of a vital point in the history of the Earth. Just what was it? 

The Doctor was quick to correct the lecturer about her teachings of the Tudor era. She seemed certain she was right, and claimed she had an ancestor, John Whiteside-Smith, who was an advisor to the Queen herself. The Doctor though was certain that this person did not exist. It was certainly intriguing! 

The lecturer's name was revealed to be Evelyn Smythe, and she was 55 years old. She was an academic doctor. While she was home after leaving the lecture, the Doctor soon went to visit, eager to find out about the so called relative she had. He questioned her about her family ancestors and it sparked some banter. Evelyn went to fetch the family records for the Doctor to see. The phone rang and the Doctor answered. He took a message from one of Evelyn's students, Yohan, thanking her for the delicious cake she'd made. 

More information about Evelyn was gained and we discovered that she had been married but left her husband for work related issues. She'd now found the books of her family records and gave them to the Doctor. He checked the index for the name of her supposed ancestor Whiteside-Smith, but there was no sign. The advisor didn't exist. But Evelyn was certain he did, it was all very mysterious. It seemed she had been tricked, indoctrinated, or at least something similar to that. All evidence led to the conclusion that Whiteside-Smith was non-existent. The Doctor had no knowledge of him and he hadn't made any history books. 

The Doctor made a great little reference to a meeting he'd had with Darwin. Evelyn was still certain about her ancestor, she fetched her family tree but as she was looking at it the type was fading before her sure. Danger sparked, the Doctor worked out that Evelyn's history was disappearing! Her records were being taken out of time, something in the past was changing and the Doctor needed to find out what, fix it and save the life of Evelyn before she too disappeared. 

The Doctor simply planned on popping back in time to Elizabeth's court, find out all about the mysterious Whiteside-Smythe and if he did actually exist and solve the mystery. After the Doctor calmly mentioned he had a time machine, Evelyn soon started packing. She didn't seem slightly surprised which I liked, and as a historian she wasn't missing out on visiting her specific period of study! The Doctor was trying to tell her all about the period but he couldn't get a word in edgeways, she knew nearly everything of the Tudors and she was talking all about, excited about visiting the time. 

Once inside the TARDIS, her reaction wasn't astonishment, but she seemed disappointed at the lack of technology which was excellent. Evelyn Smythe wasn't easily impressed. As soon as the TARDIS landed in the 16th century, Evelyn had a sharp pain from her headache. She was affected and that was due to her being ever so close to the nexus point which was changing history and altering Evelyn's family. The Doctor explained how time wasn't sure if Evelyn should exist or not. She was going and coming, disappearing then reappearing. It was all mysterious. The TARDIS was shielding her from completely vanishing, so it seemed she wouldn't be able to explore the period of history she loved. She'd have to remain safe inside the TARDIS. 

However, the Doctor quickly built a device that would protect Evelyn from vanishing and it also stopped her headache. The Doctor planned on going to the court, while Evelyn, who was very excited as a history teacher, would roam the area as an 'unknown commoner'  and go the pub. Something traditional. But she'd have to change her clothes first. She didn't want to gain any attention on herself! As Evelyn entered the tavern, the people within harshly mocked her maturity. After she'd bought a beer, she drank with William Leaf, a young feller who was kind to her, and George Crow, who wasn't too kind to her. 

The Doctor entered the court of the Queen and his presence was expected. He was believed to be a doctor of medicine, and he wasn't sure if he'd met Elizabeth I yet, or at least if she'd met him in her chronological time stream. 

In a surprising turn of events, there was a confusing reference to the Queen having a baby. History was going badly wrong, it seemed the Virgin Queen was pregnant! The Doctor was led to her bedchamber and was using the infamous John Smith alias. He was presented to the Queen. Queen Mary! The wrong women was on the throne! Just as this was revealed, Evelyn toasted for the Queen. Queen Elizabeth. She was confused at the outrage caused in the pub, the people turned on her. It seemed the TARDIS had landed before the reign of Elizabeth. A Catholic was on the throne and Evelyn had just toasted to a Protestant! 'Death for Traitors' was heard ringing out the tavern. Evelyn was in great danger! A fantastic cliffhanger! A wonderful ending to a fantastic introductory part!

Part Two

This was a good follow up and moistened the plot very nicely, even if there was a clear lack of action or danger for the most part. After the great cliffhanger of the previous part with Evelyn being threatened death as a supposed traitor, William and George escorted her outside the pub and to safety. My immediate assumption was that they were Protestants, and I was soon proved correct. 

The Doctor was still in the bedchamber of Queen Mary, and he, as well as I, laughed at how her majesty thought she was old and unhealthy at the age of just 38. Due to her age, she feared her pregnancy would kill her, once she'd given birth that is. And this scared her greatly! She feared that after she was dead, that her sister Elizabeth would take the throne and turn England from a Catholicism to Protestantism. It was clear Mary valued her religion. She had a hatred of Protestant, and wanted England to remain Catholic after she was gone. She talked of the newly passed laws that said Protestants could be burned at the stake, the origins of her nickname I guess. The Doctor and the Queen continued in conversation about the talk of burning people. 

The subject soon aroused between Evelyn, George and William and despite being Protestants themselves, the two men who'd saved her weren't actually against public execution whether it be burning or hanging. They weren't against it if it was for heretics, which was intriguing. Reverend Thomas entered the fray, and had been listening to the trio's conversation. He immediately suspected Evelyn as a Catholic spy seeking out Protestantism. She was questioned alone but soon pointed out the ludicrousness in  which the Reverends' claims were made. She was clearly unarmed and going by the Tudor society, too old to be a spy! 

The Doctor, with her majesty's permission, questioned Queen Mary's policy and asked whether there should be a freedom of belief in regards to religion. He warned how her bloody ways would soon gain her reputation that would remain in history forever. Of course, he was directly referencing her 'Bloody Mary' nickname. Queen Mary though, could see it in the Doctor's eyes that he understood her policy. To fight for what you believe in, and that was very intriguing. The Doctor quickly explained though how he certainly could not condemn the taking of lives. That was utterly out of the question. 

Lady Sara, the maid, announced how Francois de Noailles had arrived to see her majesty. He was the brother of the French ambassador to England. But Queen Mary said she'd see him when she saw it fit. Meanwhile, Reverend Thomas admitted to Evelyn how he wanted to overthrow Catholicism and put Elizabeth on the throne. Evelyn mentioned the Doctor and she was sure he'd be willing to assist, to a certain extent at least. She said how he was a friend of Elizabeth. 

Queen Mary now welcomed Francois into her bedchamber. He seemed pro-Protestant to a certain level, and he explained how her majesty's subjects questioned the new laws against Protestants. He also explained how having Elizabeth under house arrest was greatly unpopular amongst the Protestant believers, and how they wanted her free. With my love of History (I'm a current A-level student doing History), Queen Mary's reference and hatred towards Anne Boleyn was something I really enjoyed! She clearly disliked her. 

In a private conversation between the Doctor and Francois, the Time Lord knew the Frenchman wanted Elizabeth on the throne, and innocently down to his knowledge of the future and how it shouldn't be changed, he defended Queen Mary. At this point, the Doctor acknowledged the fact that he was no nearer saving Evelyn or her ancestors. Away from the Royal Court, Evelyn questioned how the Reverend and just a few others would spark such a revolution and overthrow the current monarch. Reverend Thomas though seemed confident. He wanted a rally. Evelyn though revealed something massively important about the future to the people of this time period, their present. She explained how Queen Mary's pregnancy was a phantom one. Non-existent, just a hoax. Was this dangerous, telling people of their own civilisation's future? 

At the Doctor's request, Lady Sara prepared for a messenger to be sent to bring Evelyn to the courtyard. The Doctor jokingly made reference to how a lot of his past friends had made a habit of running off when the Doctor told them to stay where they were. 

Eventually, Evelyn had been given the benefit of the doubt from Reverend Thomas, and now in a joyous mood, Evelyn prepared to make people native of the 16th century, a cup of cocoa! She was certainly bringing the future to the past. George and William found a lot of humour in a zip on Evelyn's handbag after they'd been asked to bring her some ingredients for the drink. Sweeteners of course. Back at the court and Sara confirmed that a messenger had been sent to bring Evelyn to the Doctor's company. George and William didn't take too kindly to cocoa, calling it a children's drink, and also didn't see how water should be drunk. It was pretty humorous. Evelyn made reference Cortez, a great Spanish traveller and explorer whom had discovered cocoa apparently. By now it was clear that both George and William had taken a liking to the fun Evelyn, and I too myself as a listener found myself enjoying her presence. By now though, the Doctor was worrying about Evelyn and her safety. He hoped she'd soon return! 

George had received the message call from the messenger and Evelyn's presence was urgently requested. She had to go the court, the Doctor needed her and she knew. In an interesting turn of events, Reverend Thomas had met Francois in a private meeting, and this led to a wonderful plot twist. Due to the Doctor's defence of Queen Mary, and Evelyn mentioning him as a friend, Reverend Thomas's opinion on Evelyn soon changed. He now assured himself she was a spy, and he now planned on preventing Evelyn from reaching the court to join up with the Doctor. 

As Evelyn was riding to court, she soon had the effect of disappearing again. In the rush in which she'd left, she'd forgotten her bag of which the protecting device was in. It only had a small range. The nexus point was catching up with her! She would soon vanish! A wonderful cliffhanger to spark some action into a part which had been just conversation, but it was still good! The plot has moistened brilliantly. 

Part Three

An excellent third quarter of the audio story and the plot has developed quite magnificently leading into the fourth and final part. After the thrilling cliffhanger of the second part, with Evelyn on the brink of vanishment, the part doesn't immediate resolve the situation and switches to Francois. Reverend Thomas and he were talking about their theory of Evelyn being a spy and now the Reverend thought the sweeteners in her bag were killer pills. Francois demanded her bag be returned to her so she can be caught at the Queen's court by Francois as a plotter against her majesty. They were trying to cover her up, then expose her much worse! 

The Doctor was talking with Sara and there was reference to how he wasn't married. During the conversation, it was clear to see that despite her beliefs or doubts in Queen Mary, she was loyal to the monarch. The Doctor admired this and knew her passion, and passion in general, was good. The Doctor strongly put forward all the bad he has done, referencing companion's deaths, wars he's sparked and civilisations he's wrecked. But he questioned whether it was bad if that's what he firmly believed was right? It was certainly intriguing. 

We now got taken back to the scene of the cliffhanger and Evelyn was still vanishing, just about staying in existence. She claimed it was 'too late' and could feel herself being wiped from time. But in the nick of time Reverend Thomas quickly arrived near, her bag in his possession and handed it to her. The protection device within, Evelyn was safe. A good resolution that also had development on the plot. 

With no time to waste, Evelyn and William rushed off to the palace, and in due course, the Doctor and Evelyn were reunited. She had some questions for the Doctor to answer, in particular showing her distaste of the TARDIS's time scale and how it nearly got her killed. The Queen would now see the Doctor and his new companion in her bedchamber. Quickly back to the Reverend, and he knew by now that Evelyn was in the tower of her majesty, and that Francois would carry out the exposing. 

To the Queen's displeasure, Francois rudely stormed the bedchamber in urgency. He talked of how Evelyn was in with the Doctor on a plan to plot against the Queen. He accused Evelyn of having 'poison in her bag.' After she searched through her bag, she saw the sweeteners and realised the assumption Francois had made. She emptied her bag and now she knew, and the Queen had heard, that Francois and Reverend Thomas were working together in a scheme or plan of some sorts. Using more simple information such as 'Evelyn Smythe' being written on the pill container as evidence, Francois was turning the Queen against the Doctor. But as he usually does greatly, the Doctor talked himself out of trouble. He came up with a logical and brilliant explanation and described how the pills, if only used in small quantities, were for good and to cure headaches and pains. The very symptoms her majesty was suffering from. Evelyn non-objectively proved how the pills were harmless and took one. The Queen having seen this, and with the Doctor's word, took one as well. She trusted the Doctor so very much, he has a knack of gaining trust quickly doesn't he? 

With the Queen's headache now cured, Francois was made a fool. Reverend Thomas, certain Evelyn was a spy, told George of his rubbished theory, what he called the 'truth.' Now Francois had returned to the Reverend and he was angered, outraged at his mistakes. But the Reverend, not seeming too surprised, was to devise a new plan and it was being arranged immediately. 

Back in the palace and the Queen was filled with joy, thanking the Doctor for curing her headache and pains. She decided that he must be rewarded, lucky Doctor, right? Well that's not how he saw it! Queen Mary wanted a wife to be arranged for the Doctor! And quickly she decided that Lady Sara was fit to be the Time Lord's wife. Her majesty was soon off, and planned to dine with her doctor in the evening. Once she was away from the Doctor, her majesty wanted to know everything about Reverend Thomas and any acquaintances. 

The Doctor now learned of how Evelyn had told locals of knowledge they shouldn't learn, and how she herself could be causing the nexus point that's wiping her from existence. A very tangled conspiracy! Was it a paradox? It was revealed how the Reverend had no intention of killing his Catholic Queen since she was pregnant, but since Evelyn had blurted out the truth that it was a phantom pregnancy, was the new plan of Reverend Thomas' to kill the Queen? It was certainly achievable as he had links to her majesty herself through Francois. It was 'on the brink of success.' However, there were some disagreements between Francois and the Reverend in the reasons for the plot. Francois was against the Queen due to his country's well being, he wanted Elizabeth on the throne who wasn't about to marry a Spanish monarch who was against his native France. The Reverend was against the Queen purely down to religion. Two very different reasons. Politics and religion. Francois was to rid his links with the Reverend if the plot failed, he didn't want the label of the Queen's enemy. The Reverend left. The mission awaited. 

Then the cliffhanger came, and it was absolutely fantastic! It was revealed how Lady Sara's surname was Whiteside, and now a wedding had been arranged with the Doctor. Known to the 16th century folk as Dr. John Smith. A child's surname would often be linked as Whiteside-Smith and the 'Smith' would, over time, adjust to become different as Smythe. The marriage must take place and the Doctor must have a child with Sara in order for Evelyn to exist! The Doctor was the ancestor of Evelyn! Just brilliant! But that wasn't all, the Doctor remembered how the Father of John Whiteside-Smith, which seemed to be himself, was executed by Queen Mary! Were his days up? A quite brilliant cliffhanger! 

Part Four

A good concluding part of the story, granted I felt the last third or so was unnecessary, but overall it was great and all the loose ends were tied up excellently! After the magnificent cliffhanger of the previous part, which seemed to confirm the Doctor married Sara and had a child with her, of course meaning he was his own companion's ancestor, this segment begins with the Doctor, under his guise of John Smith was arrested for heresy. It was a shocking start! 

It seemed that Reverend Thomas had been arrested for his plots against the Queen and had named the Doctor as an accomplice. The Doctor and Evelyn were taken to the Tower of London, but it didn't seem they would be there long. Heretics burned at the stake. Was that the fate for the new TARDIS crew duo?

Evelyn though didn't seem fazed at the prospect of being burned alive. She was simply thrilled to be in the famous historical landmark! The Doctor knew though, that the scheduled events weren't meant to happen and that history couldn't be let to change. Plus, Evelyn would cease to exist if he was executed, or so we thought. Evelyn though planned on escaping the cell by picking the lock with a hairpin. Just one problem. The door was locked with a large metal rod, they were trapped in. The Doctor though admired her thinking and tools and claimed she was his most prepared companion yet. Quite an honour! 

The Doctor explained to Evelyn how he operated through life on a policy of non-violence. He was though worried about the safety of his companion as he questioned the strength of his protection device, if history changed too much it may not be enough to prevent Evelyn from vanishing. So they planned on getting out! Evelyn told the Doctor of Reverend Thomas, and after learning the knowledge thought that poison was the method of choice he and Francois had chosen to kill her majesty. After more workings out, the Doctor thought that the poison would be hidden in the sacraments when Queen Mary went to mass. Evelyn mentioned a pain, and the Doctor jokingly made a reference as to how pain with his companions usually was located with ankles. This made me think of Susan in The Dalek Invasion of Earth. The Doctor now though was desperate to escape and use Thomas to get to Francois to prevent the abrubt death of the Queen. Evelyn had a plan, which to some extent even fooled the Doctor, she faked her disappearing again and the worrying alarm acted as a decoy as the guard ran in to check if she was okay. A little confused, the Doctor though knocked out the guard and the pair were now free to escape. How's that non-violence policy Doctor? He did seem apologetic for his actions and was thankful he hadn't killed him. 

Back at the palace and Queen Mary was leaving for mass, where she faced death it seemed. The Doctor and Evelyn had rushed, and caused the Doctor to fall in part of the Thames at one point, and reached the palace. They went to the nearby chapel and there they met Lady Sara, with Francois close by also. The Doctor had learned of a plan, but not the one he thought of in the Tower of London. He logically thought, Thomas was a Reverend and Francois a Bishop, so they wouldn't dare of poisoning the sacraments based on their strong religious views. It then clicked to him. Sara Whiteside. Reverend Thomas Smith. They were married but had kept it in secrecy! They were Evelyn's ancestors, not the Doctor. It now all made perfect sense. Sara was to be the one who would poison the Queen by mixing in poisons in her majesty's bedside night drink. But Sara didn't know she'd cause the death of the monarch, she was the one tricked. The Doctor talked in favour of the young maid and helped her escape burning at the stake. He explained to the Queen how based on her marriage agreements, she would do anything for her husband if she believed it to be right. He'd tricked her. And knowing of Evelyn's family tree, the Doctor got Sara to admit another big secret she had. She was pregnant. Her life was spared due to this and upon the Doctor's advice Lady Sara was to join Elizabeth in house arrest and her son would become the close advisor to the soon to be Queen Elizabeth Evelyn had talked of. Sara, whilst being led away, told how she would name her child after the Doctor, whom she thought was named John. Francois was arranging the Doctor's advice that the Queen seemed to trust so much. Reverend Thomas was seen by the Queen, and for his plotting was to be burned and executed for heresy. History was back on track, and this was proved correct as the protection device of the Doctor's was turned off and Evelyn didn't feel a thing. At this point, I thought it was the perfect place for the audio to finish. But that wasn't the case. The next 5-8 minutes or so I felt were unnecessary. 

Evelyn was disappointed and saddened by the fact that George Crow and William Leaf were to join the Reverend in being burned at the stake, she didn't think they deserved to die at all! She showed her human compassion. She wanted to save them. Meanwhile, inside the Tower, Thomas Smith was brought before her majesty and in the last hopes of survival he was offered it on the basis that he spread Catholicism throughout England. He refused. He had his morals. He believed in Protestantism and because of that was sent to his death at the stake. 

George and William were imprisoned, and again I was questioning the necessity. The Doctor planned on a short hop, something he claimed to be good at! The TARDIS arrived before William and George and they'd come to save them and take them away. This was extremely similar to the way in which Donna reacted in The Fires of Pompeii in wanting to save just a family, to give them a life. 

The Doctor planned on taking William and George to a Protestant city in another European country. Evelyn was happy, and after the Doctor was quite sure no effects would arise, told them of the future that was to come with Elizabeth becoming Queen. They entered the TARDIS, and after more persuasion by Evelyn, the Doctor agreed to pick up the young pair's families. 

Back in the palace for the last time and Francois was with the Queen. She wanted to have the help of the Doctor, she trusted him greatly. The Doctor admitted his liking and understanding for Mary, and how she could be remembered better. He claimed he'd 'caused death to others.' He wasn't sure though if that was the same as killing someone. He didn't like to think so. In another humorous moment between the Doctor and Evelyn, Evelyn invited herself as companion even though the Doctor intended on taking her home. He was though persuaded by the temptation of a slice of Evelyn's homemade chocolate cake. A funny ending. 

My analysis; 

Overall this was very good! I loved the Tudor setting of 1555 with Mary on the throne and the original mistakes of thinking Elizabeth was on the throne was excellent. I really loved the guest cast in this audio! The characters of Queen Mary, Reverend Thomas and Lady Sara I particularly enjoyed! William and George were good too, as was Francois. The many historical references were very good. Evelyn seems to be a unique companion, but a humorous and good one! A fantastic introduction to her as a companion! I love how she has direct links with her specialised area of historical study. The Doctor was his typical safe which was great, and I'm really liking the Sixth Doctor in audio form, just as much as I did on the TV! All the cliffhangers were outstanding! The last 5-8 minutes though I felt were unnecessary sadly. 

Rating: 9/10- Great story, just a bit more needed to happen in part two and you didn't need the last 5 minutes of the story! But I would definitely recommend this adventure! 

TV #3: The Edge of Destruction

TARDIS crew;

• First Doctor

• Susan

• Ian

• Barbara 

Detailed Plot; 

The Edge of Destruction 

The first part of this story begins immediately where The Daleks ended, with the TARDIS seemingly malfunctioning and the crew abruptly being thrown back from the console. Immediately there is a sense of worry, mystery and danger. The Doctor is passed out, just like his three companions. It is unknown whether the TARDIS has materialised or if it's just drifting through space. Brilliantly, the camera spans out showing the interior of the control room. Empty. So what's caused this scenario? 

Barbara is the first to wake and she is immediately confused, displaying effects of amnesia. She sees Ian, somebody she's extremely familiar with by now, but refers to him as 'Mr. Chesterton' as if still in the Coal Hill school. Susan soon awake, and displays the same amnesiac effects, she also has a headache to add to her confusion. The Doctor is noticed to have picked up a nasty head wound, whilst Susan sees Ian and simply doesn't recognise him. She does though seem to know Barbara and the pair try to remember previous events leading to where they are now. But they were unsure. The last crew member to awake was Ian, and he thought he was in the school also, referring to Barbara as 'Miss Wright', as if he didn't really know her outside of work. The atmosphere was still, cautious and just mysterious. It was extremely tense. 

After closer examination, the cut on the Doctor's head wasn't as bad as first feared. The Doctor babbled, randomly saying that they 'can't go back.' Presumably referring to home for he and Susan. Or was it to Ian and Barbara about returning them to London 1963? It wasn't clear. In what could've been a breakthrough, Barbara soon knew she was in the TARDIS and that she had been for a little while now. However, danger struck, and the TARDIS doors were open. They'd opened by themselves, or had someone broken in? It was a thrilling thought! Or, in another frightening possibility, had they been forced open in a crash? I was hoping for answers. The Doctor though thought these theories were ridiculous and claimed them impossible. But the companions didn't quite agree, and had the idea in their heads that something or someone was inside the TARDIS. This theory gained stronger evidence when Ian approached the doors, and they closed automatically, simply locking him in. It seemed something was controlling the TARDIS and toying with the people inside as they opened again as Ian retreated. 

Susan was confused and tried fiddling with the controls but as she touched the console she received an electric shock and immediately fainted! Something wasn't right within the TARDIS. The Doctor was now beginning to stir as Susan was put to rest on her bed by Ian. To worsen things, it now seemed as though the TARDIS had a lack of water! It was empty, surely not a coincidence? Ian though somehow seemed to get some, or at least a liquid of sorts to help Susan cool. But as he returned to her bedside, she was awake and armed with scissors! She didn't know who Ian was and definitely saw him as a threat, before making the threats herself. She clearly was mentally unstable as she randomly stabbed thin air before fainting again. There was something seriously wrong. The atmosphere was filled with tension. 

The Doctor was now fully up and awake and aware of what the situation was. He was determined that the TARDIS had landed somewhere but nobody knew where or why this occurrence had happened. Everything was basically a mess. Barbara now thought someone was inside, or as she suggested, something- an intelligence of sorts. However, in what seemed to be a running theme of the stories so far, the Doctor ridiculed her theory. He simply thought there was a mechanical fault within the TARDIS. He went to observe the computer controls with Ian whilst Barbara kept an eye on Susan. 

Susan once again had the scissors in hand, and she seemed possessed. She was angry, and she didn't approve of Barbara hiding information about the situation from her. Susan's head was hurting though, and Barbara retrieved the scissors. Susan claimed that something was hiding, in one of the TARDIS crew. A dreary thought! Could it be possible? 

In an unexpected discovery, the Doctor deemed that all the controls were working perfectly. He now seemed sure the fault was caused by something from outside the TARDIS. Both the Doctor and Susan, the two people who had shocks from touching the console, suffered from neck pain. A connection. The Doctor though would try the console again, hoping to switch on the scanner and see what was outside. Something again wasn't right, as only photographs were portrayed. The doors suddenly burst open and a loud roar-like noise was heard. The pictures though soon changed, and it showed Quinnis, a planet in the fourth universe where the Doctor and Susan nearly lost the TARDIS a couple of journey's prior to An Unearthly Child. It sounded an interesting adventure and could easily be portrayed and shown in audio form, something I'd love for Big Finish to do. There was a reference to the TARDIS having a memory bank, keeping record of all its destinations. A useful tool that I hope is used in a future TV or audio story. 

In a sudden turn of events making the atmosphere turn extremely enigmatic, the Doctor blamed Ian and Barbara for the events and claimed they'd sabotaged the TARDIS and attacked he and his granddaughter. He thought they'd try to blackmail him into returning them to London. It was shocking but made a great twist! Barbara though courageously and excellently defended herself and Ian and made reference to how if it wasn't for them that the Doctor may well be stuck in the Cave of Skulls or prisoner of the Daleks, making great reference to the first two TV stories. She wanted the Doctor to thank them and have gratitude. I think this was the moment where it clicked to the Doctor that he needed the teachers there, to help him. He needed companions. 

Another twist occurred and the future seemed a long way away. All the clocks and watches seemed to have stopped. There was no way of recognising time. Just what the hell was going on? It was mysteriously brilliant! Time had a problem within the TARDIS. The Doctor now though turned into the butler, and brought his companions drinks. He just wanted to relax and think now, and clear his head. Susan went to Barbara and apologised for the Doctor's outrageous outburst. But the Doctor had one more trick up his sleeve, the others were asleep and the old man joyfully pranced around his ship as he was left awake and alone. He was at the controls, planning something, before hands from an unseen body grabbed him by the throat! A fantastic cliffhanger! 

The Brink of Disaster 

A very good second and concluding part that tied up the loose ends and ultimately provided a wonderful story to look back on. Following on from the great cliffhanger of The Edge of Destruction, the second part begins with the hands strangling the Doctor to be Ian's. It wasn't the most thrilling of revelations but it mightily increased the feeling of conflict and tension within the TARDIS. Ian seemed possessed, and soon collapsed after touching the console. Just like Susan previously, he too had collapsed. 

The Doctor soon turned on Ian and Barbara again, blaming them for causing the distress and problems on board his ship. He claimed Susan had been sabotaged and that Ian's fainting was all an act. Susan entered the console room, and firstly sided with her grandfather. The Doctor explained how Ian and Barbara must be 'treated as enemies.' A frightening turn. It seemed he'd lost all trust he had in his two companions who stowed aboard the TARDIS two serials prior. 

But Susan did confirm her similarities to Ian of how she fainted after contacting the console. Susan soon believed her schoolteachers now, and sided with them. However, the Doctor was adamant that he was correct and threatened to throw the schoolteaching pair off the TARDIS. He prized his ship and didn't like it being under threat! He was very serious about all this. 

A sudden twist of events occurred and the TARDIS danger signal sounded. The whole area of the faulticator alarmed, it seemed that everything was failing. Everything! How was that possible, and what affect would that have on the TARDIS and its travellers within. It was a drastic realisation. The Doctor, from this alarm, now knew that Ian and Barbara were completely innocent and he'd wrongly accused them in an outburst. He seemed very apologetic. But for now, he had one primary target- survival. The TARDIS was on the brink of destruction. 

The Doctor had completely misjudged the situation. Susan had counted that the faults were alarming every fifteen seconds. The Doctor knew a strong force was acting upon the TARDIS, something that could affect all the controls! Although he did not believe it to be an evil intelligence, and he knew it wasn't anybody within the TARDIS. So what was it? 

Barbara was thinking brilliantly now, claiming the TARDIS itself was giving them clues to lead to a resolution. Inside the ship, time has stopped, but with the alarms sounding every 15 seconds they now had a measurement. She believed because time was running out, it was being given back to them. The column at the centre of the console moved, this was worrying as there was no power, but it seemed the power at the heart of the ship wanted to escape. If the column was removed, then it would be free. 

The Doctor questioned the situation. He thought it was the end. He said they'd have ten minutes to survive. More clues were coming to Barbara and she now believed that the machine could think for itself! The Doctor showed, to some extent, a lack of knowledge about his ship and gave the indication that he knew little about it. Was it really his? However, that wasn't the matter at hand. Barbara believed the TARDIS was warning the companions and the nearer to the console they got, the blackouts and disruptions occurred. But the Doctor lied. He explained to Ian that there was only five minutes until destruction. The end was nigh, and he didn't want the women to know. He wanted them protected from the knowledge that they would die. The Doctor showed his newly increased respect and admiralty of Ian in asking him to face death with him.  

Susan and Barbara were watching by the doors to check what was outside if they were to suddenly open, as they did, it was discovered that there was nothing. Just space. Barbara though again found a clue, a breakthrough. She saw how the scanner was connected with the opening of the doors. They'd only open if a safe destination was portrayed onscreen. The Doctor then worked out that the scanner was showing them their journey, and the destruction was intended but the TARDIS itself simply refused to implode! The defence mechanism working perfectly. This again showed signs of the Doctor gaining knowledge of a ship he claimed to be his. He now knew they were at the very beginning of the creation of a solar system. A gigantic magnetic pull was affecting the power beneath the column and causing to it want to escape. The Doctor was excited at the prospect of where he was, talking about the birth of a sun and planets. He loved the prospect! And my love for William Hartnell's Doctor increased. 

Darkness soon struck. The Doctor recalled the events at the climax of The Daleks and how he'd pressed the 'fast return' switch hoping to take Ian and Barbara back to their home and time. But the problem was soon located, the switch hadn't released itself. The spring of the switch had come loose and was unconnected. A simple mechanical fault. But it was excellent and made perfect sense! Once the Doctor reconnected the spring, all systems resumed, the lights were back on and all was safe. The Doctor explained how the fault couldn't be detected because it technically wasn't one, it was as if it was continuously being pushed down. The Doctor excellently compared it to a torch. 

With all danger gone, the Doctor again was apologetic for his outrageous claims against Ian and Barbara. Barbara was annoyed and the Doctor felt he owed her something, especially after her brilliance in discovering about the clues. He admitted that he'd underestimated her. The Doctor was trying to apologise and explaining how as time goes on he'll learn more about her, and vice versa. The companions were all bonding as they got to know each other better. Two pairs becoming a set of four. Barbara was now forgiving, and the travellers could unite and continue their travels. 

They'd arrived on a new planet, and it was cold. Warm clothes were needed. Susan brought snow into the TARDIS in a joking snowball fight. The Doctor explained how he acquired Ian's large jacket from Gillbert and Sullivan! Susan and Barbara were seen on the scanner from inside, there was a huge footprint, claimed that it could only be made by a giant... A great lead into the next serial! 

My analysis; 

Overall I thought this was very good. With budget struggles keeping the serial contained within the TARDIS, it was always going to be a struggle to keep the viewer's interest, but this succeeded greatly! The cautious, mysterious and tense atmosphere shown for a large majority of the story was magnificent. The conflict between the travellers was also something I loved to see. I think this story is vitally important for future stories for a couple of reasons. Firstly, and more in relation with this season, the story has bonded the four travellers together and now they have a solid foundation of trust ironically created from conflict. They all care for one another and will look out for each other in future travels. I also think this serial was important because I think the realisation of the importance of companions really hit the Doctor. He knew he needed them. And that was clearly visible in the first two serials also. The resolution to the problem at hand was simple but perfectly logical which I liked. The signs of the TARDIS not being the Doctor's was also excellent. Overall a good story! 

Rating; 9/10- not quite full marks, maybe a bit more conflict and exploration!