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An excellent introductory part with a lot of historical reference and much intrigue and fascination.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!