In Review: Big Finish: Doctor Who: Time In Office

Synopsis: The Doctor’s adventures in time and space are over. The Time Lords have recalled him to Gallifrey – but what he faces on his home planet is worse than any trial. Following the disappearance of President Borusa, the High Council condemned him to the highest office – and he can’t evade his responsibilities a nanosecond longer…

So all hail the Lord High President! All hail President Doctor!

Rassilon save him. This time, there’s really no escape.

Review: I’m not overly fond of allegory at this point, but Doctor Who: Time In Office helped me rediscover the joys of social commentary. In a set of four interlinked short stories about Time Lord politics, writer Eddie Robson figured out how to have a lot of fun taking the mickey out of absolutely everything.

One of many highlights involved Tegan navigating Gallifreyan residency requirements. I particularly enjoyed how Janet Fielding and Louise Jameson played off each other as Leela assisted Tegan with the required test. The commentary on the number of hearts a Time Lord actually has and when was a hoot. I also really appreciated how the wrinkles in immigration bureaucracy were surmounted by making Tegan an ambassador.

As fun as it all was, though, I kept wondering how the Doctor would possibly get out of being Lord President this time. Robson’s solution demonstrated that he had a real grasp of Doctor Who’s internal logic, including the purpose of the Thimble of Rassilon.

All the while, Peter Davison, Louise Jameson, and Janet Fielding were obviously having a complete blast. I got the sense that the script was almost an afterthought for them as they effortlessly bounced off each other. I found I needed their camaraderie and lightness, given how dark the Time War stories have been. I hope Big Finish does more audios like this to contrast the tone of modern continuity.

• You can purchase Doctor Who: Time In Office here.

Written By: Eddie Robson

Directed By: Helen Goldwyn

Cast

Peter Davison (The Doctor), Louise Jameson (Leela), Janet Fielding (Tegan), Sheri-An Davis (Castellan Lowri), Julie Teal (Chancellor Vorena), Michael Hobbs (Arcantis), Tim Scragg (Crex), Tim Sutton (Scandrius), Jenny Lee (Kasnegar). Other parts played by members of the cast.

Producer David Richardson

Script Editor Alan Barnes

Executive Producers Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs