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Gallifrey
Gallifrey V
Gallifrey rebuilds...
With Romana and Narvin ruling New Gallifrey from the heart of the capitol, their former friend Leela now lives as an Outsider, existing in the wastelands of Gallifrey with the former slaves she fought hard to free. With no hope of returning home, to their one true Gallifrey, these three exiles try to find a way to survive and build a better Gallifrey than the barbaric, lawless one they have found themselves in.
However, politicians, scientists and industrialists alike enjoyed luxury, power and wealth before Romana and Narvin came along and they will take any action they deem necessary to regain what they have lost. And if Leela’s Outsiders are swept away as a consequence, so much the better.
And in the shadows, watching and waiting, is an ancient evil that no one can stop...
19. EMANCIPATION
Supreme Leader of Gallifrey - the Lady President Romana - is making a series of decisions that are costing her allegiances within the Inner Council.
Lord High Chancellor Narvin is trying to protect the truth behind their presence there.
Emissary Leela is trying to secure basic rights for her allies, the Outsiders, now freed from generations of bondage to their masters, the Regenerators of Gallifrey.
But their enemies plan to expose the truth and let society rise or fall by the consequences of their political ambitions...
20. EVOLUTION
Before the fall of Project: Rassilon, the Regenerators of Gallifrey committed atrocities upon their slaves in the name of science. As Leela discovers the results of one such crucible, Romana and Narvin are pushing forward ways to discover the secrets of time travel, and jump-start their new Gallifrey’s evolution.
However, science isn’t always the way forward, and in a society built upon the foundations of amorality and fear, a backward step may be the only solution...
21. ARBITRATION
Romana’s secret is in danger of being exposed by those she trusts, and the only hope of escape is through the Axis. But will Leela’s forthright determination to see justice done, whatever the costs, mean their chance to get home will be lost forever...?
And if they are able to regain access the Axis, is the world they left behind any better than the society they have built here?
Time will tell.
With Romana and Narvin ruling New Gallifrey from the heart of the capitol, their former friend Leela now lives as an Outsider, existing in the wastelands of Gallifrey with the former slaves she fought hard to free. With no hope of returning home, to their one true Gallifrey, these three exiles try to find a way to survive and build a better Gallifrey than the barbaric, lawless one they have found themselves in.
However, politicians, scientists and industrialists alike enjoyed luxury, power and wealth before Romana and Narvin came along and they will take any action they deem necessary to regain what they have lost. And if Leela’s Outsiders are swept away as a consequence, so much the better.
And in the shadows, watching and waiting, is an ancient evil that no one can stop...
19. EMANCIPATION
Supreme Leader of Gallifrey - the Lady President Romana - is making a series of decisions that are costing her allegiances within the Inner Council.
Lord High Chancellor Narvin is trying to protect the truth behind their presence there.
Emissary Leela is trying to secure basic rights for her allies, the Outsiders, now freed from generations of bondage to their masters, the Regenerators of Gallifrey.
But their enemies plan to expose the truth and let society rise or fall by the consequences of their political ambitions...
20. EVOLUTION
Before the fall of Project: Rassilon, the Regenerators of Gallifrey committed atrocities upon their slaves in the name of science. As Leela discovers the results of one such crucible, Romana and Narvin are pushing forward ways to discover the secrets of time travel, and jump-start their new Gallifrey’s evolution.
However, science isn’t always the way forward, and in a society built upon the foundations of amorality and fear, a backward step may be the only solution...
21. ARBITRATION
Romana’s secret is in danger of being exposed by those she trusts, and the only hope of escape is through the Axis. But will Leela’s forthright determination to see justice done, whatever the costs, mean their chance to get home will be lost forever...?
And if they are able to regain access the Axis, is the world they left behind any better than the society they have built here?
Time will tell.
Audio CD
First published February 28, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 14, 2017
Following on from a rather weak fourth season, Gallifrey returns to its roots as a political thriller. Shorter than the prior seasons, this one consists of three one-hour episodes, rather than four.
Emancipation
Several months after the events of the previous season, Romana is now serving as the Lord President of an alternate reality version of Gallifrey – one which never developed time travel technology. The background to the story is her attempts to gain safe access to a mineral required to build TARDISes, currently controlled by the rag-tag Outsiders beyond the Citadel. Complicating this, and rather more centre-stage, are moves by traditionalist Gallifreyans to depose her, ending time travel experimentation and bringing back slavery.
For a one-hour episode, this has quite a few twists and turns, and there are a number of suspects for who exactly is behind the assassination attempts and other skulduggery. In this respect, it works rather well, although sci-fi fans should note that it’s basically a conventional thriller that just happens to be set on an alien planet. It’s also not standalone, and does require some limited knowledge of the previous seasons. If none of these things worry you, it’s a great return to form for the series. 4.5 stars.
Evolution
This second episode splits the story between two separate threads, which only come together near the end. In one, Romana is hosting a sort of X-Prize for time travel technology, while, in the other, Leela explores an old biomedical research facility that has been taken over by a religious cult. It’s a change of pace from the first story, with dark secrets a-plenty, but little in the way of overt action or high tension.
The story is, at least in part, about the legacy of slavery on this alternate Gallifrey, and how neither the former slaves nor their masters have fully left behind their pasts or the culture they created. Once again, the characters are well-drawn, with the core of the story being the mystery of what exactly what one of the scientists has achieved, and how it connects with the cult’s visions of other-worldly deliverance. It's a mystery that is not fully resolved, perhaps being left open for the next season. 4 stars.
Arbitration
Leela causes a diplomatic incident that could lead to all-out civil war across the planet. This is a tense story that focuses on powerful moral issues, as the righteousness of Leela's cause is pitted against the terrible disaster that following it will bring. (Fiat justitia ruat caelum and all that, appropriately enough in a story concerning slave emancipation). It's notable that the main villain, who is, among other things, an apologist for slavery, does get some good lines, and some detailed, if admittedly odious, justification for what he's done.
The story continually ratchets up the tension, with the imminent escape of the central characters back to 'our universe' hanging over the escalating crisis. It ends on a dramatic and unexpected cliffhanger, to be followed up in the sixth season - at the time, planned to be the last one in the series, although some short sequels eventually followed. 5 stars.
Overall, 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.
Emancipation
Several months after the events of the previous season, Romana is now serving as the Lord President of an alternate reality version of Gallifrey – one which never developed time travel technology. The background to the story is her attempts to gain safe access to a mineral required to build TARDISes, currently controlled by the rag-tag Outsiders beyond the Citadel. Complicating this, and rather more centre-stage, are moves by traditionalist Gallifreyans to depose her, ending time travel experimentation and bringing back slavery.
For a one-hour episode, this has quite a few twists and turns, and there are a number of suspects for who exactly is behind the assassination attempts and other skulduggery. In this respect, it works rather well, although sci-fi fans should note that it’s basically a conventional thriller that just happens to be set on an alien planet. It’s also not standalone, and does require some limited knowledge of the previous seasons. If none of these things worry you, it’s a great return to form for the series. 4.5 stars.
Evolution
This second episode splits the story between two separate threads, which only come together near the end. In one, Romana is hosting a sort of X-Prize for time travel technology, while, in the other, Leela explores an old biomedical research facility that has been taken over by a religious cult. It’s a change of pace from the first story, with dark secrets a-plenty, but little in the way of overt action or high tension.
The story is, at least in part, about the legacy of slavery on this alternate Gallifrey, and how neither the former slaves nor their masters have fully left behind their pasts or the culture they created. Once again, the characters are well-drawn, with the core of the story being the mystery of what exactly what one of the scientists has achieved, and how it connects with the cult’s visions of other-worldly deliverance. It's a mystery that is not fully resolved, perhaps being left open for the next season. 4 stars.
Arbitration
Leela causes a diplomatic incident that could lead to all-out civil war across the planet. This is a tense story that focuses on powerful moral issues, as the righteousness of Leela's cause is pitted against the terrible disaster that following it will bring. (Fiat justitia ruat caelum and all that, appropriately enough in a story concerning slave emancipation). It's notable that the main villain, who is, among other things, an apologist for slavery, does get some good lines, and some detailed, if admittedly odious, justification for what he's done.
The story continually ratchets up the tension, with the imminent escape of the central characters back to 'our universe' hanging over the escalating crisis. It ends on a dramatic and unexpected cliffhanger, to be followed up in the sixth season - at the time, planned to be the last one in the series, although some short sequels eventually followed. 5 stars.
Overall, 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.
August 15, 2024
Series 4 was an emotional rollercoaster for the Gallifrey series, while also offering a multiversal adventure that predates the multiverse hype by a few years. Now it is time to find out what lies for Romana, Narvin, and Leela if they can mend their friendships.
Emancipation:
Romana is now the president of another Gallifrey where the Timelords are known as Regenerators, Narvin is her chancellor, but Leela is out in the wilderness helping the released slaves into civilization. Unfortunately, some in the citadel are suspicious of their supreme leader and will do anything to end her reign and take over.
James Peaty has written an engaging episode that is both dramatic and thrilling. Series 5 has gone back to the political side of things for this series and it's a solid opening episode that carries on from Series 4's cliffhanger. I'm excited to see what happens next! 8/10
Evolution:
Romana needs the help of Gallifrey's finest scientists to discover time travel without help from the eye of harmony. However, Leela and an outsider are about to discover a dark and terrifying secret behind these fanatics that will destroy Romana's hopes and dreams of escaping this universe.
Una McCormack has written a brilliant script that delves into the horrifying sides of scientific experiments and the lives they can destroy. This is a terrific story that looks at the idea of Gallifreyians getting ahold of time travel in a way we haven't seen before. 9/10
Arbitration:
Leela and the outsiders have kidnapped a well-respected entrepreneur and are going to put him on trial for murder. Gallifrey is in chaos, Romana is losing control over the people and now the entrepreneur has schemes of grandeur. But the Axis is reopening and something else is coming with it...
David Llewellyn has written a brilliant but intense political script that challenges our main characters and puts them against one another. It's a frightening but relevant story of how manipulative and cunning people in a position of power can be, especially if they are somewhat respected. The cliffhanger though is incredible, jaw-dropping stuff! 10/10
Overall: 27/30
Emancipation:
Romana is now the president of another Gallifrey where the Timelords are known as Regenerators, Narvin is her chancellor, but Leela is out in the wilderness helping the released slaves into civilization. Unfortunately, some in the citadel are suspicious of their supreme leader and will do anything to end her reign and take over.
James Peaty has written an engaging episode that is both dramatic and thrilling. Series 5 has gone back to the political side of things for this series and it's a solid opening episode that carries on from Series 4's cliffhanger. I'm excited to see what happens next! 8/10
Evolution:
Romana needs the help of Gallifrey's finest scientists to discover time travel without help from the eye of harmony. However, Leela and an outsider are about to discover a dark and terrifying secret behind these fanatics that will destroy Romana's hopes and dreams of escaping this universe.
Una McCormack has written a brilliant script that delves into the horrifying sides of scientific experiments and the lives they can destroy. This is a terrific story that looks at the idea of Gallifreyians getting ahold of time travel in a way we haven't seen before. 9/10
Arbitration:
Leela and the outsiders have kidnapped a well-respected entrepreneur and are going to put him on trial for murder. Gallifrey is in chaos, Romana is losing control over the people and now the entrepreneur has schemes of grandeur. But the Axis is reopening and something else is coming with it...
David Llewellyn has written a brilliant but intense political script that challenges our main characters and puts them against one another. It's a frightening but relevant story of how manipulative and cunning people in a position of power can be, especially if they are somewhat respected. The cliffhanger though is incredible, jaw-dropping stuff! 10/10
Overall: 27/30
February 17, 2021
I did enjoy these stories, but it felt a bit "filler" compared to the earlier stories.
May 9, 2022
Though it's been a little while since I listened to the previous Gallifrey series, I think this one might be my favorite so far.
February 1, 2024
The series gets stronger. Good storytelling in this volume.
March 30, 2024
This one didn’t hit me quite as much, but there was good dialogue here and there.
February 24, 2025
5.1/Ch. 19 'Emancipation' by James Peaty: 3*
5.2/Ch. 20 'Evolution' by Una McCormack: 3*
5.3/Ch. 21 'Arbitration' by David Llewellyn: 3*
5.2/Ch. 20 'Evolution' by Una McCormack: 3*
5.3/Ch. 21 'Arbitration' by David Llewellyn: 3*
February 12, 2024
5.1 (19) Emancipation - Another good installment. I really enjoy how this series is much more politically complicated than the typical Doctor Who style adventure. (3/5)
5.2 (20) Evolution - Another dark twisted vision of Gallifrey. This one, if it’s anything like the one from which The Doctor fled, is easy to see a twisted dystopia that titters on the brink of self implosion. (4/5)
5.3 (21) Arbitration - War crimes and taking responsibility for your actions are at the heart of this chapter. Oh … and … a cliffhanger ending to leave you stunned, surprised, and wanting to immediately jump into the next series, Gallifrey VI. (3/5)
I have been a little disappointed with the series since it flipped over to an alternate reality, but it’s still entertaining.
5.2 (20) Evolution - Another dark twisted vision of Gallifrey. This one, if it’s anything like the one from which The Doctor fled, is easy to see a twisted dystopia that titters on the brink of self implosion. (4/5)
5.3 (21) Arbitration - War crimes and taking responsibility for your actions are at the heart of this chapter. Oh … and … a cliffhanger ending to leave you stunned, surprised, and wanting to immediately jump into the next series, Gallifrey VI. (3/5)
I have been a little disappointed with the series since it flipped over to an alternate reality, but it’s still entertaining.
May 23, 2016
Decided to listen to this again before the new series gets released tomorrow. The stories lack the great political scope of the earlier series. But it is wonderful to have Romana as the president, and a wiser more confident Leela. And Narvin is fantastic as always.
Gallifrey is my favourite Big Finish series. This was the box set of what happens when Leela and Romana fight. It was a little sad that it was only 3 cds. That Brax and K9 were both missing. But it is always just such a joy to have Romana and Leela and the time lords. The stories were more political and more inter-related than the previous series. The ending was a total surprise. I'm sad Gallifrey is ending but can't wait for the next box set.
Gallifrey is my favourite Big Finish series. This was the box set of what happens when Leela and Romana fight. It was a little sad that it was only 3 cds. That Brax and K9 were both missing. But it is always just such a joy to have Romana and Leela and the time lords. The stories were more political and more inter-related than the previous series. The ending was a total surprise. I'm sad Gallifrey is ending but can't wait for the next box set.
January 21, 2016
This installment in the Gallifrey Serial has Romana, Narvin and Leela living in an alternate version of Gallifrey and they have done some good and bad. Leela is helping the slaves to be independent, Romana is president and Narvin is chancellor. When Leela tries to help her people she is wounded in the process. Romana is losing her hold on the council and then there is the capture of prisoner of war who some want to continue to live free. What will happen. read this for yourself. Can they get back to the axis?
August 30, 2014
With Gallifrey and the Dalek Empire, it seems Doctor Who may be better without Doctor Who ...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews