Gallifrey: Appropriation

Gallifrey #3.3

by Paul Sutton

In the wake of Civil War, Gallifrey stands more vulnerable than at any time in its controversial history. The other temporal powers orbit the ancient Time Lord society, poised and ready to take control. And then, as a terrifying legacy, the residual traces of the Pandora virus bring down the transduction barriers... While Romana lies exhausted and powerless in the medical station, Lord Matthias fights desperately to negotiate a peace. But Gallifreyans are dying. Can Leela find K9? Is retribution about to be visited upon the oldest race in the universe for untold millennia of manipulation and interference? And what is behind Valyes' decision to recall the High Council?

Genres: Doctor Who, Science Fiction, Audiobook, Media Tie In

Audio CD

First published July 1, 2006

About the author

Paul Sutton is a writer who has written for Big Finish Productions audio and collected novella range. He has written for the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Doctors in Big Finish's audio story range and also a novella part of A Life in Pieces a Big Finish's Bernice Summerfield series.

Sutton also wrote two linked audio stories Arrangements for War and Thicker than Water which introduced the planet Világ and were part of the exit stories for Evelyn Smythe.

Reviews

[April Mccaffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gallifrey; Appropriation. But then, I love all of Gallifrey as it means so much to me.

I love this as its back to politics but still hint of war there with the Senari's. And I love the character development with the Time-Lords and of course, the development Matthias.

And so many fantastic quotes in here.

Absolutely fantastic.

[Harri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit slow with a lot of politics.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can someone pls wrap Romana up like a burrito and make her take a nap.

[Danny Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gallifrey has been a rollercoaster series of twists, politics, horror, tension, and heartbreak. I've really enjoyed every single moment this series has had to offer so far and finally coming to the end of the original series is a very strange feeling, but a thrilling and sad one all the same.

Romana is losing her presidency and Darkel despite now being a war criminal is all too ready to take her place. Meanwhile, the transduction barriers have failed and Gallifrey is at war. it's up to Matthias to conduct the negotiations and hopefully prevent an intergalactic war. Time is running out, an election is coming and all of Romana's friends are in terrible danger. Pandora is gone, but Gallifrey is still falling...

Paul Sutton's handle on balancing politics and conflict in a singular episode is masterfully well-done. It's an action-packed episode that knows when to take quieter and more talkative moments in between explosive set pieces. It's great to see this series back to doing what it does best with the tension between political figures and the threat of Gallifrey falling back into darker times.

Overall: It's an excellent episode that juggles all its ideas incredibly well. 9/10

[MrColdStream · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appropriation is a solid entry that emphasises character development and political intrigue over action. While some elements falter, particularly the negotiations subplot, the core narrative remains engaging. With strong performances and clever twists, it keeps the tension simmering as Gallifrey hurtles toward its next political showdown.

Full review at https://tardis.guide/reviews/story-ap...

[Gabriel Mero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gallifrey is once again in turmoil as it struggles to find adequate leadership. Romana has been charged with high treason (under the influence of Pandora), and is still recuperating from her last adventure. Darkel and Matthias vie for the position, doing anything and everything to curry favor. Gallifrey is literally a science fiction soap opera with all the treachery and drama.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easily the most boring episode of S1-3. Grows on you with relistens, but it's a weirdly slow invasion and a lot of setup for the next episode, like a weird bridge between Pandora's downfall and Darkel's. Narvin and Leela are sweet in it, at least.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fallout of Pandora's defeat leaves Gallifrey in political chaos. This one is a straight-up political thriller. It didn't have enough Romana and Leela in it for my taste but it is essential to read before the next book in the series.

The Gallifrey audiobook series must be read in sequence.

[Steven Shinder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good in places, but still doesn’t grab me as much as the ones I’ve rated higher.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Political intrigue, machinations, and shenanigans abound, and Romana is in a weakened state.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The war may be over but the real fighting is about to begin."

Now the civil war is over the other races decide to step in. There are some good bits with Leela fighting while trying to find K9. It is shocking to see Romana so weak and feeble after having been so invincible for two and a half series. I think Narvin really shines in this episode showing how loyal he's become, not just to the presidency but also to Romana. His interchanges with Leela are priceless.

I'm not sure I like the way Mathias comes out of nowhere to challenge Darkel and Romana for the presidency. It seems odd that Darkel is allowed back into power so readily. But the reprecutions of past events are interesting and the series remains strong.

[Jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the defeat of Pandora in the previous story Gallifrey: Warfare, Romana and her allies have to deal with the aftermath. With aliens storming the capitol in order to recover their students from the ruined academy, the transduction barriers inoperable and Darkel consolidating power, Romana must answer the question of whether she has a future as Presdient of Gallifrey. This was good. We got some good action sequences, good character moments and moved back to the political manuevering that made Gallifrey so good to begin with.

[Debra Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pandora is gone but Romana is fatigued and weak. Her political opponents are out for her blood and allies who sent their kids to be educated are threatening war. Romana is no longer President but she wants to keep the job. What is next.

[Nicholas Whyte]

http://nhw.livejournal.com/1014141.html

[Salome · Rating 4 out of 5]

All that "legal" stuff! And I almost died of laughter at the end :)

[Sidney McKidney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Pretty solid story with a good blend of action and political shenanigans.