Gallifrey Rises…
Romana’s sacrifice sees Gallifrey restored to its former glory, but at a terrible cost.
As the Time Lords begin to reclaim their stronghold, Leela and Narvin find themselves trapped in a decaying reality… and only K9 can help them.
As old friends fight to reunite, new threats lie in wait…
Because Braxiatel was right: war is coming.
GALLIFREY: ASCENSION
Wait a minute – so the entire previous episode was a Matrix simulation? I understand it’s all part of a long game that is paid off at the climax of Justin Richards’ “Ascension,” the final part of Gallifrey VI, but really? 33% of the length of the box set is spent in a false environment? It’s also entirely unclear about the mechanics of the situation: how the Axis emptied directly into the Matrix, how the other universes are tied together, how Slyne got so intimately involved with the Daleks, and so forth. Was Romana actually in the Matrix trying to save the fake Gallifrey for years before she woke up Leela and Narvin or was that all part of the illusion as well? This isn’t a very good story, and it’s not very good because it does a terrible job of explaining itself. The Daleks’ plan makes absolutely no sense, even though it’s good to have them back in the action – pull any of the obvious loose threads and the whole thing falls apart. It’s structured well enough, with surprises stacked on top of surprises, but my overall feeling was one of confusion rather than excitement. And the ending is stunningly misplaced. I have absolutely no problem with the Gallifrey series tying into the start of the Time War, but really – Narvin starts it by accident? Complete with a labored joke? I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that the Gallifrey series ends (for now) with a thud. Frankly, I’m just happy that some of the set was entertaining.
Sigh.
4/10