Light the Flame

The War Doctor Begins #1.1

Released: 22 June 2021

Listened: 8/21/22

This story begins in the moments immediately following “Night of the Doctor,” with the aptly named set “Forged in Fire.” This new Doctor doesn’t really know who he is just yet, although he’s much more stable than usual after a regeneration, having regenerated on Karn. He doesn’t seem to like his previous incarnation, he doesn’t like what he’s being asked to do, and he really doesn’t like being called “Doctor.” Matt Fitton packs a lot into this story: it seems like Ohila made a deal with the Time Lords to produce the War Doctor. (Which makes you wonder if they orchestrated Cass’s death, but that’s not addressed.) It seems like the Time Lords want just another soldier, but Ohila wants the Doctor to go do his hero thing and stop the war, which doesn’t necessarily mean helping the Time Lords win. So Ohila isn’t playing fair with Gallifrey, which is fine, really, because Rassilon is in charge now, and he sends an agent to basically destroy Karn and pick up the new Doctor. Representing other points on the political spectrum, Rasmus is trying to participate in the war to save his people without compromising his morals too much (except that ship has probably sailed by now). And Tamasan represents Ollistra, who’s trying to stay on Rassilon’s good side, so can’t be seen to interfere (also because Jacqueline Pearce isn’t available to play this Ollistra anymore). In the middle of all of this is the Doctor, still trying to figure out how far he’s willing to go. And the answer seems to be further than the Eighth Doctor, but not nearly as far as the Time Lords want, or even how far he pretends he’s willing to go. Because putting a young innocent in danger is sure to push his buttons, as Ohila knows well (and so does Matt Fitton). It’s a very strong start, with a lot of layers.