Lion Hearts

The War Doctor Begins #1.2

Released: 22 June 2021

Listened: 8/21/22

Having gotten the origin out of the way, it’s time for a mission, but maybe not the mission you think it is. It’s told primarily from the point of view of a lieutenant sent on a rescue mission, but we hear about it as she’s reporting to Tamasan. The Tharils have allied with the Time Lords, and specifically Biroc (from “Warriors Gate,” but played here by John Dorney). However, Biroc has been captured, hence the rescue mission. The Doctor inserts himself into the mission at the request of Biroc’s sister, a wonderfully arrogant Tharil who has no use for Time Lords, but is desperate to save her brother. The plot hinges on the question of what the War Doctor is willing to do, and how much he’ll sacrifice, to achieve a goal. For other Doctors, even angrier ones like the Sixth or manipulative ones like the Seventh, we know there are lines he won’t cross, but this Doctor is a wild card. To say more would be spoilers, but I’m not sure either answer could really be satisfactory. If he’s cruel, he betrays himself. If he’s true to his principles, it undercuts the idea that this Doctor isn’t worthy of the name. Lou Morgan handles it pretty well, but it’s a bit of a no-win situation.