Battle Scars

Short Trips #9.7

Released: 31 July 2017

Listened: 9/5/22

This story, an affecting short trip, seems as though it’s intended to take place shortly after the Doctor’s regeneration. Only the blue sonic screwdriver sets it after the previous. The Doctor lands in 1912, near the house of the Daniels family, unconscious from an injury. He recovers quickly, but sticks around because Mr. Daniels is having trouble, both with his shipping business, and with his own temper. The Doctor understands the difficulty of reintegrating into normal life after being a soldier, and is able to assist. Connie Daniels, the eldest daughter, is a voracious reader, and introduces the Doctor to the word “fantastic,” which he likes quite a bit. There is a bit of obligatory sci-fi, which is resolved quickly, and even in that, the Doctor is sympathetic to the effects of war. And yes, this is the same Daniels family who Clive mentions in “Rose,” the family that was due to sail on the Titanic, but ended up not doing so. Did that bit need explaining? Not really. But it’s handled really well here, so I can’t object.