Brax has rescued Romana – and he has a plan to end the Time War.

Often a two-hander for Miles Richardson and Lalla Ward, David Llewellyn’s script brings back a race that I’d not really expected to make an appearance in this range, and it adds a further dimension of horror to an already horrifying situation. There are strong moments for Sean Carlsen and Louise Jameson whose characters are encountered by Braxiatel and Romana on their journey, but the focus is firmly on those two Time Lords.

We’ve spent a lot of time with each of them – in the Bernice Summerfield range, on TV, and here in the Gallifrey series – and when they spar, it’s with the knowledge of old friends, who recognise the good and bad in the other, the strengths and weaknesses. Romana doesn’t trust Brax; Brax keeps things from her. Both have their reasons, and we come down to an argument that cuts to the quick of each of them. Who are they at their core? And how do they want to be seen?

There aren’t easy answers, and as we go into what’s heralded as the finale of the series, Llewellyn makes you think about everything that’s at stake.

Verdict: A penultimate episode that reminds you of what has made this series work – politics, friendship and the courage of each character’s convictions. 9/10

Paul Simpson

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