A trip to 2035 shows the extent of the changes to the timeline – on macro and micro levels…

James Kettle provides the script for this excellent addition to the Stranded saga – although it’s one that I have some reservations about. (The reasons are spoilery but in broad strokes, we learn something late on that affects how we – and the characters – view everything that happens, and it feels dangerously close to a cop out… but I have faith that that has been accounted for and will be dealt with in one of the final five tales.)

It’s a tour de force for Nicola Walker and Rebecca Root, delving deep into the relationship between Liv and Tania, examining what drives both of them, and what could potentially drive a wedge between them. Tom Price has something of a thankless role as Andy, a gooseberry to meetings that he really doesn’t want to be part of – but, critically, he’s there when he’s needed, which he very definitely is by the end.

The snow seems confined purely to the Doctor’s former Baker Street residence, where Ron is hanging on to what remains of the life he knew. There’s some quietly understated moments of grief and the way things can hit you at completely unexpected times, with David Shaw-Parker and Hattie Morahan tugging at the heartstrings. Paul McGann’s Doctor seems more removed from events than usual even for him – but there are reasons that become clear on reflection.

The revisions to the timeline are handled well – Benji Clifford’s sound design adds to the paranoid feel and there’s a scene for Liv and Andy where they experience the reality of a fascist regime. It is similar to one in the recent Space: 1999 set, but handled much more subtlely and therefore feels considerably more threatening.

Verdict: Some great character writing and acting. 9/10

Paul Simpson

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