Gallifrey: Series 2 (2001)

Introduction

Series 2 of Gallifrey would have acted as a continuation of the arcs left off from Series 1. And also continue to introduce more Doctor Who lore to American audiences.

Reviews of Series 1 were good, but the BBC were wanting a more linked connection between Doctor Who. Gallifrey showrunner and executive producer Paul Abbott, Doctor Who executive producer Jed Mercurio, Doctor Who script editor Paul Cornell and writer and de facto Gallifrey script editor Russell T Davies made a plan to introduce a popular recurring character into the show. But, kept it a secret from BBC and HBO executives as long as possible.

While planning out the season, Abbott and Davies looked at the plan for the series and realized that they had lacked a character. With this, it was decided to add in an additional character to the main cast.

This character, Domina, would be introduced and be the main focus on episode one of Series 2. The character had a massive amount of auditions with a planet wide search for the right actress. And with HBO wanting to attach a big name to the show. And rising film actress Kelly MacDonald was casted in the role of Domina.

The same writers from Series 1 would work on Series 2. With Abbott, Davies and Simon Ashdown writing at least one script. But, joining them would be Danny Brocklehurst, who would write episode five.

Episode One: THE FARMER

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by Geoffrey Sax
Air Date: 7 January 2001

The episode begins eight weeks after the previous series ended. With Romana giving a speech on the day after polling day. She says that despite the majority they have reached in the Panopticon, the Unityism government will remain. But, there are to be some major changes. With the speech we learn that the Ceruleans had overtaken the Patrexes as the second place chapter in the Panopticon. And that Romana is not sure about how the government will be formed. But, one that will be formed. Romana with a smile walks off stage. She then tells Roiyden that, she is sorry... but, he can no longer be the Vice President nor the Deputy First Minister. And with that, we cut to the opening credits.

After the opening credits, we focus on Romana with some Prydonian aides looking for a new Vice President as it is clear it cannot be Roiyden. With it being said that the Patrexes lost support due to Roiyden's marriage to Penny. The idea is thrown out about making Azmana the Vice President, but Romana shoots it down. Claiming that Azmana is too ambitious. And Romana also immediately shoots down Reiven. Claiming that while she can give off a working class image. It cannot be her as she is an Arcalian. But, not an actual Arcalian.

After several names are thrown around. Romana comes across the file of a Prydonian from Gallifrey's northern continent. A woman by the name of Domina. Who is a three term PR and has support from the booming farming community. Romana has an initial sit down with Domina and they have a natural spark. As well as Domina saying she isn't a career politician and wants serve her constituents. But, she recognizes that the President is asking her to serve. And she wishes to serve the President. So, she agrees to become the Vice President.

While the episode focuses on the vetting process of Domina, the B-plot of the series sees Roiyden and Penny moving into a gated suburban community in the Capitol. With Roiyden and Penny talking about their future. Roiyden mentions them having kids, but Penny is seen to be wary of that due to the current political climate and anti-human sentiment on Gallifrey following the now ex-President Turner's attempted war with Gallifrey.

Diane Turner is now stationed on Gallifrey as it's the new Ambassador to Gallifrey for Earth. Which is a posting that was used by Earth's new President who beat Turner in an election. Turner is seen to be working with Azmana and at the end of the episode, Dominia as well.

While not given much focus, we see Reiven talking to a young man asking her to, "Be there for him at the end." Reiven shuts him down.

Episode Two: THE MOTHER AND THE SON

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Tom Shankland
Air Date: 14 January 2001

This episode shifts focus to Romana, Roiyden and Penny as the three of them settle into the new status quo on Gallifrey.

We learn more about the rising anti-Earth and anti-Human sentiment on Gallifrey. With it being the reason that in the Panopticon elections on Gallifrey, the Patrexes slipped from the second largest chapter to the third largest chapter. This was as a result of Roiyden's public relationship and marriage to Penny, who now holds dual citizenship with both Earth and Gallifrey.

We develop more of Roiyden and Penny. Roiyden now being lower on the food chain when it comes to Gallifreyan politics and is forced into being the Treasury Secretary (a job he hates and doesn't really understand) and is trying to focus on his private life with Penny when he talks about wanting to have children. Something Penny agrees to... but is worried herself due to the current socio-political climate on Gallifrey.

Romana gets some focus with her settling into having Domina as apart of the inner-circle she had set up. And with the new frictions it causes.

We also get some scenes with the other series regulars, but it is just showing minor things relating to them. Such as Volres' maiden speech in the Panopticon and Azmana having dinner at the end of the episode with both Turner and Domina.

Episode Three: MY PAST IS MY PAST

Written by Simon Ashdown
Directed by Geoffrey Sax
Air Date: 21 January 2001

The episode begins with Roiyden and Penny hosting a small dinner at their house with Romana, Azmana and Reiven attending. Roiyden doing his hobby, cooking. And Penny entertaining them as guests. When Roiyden begins serving, he gets a call. He picks up the phone, but he we do not hear what the person on the other line is saying. Roiyden eventually hangs up the phone. Penny asks who it was. Roiyden, being complete stone, looks to the four of them and says, "Derdha's dead." After a moment of silence, everyone but Penny starts celebrating. Roiyden shouting, "The bitch is finally dead!" Penny extremely confused asks who Derdha is. Roiyden, with a smile, tells her that Derdha is his mother. Penny then gives a confused look, as we enter the opening credits.

After the opening credits, it's the next day. Roiyden wakes up early. Watching the GBC as well as the other major news channels the left-leaning GBS (Gallifreyan Broadcasting System) and the very right-leaning GFN (Gallifreyan Freedom News) covering the news of Derdha's death. With the networks praising them. With Roiyden calling out all of the nonsense they praise about her. Penny eventually wakes up and sees Roiyden sitting in the lounge. Penny hugs him and asks why he is celebrating his mother's death. Roiyden scoffs. And says, "She is not my mother. Not the way she treated me." Penny asks him to... explain.

The episode then goes into a flashback, which the flashbacks covering most of the episode. With bits of Roiyden and Penny being intercutted throughout. As well as seeing Dominia, Volres and Diane Turner giving their thoughts on Derdha for news broadcasts.

The majority of the episodes are told via flashbacks with Roiyden growing up and attending the Academy. With this, we get a casting for a new young Roiyden (played by Adrian Lester) who is shown as Roiyden's first incarnation. We see that Roiyden's father, Hugof (played by Derek Jacobi), was the Lord President of Gallifrey at the time of his loom. Roiyden is shown to be in the middle of a toxic family dynamic between his father and mother, Derdha (played by Jane Asher). Hugof is an absentee father. And Derdha is an emotionally abusive mother towards Roiyden.

We eventually time jump to when Roiyden turns 21 and joins the Capitol Academy and the CSPSE (Capitol School for Political Science and Economics). At the latter he meets a young woman (played by Teri Polo) who he takes an infatuation to. With us learning that this young woman is Azmana. We then have a montage of Roiyden's shitty home life and him spending time at school with Azmana as they sign up for the same classes across both schools. Political Science, Economics, Time Lord Law and Fencing. With the schools pitting Roiyden and Azmana against each other in all aspects due to them being from two different Chapters that are against each other in the Panopticon at the time.

When Roiyden turns 50, on his birthday, he gets shocking and depressing news. His father, while giving what was gonna be a resignation speech in the Panopticon. Was shot and killed in his final hours of office. Leaving only his abusive mother left to guide Roiyden. This causes Roiyden to fall into depression, but with Azmana's help, he pulls himself out of it. And eventually has sex for the first time in his lives with Azmana.

Another montage happens with Roiyden and Azmana still attending their classes together, both being the top of their classes with both of them ending years with them being the two best pupils in the class. This is intercutted with Derdha continuing to emotionally abusing Roiyden. Which gets worse and worse as time goes on and when Derdha learns he is dating a Cerulean.

Eventually the two of them turn 125 and prepare to graduate from the schools. And on the day of their graduation, Azmana proposes to Roiyden. Suggesting they get married. He accepts. However, when Roiyden tells his mother that him and Azmana are gonna marry. She scolds him. Saying that he is dumping on Gallifreyan culture. He knows that when it comes to inner-chapter marriage. The parents of both people must agree. And she'll never agree to it. Because of this, Roiyden gives Azmana back the ring she used to propose to him. And apologizes to her. With us then time-jumping a few months and see that Derdha has forced to Roiyden run in a safe Patrex seat in the Capitol and Azmana is a practicing barrister.

We then cut back to the present where Roiyden (who over the episode starts crying over reliving his trauma). Ends up telling Penny why he is determined to have kids. It's because he wants to give a child the childhood he never had. And explains the hint of rivalry between him and Azmana that has been stirring since the first episode of Series 1. Penny puts her head on Roiyden's shoulder. She says to him, "Thank you for sharing. It's... hard to talk about our pasts." Roiyden asks her if she is sure about them. Penny smiles and kisses him and tells him that she is sure.

Episode Four: THE BLUE FIGHT

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Omar Madha
Air Date: 28 January 2001

The episode begins with Romana making an address in the Panopticon about the upcoming Gallifreyan Empire Parliamentary Elections. With this, we focus on Azmana's smirking. Domina leans over and asks her why she is so happy. Azmana says, "Now will be the start." Domina asks, "The start of what?" Azmana looks at her and says, "The start of me taking over the planet." With this, we cut to the opening credits.

This episode focuses on the 4540 Gallifreyan Empire Parliamentary Elections. Which, the Empire, is used as an allegory for the European Union. And Azmana campaigns for Cerulean candidates standing for the Empire's People Party (EPP for short). With Azmana trying to use the election to propel her political career to maybe a future Presidential bid.

Throughout the episode, we see other main characters campaigning for Empire Parliamentary Parties. With Romana, Dominia, Roiyden and Reiven campaigning for the Empire Social Democratic Party (ESDP for short). Volres also stumps for candidates for the Empire Communist Party (ECP for short).

In the end, the incumbent ESDP is forced out of government and the EPP become the largest political party in the Gallifreyan Empire.

Episode Five: BROKEN BUSINESS

Written by Danny Brocklehurst
Directed by Tom Shankland
Air Date: 4 February 2001

The episode begins with Reiven walking into the Home Office. She walks into a lift that takes her up to her office. She enters her office and sees two people sitting on the sofa in her office. One young man (who was seen previously in the season) and one young woman. Reiven asks what they want. The man steps forward and says, "He is gone... Reiven. He's gone." Reiven, cold and emotionless, says, "I'm sorry about that." The woman steps forward and yells, "Damnit mum! Why are you so cold over dad being dead!" As the woman screams this Penny enters the office. Penny looks at Reiven and says, "Did she call you 'mum', Reiven?" And with that, we cut to the opening credits.

After the opening credits we see Romana, Roiyden, Reiven and Penny sitting in Romana's office. Reiven feeling... uncomfortable. Romana leans forward and says, "You don't owe anyone an explanation. Me and Roiyden know. And, all due respect Penny. But, it's none of your business." Reiven cuts in saying, "With what I have learned today. It might be best to... put it out in the open."

Like with the Roiyden/Azmana flashback episode earlier in the series. We then go into flashbacks of Reiven's younger life. With actress Miranda Raison playing the role of Reiven's younger incarnation.

We learn that Reiven was the middle child of a rich, toxic, left-leaning family in Arcadia. Which owned one of the three major news outlets on Gallifrey. One that is a left-wing news outlet. We learn that, before joining the academy. Reiven's parents for her to compete with her older brother physically and mentally. As they want to see which one of the their two eldest of three children could take over their news organization when they decide to retire.

Reiven ended up flunking out of the Arcadian Academy after her first year. With her parents then putting her in one of their newsrooms as an intern and while her elder brother was at the Arcadian Academy... she was climbing the ranks of their news network, GBS. There, Reiven begins a romantic relationship with one of the upper-managing partners who coddles Reiven compared to her borderline abusive parents.

Reiven also tries to become smarter than her brother by taking up boxing, Gallifrey's planetary sport. To prove to her parents that she both mentally and physically better. Reiven says that while she, nor a close friend of her's doesn't really practice it anymore. It did help her through tough times. Penny asks about who the friend was. Roiyden interjects that it was him.

As time goes on. Reiven marries the partner and they end up looming two children. While her older brother, who she still forced to compete against physically and mentally at family gatherings, gets an education and falls in love with a fellow student at the Arcadian Academy.

This leads to a few years after her older brother has graduated. And their younger brother had decided to not join the family business and become a professional boxer. The parents had announced at a family dinner that her brother would be taking over the company. Which angers Reiven considering how much of her life she put into the company. This causes the entire family bar Reiven's two children, to laugh at her and they one by one verbally attack on how she has acted. With Reiven punching her elder brother and she is thrown out of the house.

We then see, without the promotion she was basically promised by her parents. Her personal life falls apart and her husband eventually asks for a divorce which Reiven grants him.

We then end the episode back in the present day. Reiven says that her ex-husband is now dead. And her children want her to attend the funeral. Penny asks if she is going to. Reiven, coldly, says she won't. Not after every abuse her family had done.

Episode Six: THE HUMAN'S FAMILY

Written by Simon Ashdown
Directed by Omar Madha
Air Date: 11 February 2001

The episode begins with Roiyden and Penny in their house. The two of them talk about an upcoming summit revolving around several planet's militaries. The doorbell rings and Penny says she'll get it. Penny goes to the door and opens. A tall man and a tall woman are standing there. They address Penny as "Officer Stevenson". Penny addresses the man as "General" and the woman as "Colonel". Roiyden approaches Penny from behind and asks who they are. Penny says, "My parents" we then cut to the opening titles.

The episode then continues with Penny sitting all militaristic in her and Roiyden's sitting room. Roiyden enters with a tray of drinks, being clearly nervous as this is the first time he is meeting Penny's parents. He asks questions, which they answer with two or three words. We learn that they are there for the conference Romana is holding.

Later in the day, Roiyden is having lunch with Romana and Domina and he talks about how Penny's parents are not what he thought they'd be like. Romana says that Penny doesn't really like to talk about her past. She isn't like Roiyden, Azmana or Reiven.

At the conference. Penny appears in her old Space Security Service uniform. Roiyden is there and asks why she did herself up as she did. Penny is silent and says, "Lord Secretary, this is how I am supposed to dress. SIR!" Roiyden confused and then tries to approach Penny's parents again. But her father stops her. He says, "I may be here on this Timer planet. But I don't want to talk to Timers unless I have to absolutely." Penny is taken aback by this and pulls Roiyden aside. She again addresses him as "Lord Secretary". But, Roiyden stops her saying that it's just the two of them right now. Penny interrupts him saying that "Timer" is a racial slur on Earth for Time Lords.

Throughout the episode. Roiyden learns about Penny being disliked by her family. Due to her not being apart of Earth's army and joined the Space Security Service. And her more analytic point of view rather than who has more weapons. And she's been disowned by them for marrying a Time Lord. Which they saw it as security for not being drafted by the Space Security Service if an intergalactic war breaks out.

Towards the end of the episode. Roiyden and Penny have a sit down in their house. Penny did say that while the security was good. It would not matter as she is in love with him. And she wants to stick with him no matter what.

Episode Seven: DOMINA'S GAMBLE, PART ONE

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 18 February 2001

The two part finale begins with Penny sitting down with Domina. The two of them have a chat about something Roiyden is planning about when it comes to the Treasury. Domina has to step out. And Penny needs to put some papers on Domina's desk. But looking at Domina's desk. Penny sees a paper where it has somethings written about Romana, Roiyden, Azmana and Reiven. Mostly stuff about their past. Penny takes it and leaves, then we cut to the opening titles.

Penny shares the paper with the four of them. It brings up Roiyden and Azmana's past, Reiven's family and something about an illegitimate marriage from Romana's past. Romana shrugs it off. Saying that her family forced her into an arranged marriage that only lasted for a few years. It caused... other problems for her. But, none of that matters. They need to find out why Domina is assembling possible blackmail against them.

Throughout the episode. The five of them try to find out what Domina is planning with Roiyden and Penny attempting to get closer to Domina by attending public events with her (such as a boxing match, opening of a new Gallifreyan hospital, etc, etc.).

At the end of the episode, the two of them enter Domina's office after hours and find the closet in her office is not a closet... they open the door and see that it is a TARDIS. (Which a darker, more evil looking version of the TARDIS console room that debuted in Andrew Lincoln's first serial). And they see Domina standing in the middle of it. She smiles and says that it was inevitable that someone found out. She's not surprised that it was Roiyden who figured it out. Penny asks how Roiyden knows Domina. Roiyden pauses and he says that he thought she would have stopped trying to take over Gallifrey. Domina laughs and then introduces herself to Penny but with her actual name...

... The Master. The Master laughs as we cut to the end credits of the episode.

Episode Eight: DOMINA'S GAMBLE, PART TWO

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 25 February 2001

The finale begins with a previously segment covering the entire series. Mostly focusing on Azmana, Volres and "Domina". After that and the titles we get a scene explaining to the brand new American audience about who the Master is.

Throughout the episode, we see Domina (as she calls herself despite being the Master) winning over Cardinals, including Volres and the entire Dromeian Panopticon Chapter, to support a motion of her's upcoming in the Panopticon.

At the halfway point Domina approaches Azmana and pulls back the curtain and tells her what it is. She is gonna call for a vote of no confidence in Romana's government and force it into an early election. And Domina offers Azmana the Vice Presidency slot if she accepts and bring the Ceruleans onto her side. Which leaves Azmana unsure about what to do as she'd be one hearts-beat away from what she wants... the Presidency.

The episode comes to a climax with the vote in the Panopticon and Domina wins and Romana is forced to dissolve the Panopticon to call an early election. Which angers Romana and telling Domina that, "You'll get what is coming to you."

At the end of the episode we learn that Azmana did betray Romana and is gonna join Domina's ticket. Romana then tells Roiyden, Reiven and Penny that, "This cannot be done by just ourselves. An old friend of mine will need to help us. If he can't... then we are completely fucked."

Romana goes to her desk, picks up the phone and says, "I need to recall a TARDIS to Gallifrey... a Type 44. One that belongs to... the Doctor." And with that we cut to black that says, "To Be Continued this May in Doctor Who".

Season Conclusion

So that was the second series of Gallifrey. The Master reveal was kept top secret by the production staff and was decided very early on by Abbott, Mercurio, Davies and Ashdown for the Master to be the main villain. For at least the first planned series' of Gallifrey. With Kelly Macdonald being the only actor on the cast to know from the beginning that she was going to be portraying the Master.

It was also announced at the beginning of the Series that Season 37 was gonna feature a crossover with Doctor Who. With it being decided ahead of time by the production staff to tease it at the end of the series.

Come Back Next Time for Doctor Who: Season Thirty-Seven

Doctor Who: Season 36 (2000)

Introduction

Season 36 of Doctor Who, airing in Spring 2000, would continue on from the previous season. With there being no changes in production team (made up of executive producer Jed Mercurio, producer Matthew Bird and script editor Paul Cornell) and the cast at the end of the previous season. Andrew Lincoln as the Doctor, Marg Helgenberger as Christina Farrell and in her first full season, Angela Griffin as Alison Cheney.

While the previous season was much more contained and was introducing a new show to a new audience and not dragging itself down in canon. This season, Cornell decided to have more of the past of Doctor Who. This included the Daleks as the villains for the first serial of the season as well as references to the show's past throughout the season.

This season also introduces a new regular device used by the Doctor and co. Calling it a "Perception Watch" which is used in historical settings (which this season has a lot of) to help the Doctor and the companions to blend in the historical settings they visit. However, the fans and critics saw right through what it actually was for. Which was to get around Alison's race in historical serials.

With all of that, let's dive into the season.

Serial One (Ep. 1-2): JUBILEE

Written by Robert Shearman
Directed by Jed Mercurio
Air Dates: 8-15 April 2000

To open up the season, Cornell chose a script submitted by Season 34's The Holy Terror writer, Robert Shearman for the previous season which included the Daleks. However the script was turned down as Mercurio wanted to hold off the Daleks for the second season under HBO. And chose Marc Platt's Spare Parts as he (and Cornell) thought that the Cybermen (and the Sontarans) would be more accessible for an introduction to an American audience.

But, with the second season and with how popular Spare Parts was the previous season, it was decided to make this the opening serial of the season to start it off with a bang both in the US and in the UK with the Daleks being promoted heavily. Especially since they were not shown on screen since Season 32.

This serial would have the TARDIS land in an alternate universe where the Doctor, Christina and Alison saved Earth in the year 1912 against a Dalek invasion and the UK government then adopting Dalek weaponry and conquer the planet and make a second British empire, which encompasses the entire and they have started travelling into the universe and are now conquering other races which include the Ice Warriors as well as the Sontarans and Cybermen (with the later two using their designs from the previous season).

The Doctor, Christina and Alison try throughout the serial to show the British leaders that they are completely in the wrong. With the Doctor saying that they are taking the worse aspects of Dalek culture.

This parallels Christina and Alison who met the last ever Dalek in the universe and the Dalek is taken aback how... nice they are to it. With the Dalek taking Christina and Alison's niceness and forces the 1912 Dalek fleet into modern times and the Lone Dalek as well as Christina and Alison destroying the Dalek fleet, which causes everything to be fixed. And this leads to the serial's massive plot twist. They weren't in an alternate universe, but a timeline which diverged from the main timeline. Which haunts the trio as they see what humanity could become.

Serial Two (Ep. 3): THE UNQUIET DEAD

Written by Mark Gatiss
Directed by Euros Lyn
Air Dates: 22 April 2000

This serial would have the TARDIS land in Cardiff, Wales at Christmas in the year of 1869. And have a historical figure in Charles Dickens, and with it being Doctor Who of course there would be ghosts involved. However, these aliens would be called the Gelth with them trying to invade Cardiff and the Earth via a rift in space and time.

With the help of Dickens and a young woman by the name of Gwyneth. The Doctor, Christina and Alison are able to stop the Gelth's invasion as they seal the rift. And Gwyneth sacrifices herself to fully get rid of the Gelth.

Serial Three (Ep. 4-5): STORM WARNING

Written by Alan Barnes
Directed by Brian Grant
Air Dates: 29 April-6 May 2000

The serial begins with the Doctor, Christina and Alison in the TARDIS library while looking for the TARDIS manual, when the ship gets attacked by creatures called Vortisaurs. Which live in the Time Vortex.

The Doctor is forced to land the TARDIS, however, this traps Christina and Alison in the TARDIS library. While they wait for the TARDIS to repair itself. The Doctor decides to look around where they landed. And much to his surprise, they landed on the British airship the R-101, which is on it's maiden voyage.

The Doctor gets caught up in the events of the ship and meets a young woman by the name of Charlotte Pollard, who snuck on the ship to go on adventure to Singapore after the ship arrives in it's intended destination of India. And coming against a Colonel Rathbone. Who is tasked to get the secrets of an alien race called the Triskele. Which his actions cause the Triskele to declare war on the human race.

The battle between the Humans and the Triskele cause Vortisaurs to emerge out and attack the ship, which despite the Doctor's attempted meddling to save everyone involved to, what he sees as preserving time. Causes the R-101 to crash. And despite his attempts to try and save Charlotte. Everybody aboard the ship dies, with the TARDIS repairing itself just in time for the Doctor to escape back in the TARDIS and he along with Christina and Alison watch the R-101 crash.

After the crash, we play on the Doctor's sadness for awhile as he grew close to Charlotte and was gonna ask her to join them on the TARDIS. The Doctor points out that despite him travelling in time and him accidentally getting involved in time. He can't save everyone.

Serial Four (Ep. 6): THE STONE MONUMENT

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Euros Lyn
Air Dates: 13 May 2000

This serial begins with the TARDIS landing at Stone Henge in the year 2000. However, after a couple of minutes of looking around, the Doctor disappears. Christina and Alison try and find the Doctor. But, they notice that several of the stones have changed with writing and drawings. And one of the stones saying only three words, "DO NOT BLINK!".

This serial obviously is a Doctor-lite serial with it acting as the new return of the Weeping Angels. As a group of rogue angels have once again captured the Doctor. But this time, we follow is companions as they have to decipher the writings the Doctor had left so that they can pilot the TARDIS.

Once they are able to pilot the TARDIS (with the Weeping Angels aboard), they arrive with the Doctor and he uses the TARDIS to move the Angels into the Time Vortex where they disintegrate.

Serial Five (Ep. 7): THE GIRL IN THE FIREPLACE

Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by Jed Mercurio
Air Dates: 20 May 2000

This serial has the TARDIS land on a spaceship in the year 5037. Which is called the S.S. Madame de Pompadour, and throughout the ship has fireplaces that act as a time portal to the past. Specifically the history of Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, also known as, Madame de Pompadour.

The Doctor gets mixed in the life of Madame de Pompadour, becoming a childhood friend for her and in her 20s, being a romantic interest for her. While Christina and Alison investigate the ship. Which is controlled by robots which uses clockwork robotics and not just the robot, but the entire ship.

The Doctor figures out that the clockwork robots are trying to find the right place in time to take Madame de Pompadour and behead her to take her body for parts. In the end, the Doctor is able to stop them and tries to get Reinette, a nickname for Madame de Pompadour. But, he goes through a different fireplace portal to get her back. And he ends up arriving on the day of the funeral.

The episode ends with the Doctor sitting alone in the TARDIS console room, reading a letter from Reinette that she left him.

Serial Six (Ep. 8-9): THE BATTLE OF FORT SUMTER

Written by René Echevarria
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Air Dates: 27 May-3 June 2000

This serial has the TARDIS land in America in the year 1861. Where they land at Fort Sumter. And the Doctor realizes that it is the day where the American Civil War begins. The trio try and get back to the TARDIS. But, they get caught up in the Confederate invasion of the Fort. And at the halfway point of the serial, an alien force (called the Gantro) comes in and drains the nearest piece of technology. Which is the Perception Watch on Alison's hand.

The second half of the serial has Alison being taken and sent to work as a slave at a plantation which shows the brutality of history. While the Doctor and Christina work to help break her out and help the slave escape. Which they are able to.

At the end of the serial, back in the TARDIS. Alison feels horrified from the brutality she had witnessed that she wishes to go home. The Doctor solemnly agrees to take her home. But, something takes control of the TARDIS and throws them off course as they land somewhere else.

Serial Seven (Ep. 10): DAWN OF THE RED PLANET

Written by Justin Richards
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Air Dates: 10 June 2000

This serial begins with the TARDIS landing on a red planet. With the Doctor and Alison bickering about them not being on Earth. He grabs three spacesuits and tells them to get suited up. As there is no air where they landed at.

The Doctor tells Christina and Alison that they are in the year 2048. And if he is correct, they are going to see history. The team come across a group of civilian space colonists. The Doctor says that this was the first attempt for humans to colonize Mars. The Doctor says that the expedition did collapse and there was never an explanation as to why.

At the ten minute mark. The colonists discover a tomb structure. And the Doctor figures everything out. And we learn that they have came across a tomb, full of Ice Warriors. (This being their first introduction for American audiences.)

The serial then plays out as essentially a remake of Tomb of the Cybermen. But with the Ice Warriors and that at the end of the serial. All of the colonists end up dying with them ignoring the Doctor's advice. Forcing the Doctor to re-seal the Ice Warrior tomb.

With the Doctor depressed over what has happened. He tries to get Alison home again. But, once again. The TARDIS is thrown off course. As the serial ends. We see the TARDIS crash into an old English manor.

Serial Eight (Ep. 11-13): THE CHIMES OF MIDNIGHT

Written by Robert Shearman & Paul Cornell
Directed by Joe Ahearne
Air Dates: 24 June-8 July 2000

The finale to the season begins with the TARDIS crashing into an old English manor from Victorian times. With Alison being upset about not being back in their own time. And because of this, she definitely sits in the TARDIS as the Doctor and Christina walk out and find themselves in the manor's decrepit cellar.

The Doctor and Christina walk up the stairs and they walk into a vibrant setting with their clothes changing as the cellar door shuts out behind them. The Doctor tries opening the door again. But, he cannot open it. The two of them then decide to go and investigate the setting. With them learning that it is Christmas Eve, 1899. And they are at a party hosted by the manor's owner Lord Grove. With everything seemingly normal, until the clock it's 10pm. With that, one of the maids then collapses and dies from drowning herself in the sink. The Doctor and Christina investigates the murder with them pretending to be detectives undercover. And they think they found the murderer. However, the clock turns to 11pm. And the murderer then collapses when he is standing by himself in the middle of an empty room. Like the first murder, it seems like to be a suicide at first. However, it turns out to be a murder. However, when the clock them chimes at 12pm, midnight... The Doctor and Christina are then teleported back to the cellar entrance. With them dressed up differently with them being in swinging 20s attire.

They learn that it is Christmas Eve, 1929. And the same first murder happens again. With the Doctor and Christina attempting to stop the second murder from happening. However, a different party guest is killed at 11pm. And they are wondering what will happen once it turns midnight again. The Doctor puts forward a theory. But, there is only one way to test it out. Wait out until midnight.

Midnight comes and they find themselves back at the beginning of the cellar entrance. Now in 50s attire. Christina tries to re-enter the cellar before it closes. But, she is unsuccessful. The Doctor says that they are in a special kind of time-loop. They are re-living the same two hours, in the same place. But, after every Midnight, they jump forward in time 30 years. They starting mingling with the guests of the 50s party. But, something is different. In the sitting room, a massive throne is a wall. And someone is siting in it. It's Alison.

The Doctor and Christina approach Alison, who has her eyes closed. The Doctor says, "Alison...?". She then opens her eyes and she says, "I am Lady Grove! Offspring of Lord Edward Grove! And they will solve everything, or else they will face the direst of consequences!" The Doctor and Christina try and figure out what has taken over Alison with the two murders going over their head as they try to figure out what has happened to Alison. And, just before the clock strikes midnight. The Doctor says he has figured it out. The clock strikes midnight. And... time does not reset/jump forward. The manor disappears and the Doctor and Christina remain in a massive black void.

Alison reappears in her 50s attire. She asks the Doctor what is happening. The Doctor says that each time, they start off with the two exact same things happening. The cellar door shutting and the same woman dying. He says that things like this only happen when paradoxes occur at a point of time and space where everything is in flux. He says that the woman who died, was never supposed to. However, she committed suicide, but she wasn't meant to according to the web of time.

Ever since that event, the estate of Edward Grove has been feeding off of the death and lives of people. Especially the domestic servers. With this, the Doctor and Christina try to use the energy from the paradox to go back in time and prevent the suicide. Which, they are successful. Once that is done, they go back into the void.

The Doctor says that there is more to this. Lord Grove needed someone to help explain what had happened. And, they reached out to some random person. And that ever since the TARDIS left America in the year 1861. It was the remnants of Lord Grove trying to get control of the TARDIS and bring it and it's passengers to the manor.

But, the Doctor says that it... doesn't feel random. Christina steps forward and says, "Because Lord Grove needed a second link?". The Doctor smiles and says, "You're right." Lord Grove needed a trace of him in the TARDIS to get control of it. And that is why they are inhabiting Alison. She is a descendant of Lord Edward Grove. But, because of the paradoxical shenanigans. She will cease to exist. With only him and Christina remembering who Alison was.

The TARDIS then materializes as a tear slides down Christina's face. She asks the Doctor if it is all possible to find a way to save Alison. The Doctor... puts his head down. He apologizes to Christina and says, "There is no hope. She's already gone Christina." He says that Alison is already dead. And that technically, she has never existed. The Doctor walks over to what remains of Alison and hugs her. Saying goodbye. Christina being an emotional mess. Cannot find it in her to say goodbye to Alison. And she just turns her back and walks away. The TARDIS dematerializes. And Alison and the void disappear into nothingness.

The Doctor pilots the TARDIS, Christina sits in the console room. Quietly saying to herself, "I want to leave." The Doctor hears her. He then pilots the TARDIS to Earth, one and half a year since she left. He says that he understands. After what has happened the last few adventures. He might take a break himself. The two of them hug. And they say their goodbyes. Christina then exits the TARDIS and the Doctor then pilots the TARDIS to Earth's upper-orbit. As he then opens the door and looks above the Earth, in complete silence.

This serial would have gone down as an all time favorite with the critics, fans and general audiences. With several people praising Shearman and Cornell's writing. And some fans have felt that they had their personal choice for script editor once Cornell decides to depart the role.

Season Conclusion

2000 was a massive hit for the franchise. With the successful launch of the first official spin-off and second season receiving praise and higher ratings than the first. The franchise was going into 2001 with it's head held high.

However, HBO executives were worried. Not for 2001, but for 2002. As a month after The Chimes of Midnight finished airing. It was announced by the BBC that Andrew Lincoln's third season will be his last as the Doctor with a new Doctor taking over in 2002.

But, HBO were looking more forward to how Gallifrey would do with it's second series.

Come Back Next Time for Gallifrey: Series Two

Gallifrey: Series 1 (2000)

Introduction

Gallifrey would have been the first official spin-off of Doctor Who.

In 1997, during the talks with HBO about co-producing the franchise. HBO had made it clear that to go along with Doctor Who, they wanted a more adult-oriented show to go along with the main show. A show that would target more of HBO's core demographic. The BBC were hesitant about this as, even during the more adult and darker era's of the show, such as the Philip Hinchcliffe, John-Nathan Turner and Diana Barton era's of the show. It was primarily a show targeted for the whole family to watch. But, one of the shortcomings of the Barton era was that the family-friendly nature of Who was too light-hearted for the Gallifrey setting to work. So, the BBC agreed to HBO's demands of a more adult-oriented spin-off with them deciding to continue the story of the Gallifrey serials from 1994-1998. And in mid-1998, during the airing of Season 34 of Doctor Who, Gallifrey was officially commissioned by the BBC and HBO for an early 2000 air date.

To create the show, Doctor Who showrunner Jed Mercurio and the BBC Head of Drama Mal Young decided to scout out new talent for the show and give it to someone who had little to no previous work on the franchise. This included names from both the US and UK markets, but both preferred it to be a Brit. And they found that name in Paul Abbott. Who, along with Mercurio and Young, be credited for creating the show "Gallifrey".

When it came to developing the show and scheduling it's filming dates. It was with the mind that all four regulars from the Barton era (Romana (Lalla Ward), Roiyden (Paul McGann), Azmana (Chloe Annett) and Reiven (Susannah Harker)) would reprise their role for the show. But, this did not come into fruition. First off, Paul McGann was already slated onto another project when filming was supposed to be happening on the first series. And then Lalla Ward, Chloe Annett and Susannah Harker did not want to do the show with Annett and Harker wanting to move onto other projects and Ward wanting to retire from acting altogether, with her also not being a fan of the proposed mature content of the show. While McGann, Annett and Harker were not movable. Ward was convinced to return for one single series. And if the show was picked up for additional series, a brand new actress would take up the role of Romana for future series of the show.

With Romana locked in. Abbott, with additional help from Mercurio and fellow writer Russell T Davies, build up the new Roiyden, Azmana, Reiven and a new regular cast to join the original four. Which includes two human characters as well as a new Time Lord villain.

For the role of the new Roiyden, several actors were thrown around as possible names. With Abbott, Young and Mercurio wanting to stride a fine line between what Paul McGann had done in the 90s and bring something new to the table, specifically to add in new layers to Roiyden, who was pretty much seen as not the best person in the room and also sell the dynamic Roiyden has with Romana. In the end, English actor Matthew Macfadyen was casted in the role of Roiyden. Macfadyen, at the time, was pretty much an unknown name with Gallifrey being his first major role.

When it came to Azmana. HBO had some more demands with her as well. With Romana's actress staying the same and Abbott was determined to cast the new Roiyden as a Brit. HBO had made the demand that like, Doctor Who, there would be an American on the main cast. So, Azmana was made of the main four to be played by an American actress. With several rounds of audition's, actress Bellamy Young was casted in the role. Unlike the other main four, Young was a relatively unknown face at the time. With her biggest claim to fame being a guest spot on two different episodes of Law & Order.

For Reiven, it was decided to go the complete opposite route to what Susannah Harker had portrayed with Reiven. With her Reiven being a posh badass, it was decided to drop the poshness of Reiven and make Reiven more... middle class. With this, it was decided to go for a more unknown name like with the new Roiyden and Azmana. And after several rounds of auditions. English actress Lisa Faulkner was casted in the role of Reiven. Before joining the cast of Gallifrey, Faulkner was a regular on the BBC medical drama, Holby City.

While the returning four characters were locked. Abbott and Mercurio as well as Davies and writer Simon Ashdown, one that Mal Young suggested to Abbott and Mercurio, fleshed out the other main characters of the show. Which included a human character that could act as an audience surrogate, a human political rival for Romana and a Time Lord villain who would be someone that would be apart of a "Eat the Rich" movement.

The main surrogate character would be a human from the Space Security Service, first seen in the Doctor Who serial The Daleks' Master Plan, this human would be a down to Earth data analyst. Who gets tied up in the Gallifrey and Earth politics. This analyst, Penny Stevenson, would have both Americans and Brits audition for the role. And in the end American actress Sasha Alexander was cast in the role.

For the main human villain as well as a rival for Romana. The character would be the President of Earth and be a neoconservative politician, with inspiration taking place from American Republican politicians as well as select members of the UK Conservative party. With the character hell bent on gaining more political power with their war-hawk ideologies. Like for the character of Penny, both American and Brits were auditioned for the role. With American actress Emily Procter winning the role of President Diane Turner. Out of all of the American cast members, Procter was the one who had the most experience, having numerous guest roles on television as well as feature films.

The main time lord villain, would be on the far-left side of the political scale, this was made to give a different villain type to contrast President Turner. The villain "Volres" was made to be a Time Lord councilor in a region of the Capitol, who would be an outspoken critic of not just the main four characters, but the Gallifreyan elite altogether. While the BBC and HBO were wanting a nationality-blind casting for the role. Davies suggested to Abbott, Mercurio and Pryor that the role should be played by either a Northerner or a Scot. The trio agreed with Davies and they ended up casting Northern native Christopher Eccleston for the role. Eccleston was a get for the show. With him making a name for himself in the 90s with such roles as Derek Bentley in Let Him Have It and Jude Fawley in Jude.

For the production of the show, production would take place at BBC Wales in Cardiff with Hilary Bevan Jones, a previous collaborator of Abbott acting as producer for the show. Filming was done over four months in Cardiff, Wales with additional filming taking place in London, England for outdoor scenes. With the outdoor scenes in post-production giving the orange hue that Gallifrey emanates. For the writing of the series, Paul Abbott wrote half the season with writers Russell T Davies and Simon Ashdown handling the other half of the season.

Test screenings for the show for both the BBC and HBO were highly positive and this led them to do a high amount of marketing leading up to the show premiering.

On the 23rd of January 2000, Gallifrey premiered on BBC One and HBO.

Episode One: GALLIFREY

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 23 January 2000

The very first episode of the show, would have been that. An episode one. With it introducing all of the characters of the show. With the story-arcs taking a back seat.

We get introduced to Romana, Roiyden, Azmana and Reiven first with them on Gallifrey. Romana showing that her current incarnation is starting to show her age. With her considering going under regeneration or passing the torch over to Roiyden. Roiyden deciding that he needs to put himself in a better place for politics. With him needing a wife. Looking at both his long time flame Azmana as well as Reiven, who he has gotten closer to in recent years.

Volres is introduced, also on Gallifrey, with him rallying anti-government sentiment on Romana's administration and her political ideology of "Unityism" (which is properly introduced as Romana's way of governing involving all six political chapters on Gallifrey). And he rallies on how unityism is stopping proper progress on Gallifrey. And that their sister chapter, the Arcalians are bowing to the will of Lady President Romana.

Penny is introduced on the planet of Peladon. With her being attached to the Peladon's Space Security Service station. As she intercepts some conversations between President Turner of Earth and an unknown person from Gallifrey. With the conversations seemingly plotting to undermine Romana and boost President Turner as she is a year away from re-election.

Finally, Diane is not introduced until the final part of the episode as she prepares for a state visit to Gallifrey to discuss trade negotiations. As well as her seemingly trying to embarrass Romana with an up and coming summit.

Episode Two: TRADE

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 30 January 2000

This episode would continue off of the first episode. With an intergalactic trade conference on Gallifrey. With Gallifrey's capitol city hosting the conference. And the GBC (Gallifreyan Broadcasting Corporation) covering the event in a neutral setting.

Romana is attempting to get some tariffs lowered from Earth. With President Turner undermining Romana at the conference with her making a fool of Romana, by providing false calculations about the deficit the Gallifreyan government would need for them to be lowered.

This causes repercussions throughout the planet as Volres continues his anti-government sentiment, Roiyden starts talking with cabinet members about asking Romana to step aside for someone younger (aka himself) to take control. Finally, Penny tries to discreetly send messages to Romana about President Turner's mysterious plan on taking her down. But, Romana does not receive the messages. Instead, Roiyden receives them.

Episode Three: INSIDE HELP

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Julian Jarrold
Air Date: 6 February 2000

This episode shifts the focus to Roiyden as he tries to decipher who is sending him the messages, the ones that are intending for Romana. This takes him most of the episode as he uses his contacts in the Chancellery Guard (which are developed more into Gallifrey's police force) and the CIA (which are developed into Britain's MI6, Australian's ASIO and... well the US' CIA). He ends up being able to send a message back to the one who is sending them. From what we know is Penny. And they agree to meet at a location of Roiyden's choosing.

Along with that storyline we get intercutted with storylines around Romana trying to get a foreign aide package for a dwindling planet in the Panopticon. Azmana works with some Cerulean councilors in her constituency. And Reiven does some talent spotting for new chapter members and goes to watches one of Volres' speeches.

Episode Four: ROMEO

Written by Simon Ashdown
Directed by Geoffrey Sax
Air Date: 13 February 2000

While most mid-season Doctor Who seasons go for big and bombastic serials. Abbott made the conscious decision to have Gallifrey be a slow burn for the middle portion of the season. With a pseudo two part story written by Simon Ashdown. Who decided to put two characters front and center in this two part story.

Roiyden and Penny take the main focus for the episode as the two of them meet for the first time, over coffee at a cafe in the heart of the Capitol. For the majority of the episode switches between Roiyden and Penny and a couple other of the main characters.

Roiyden and Penny, during their first meeting, end growing quite close to each other. With Roiyden opening up to her about how he does not want Romana to retire. As she is like a mother to him more than anything. With Penny asking him if he had a rough childhood. Roiyden giving a... distant look. But, admitting that Romana is all he really has. Penny chuckling at this and points to how the public show off his relationships with both Azmana and Reiven. Roiyden admitting that with them, it's mainly political. And that while he and Azmana go back to their days at the Time Lord academy. He doesn't have any real feelings for her. And Reiven, while elements of romanticism is there. It's nothing more than a romantic friendship. And that he wishes he could be with someone who really understands him.

Penny then opens up about herself and her past. With her talking about how she comes from a liberal leaning military family on Earth. But, she never wanted to join the Earth army and only joined the Space Security Service to keep them quiet about her doing "her duty".

Roiyden smiles at this and he says, "I know what it's like being apart of the family business." Penny looking confused for a minute but then wipes it away.

Before I finish with them. Let me run by several of the other arcs that are ongoing throughout the episode.

Romana holds a private video conference with several intergalactic allies. Including the King of Peladon, Prime Minister of Drahva and the King of Draconia. Where she talks about President Turner's increasing hostility.

Reiven has a conversation with Volres and after seeing him speak. Thinking he is cut out for the Panopticon. And offers to put him on a shortlist for an upcoming by-election. As long as he switches chapters from Dromeian to Arcalian. To which, he laughs in her face. Saying he isn't gonna become a traitor to his ideals so that he can reach a higher rung on the ladder.

Azmana makes a quiet trip to Earth to have conversations with President Turner. In which, we see a new side of Turner. Where she is more relaxed and feels like she can talk with Azmana without having a headache of dealing with Romana.

Finally the episode ends with Roiyden laying on his bed in the Vice Presidential Estate and Penny lays in bed with him. And the two of them kiss.

Episode Five: TO MEET THE FAMILY

Written by Simon Ashdown
Directed by Julian Jarrold
Air Date: 20 February 2000

The second part of the pseudo two part story takes place in two vastly different settings. With the upper echelons of Time Lord life and the slums of Gallifrey's capitol city.

About a week after the events of the previous episode, Roiyden and Penny have a special dinner with Romana, Azmana and Reiven. Where it was basically Roiyden introducing his new girlfriend to his family for the first time. Azmana and Reiven are extremely jealous with Roiyden clearly choosing neither of them, and Romana shows her support as a loyal and supporting mother. This is the backdrop of Penny first meeting Romana and Penny informing Romana about President Turner's clear distaste for Romana. However, her motives are unknown.

The B-Plot of this episode focuses on Volres going to his home town, a slums in Gallifrey's capitol city. With him visiting his ailing mother, who at the end of the episode, succumbs to her cancer battle. This episode flushes out Volres with introducing his dying mother, as well as his wife and two kids. Showing a different side to Volres in the shade of an anti-hero and not a full blown villain like was previously shown with him.

Episode Six: EARTH

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Geoffrey Sax
Air Date: 27 February 2000

This episode puts the main plot of the series in the backseat and focuses on world building. With Azmana making a quiet visit to Earth while President Turner is dealing with an issue with the Earth legislature. With us learning that the Earth legislature making up of two chambers. The upper chamber being the Earth Senate, which is controlled by Turner's ruling Conservative party. And the lower chamber being the General Assembly, which is controlled by Turner's rival party. The Earth Liberal party. (With both parties being a message on the Republican party and the Democratic party respectively.)

President Turner is trying to get legislation passed through the General Assembly. And working with the Speaker of the Assembly. (Which, unlike the Speaker of the Panopticon, is a very partisan figure in the General Assembly.) With us seeing how the President of Earth handles a divided government through the eyes of Azmana. And seeing President Turner as somewhat of a coward for making compromises with Earth's Liberal party.

The B-Plot of the episode has Roiyden back on Gallifrey having lunch with the Ambassador for Gallifrey from Earth. Trying to see if they have any inkling of President Turner's end goal. In which, Roiyden learns that all of this is a game by Turner to increase her chance of re-election in the next year to come off as the woman who stands up to possible intergalactic threats like Romana.

Episode Seven: THE ASSASSINATION, PART ONE

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 5 March 2000

Part one of the finale of the first series begins with a cold open of Romana speaking at a political rally with her speaking about her recent actions against President Turner. While Romana is speaking, we see a sniper setting up a rifle. They load it, and have Romana in their sights. And then... pulls the trigger as a loud gunshot rings out, as we cut to the opening titles.

After the title sequence we cut to a title card saying, "24 Hours Earlier".

Throughout the episode we build tension as we know what is coming. With Romana exposing Turner's plot and she announces sanctions against Turner, her government and Earth overall. Volres makes a speech with anti-human rhetoric, Reiven finally accepts Roiyden's choice as he prepares to propose to Penny and Azmana is trying to worm her way out if she is exposed as apart of Turner's plot.

All of this comes to ahead when Romana goes to speak at the political rally with her talking about a new dawn for Gallifrey. But, to not blame the humans for one woman's political gambles. And with Romana ending the speech, we see the cold open again and Romana is shot in the chest as she looks down and sees blood from her chest and she collapses to the ground as the camera slowly zooms out and then cuts to a card saying, "To Be Continued", with no next time trailer following the episode.

Episode Eight: THE ASSASSINATION, PART TWO

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 12 March 2000

The finale of the first series continues with the cliffhanger of the previous episode of Romana being shot by an unknown gunman. With Romana being rushed to a nearby hospital. Romana is mostly absent throughout the episode and we focus on the drama around Roiyden, Azmana, Reiven and Penny. With Roiyden trying to come to terms that a woman he looks up to like a mother is dying as well Azmana and Reiven grieving about their mentor.

We see that the assassin is shot dead by the Chancellery Guard as well as the CIA. And it is revealed that the assassin was human. With evidence of Romana's assassination being a state ordered by President Diane Turner, which she publicly denies. We also see Volres get involved in this as a speech he gives where he says he loves all alien races, but President Turner needs to take accountability for her actions.

With five minutes left on the episode, Romana's surgeons ask Roiyden to join them. Roiyden asks why, the surgeon says "The regeneration process is going to begin soon." Roiyden joins Romana on her bed. She tells him that something is up, and once it is completed, they need to find out who shot her. And with a smile she nods at the surgeon. The surgeon flicks a switch and a golden glow surrounds Romana's body as she regenerates. And after a few seconds. Romana sits up in her new body (played by Michelle Forbes). Romana smiles and asks Roiyden, "What do you think of number three?" Roiyden simply nods, stands up and says, "It's time to call an election."

We then cut to someone's private study as Romana makes a speech in her new body announcing that she'll soon be dissolving the Panopticon. So that a general election can happen alongside a new presidential election. We then see someone turn off the television. And we see it is Azmana as she looks towards a person in the shadows and says, "They failed to kill her. So, we must do it politically." And with that, the episode and series ends.

Season Conclusion

So that was the first series of Gallifrey. The spin-off received positive reactions from both critics and fans on both sides of the pond. With this being the Americans introduction to regeneration, which went down fantastically with American audiences as they realized both shows could change over time.

But, this was only half of the franchise's content in 2000...

Come Back Next Time for Doctor Who: Season Thirty-Six