Doctor Who: Season 38 (2002)

Introduction

Season 38 of Doctor Who, the standards of the BBC was just another season. But, for HBO, it was a make it or break season. As it was the first season with a brand new Doctor.

Behind the scenes, Jed Mercurio stayed on as the show's executive producer with Russell T Davies and Hugh Warren stepping in as the new script editor and producer respectively. With most of the writers being ones that wrote for either the previous season or for Gallifrey.

In front of the camera, Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Anthony Head was casted in the role of the Eleventh Doctor. Head was casted as a way to bring in a newer and younger audience in the US, which the show was lacking. Jo Joyner remained as companion Taylor Howard. But, it was announced just before the season began that she would be leaving the show at the end of the season.

With Davies now as script editor. He and Mercurio agreed that most episodes of the season should take place on Earth, with a couple of exceptions. Such as an episode on a spaceship, one on an alien planet and one, for a low budget episode, taking place entirely on the TARDIS. The writers for those episodes along with the rest were chosen by Davies to let each writer explore their strength as writers.

Serial One (Ep. 1-3): THE ANCESTORS OF HUMANITY

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Air Dates: 30 March-13 April 2002

The opening serial begins with an eight minute long cold open, to get American audiences accustomed to the fact that there is now a new Doctor. With the entire cold open taking place in the TARDIS console room and only featuring the Doctor and Taylor. With Taylor still being skeptical, but ends up trusting the Doctor. With the cold open ending with the Doctor picking up a transmission from 21st century Earth. And with that, we cut to the opening credits, which is the same from the Lincoln era. Apart from the logo, which is a lighter color.

The TARDIS lands in upstate New York, where UNIT has a convoy at. We see Brigadier Bambera. To which Taylor is introduced to for the first time. With the Doctor in the first part of the serial, suffering from post-regeneration trauma. And with the help of Bambera. It's able to be calmed. And towards the end of the first part, the Doctor escapes the UNIT convoy, heads into town, goes into a clothes story and chooses his outfit.

While the first part focuses solely on the Doctor, we see UNIT soldiers disappear and fall underground. And part one ends with the Doctor encountering someone in the woods, and we see that it is a Silurian.

The Doctor is taken by a group of Silurian's, Taylor and Bambera try to find him. The Doctor meanwhile is taken to the Silurian's underground base where we learn that a group of Silurian's and Sea Devils waken up from hibernation chambers. With both races wanting to take back the Earth and send the human race into hibernation.

The serial becomes a Earth invasion serial as the Silurian's and Sea Devils using tactics that the Silurian's used in Doctor Who and the Silurian's to invade the Earth. Using a virus that attacks Americans in the New England area of the Earth.

In the end, the Doctor, Taylor and UNIT are able to stop the virus and the Silurian's and Sea Devils are forced into hibernation. The serial ends with the Doctor and Taylor back to where they were before the regeneration. And they go back into the TARDIS for further adventures.

Serial Two (Ep. 4): THE ANCIENT TIME MACHINE

Written by René Echevarria
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 20 April 2002

The episode begins with the TARDIS landing on Earth in the year 7891. The two of them walk through a futuristic deiseal punk city. They enter a building where a man, Dr. Johan Pertre, stands on a stage where he is talking about innovation. He pulls back a curtain and shows a capsule. He says, "The human race, now has time travel! One that has been hiding in the core of the Earth since the beginning of time!" The Doctor, shocked says, "What!?", and then cuts to the opening credits.

After the opening credits, the Doctor tells Taylor that the human race never discovered time travel. And that the design has never been used for any time machine, ever. The Doctor and Taylor then volunteer themselves to go into the machine and travel with Dr. Pertre and see where he takes them.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Pertre takes them to several times in Earth's history. All being completely wrong. Which the Doctor ends up deducing that Dr. Pertre is a scam artist and faked having a time machine and is trying to take money off people. And that the inside of the Time Machine being a lift in the building which has several different times and places on different floors of the building.

At the end of the episode, Dr. Pertre, is exposed and is arrested for fraud, and his accomplices also arrested for fraud and conspiracy. The Doctor and Taylor work with government officials about educating the Earth about real history. And for not spreading false information.

At the time of the episode's broadcast, it was seen as a weaker episode. But in 2016, the episode went under a re-examination and was seen in a better light.

Serial Three (Ep. 5-6): THE EMPTY CHILD

Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by James Hawes
Air Dates: 27 April-4 May 2002

The episode begins with a cold open of the Doctor piloting the TARDIS with the cloister bells ringing and telling Taylor that the ship they are chasing is in distress and thirty seconds away from London. We then cut to the title sequence.

After the title sequence, we slowly learn that the Doctor and Taylor have landed in London during the Blitz in 1941.

For the first part of the two part story has the Doctor and Taylor separated as they both are being haunted by a child in a gas mask. With the Doctor meeting what seems to be the child's older sister.

For Taylor she, trying to help the child at first, climbs up a rope that is revealed to be a balloon. And Taylor floats away and begins to fall onto London being bombed. But, she is saved by some sort of alien ship.

Taylor is teleported into the alien ship is greeted by a woman (played by Jennifer Morrison), who smiles and introduces herself as, "Captain Phoenix Miller, USMC attached to the RAF." Taylor is shocked and falls unconscious. She eventually wakes up and Phoenix introduces herself to her and flirts with her. After banter back and forth. The two of them agree to find the Doctor.

The first part ends at the hospital where the child was taken care after a bomb, which is actually an alien ship, and we see that the child had infected all of the hospital. With the Doctor meeting Phoenix, who she also flirts with. And Part One ends on the cliffhanger as the Gas Mask Zombies corner the Doctor, Taylor and Phoenix.

Part Two begins with Phoenix being touched by one of the Gas Mask Zombies and the Doctor is able to temporarily defeat them. However, Phoenix is not infected with the scars that appear on the zombies instantly disappear from her skin. With Phoenix explaining that, due to a Temporal Anomaly, she has been cursed with immortality. No matter what, she cannot die. With us also getting her backstory as an ex-Time Agent.

The horror element continues throughout the second part as the Doctor deduces all of the mysteries relating to Gas Mask Zombies. And, for the very first time, is able to save the day without a single person dying.

At the end of the episode, Phoenix prepares to leave in her ship. But, the Doctor offers her a chance to travel with them in the TARDIS. Phoenix is honored. Especially as since she knows who the Doctor is. But, she declines saying that the Doctor is, "Not my style." She laughs and whispers something in the Doctor's ear. Taylor asks what she said. The Doctor says, "She'd say that we would meet again... at the Byzantium." And with that, the episode ends.

Serial Four (Ep. 7): FORTY-FIVE

Written by Chris Chibnall
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 11 May 2002

This serial begins with the TARDIS landing on a spaceship hurdling towards a sun, with it being forty-five minutes before the ship hits the sun.

The serial plays out in real time as the Doctor and Taylor work with a crew, that is mostly killed off one by one, to propel the ship away from the sun. And has a second act twist that the sun was secretly alive the entire and was being mined.

At the end of the serial, the Doctor and Taylor are successful in saving the ship and the remaining crew.

This serial would be the weakest of the season and was criticized for it's unnecessary second act twist.

Serial Five (Ep. 8-9): THE IMPOSSIBLE PLANET

Written by Matt Jones
Directed by Jed Mercurio
Air Dates: 18-25 May 2002

This serial takes the TARDIS to the planet Krop Tor in the year 4221. The Doctor and Taylor arrive on a base on a planet that shouldn't exist as it is being surrounded by a black hole.

The Doctor and Taylor get caught up in a base under siege as a slave race called the Ood are highjacked by an unknown entity, which is later revealed to be none other than, "The Beast". Which is hinted to be Satan himself.

In the end, the Doctor and Taylor help the crew off the planet and is able to guide the planet with the Beast into the black hole, killing him permanently.

While this serial went down with no controversy in the UK, in the US. Several conservative leaning organizations publicly condemned the episode for it's usage of Satan. However, they were a vocal minority and the majority of audiences in both the US and the UK praised the story.

Serial Six (Ep. 10): DEATH OF THE TARDIS

Written by Krista Vernoff
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 1 June 2002

This serial would begin with the Doctor and Taylor running into the TARDIS after a normal adventure. The two of them talk for a minute before the ship grounds to a halt.

The Vortisaur's, introduced two seasons ago in Storm Warning, start attacking the TARDIS and trying to destroy it. With this, the Doctor sets the TARDIS into lockdown and have it start fighting off the Vortisaur's. However, the Doctor and Taylor must take shelter in the TARDIS library.

Throughout the rest of the episode. It plays out as a two hander character piece as the Doctor and Taylor just talk. About each other, their past and the people of their past. With the episode ending once the TARDIS has been repaired and the Vortisaur's repelled back into the Time Vortex with the Doctor working on the TARDIS' shields to make sure nothing like that happens again.

This serial would be one of the more popular ones in the serial. With fans praising Krista Vernoff's writing of the Doctor and Taylor. With her dissecting the Doctor's past, his view of his own race as well as showing what it means to the Doctor to travel with him. And also explores deeply as to why the Doctor travels with people. And how he views his fellow travelers as special people.

Serial Seven (Ep. 11-13): THE MEDICAL DISASTER

Written by Jed Mercurio
Directed by Joe Ahearne
Air Dates: 8-22 June 2002

The final serial begins with the TARDIS landing on Earth in the year 2718. The Doctor and Taylor arrive at the "Ketra Surgical Hospital" in London, which is known for curing any possible disease at the time. And, until the closer of the hospital. They never had a single death. However, the Doctor and Taylor arrive there when one of the patients die due to an uncurable disease. Which shocks the Doctor as he says the hospital is not set to close for another three hundred years.

Throughout the serial, the Doctor and Taylor meet a good chunk of the hospital staff which all are dismayed to the death as they never lost a patient before. Taylor takes charge of the investigation in to the death to figure out how they died. With it being learned at the end of part one of the serial that the patient died due to an illness that came from the 21st century. One that was thought to have been irradicated centuries ago. Which causes Taylor grief as she realizes that this disease, which had not been diagnosed in her time, was something that she had. With her thinking it was nothing but now realizing that it was something.

The rest of the serial plays out as a disaster serial as patients, and later the physicians, die one after the other. And the Doctor is worried that time will break down.

This continues until the last ten minutes of the serial. Where a massive, white light shines on the hospital. And one by one, everyone that died was resurrected and Taylor is cured of the disease. And the Doctor, goes into a mental retreat, with it seemingly like he is talking to someone. But we do not know who. After the light disappears. The Doctor comes out of his mental retreat. A single tear drops down the Doctor's face. The Doctor pulls Taylor aside and says to her that. He needs to leave, and he cannot come with her. As, because of her almost destroying the timeline. She cannot leave the time zone. That and with where he has to go, normal human beings cannot go to. The two of them cry and they say goodbye to each other. The Doctor enters his TARDIS and it dematerializes. One of the physicians asks Taylor, now that she is stuck here, if she is interested in a job.

The Doctor is in the TARDIS as it is in flight and it eventually stops, the TARDIS doors open and the white light enters the console room. The Doctor, groaning, looks towards it, and says, "Don't worry. I'm coming." The Doctor walks out of the TARDIS and into the light and the season ends.

The reason that, with it being Taylor's final serial and focusing on a group of characters that weren't just her. It was announced in 2014 that the Ketra hospital was a planned spin-off by Jed Mercurio. One that could broaden the franchise's appeal. However, both the BBC and HBO declined the spin-off idea. While this wasn't made public until long later. It did factor into Mercurio's decision to leave the franchise at the end of the 40th anniversary season.

Season Conclusion

So, that was Season 38 of Doctor Who. On the whole, the partnership of Jed Mercurio and Russell T Davies laid out some popular serials throughout the season. And general audiences and critics approved of the more Earth-based serials of the season.

As already said, it was announced that Jed Mercurio would be departing following the 40th anniversary season in 2003. And it would also be announced that the 40th anniversary SEASON would be bringing back all alive past Doctors. With most serials in the following season being multi-Doctor serials.

Come Back Next Time for Gallifrey: Series Four

Gallifrey: Series 3 (2001-02)

Introduction

Series 3 of Gallifrey would have premiered over eight weeks. Spanning from the 30th of December 2001 to the 17th of February 2002. While it was intended for all eight episodes to be broadcasted in 2002. Due to scheduling conflicts with the BAFTA's and Season 38 of Doctor Who. As well as HBO wanting to air all eight episodes back to back. The first episode was pushed to air in the last Sunday of 2001.

The cast (for the most part with one important recurring character and actor being added, which I'll talk about in episode one) would remain the same. The crew would go under some changes. Paul Abbott remained as showrunner and executive producer alongside Jed Mercurio acting as a executive producer. The writers room would go under some changes. With Russell T Davies becoming script editor and co-showrunner on Doctor Who. He had to reduce his role in the writers room for Gallifrey, even though Davies would still contribute a script to the season. Because of his reduced role. Along with the current slate of Abbott, Davies, Ashdown and Brocklehurst. Two new writers would be added to the writers room. First one being writer of the Tenth Doctor episode, The Darnley Conspiracy, Krista Vernoff, who was brought on full time for both writers rooms for both Doctor Who and Gallifrey following her first script. The other being the head writer of Born and Bred, Chris Chibnall.

With that noted. Let's dive into Series 3 of Gallifrey.

Episode One: THE YOUNGER MAN

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 30 December 2001

The opening episode of the series sets the stage for the series. As it starts a week into the election campaign with Romana and Roiyden standing in a ticket and Domina and Azmana standing on an opposing ticket. As well as some of the character focus arcs with Roiyden and Penny still trying to conceive a baby, Reiven working out her anger after some of her personal life has been exposed after being buried for about a century, Domina's electoral alliance of herself, Azmana, Volres and former Earth President Diane Turner being rocky.

However the focus of the episode is on Romana working with some campaign aides. Specifically a younger man by the name of Cartrey (played by William Ash). With the two of them becoming a lot closer, specifically romantically. Which is shown to be slightly harmful as Cartrey is married and Romana is shown to be hiding a secret (that the audience does not know yet) from Roiyden, Reiven and Penny.

With the episode ending at the end of the second week of the election as it is shown that Romana and Domina are neck and neck in terms of the popular vote and the electoral college vote.

Episode Two: A RICKETY ALLIANCE

Written by Krista Vernoff
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 6 January 2002

This episode puts the characters apposing Romana and company at the fore-front. With the entire anti-Romana alliance being a rickety one. The only two of the four that are on good terms is Azmana and Turner. With everyone else not trusting one and another and start plans to double-cross them if they are wronged.

Volres being the one feeling the most uncomfortable in the alliance as he is working with a bunch of establishment figures. Which is the last thing he is. With Domina shown that she trusts him the least. And has a more... permanent plan to end his career if he stabs her, Azmana or Turner in the back.

This episode would be seen as a highlight of the season. With fans praising Vernoff's layered writing of the show's villains. Giving them more layered characteristics compared to how they were portrayed in the previous two series.

Episode Three: A KNOCKOUT RESPONSE

Written by Danny Brocklehurst
Directed by Syd Macartney
Air Date: 13 January 2002

The episode begins with Reiven arriving at a campaign rally in Arcadia, she walks and greets the mayor of the town. The two of them walk together alongside a crowd, all of a sudden, one one of the crowd members threw some water onto Reiven. Reiven then punches the member in the face, knocking him to the ground and rendering him unconscious. Reiven says "Oh shi-." Before it cuts to black then the opening credits.

After the title sequence we see Romana giving Reiven a bollocking in their campaign office. With Cartrey shown to be sitting in the room. Reiven says that they should spin the story itno their favor. Cartrey says that Reiven should apologize and move on from the scandal. Reiven tells Cartrey to fuck off, which angers Romana and tells her to get out.

While that is happening, Roiyden and Penny are sitting outside, trying so hard not to laugh. Penny asks why he stopped boxing as a hobby. Roiyden jokes that someone caused him to regenerate in sparring match. Penny asks who. Reiven exits Romana's office. Roiyden looks at Reiven and says, "From personal experience. I know that man got off lightly." Which makes Penny start laughing.

Later that night, Azmana is sitting down with a GBC interviewer. With her going overboard on attacking Reiven for being unstable. And that Reiven must resign her position in Romana's campaign.

After the interview, Romana and Cartrey are in bed together. The two of them go over polling about Reiven's punch and Azmana's interview. Which we see that Romana thinks that she and the team can spin this into their favor.

The next morning, Romana sits down with Reiven with a smirk. She leans forward and says, "Your knockout punch... has made our numbers go up." Which Reiven laughs at with confusion. Romana asks if she is friends with any left-wing pro-boxers. Reiven nods her head. Romana asks, "Any of them supporting me in the election?".

We then cut to Reiven entering the gym she uses in Arcadia with one of the spin and news teams from the campaign. She meets up with a friend of her's, which is the person Romana needs. And a photoshoot happens with Reiven showing off her boxing skill, as well as an interview where Reiven talks about how boxing helped her during a dark time in her life.

The photoshoot and interview are published by the GBC. And the reporting is favorable, with Domina trying to hit back in an interview with the GFN, and even the right leaning network having to show Reiven in a positive light. As she is the one who is talking to what the Gallifreyan right are caring about. Boxing, Gallifrey's planetary sport.

The episode ends with both teams looking at polls and seeing a big swing towards Romana and her campaign. Domina says with her team, "We need to get the thing the Gallifrey right care about more than a vicious blood sport." She then asks one of her aides to get her a meeting with, "The Leading Sister of the Church". Domina smiles, turns to the alliance leaders and says, "Time to play hard ball." And with that, the episode ends.

Episode Four: POISON

Written by Simon Ashdown
Directed by Syd Macartney
Air Date: 20 January 2002

This episode begins on a spacecraft flying through Gallifrey. With it being the one used for Romana's campaign. Roiyden enters Romana's office, he rummages though some papers, picks up her water bottle. But, when he picks it up, he notices a strong stench from it. He takes a sniff of it. And his face turns to one of upset. He walks out of the office and goes to her room, where he walks in on her and Cartrey in bed together. Roiyden stands at the edge of the bed and pours out the liquid from the bottle. He orders Cartrey out of the room. Once Cartrey leaves them alone. Roiyden is upset and says, "Why didn't me or Reiven notice it?" Romana tries to explain saying that it was Azmana's fault. Roiyden has an outburst. And screams at her, "That doesn't give you a right to start drinking again! To give into your alcoholism!" Romana looks distressed, as we cut to the opening titles.

After the opening titles, we see Romana sitting down with Roiyden, Reiven and Penny. She apologizes about her drinking. Roiyden says that it's because of her first marriage what drove her to drink and develop an alcoholism gene in her body. And despite regenerating twice since then, it's still there apart of her. She cannot drink. Romana admits that she had started when Azmana betrayed them. But, Cartrey, the young married man she is having an affair with, because of him, she's drinking a whole lot less. Roiyden agrees that he as well as Reiven and Penny will no longer say a word about Cartrey if she goes cold turkey and stops drinking altogether. In which, she agrees.

While that is going on during the episode, Domina is in the southern continent of Gallifrey sitting down with members of the "Church of the Flame" which is the main religious faction on Gallifrey. Which has priestess who are trained on Karn and then assigned churches on Gallifrey, the Matrix acting as the Time Lord's version of heaven.

Domina, while along with Azmana, Volres and Turner, think they are a bunch of religious, pro-life, pompous fanatics. She does work to gain their supports, which is given in a public speech at the end of the episode, showing Domina is starting to gain on Romana.

Episode Five: HEAD TO HEAD

Written by Chris Chibnall
Directed by Nigel Douglas
Air Date: 27 January 2002

This episode begins with a cold open of a GBC news report talking about the upcoming debate between the two Presidential candidates. Which is intercutted with debate prep from both campaigns. With the cold opening ending with both Romana and Domina saying that they are ready. And with that, we cut to the opening credits.

The episode then continues with the debate, with the episode intercutting between the debate and both teams backstage and in the spin-room. Romana and Domina debate on topics such as trade, sanctions against certain planets as well as the thriving Gallifrey oil and gas businesses. Which Romana is unsure about continuing and wanting to retrain oil and gas workers to work with electric and nuclear power. Domina, rebuts saying that Romana's plan would actually cost both workers their jobs and to raise taxes due to them being government programs and not private sector jobs.

Throughout the episode, the two of them go back and forth. But, towards the end of the debate, Domina praises a Sontaran Commander. Which Romana takes and runs with it. Saying that the Sontarans are a war-mongering race. And that they never should be allied with. Which gets applause from the audience. Domina throws another negative attack at Romana. With her just smiling and saying, "Well there you go again." And getting further applause for Romana calling out Domina as a hypocrite and focusing too much on negative attacks.

At the end of the episode, the debate ends. With most pundits declaring Romana as the winner. And her team celebrates. However, the celebrations die down, as a GBC report appears on a television screen with the headline, "PRESIDENT IN SEX SCANDAL WITH AIDE". Romana looks at Cartrey with worry as the episode ends.

Episode Six: TRYING

Written by Simon Ashdown
Directed by Nigel Douglas
Air Date: 3 February 2002

This episode would follow an A-Plot and B-Plot format that would be intercutted throughout the episode. But, to make it simpler, I will cover each plotline separately.

The A-Plot focuses on the long running arc of Roiyden and Penny trying to conceive a child. With them trying over and over again to conceive. But, they are always failing. With this, Roiyden and Penny both get physical health check-ups to determine on if they can have kids. While Roiyden passes with flying colors. Penny is deemed unsuitable to carry a child, let alone to a full term. This arc at the end of the episode ends with Roiyden suggesting the numerous other ideas on how they can have a child.

The B-Plot focuses on Romana and Cartrey's affair as it has been exposed. And Domina is eating it up, especially with it being the final week of the election. This evens up the polls on the eve of election day. And Cartrey is forced to give up all of his money to his wife in a quick divorce settlement.

At the end of the episode, the sun sets on Gallifrey for the last day of the election. As Romana and Domina both look up to the sky and realize. There is nothing more they can do. Election Day is here, and it is up to the public to elect one of them as President.

Episode Seven: ELECTION DAY

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Brian Grant
Air Date: 10 February 2002

Due to how much this episode has going in it. It was decided to add an additional 15 minutes making it a 60 minute episode.

For the first 45 minutes, we focus on all of the main characters as they vote in their local constituency. With last minute press interviews, and more coverage of the scandal relating to Romana and Cartrey's affair. Which is certainly not helping Romana's re-election chances. We also see more of the Roiyden and Penny storyline as they are debating about which way they go about getting a child. With them agreeing that adoption is the best possible option. We also get some scenes with Domina and her alliance being smug and self-assured that they are home and dry when it comes to the election and Domina even starts planning out her cabinet once Romana is forced to resign the Leadership of the Prydonian Chapter.

The last 15 minutes focus on the election coverage as well as several of the counts for PR's. In which, all of the main characters contesting the election win their seat. Also, we see that Turner had actually been standing for a seat in the most conservative region on the planet. And she wins her seat in a landslide.

The election count is waiting to see between Romana or Domina can win 576 electoral votes and win the Presidency. And throughout the night, they are neck and neck. With only two regions (which is what Gallifreyans use for "States") left to count. It is said that no matter what, Domina is gonna win the popular vote. And in the end, wins the two remaining regions. However, a lot of pundits and political experts say that if Romana calls for a recount in the two regions, Romana will win the regions and win the Presidency.

The episode ends with Romana staring out a window, she turns to her team and says, "We have a constitutional crisis on our hands." And with that, the episode ends.

Episode Eight: CRISIS

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by Brian Grant
Air Date: 17 February 2002

The finale begins with Romana sitting down with members of the single digit Scendeles Chapter. She talks to them about forming a coalition government. The members say they would be on board. But, Romana would need to contest the results, get a re-count and win the Presidential Election. Romana sighs, exits the meeting and sits with Cartrey. And asks him what she should do. Cartrey says, "You know what you should do.". Romana pauses for a minute and tells him to call a meeting. The meeting begins and Romana tells Roiyden, Reiven, Penny and Cartrey, "I'm gonna concede the election." And with that, we cut to the opening credits.

After the opening credits, we remain on Romana's team as Roiyden yells at her, "IT'S THE FUCKING MASTER, WHY AREN'T WE FIGHTING BACK!?". Romana, in a calm tone, tells him that even with the Master about to become President of Gallifrey. It'd be a wrong thing to do. But, best thing they can do is... Delay the concession. So, that all four of them can flee Gallifrey. Reiven and Cartrey immediately stand their ground and says that they will not flee. Penny agrees to immediately flee. But, Roiyden is mixed on what to do. But, eventually agrees to flee Gallifrey with Penny.

Throughout the episode. Romana has everyone prepare for what is coming with Domina becoming Lady President of Gallifrey. Roiyden and Penny prepare to take a safe passage out of Gallifrey and the Gallifreyan Empire. Romana wants Reiven and Cartrey to flee as well. But, no matter what. The two of them stand their ground and tell her that they are staying.

Eventually Romana makes a public speech announcing she is conceding the election. She will not defy the will of the people nor cause a constitutional crisis. She has lost the election.

Half of Gallifrey is jubilant and the other half is in complete sorrow. Romana and Penny flee, Romana and Cartrey attend both Domina and Azmana's inauguration as Lady President and Vice President respectively. Domina announces Volres as the new Treasury Secretary and Turner as the new Foreign Secretary.

The series ends with Romana sitting on the steps of the Panopticon building looking out to Gallifrey and says, "No. This fight is not yet over." And with that, we cut to the end credits.

Season Conclusion

So that we the Series 3 of Gallifrey. The series was received very positively by fans, critics and general audiences. However, it was confirmed that a fourth and fifth series was greenlit. But that the fifth series would feature a brand new cast and lead production crew.

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

Doctor Who: Season 37 (2001)

Introduction

Season 37 of Doctor Who aired from the 14th of April to the 7th of July 2001.

This season would have been the last for Andrew Lincoln as the Tenth Doctor as well as the last for Matthew Bird as producer and Paul Cornell as script editor. While Jed Mercurio would have announced early on that he'd be staying on for at least another two seasons as executive producer.

It was also announced very early on that recurring writer Russell T Davies would be taking over as script editor for Paul Cornell in the following season. And would be involved in developing the new companion for the season.

With the departure of both Marg Helgenberger and Angela Griffin at the end of the previous season. Mercurio, Cornell and Davies worked together to create a brand new companion. The companion would be named Taylor Howard, a working-class university student who is introduced in the first serial of the season. After several rounds of casting with Andy Pryor, actress Jo Joyner was casted in the role of Taylor.

While some HBO executives were wanting another American companion to help boost the show. When they saw the casting of the Eleventh Doctor. They saw that they wouldn't need an American companion. As the next Doctor would have brought in the American audience that HBO was targeting.

Serial One (Ep. 1-3): THE CYBER UNIVERSITY

Written by Jed Mercurio
Directed by Jed Mercurio
Air Dates: 14-28 April 2001

The opening serial of the season introduces Taylor as the new companion as odd things are happening at her technology focused university. With the Doctor being introduced partway through the first part of the serial.

It would be revealed in the part one cliffhanger that the people behind the odd goings on is the Cybermen. Which are "mini-converting" both staff and students at the university and invade the planet in a slow invasion. Also because of the mini-converting (and to not make American audiences confused) the design from The Tenth Planet and Spare Parts were kept.

Throughout the serial, Taylor proves herself more and more with the Doctor. And once the Cybermen and their invasion are stopped. He shows her the TARDIS and offers her to join him in his travels of time and space. Which, Taylor agrees to.

Serial Two (Ep. 4): TOOTH AND CLAW

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Air Dates: 5 May 2001

This episode would be a pseudo historical featuring Queen Victoria in Aberdeen. With the Doctor and Taylor joining her on a trip to an estate. Which is being haunted by a werewolf.

The werewolf would have the Doctor Who twist of the werewolf actually being an alien from outer-space, which is trying to use the Earth for nefarious methods.

This would be considered the weakest serial in the season and one of the weaker ones in the Andrew Lincoln era. And didn't really hold up to the same quality as compared to the rest of the season.

Serial Three (Ep. 5-6): THE TIME OF THE DALEKS

Written by Justin Richards
Directed by Graeme Harper
Air Dates: 12-19 May 2001

This serial would feature the return of the Daleks after their appearance the previous season.

While Jubilee was meant to introduce the American audience to the Daleks and on how, despite their design. They are a deadly force of nature. This serial would be used to show off the more comedic side to the Daleks. With them invading time and using Shakespeare for an invasion of Earth.

Unlike the previous serial, which was a bit of fluff that didn't go down well. Mostly due to bits like the Daleks quoting Shakespeare, made it a more popular serial.

Serial Four (Ep. 7-8): THE RIVAL OF THE TIME LORD

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by Joe Ahearne
Air Dates: 26 May-2 June 2001

This serial would have been hyped up in America due to this being a crossover with the spin-off Gallifrey. With Michelle Forbes (Prydonian, Lady President Romana), Matthew MacFadyen (Patrex, Treasury Secretary Roiyden), Bellamy Yong (Cerulean, Foreign Secretary Azmana), Lisa Faulkner (Arcalian, Home Secretary Reiven), Sasha Alexander (Patrex, Roiyden's human wife, Penny Stevenson), Christopher Eccleston (Dromeian, Panopticon Representative), Emily Procter (Human and ex-President of Earth) and Kelly Macdonald all portrayed their Gallifrey characters for the serial. With this also introducing the Master (as played by Kelly Macdonald) to a more wider American audiences.

The serial covers the first week of a new election campaign being fought on Gallifrey. With the Master, going under the fake name of Domina, challenging Romana for the lead. They try their hardest. But, the Master is able to thwart them at every turn.

The Doctor and the Master go back and forth of one-upping the other. With it being the serial's main focus. The rivalry between the Doctor and the Master.

In the end, the Doctor is worried that... Maybe there is nothing he can do. Which horrifies Romana, Roiyden, Reiven and Penny. As, if the Doctor can't beat the Master. How can they? The Doctor gives a rousing speech towards them. About how evil and darkness will always be stopped by good and light. And that is what they are.

That energizes them. And the Doctor and Taylor depart Gallifrey as Romana prepares to fight the election on Gallifrey.

Serial Five (Ep. 9): THE DARNLEY CONSPIRACY

Written by Krista Vernoff
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Air Dates: 9 June 2001

This serial, for the first time since Season 4's The Highlanders would be a pure historical.

This serial has the Doctor and Taylor land in the year 1567. Where they attend the wedding of Bastian Pagez, a servant of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. Where at the wedding, Mary's husband, Lord Darnley is murdered during the festivities.

It plays out as a murder mystery story where the Doctor, Taylor and Bastian try to find out who murdered Lord Darnley. And it turns out that Darnley's murdered was orchestrated by Mary and her lover James Hepburn, the Earl of Bothwell in a larger conspiracy to remove the destabilizing Darnley.

Taylor wants to expose the murder of Darnley and make Mary and Bothwell pay for their crimes. But, the Doctor stops her from doing so. Saying that they must preserve history. And that they cannot change history, not one line. And with that, they depart in the TARDIS.

This serial would be a popular one among fans as it brought the show back to it's roots and taught real history with a Doctor Who twist in it.

(Before we continue onto the finale of the Andrew Lincoln era. We wish to give a personal thank you to Matt Moir, who gave us allowance to use this serial.)

Serial Six (Ep. 10-13): THE SEASONS OF FEAR

Written by Paul Cornell
Directed by James Strong
Air Dates: 16 June-7 July 2001

The finale of the Lincoln era begins with the TARDIS landing in Singapore in New Years Eve, 1930. The Doctor and Taylor mingle with guests at a party. The Doctor meets a man named Sebastian Grayle (played by special guest star Brent Spiner). Grayle proclaims that he is from the Doctor's future and he had killed the Doctor. The Doctor confronts Grayle but Grayle is cryptic and says that the motion of his death are already in motion.

The Doctor and Taylor then depart in the TARDIS. The Doctor goes through the TARDIS library to find any early mentions of someone like Grayle in history. The Doctor finds the earliest point in history in Roman times where it is revealed that Grayle, going by Graylisle, is working with some "Demon Masters".

They first stop him in Roman times, but he is able to escape with the power to live for centuries. So, the Doctor and Taylor look through the TARDIS archives again and find the next time Grayle appears in history.

They end up going to the court of Edward the Confessor. And the two of them find a radioactive source which is revealed to be plutonium that Grayle is mining to achieve permanent immortality. And after poisoning Taylor long enough to distract the Doctor. He is able to mine most of the plutonium to deliver to his "Demon Masters". But, he is unsuccessful. As after the Doctor cures Taylor. They stop his mining operations. But, they finally learn who Grayle's "Demon Masters" are. And we learn that they are (a now redesign to be less alien looking) the Nimon.

The Nimon and Grayle escape and the Doctor and Taylor once again track them down. They track them down to Buckinghamshire in 1806. Where Grayle is apart of a old-school conservative gentleman's club. And he had taken a wife waiting for the Doctor to arrive and confront him.

The Nimon plan on conquering the Earth with the Doctor being dead. With them planning on enslaving the human race, but cannot do it. As Grayle has not been able to find a crucial piece they needed for their invasion.

The Doctor and Taylor eventually arrive and are captured by Grayle and the Nimon. While the Nimon pillage the TARDIS looking for the missing piece they need to conquer the Earth. The Doctor tries to come up with a plan to stop them. But, before he can. The Nimon got the piece they need. The Doctor realizes that he has no other choice. He agrees to help the Nimon and Grayle with their plan if Taylor is spared.

Taylor is distraught as the Doctor begins working with them. But, Taylor soon comes to a realization. The Doctor is bluffing and is planning on thwarting their plan. The plan works with the Nimon being thrown into the Time Vortex. But, Grayle is able to hold on and grabs onto the Doctor and both of them are thrown into the Time Vortex. The Doctor and Grayle fight as they try to climb back into the rift the Doctor made, while both of them starting to feel the effects of radiation poisoning and being aged to death. The Doctor is able to fully climb out and aged up. The Doctor then blows out some golden dust out of his mouth and goes back to his young body. With help from Taylor. They go back into the TARDIS.

The Doctor sets the ship into flight. He is stumbling all over the place. Taylor tries to help him again. But, he tells her not to. He is dying. Taylor starts crying. But, he smiles and says that he has a way to avoid death. But, he will not be the same again. He is gonna change. It's how his race avoids death. He apologizes to Taylor that she won't see him again. Well, him, but not him. As he is gonna change. He holds out his hand, with a tear. He says, "Thank You." A golden glow then surrounds his body, he collapses to the ground.

Eventually the glow dissipates, the Doctor stands up and we see the face of the Eleventh Doctor, Anthony Head.

The Doctor, with a smile on his face tells Taylor, "Hello my old friend. This is regeneration. This is how I avoid death." Taylor is shocked and then it cuts to the end credits.

Season Conclusion

And that concludes Season 37 of Doctor Who. Apart from Tooth and Claw, the season was a success across both ponds. With The Time of the Daleks and The Seasons of Fear being highlights of the season.

The Tenth Doctor as well as his entire era was seen as the breath of fresh air following the Ninth Doctor and Gallifrey focused serials and episodes. Andrew Lincoln was also praised at the time giving a new, younger and emotional take on the Doctor. With fans feeling that the Tenth Doctor had succeeded in certain parts where the Fifth Doctor in the 80s had failed.

The casting of Anthony Head as the Eleventh Doctor happened a lot earlier than previous castings. And with his casting. Mercurio, Cornell and Davies were able to get a full British TARDIS team for Seasons 37 and 38.

Come Back Next Time for Gallifrey: Series Three

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