Arc of Infinity: Part One

Review of all 4 parts:

This story at the start of the 20th anniversary year of the show refers back to the 10th anniversary story The Three Doctors which featured Timelord hero Omega having gone mad after being trapped in a world of antimatter for many hundreds of years. Just like that story we have Omega trying to return from the world of antimatter and using The Doctor to help him.

I would say in this adventure Omega's plot makes less sense and the logic of various things is unclear. The coincidence of Tegan's involvement is too much of a contrivance, the location of Amsterdam seems to have no reason, the way Omega goes about his plan and how others respond seems odd at times and the Ergon creature is unsatisfactory in concept and appearance. However, there is also a lot to enjoy in this serial.

There is plenty of drama and entertainment. The locations are nice. Peter Davison as The Doctor is on great form. Nyssa has some very good moments and is generally strong support. Tegan and the backpackers are OK. The guest cast of Timelords is great with Michael Gough as classy as always, Leonard Sachs and Elspet Gray effective in their roles and Colin Baker, before being cast as the 6th Doctor is excellent as Maxil. He has the same supercilious demeanour that he portrayed in his first season as The Doctor but while I did not enjoy that for The Doctor it is good for this role and he acts perfectly adding quality to every scene.

The use of Gallifrey in a story in the 20th anniversary season is appropriate and there are some nice touches to the political shenanigans. Omega himself is pretty bonkers and looks rather strange but there are some exciting moments and menace created by threats which work well.

The special edition version has some lovely effects. A makeover is needed for the Ergon and a few other moments but overall this is fun and nice to look at.

Therefore, despite the shortcomings of the plot I rate this as a pretty solid if unexceptional story overall.

My ratings: Part 1 - 7.5/10, Part 2 - 7/10, Part 3 - 8/10, Part 4 - 7/10. Overall - 7.38/10.

The follow on story from the much maligned Time Flight, now i'm one of the minority that has a soft spot for it, but i know it's universally disliked, could Arc of Infinity offer a greater appeal?

It kicks off on Gallifrey, a rogue Timelord speaks to a seemingly extra terrestrial being, and soon states the Doctor must be used in their plan. The Doctor, travelling with just Nyssa (deep joy) is hijacked in space by the being, and the scene is set in Amsterdam, where we meet our two travellers Colin and Robin. The rogue Timelord is covering his tracks with murder on Gallifrey and has transmitted the Doctor's Bio data extract. The creature has attempted but failed to bond with the Doctor. The TARDIS is recalled to Gallifrey by order of the high council. The Doctor doesn't get the welcome he hoped for as he's detained by chief guard Commander Maxel.

I love the fact it's just the Doctor and Nyssa, definitely his best companion, she could have been even better if she'd had more solo time.

The costumes are so much fun, I like the assembled high council, there are some noted thespians on display, Elspet Gray, Leonard Sachs and Michael Gough, bliss!!

The Ergon is the all time daftest who monster, it's like a GM Emu, it is remarkably bad.

It's great that we're on Gallifrey, nu Who has definitely been robbed of a few Gallifrey stories.

The story and script are actually really clever, it is delivered slickly, it feels intelligent without being over complex.

I loved Colin Baker's Maxel too, a return would have been fun at some point.

The Amsterdam setting is great, it makes a nice change, it has a continental feel. Good old JNT.

Overall, flawed I know, but the first part of Arc of Infinity is not half bad it's set the scene well, and had lots happening

7/10

It's good enough. I don't know what to think right now. My brains are still fried from the finale of season 19.