This was what I didn’t like about Spirit.
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I will agree with that, however me not liking that about Spirit isn’t enough to make me not love Spirit because it’s a problem with the wider series rather than that single episode. It is particularly noticable in Spirit though, I will give you that
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Oh boi… this one was one I sat for a while, was it bad? No.
Was it good? Also, no.
Many already explained it quite well, while the Story itself is good, how Leela is handled is quite off-putting and feels very much like they forgot how smart Leela is and well putting her in this Situation is quite off-putting.
While the Time Travelling Aspect of it all and the Idea on the Paper isn’t really bad, I think the Script needed a few reworking when it comes to the whole exotic dancer angel.
For me, this is a perfectly well-made story in its execution. Louise and our Leads are great in it and do a great Job. There are some great Scenes, especially with Lalla and Louise. The Side Cast does a decent, solid Job, nothing too outstanding but nothing terrible.
I appreciate that Gallifrey early on tries to touch on more explicit matters, but I think it was done in a very mixed Way.
This one is a tricky one to properly articulate, all I will say is to give the Reviews from @Speechless, @JayPea, and @MrColdStream a Read, they bring up plenty of great Points!
12 Likes
Enjoyed this a lot more than Weapon of Choice and was fairly hooked throughout! With some big caveats of uh wow this story does not treat women well. Yike.
Full review: Review of Square One by BSCTDrayden · TARDIS Guide
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Relistened to this today and it’s so fun to go back to these early stories now that I’ve listened to all of Gallifrey. I remember being quite shocked at the language in this one the first time, which was honestly one of the things that intrigued me the most about this series in the beginning. I kind of miss it to be honest.
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This episode is, I think, one of the most interesting of s1 because as you say, the language and themes of it feel totally against what you’d expect of something in the Whosphere. But I think if you look at it as a real commentary on politicians and, as usual, the way Time Lords are a metaphor for corrupting power, it’s saying some interesting things. Romana’s whole secret plan, for instance, is so typical of the Time Lord mindset that thry know best and they can deign to let these others have their fun charade when theit fate is already decided
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Really enjoyed this one,
Much better then Weapon Of Choice in terms of action and overall entertainment value
I seem to be listening to all the murder mystery stories lately (by sheer coincidence) - so that part i was less interested in
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For me a step down from Weapon of Choice.
It’s a real shame because the premise is great and the story is frequently compelling. But this story is also pretty frustrating at times.
I also think there’s too much going on at the conclusion to the story. But seeing as I can’t really elaborate without spoilers and I’ve been encouraged to post links to my reviews, here’s a link to my review which will explain my problems to anyone who cares to read.
WARNING: I got a bit carried away and wrote more than I intended to, it’s not a short review.
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Great review! This is one of least favourite Gallifrey stories, I really don’t like the way Leela is treated is at all, although I thought the time loop concept and political aspects were interesting.
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I like this episode more than the average person but that said, I do agree with everything you said. I think that it is a bit muddled in there and isn’t 100% saying what it wants to say very well. And, as always, Leela gets the short end of the stick. Thank you for the insightful review!
I feel that if political intrigue is your jam, you might like The Inquiry a little more, and series 1 goes out on a high with A Blind Eye!
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Thank you. I think we’re pretty much in agreement in both the treatment of Leela being bad, but the time looping, political intrigue is interesting. I do like most of the plot. I even like a lot of the ending. It’s just that I think there’s too much to the ending.
I think it would work better for me if they either stripped the ending down a little, or if they spaced some of the reveals out over the course of the story.
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Thank You,
I’m definitely still fully in on this series. This story is flawed for sure, but I do like a lot of it. I spent longer explaining what I didn’t like than I wanted to. So I made sure to end the review saying that I feel the reveals at the end do setup a lot of intrigue for the future of the series, which I’m still definitely excited for. I just think the ending could have been handled a bit cleaner, or more elegantly than it was
I can forgive a series having a disappointing episode. Lord knows I’ve forgiven some real stinkers from the TV series. This story isn’t a stinker. I’d call it more frustrating than actively bad.
This series feels like its still establishing itself. In terms of establishing it’s premise, it’s political intrigue and some story potential, I actually think these first two stories are very successful. So yes, I’m still excited to continue with Gallifrey. I have no problem believing that once we really get into things, this series could be special.
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It certainly has its ups and downs but the highs that are yet to come are really good highs, and by and large stuff like Square One is as low as it goes - a bit messy and not as coherent as one would like, and more horrible to Leela than necessary.
But there’s a reason so many of us are completely and utterly obsessed with the series!
6 Likes