| EMOTIONAL CHEMISTRY by Simon A. Forward |
| Story 66 Synopsis: In 2024, a visit to a Russian art gallery sees the Doctor separated from Fitz and Trix, apparently consumed in fire. Fitz & Trix are co-opted by OGRON, a Russian branch of UNIT. Trix is forced to drive to a deserted spot, then rescued by Aphrodite. Fitz is possessed by nasty piece of work Vladimir Garudin. The Doctor finds himself in the future, still trying to understand why a madman like Radum Kinzhal would go to so much trouble for a painting. Meanwhile, back in 1812, there is trouble for the Russians in their struggles with Napoleon. Matters are not helped when Trix and Aphrodite arrive, and Fitz and Garudin possess Victor Padorin in order to sample the past. Fitz realises Trix is in the past, but can't get in touch with her. He is rescued from Garudin's clutches by Bugayev and OGRON. The Doctor finds that Kinzhal is motivated by love, and the fact that he cannot travel through time to be with the woman he loves, Dusha. They are Aphrodite's parents. Kinzhal allows the Doctor to return to 2024, and the Doctor and Fitz take the TARDIS to 1812, unaware that Garudin is trying to take over the Doctor's mind. The Doctor is perplexed that Kinzhal, Bugayev and Aphrodite all know him, but he doesn't know any of them. He manages to foil Garudin's takeover, but the villain makes life difficult for Fitz, Aphrodite and Dusha in 1812, before being stabbed to death. The Doctor tries to create a way for Kinzhal and Dusha to be together, but Kinzhal won't have it. Then, his aide, Angel, is mortally wounded, and by Dusha taking her over, it allows Kinzhal and Dusha to be together. |
| Review:- Sabbath takes a holiday, and the world is threatened by love. Apparently, we get the effect of the BBC cutbacks, as we have a stand-alone adventure to get to know Trix, and to take a breather, before the grandstanding finale that Sometime Never... is set to be. By the by, we have a "Russian novel" set in 3 time zones, all linked by two lovers from outer space. Radum Kinzhal makes for a convincing tough guy, although the realisation that he isn't really the villain of the book does rather kill some of the impact of the end of the book. Likewise, Dusha's amazing ability with people is rather diluted once her background is revealed (and their daughter, Aphrodite, steals the book anyway). Bugayev, our first Brigadier-a-like for a long time comes across as trusty and crusty, seemingly outwitted all the time, but solid and dependable. Victor Padorin doesn't extend much beyond stereotype, and feels like a refugee from War & Peace. His manipulation is the most interesting thing about him. Vladimir Garudin makes for a convincing and nasty villain, and it's real tension when he seems set to take over the Doctor's mind, until he is cursorily dismissed. His low-key death is perhaps ironic punishment, but does rather diminish the drama. Trix gets lots to do and proves to be useful and independent. I felt she also had shades of Fitz, which will hopefully make for a successful long-term character. Fitz is showing signs of maturation, and if he does leave within the next half-a-dozen books, I won't be surprised. It's odd that when the Doctor meets people who know him, Fitz doesn't feel burdened by his guilty secret of keeping the Doctor's past from him. Maybe this will come in time... The Doctor is rather removed from the action early on, then spends a lot of time flapping about, grateful for a reputation he doesn't know he has. With salvation from Garudin coming from blind chance, it does make one wonder about his strength of character. My favourite character was Aphrodite, easily. She gave a feeling of The Taking Of Planet 5 early on, although she fades a little when we are introduced to Dusha being her mother, then she is revealed to be an old acquaintance of the Doctor. But she still just about holds on. As for the overall story, this isn't quite as good as Timeless, but is better than the other BBC EDA's this year. Roll on 2004... |
| Disclaimer: I own a copy. |