Doctor Who spin-off news: Gallifrey: Time War 2 – story details revealed!

It’s the CIA versus the War Council, as more details of what we can expect in the second series of Doctor Who spin-off Gallifrey: Time War have been revealed.

The first series of Gallifrey: Time War was an absolutely amazing box set. Just four episodes, and yet there were so many twists and turns throughout, plus some really great drama. It was a great reminder of exactly why Gallifrey is one of the best Doctor Who spin-offs out there.

So naturally, we’ve been eager for more details on the second series. Back in November, a release date and some major casting details were revealed. But not much on the story details. Today, Big Finish finally changed that, and gave us a lot more information on what to expect in the second series.

Rassilon’s return

"Havoc by David LlewellynIn the aftermath of Rassilon’s return, Romana finds herself at the heart of the War Council’s machinations, with the High Council, the CIA, and the Lord President’s new security force all vying for control.But then, a mysterious stranger arrives in the Capitol itself. And they bring a terrible warning from the future…"

It makes sense that the opening episode of series two would deal with the aftermath of Desperate Measures, the series one finale. The resurrection of Rassilon was a brilliant cliffhanger. We knew that Rassilon somehow came back in the Time War, and it was great to find out how.

So it’s awesome that Havoc, naturally, continues from that. And of course, it sounds like things are about to become even more complicated on Gallifrey. The strength of the spin-off has always been the excellent political storytelling, so seeing that things are going to become tricky for Romana is already promising.

And I’m not going to lie: I’m already wondering who the “mysterious stranger” is. Are they someone we know, at least from the New Series? Do they know how the War ends? I can’t wait to find out.

The first series of Gallifrey revealed plenty of shocks when the Time War began. Can we expect more of the same from the second series?

(Image credit: Gallifrey/Big Finish Productions.

Image obtained from: Big Finish Productions.)

Two closely linked episodes

The next couple of episodes in the set sound more connected than usual. Here are the descriptions for both:

"Partisans by Una McCormackWhen the world of Ysalus becomes a strategic target for the Time Lords and their opponents, Gallifrey takes an interest in the planet’s civil unrest.But the CIA and the War Council each have their own strategy.And, as good intentions only make things worse, the true horror of the Time War will be visited upon the people of Ysalus.Collateral by Lisa McMullinAs the scavenging Sythes descend on Ysalus, Narvin discovers how far his people will go to protect their interests.The universe is discovering that no place is safe from the fury of battle.Every victory in the Time War comes at a price, and too often it is the innocent who will pay…"

With the world of Ysalus being central to both episodes, it sounds like Partisans and Collateral are heavily linked. Not a two-parter, perhaps, particularly as they feature different writers. But certainly, Partisans will be an episode that has a huge effect on the next.

CIA versus the War Council

The Celestial Intervention Agency and the War Council, despite both being of Gallifrey, were virtually on opposing sides in the opening box set. The CIA believes that the Time Lords should have some restraint in the War. (This wouldn’t have been true in the past, but with the Doctor’s former companion Romana now in charge, things have definitely changed.)

However, the War Council are all too eager for Gallifrey to win, at any cost. In fact, they’ve practically been eager for it. So it’ll be interesting to see what two approaches the CIA and the War Council will come up with.

Collateral sounds like it’ll be a very uncompromising episode, one that will focus on those caught in the crossfire of the war. I always enjoy war stories like that.

But, even better, it sounds like Narvin will have a major part in this story. Considering he’s one of my favorite characters ever, that’s already left me extremely excited for this episode.

Rassilon’s resurrection in Desperate Measures was a major turning point for the Time Lords. But how far will Romana go to stop Rassilon completely?

(Photo credit: Gallifrey/Big Finish Productions.

Image obtained from: Big Finish Productions.)

Finale

Overall, it sounds like there’s a lot of Time War action to look forward to in this box set. But what of the finale?

"Assassins by Matt FittonPushed to the brink by Rassilon’s actions, Romana is thinking the unthinkable.A new threat has breached Gallifrey’s defenses. And its target is clear. A race of assassins has evolved at the heart of the Time War, dedicated to one purpose. The Sicari are coming for Rassilon…"

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It sounds like things are getting serious in the final episode, even more so than usual. It’s not surprising to know that Rassilon will be making terrible actions this series. Not only did the TV series set this up – especially in The End of Time, when he was happy to destroy time itself to ensure that Gallifrey survived. But the expanded universe has developed this, too. Especially Zagreus.

What would Romana do to stop him? Would she be prepared to kill him? It sounds like a decision too far for her. But this is someone who went from being a very liberal President to someone who declared herself “Imperiatrix“. If she can go from being a liberal to a tyrant – even temporarily – to protect Gallifrey, then who knows what else she’s capable of. I can’t wait to find out.

Gallifrey: Time War – Volume Two will be released on CD and download in March. You can pre-order it now from Big Finish’s website.

Are you looking forward to the second series of Gallifrey: Time War? Have you listened to the first box set? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below.