Omega [AUDIO/2003.8.27]

★★★☆☆

  The monthly range villain trilogy was a fantastic idea from the off, and Nev Fountain (the clever writer that he is) kicks it off with a strong opener. Good news for people who follow popular opinion and rag on about how Arc of Infinity made Omega uncool (cannot be me) -- here you are, a story where the maligned Time Lord founder is actually the centre of attention for once! Not only that, but there are so many interesting additions to our knowledge of Omega, climaxing on one of the most 'rug-from-under-your-feet' twists at the end of Part 3; you'll have a hard time forgetting that one. Quite uncharacteristically for a review blog that talks spoilers with reckless abandon, I won't disclose the nature of the huge twist (because it's really well executed and brings a whole heap of dimensions on an already entertaining tale) -- but rest assured, it's one to watch out for. 

  Omega questions the nature of Time Lords as we know it, in particular how Time Lord myths are formed and how these myths -- just like those of humankind's -- are often believed to be political power plays with hidden agendas. Moreover, it breathes new life into the character of Omega, with Ian Collier providing an incredible performance; he's every bit the ruthless and mysterious legend figure Dr. Who frequently refers to him as, but he's also a fragile soul who is disillusioned by a universe he used to call home... one which has no place for him now. All this is great enough, but Fountain adds a theatrical and comedic layer to the whole thing by incorporating elements of space tourism and reenactment to create something singular in the entire mythos. Out of the villain trilogy, I'd call this the most humorous with its subtle inside jokes and quirky continuity references... but its core is still a weighty and meaty drama piece that any fan of Gallifrey lore would enjoy.