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Chapter One
Chapter One Review by Elizabeth Medeiros “Time in the Time Vortex is an abstract thing; not something that people (humans in particular) can get their heads around.” So begins Chapter One of “Kuang-Shi”. The initial setting seems placid and harmless enough: Highgate Cemetery in London in 1986. The Doctor has brought his two friends, Alf and Nick there so Alf can hopefully discover her past and recapture her memories from an Earth no longer her home. But after that tranquil opening scene, you soon realize that things are nowhere normal for any of the three travellers. For there are mysterious strangers about: Nicholas and Bradley, evil and diabolical, who are the exact doubles of Nick and Brad, the Doctor's late companion. From the first moment you know that Bradley and Nicholas are evil incarnate and their first scene with the dead Prince's body is one of understated horror. Andie writes this scene well, the image of those two guys nonchalantly talking in a cradle with a half devoured corpse is very gruesome. But somehow, you know with these two, the worst is yet to happen. Less intense is the appearance of the other stranger, the cute little man who's shadowing Nick. Since you're not exactly sure who or what he is and what his intentions are, I found myself just waiting for him to do something. Similarly, the scenes with Alf and her younger self Ace are pleasant, but not nearly as memorable as those involving Nicholas and Bradley. And where is the Doctor in all of this? After sending Alf out on her own, and after a sort of male bonding conversation with Nick, the Doctor's own natural curiosity is about to get the better of him. Spotting one of the portals that keep appearing, he can't help himself but want to go through it. But what is waiting for him on the other side? Like an appetizer, Chapter one gives you only a tantalizing inkling of what is to come. At the same time, it gives you glimpses of the Doctor and his companions. Both Alf and Nick are trying to come to terms with who they are now, and what it means to be human. The Doctor too, once he steps through that portal, is also on his own, seemingly without a friend. What an intriguing prospect for Chapter two.
Chapter One Review by Paul Clement Before I delve into the beginnings of the third season, I think a special mention should be made of the excellent work Andie and all the other contributors have made so far. Seasons 1 and 2 have been an enjoyable experience, I recommend anyone sharing. One of the first things to note from over the course of the series so far has been a change in the ability of Andie's writing skills from a position of potential to the solid base of potential realised we are now seeing, I am sure we will see his name in print in the near future. The new season kicks off with the a dark and evil prologue, featuring sinister versions of the Doctors companion Nick and a previous, now deceased companion Brad. This opening section leaves behind a horrifying image of brutality and evil cruelty begging the questions how and why. The story moves on to the Doctor and his current companions Nick and Alf, now able to travel through time again, through the use of Time Amulets, arriving at Highgate Cemetary. The Doctor has given Alf the opportunity to regain her memories and an opportunity for him to clear the waters with Nick. This opening chapter isn't all wonderment and bliss however. The Nicholas and Bradley are about, and they seem to have some dark designs on the Doctors companions, while the Doctor's curiosity may just have got the better of him. There are some lighter moments in the opening chapter, the male bonding between the Doctor and Nick, and Nick's fears of the Doctors awareness of his and Alf's relationship. Not to mention the meeting of Alf with a younger version of herself,Ace. The story does end on a darker note however, The Doctor gone and Nick at the hands of the diabolical Bradley. Set up nicely for chapter 2 |
