It was originally shown in November 2003
and was posted as a 'TARDIS Tale', the part of the site
reserved for spin-offs or short character stories
filling in continuity gaps as this does. As such it
never received a proper cover.
Eventually it was decided that the story
was a sixth Doctor story in it's own right and deserved
to be in the main section so it was moved.
In October 2006 it received a proper
'missing adventures' style cover (right)
Would the Doctor really abandon his
companions? The TV version of The Trial of a Time Lord
would have us believe so but I think the Doctor is far
less callous. This then is my interpretation of the
Doctor going back for Peri.
The story was filmed around February
2003 in one session. Peri was dressed in a specially
made felt 'aztec' looking dress with a collar made from
the same fur as my Yeti figures.
This story is set after The Trial of a Time
Lord, during which the Doctor was forced to abandon Peri on
Thoros Beta. Through the Inquisitor, the Doctor learns that Peri
survived her ordeal (contrary to events shown during the
adventure) and is living with Yrcanos, a character they
encountered in the story. On screen, the Doctor seems content
with that knowledge but I'd rather believe he at least made an
attempt to go back for her.
The Doctor references several other stories:
"that trip to Blackpool" from the unmade Celestial Toymaker
sequel, The Nightmare Fair, the Doctor trying to strangle
Peri from The Twin Dilemma, the botanical gardens of
Golep from the AFT adventure The Harvest of Death.
When the Doctor mentions 'dropping something off
in the future' he's referring to his future companion Mel who,
in his personal time line, he has yet to meet. It all gets very
confusing...!
