Short Trips - "The Last Days" by Evan Pritchard, edited by Stephen Cole

Short Trips
"The Last Days"
Written by Evan Pritchard
Edited by Stephen Cole
Published: 2nd March 1998

What's It All About

When I began this journey I knew that I was going to include as much "expanded universe" material as possible. The reason for this was two-fold: firstly, I wanted some new material rather than just plowing through the standard TV marathon which I'd done before and would doubtless do again; secondly, I wanted to experience material that the TV series would or could never do either because it would be far too expensive to realize or the material was too sensitive to go out on a Saturday evening when the whole family is sitting down to watch. With "The Last Days" by Evan Pritchard we certainly have a story that fits the latter criteria.

The story certainly hits the ground running with the Doctor making a rousing speech to a legion of Roman soldiers, denouncing the Jewish Zealots and their crimes against Rome and promising that their fortress at Masada will fall, ending the long siege. An intriguing opening, certainly, and this is added to in the next scene when we learn that Ian and Barbara are currently residing in Masada. Through Barbara, we learn that shortly after their arrival in Judaea some weeks earlier, the TARDIS crew got caught up in a skirmish between Roman soldiers and the Zealots. In the melee, the party was soon split up with the Doctor and Susan ending up on the Roman side and Ian and the injured Barbara carried off back by the Zealots.

Over the intervening weeks during Barbara's recovery, the travellers have been trying to ingratiate themselves into their various camps and their respective leaders, Eleazar ben Ya'ir for the Zealots and Lucius Flavius Silva for the Romans. As is now becoming traditional, Ian sets to prove his trustfulness to Eleazar by making tactical suggestions in their battle against the Romans, much as he did with the Thals. Meanwhile, the Doctor has taken on the air of a well-to-do Roman citizen and exerts influence over Silva and the Roman legions.

Ironically, it is Ian's influence with the Zealots that has them leading a more successful campaign than history records, so much so that the Romans are demotivated enough to give up their long siege of Masada. Ever mindful of making sure history runs its natural course especially after the incident with the Aztecs, the Doctor and Barbara work to ensure that history is set right. The Doctor exerting his built up influence to stop the retreating Roman legions in their tracks and Barbara in planting the seeds which lead to the fall of the Zealots.

I'm not averse to spoilers in my marathon entries, and indeed the idea of discussing spoilers in reference to a historical event which occurred 2,000 years ago is a bit ridiculous. However, I encourage anyone reading this to seek out the story and give it a good read. Those familiar with the Siege of Masada will obviously know the outcome, but even as a student of history I wasn't aware and was so utterly shocked.

The remains of Masada Fortress in the 21st Century.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

As I'm sure readers are aware by now, I'm an absolute sucker for a historical story, even in an era I'm not particularly familiar with. Familiarity isn't necessary and considering the ending, a bonus in reading the story. The author, Evan Pritchard, takes an event in ancient history and personalizes it for the readers by placing one of our heroes at the centre in the most horrific way. Away from the harrowing scenes, though, we have a further exploration of the themes of meddling with Earth's history that we go so recently with The Aztecs and the Doctor and Barbara so keen to keep events on course, in opposition to Ian.

This story is a gem, that ticked so, so many boxes and really made me think for ours afterward. Kudos to Mr Pritchard.

10/10

Continuity Corner

• Ian references Barbara's experience with the Aztecs (The Aztecs) when they arguing about attempting to alter the course of history. Given that Ian is still blase about attempting to alter history, could suggest that it takes place before The Flames of Cadiz.