The Ninth Doctor and Rose can’t seem to escape the Powell Estate – ‘Thirteen O’Clock’ reveals why…

Since the start of this series of The Ninth Doctor Adventures, we’ve spent time on and around the Powell Estate. It’s Rose’s home, where the television series regularly returned to catch up with her irrepressible mum Jackie.

However, ‘Thirteen O’Clock’ reveals there’s a darker force which keeps drawing the pair back to the Estate. One the Doctor has met before and that he is genuinely afraid of…

Thirteen O’Clock

We’re back on the Powell Estate again, with the Doctor finding that the TARDIS can’t escape that London locale but that it has been altered, becoming a nightmarish realm. What’s worse is that the Doctor believes the problem may be his fault, but won’t fully explain it to Rose – instead, he’s apologetic which is much worse!

However, they’re not the only ones drawn to the estate as three years on from first meeting the Doctor, Saffron Windrose (Indigo Griffiths) finds herself seeking him out, feeling that they have unfinished business.

With residents going missing, the Doctor, Rose and Saffron must overcome their fears as the entity at the heart of the trap throws everything at them…

This story serves as a sequel to 2022’s ‘Station to Station’ where a solo Ninth Doctor rescued Saffron. Unlike their first encounter, she’s now surer of herself and her arrival ruffles feathers; like a precursor to the rivalry with Sarah Jane Smith in ‘School Reunion’, Rose is amusingly territorial over the Time Lord!

While Dan Starkey plays the ultimate villain of the piece, as well as a scared London cabbie, and Will Chitty is fun as the survivor Milton, the standout member of the guest cast is Sophie Thompson. As Mrs Crook, she delivers a superbly sinister performance as a rhyming familiar who flips into something murderous!

In Summary

With a minimal cast, Robert Valentine’s story again plays with fears and expectations as our heroes go up against the terrifying eldritch horror with the power to alter reality. With the regulars on excellent form, and the added tension of the returning Saffron, the story is full of horror vibes and a wonderfully creepy atmosphere – it’s a lot of fun!

However, in terms of concluding this story arc of linked tales, it all feels pretty light touch. Given the time we’ve spent on the Estate, it would have been nice to have heard a returning character or two, perhaps Brainy Betty or Glen, or even a cameo from Jackie Tyler!

Doctor Who – The Ninth Doctor Adventures: Thirteen O’Clock is available now from Big Finish.

The series continues in August 2026 as writer Tim Foley presents a story set in deep space…

Next Time: Dark Tides

A long-lost ship, the Vesterbold, has returned to normal space. And the Knights of Atlas seek her treasure. But two strangers have joined their expedition – the Doctor and Rose, who warn of danger.

For the Vesterbold has drifted free of the Dark Tides at the edge of the universe. And she may have brought something back with her. Not even the bravest knights are ready for the evil which lies inside…

‘Dark Tides’ stars Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper, alongside Doon Mackichan (Good Omens) as Dr Vivian Rest. The cast also includes Ben Arogundade, David Shaw-Parker and Sam Stafford.

Doctor Who – The Ninth Doctor Adventures: Dark Tides is available to preorder from Big Finish now.