h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Following directly on from Reunions, Chekawowe was another excellent Penny and Mills story.

The Doctor and Ace arriving in the middle of the French Revolution was well done, and relates back to that text book which Ace picks up in Remembrance of the Daleks.

The Doctor is at his most scheming in this story, but for once he doesnt seem to know whats going on, it works well as we finally see the seventh Doctor without a clue.
Ace also comes off very well, particulary her embarassment at having to wear revolutionary clothes.

The Villains of this story were by far the high light though.
Chekawowe is an excellent villain, part mad scientist, part desperate man seeking to get his body back. The fact that chekawowe has a goal which is more personal than just universal Domination also makes us sympathise with him and he comes off all the better.
There is also Mhssca, Chekawowe's hennch-woman. Mhssca is an insisious accomplice of Chekawowes. Her motives however should have been made more clear, was she trying to kill Chekawowe? or was she out to help Rasputaltron and finish the job?

Rasputaltron makes a memorable return, first appearing as a mystery shadow like figure while dictating orders to Chekawowe. Rasputaltron fails to be as menacing as he was in Trap of the Daleks or Reunions, but he still makes an excellent adversary for the Doctor.
Barok shows us once more again, this time however he meets his doom in an out of control elevator, and it is interesting that Rasputaltron actually shows great sadness when his lackey perishes.

Another interesting character was Ethan Forbes, and in the short time he appeared in the story he managed to develop nicely and become a very likeable character.

Overall, Chekawowe is an excellent story. The first half of the story being better than the latter. The idea of stealing time frames was good, and Rasputaltron developing time travel capabilities was obviously going to cause some more problems for the Doctor. There is also a nice cameo from the Cybermen earlier on in the story.

Chekawowe introduced two more characters to the penny and Mills universe-Chekawowe and Mhssca.