The Last Day (TV story)

 was a mini episode released on 20 November 2013 as part of the run-up to the 50th anniversary special.

Synopsis
A Gallifreyan soldier undergoes initiation in the use of a headcam, as well as the defence of Arcadia. During his training, the impossible happens and Daleks invade.

Plot
A soldier opens his eyes to see a man standing over him. The man, also a soldier, wears an outfit with the Seal of Rassilon. The first soldier has been fitted with a headcam. As the other man explains its use in recording his thoughts, the newly-awakened soldier experiences frightening images. His instructor tells him not to worry about these hallucinations, and to disregard rumours that they are premonitions. He then takes him to the rooftop for his post. There, another soldier tells him that they are protected by impenetrable sky trenches. This makes Arcadia the safest place on Gallifrey. If even one Dalek did get through however, it could destroy the entire city. As the soldier is instructed on monitoring for possible intrusions, he is told to zoom in on a small object some ways away. He finds that it is a Dalek. This is not an illusion. Suddenly, many more Daleks appear behind it. As they fire, his headcam goes blank. The last sound heard in the background is a chilling death cry of anguish.

Crew

 * Writer - Steven Moffat
 * Director - Jamie Stone
 * Producer - Denise Paul

Technology

 * Arcadia is protected by sky trenches, and is therefore considered the safest place on Gallifrey.
 * Soldiers positioned in Arcadia have headcams installed into their brains, both to show to their families following death and to record the soldier's final moments for official record. The recording is censored, with violence and language deemed unsuitable for the soldiers' children cut out.
 * A side effect of the headcam are hallucinations, that could be interpreted as premonitions.

Story notes

 * The soldier's red armour and round helmet design resemble the Chancellery Guard's uniforms from TV: The Deadly Assassin and TV: The Invasion of Time.

Production errors
to be added

Continuity

 * The Tenth Doctor later referred to having been at the Fall of Arcadia during the Time War. (TV: Doomsday)
 * The Fall of Arcadia and the Doctor's involvement in it is shown in TV: The Day of the Doctor.