Despite the frenzy of the lines for Jodie, this was probably the most all-around low-key Gally I’ve ever had. Never before have I had so much time completely unscheduled from con events.

For example, this year’s final day was the latest Sunday start for me ever. Since we’d scored seats for Jodie’s Saturday interview panel, I made no plans to go see her again on Sunday morning, even though (I’m told) there was still plenty of room to do so. I didn’t think there would be enough different about the panel to make it worth my while (though they did have Janet Fielding and Sophie Aldred on stage with her at the end, which I might’ve enjoyed).

Instead, Kiddo and I met up with some of our friends to peruse the Art Show and wander the Dealers Room again. It was all incredibly casual. The first thing I had scheduled in any way was a brief meet-up with a friend while Kiddo and I ate food-truck lunch on the patio.

This leisurely pace continued until 2:00—absolutely unheard of for me—when our little gang convened in Program A (in the center section, only about seven rows from the front!) for the live commentary on “The Halloween Apocalypse.” Moderator Adrienne Enderle was joined on the couch by Chris Chibnall, director Jamie Magnus Stone, and actor Craige Els, who played Karvanista. I was extremely grateful that the episode was run with captions (in part because that’s how I always watch TV these days), because it made it much easier to follow both the episode and the commentary. Good banter, good details, good fun.

Next up was the “Nostalgia Tours: Back to the Classic” panel, with moderator Lynne M. Thomas (of Verity! Podcast) and Classic era guests Colin Baker, Bonnie Langford, Sophie Aldred, Janet Fielding, Wendy Padbury, Katy Manning, and Frazer Hines. The first half hour (which is mostly what I saw) didn’t elicit any new or particularly exciting tales from this crowd of veterans, but they always seem to enjoy each others’ company, which is worth seeing in and of itself.

Partway through the panel, though, three of us (including Kiddo and I) had to step out in order to get to our Diamond Pass greenscreen photo op. The line was slightly less bonkers than for the regular photo op on Saturday had been, so once the line started moving, it went pretty smoothly. I asked Jodie if we could do a “Danger, Doctor!” pose for the first one, which she readily complied with (it came out so well!). Then she asked what we should do for the second one (you get one per Pass), and when we both went, “Uhhhh…” she just held her arms out, and we came in for the side-by-side hug thing. That one’s also super cute (even if poor Kiddo’s eyes are closed).

Back to Program A we then scampered, in time for the last 5-10 minutes of the Classic panel. That meant we were in place in plenty of time for the annual Year in Review video (“a special look back at the last year of Doctor Who in the television press on both sides of the Atlantic, with stuff from the UK never seen by most American fans”). It made me all the more appreciative of Jodie, and nearly out-of-my-mind excited to see Ncuti take on the role at the end of the year.

Finally, we got to Closing Ceremonies. Jodie came out on stage one last time, showing off an incredible ribbon chain that went the length of the stage and back. She thanked us for welcoming her, and insisted this was merely her first time. I hope that is true and we’ll get to see her again some day.

Other business was finished next: drawing for the free ticket to next year’s con, words from the recipient charity and final numbers on the funds raised by the charity auction, and announcement of next year’s theme (Miracle on 34th Street). Then the other guests were called on stage to bid farewell, too (though Chibnall was already on his way back to the UK by then), and the con was officially over for another year.

As usual, our gang of friends started making plans for dinner (which were complicated by the fact that the place I’d been planning to go was closed—ugh). It was kind of a mess, but eventually we (almost) all got fed (or officially gave up), and sat around one of the tables by the pool chatting.

One friend had other folks he’d promised to visit again before retiring ahead of his 3am departure, but the rest of us played some All Wild Uno before moving inside where it was less chilly. Eventually we settled down on the con level and played Fluxx (astronomy version) for a few rounds before all calling it a night.

With the final farewells, Gally 2023 is now over. I can’t wait to do it all again next year!