So the first episode for the new Doctor, Peter Capaldi. I thought he was brilliant. The role fits Capaldi perfectly, and his acting was brilliant. His introduction scene with Strax was brilliant and funny. You could really see Capaldi channelling Matt Smith in his first scene. As per usual, the Doctor suffers post regenerative trauma. He was confused throughout the episode, and actually became scary in the tramp scene. The bedroom scene was funny, especially the part about the mirror being furious. He could not remember the Clockwork Droids and a lot of his confusion was about himself. For example, his subconscious translation of the T-Rex fits his own self, as did Vastra's Veil metaphor. Another example is where the Doctor tells the droid it probably cant remember where It's face came from, while looking at his own reflection, almost as if talking to himself. The fate of the Droid makes us question our trust of the Doctor. Did it jump, or was it pushed. That 4th wall breaking glance didn't help. |
Speaking of not trusting the Doctor, there is Clara. She is confused about the Doctor the whole episode. This is out of character for her, as she has seen all the other Doctors in his timeline, including the War Doctor, and yet still doesn't understand. She almost leaves him until 'THE CALL' (more on that later). The restaurant scene was great. The newspaper idea was interesting, and neither knew who left it. The holding breath part was filled with tension, and the slow music really added to it. Clara using her teaching experience to battle the droid was an inspired idea. The Doctor leaving makes us question him more, but his return when disguised reassures us he is still the hero. |
The Paternoster Gang's return allows the Doctor to be surrounded with familiar faces. There was more concentration on Vastra and Jenny's relationship, such as the Oxygen sharing kiss. Unlike others, I had no problem with this other than, how did they communicate? Are they psychic? The scene where it turns out Vastra is not painting Jenny, I found very funny. And I have to admit. Strax was hilarious. Wanting to take Clara's clothes, giving her Mop Water to drink and of course, the Newspaper throwing scene, which had me laughing out loud. All of them were used well, and I felt they were really under threat when attacked, and things took a dark turn when Strax almost committed suicide. |
I thought the enemy was underused, that was ok as the concentration was on the Doctor. The prosthetics and movements were brilliant and really believable. But a balloon made of skin? that was a little too dark for my liking. The clockwork droids from 'The Girl in the Fireplace' made a return here also. The end scene with Missy and heaven was a surprise and looks to be a good story arc. A theory I've heard is 'Missy' is short for 'Mistress' and that she is the Master, and heaven is her TARDIS. But we will have to see.. |
The TARDIS also changes. The new orange lighting helps to give it more life, rather than the cold blue and greens of Series 7b. The chalkboards and shelves really add character to it. I really enjoyed the new titles and theme too and they are much better than the original fan version they were based on. It also implements the rings seen in the credit's from Day of the Doctor. The Direction by Ben Wheatley was great, such as the droids moving in unison in the restaurant. The CGI has really improved too. |
Overall I loved this...oh wait...THAT CALL! Yes, Matt Smith makes a cameo via phone call. I thought this really undermined Capaldi and wasn't necessary, but I can see why it was done. The way Smith talks, make it sound as if Capaldi is a completely different man which I didn't like as its the same person. |
Overall I loved this episode and think it was a great start to series 8. I can't wait for this Saturday to see the new Doctor go 'Into the Dalek'.
So until then,
See Ya!
So until then,
See Ya!