The Caretaker

"You're a spacewomen? You said you were from Blackpool."

Writers: Gareth Roberts & Steven Moffat

Format: TV 

Broadcast: 27th September 2014

Series: 8.06

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Clara

Synopsis 

The terrifying Skovox Blitzer is ready to destroy all humanity - and worse, Danny Pink and the Doctor are going to meet.

Verdict 

The Caretaker was another very good episode to continue our brand new series for the brand new Doctor, the brilliant Peter Capaldi. Now, despite my rating, the story didn't jump out as anything majorly outstanding but it was very entertaining and told a decent story. I think Steven Moffat has made a slight mistake in not having at least one two-part story other than the finale as I think as the series continues fans might get tired of what sadly seem 'filler' episodes. Anyway, back to the story at hand and basically all this story was doing was revealing to Danny the secrets Clara had been hiding. Just why she had magically tanned, pulled seaweed from her hair or change dress in an impossible amount of time was all revealed now. Danny discovered everything about the Doctor, the TARDIS and time/space travel. And to say he was shocked was a humorous understatement. I'm not liking the direction that the writers are taking Clara in under the Twelfth Doctor. The impossible girl arc under the Eleventh Doctor was wonderful and she was enigmatic and just absolutely sensational. But now my opinions on her are decreasing as to be honest, I couldn't  care less about the relationship of the companion! Why can't they just continuously stay in the TARDIS? I don't get it. I'm just praying now that Danny doesn't follow Rory on board the TARDIS. The soldier past hopefully ensures the Doctor doesn't allow it to happen just like he refused companionship to a soldier in Into the Dalek, a story that was nicely mentioned. The Coal Hill setting was very good and despite its ability to be dreadfully similar, it was much different from School Reunion. The Doctor was undoubtedly the highlight of this story and Capaldi was just magical. He's slowly creeping up the ranks of my favourite Doctor and I'm still to reach double figure stories across all formats to feature the new man. The scene where the Doctor oversaw Clara with Adrian, looking rather similar to his previous incarnation, whom he thought was Clara's serious dates person was just superb. And despite getting the person wrong, causing a very humorous scene in the TARDIS, I loved how highly the Doctor thought of Clara and wanted to ensure that the man she was dating was good enough for her. He admired his companion greatly and was extremely thankful for all she'd done for him in their time travelling. I was surprised that An Unearthly Child or Remembrance of the Daleks weren't referenced with the infamous school setting. The Doctor's plans to protect the school, children and Earth was great to see and his authoritative attitude was fantastic. When he found out that Clara was dating Danny, the soldier who he refused to accept was a maths teacher over a PE teacher, it was terrific. He wanted him explained by Clara after she'd explained himself to him. (If that makes sense). The threat of the Blitzer was good but I'd have liked it revealed a little sooner perhaps but then I suppose that'd take away the mystery behind it. The Doctor's attempts to lure the robot killer to the vortex he'd create were great and the way Danny inadvertently thwarted it didn't help his efforts in impressing the Doctor. Danny's understanding of Clara going off with the Doctor was good to see and I loved how much she loved seeing the universe. The new plan devised by the Doctor was very good and, with some help by Danny, causing the defeat of the instinct killer robot got Danny and the Doctor off to a good start. I hope he's more like Mickey than Rory though with his role! The reference to Barbara was a nice throw in as well as the references to Listen where the Doctor said Danny's surname reminded him of the colour. For such a serious Doctor, the new persona really is full of comedy and it's just marvellous. Overall, a good story, a sweet moment with Courtney and the return of Missy with the policeman entering the 'promised land'. It's nice to see how much the Doctor values Clara. 

Rating: 8/10