The Night of the Doctor

"I'm a doctor, but probably not the one you were expecting."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 16 November 2013

Series: 50th Anniversary Minisode

Featuring: Eighth Doctor

Synopsis

On the eve of his most terrible battle, the Time Lord is faced with a choice that will change the course of his life. The darkest of days are about to begin.

Verdict

The Night of the Doctor was a tremendous minisode! Even eleven years on from initial broadcast this episode doesn’t feel like any less of a thrill. It’s an absolute joy to fill in the gap in those wilderness years and get a well deserved regeneration story for the Eighth Doctor! I was taken back to my initial reaction and feelings on broadcast when watching this episode again because it truly is just stunning. I’m not entirely sure how but I managed to avoid absolutely all spoilers regarding this and when I was watching I wasn’t entirely sure it was official! I couldn’t believe what I was watching. It was just a sheer joy. Even now in 2024, it still feels scandalous that we only have two on screen stories for the Eighth Doctor but this ensures that we get double the number! It’s a real treat. I think for just six or seven minutes, Paul McGann absolutely shines in reprising the role of the Eighth Doctor. I really think there ought to have been an entire televised series with him in the role, but Big Finish is doing a fine job in continuing his performed adventures. I think it’s such a lovely moment prior to the regeneration that the Doctor gets to name drop a number of his audio companions, but in hindsight now it seems like a big omission to have no mention of Liv Chenka! That was always going to happen though. Big Finish can’t be contained by a minisode and I like that his final line of being a bit more generic leaves things open ended there to cover future companions within the ongoing Eighth Doctor Adventures on audio. I think the episode does an incredible job in just six minutes of showcasing how terrible the Time War is and that’s all down to Cass really. Her reaction to being rescued by the Doctor is stunning and it’s so different to how we normally see people react. They’re usually thankful, but Cass would rather stay on a crashing ship than be rescued by a Time Lord. The Doctor was horrified and the statement from Cass about not knowing the difference between Daleks and Time Lords anymore is just perfect. From what we saw glimpsed in The End of Time and now expanded upon greatly in Big Finish’s numerous Time War adventures, that certainly does make sense. It’s good to know that the Eighth Doctor doesn’t want any part in the conflict, but the death of Cass now and his own demise brings him to the point of no return. Landing on Karn means he now had control over his regeneration thanks to the mysterious Sisterhood. After much discussion, he would become a warrior that will set the basis for a whole new unknown and suppressed incarnation of the Doctor. It’s terribly exciting! On a personal note, this was a fun little way to introduce my partner to the Eighth Doctor for the fort time and I think I’ll be able to convince her to watch The Movie in due course based on this. Watch this space! Getting a glimpse of the younger War Doctor post regeneration is fantastic and I like how this leads us in nicely to the fiftieth anniversary special. Overall, just brilliant!

Rating: 10/10

The Name of the Doctor

"Here I am, late to my own funeral."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 18 May 2013

Series: 7.13

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara, River, Vastra, Jenny, Strax

Synopsis

The Doctor has a secret he will take to his grave – and it is discovered.

Verdict

The Name of the Doctor was an outstanding episode and honestly potentially even better than I remembered! This is a sensational finale and in hindsight I think it might actually help that it's just a singular episode rather than the more traditional two-parter. This is just sensational stuff right from the off. I think the pre-titles sequence is nothing short of extraordinary and definitely the best the show has ever produced. In 2013 on broadcast, I remember being completely stunned at seeing an incredibly early depiction of Gallifrey and even getting a proper glimpse of the First Doctor on screen. Obviously, technology has advanced considerably in the eleven years since this aired and it could potentially be done to better quality, but that didn't take anything away from my enjoyment of seeing all eleven incarnations of the Doctor up to this point. The very concept of Clara being on Gallifrey as the Doctor stole the TARDIS and started his travels is incomprehensible, and yet there it was! Seeing the TARDIS out of its chameleon circuit disguise and in its default exterior going through the Vortex was just fantastic. I like how things come back to what we learned in The Bells of Saint John with Clara coming into the world on a leaf, and the truth of the impossible girl is revealed in extraordinary fashion. I just love everything about it and it makes Clara such an important companion. I appreciate the controversy that comes with this one, but it works for me. I thought the openings with the warning to Vastra regarding the Doctor's secret he will take to the grave and it being discovered were tremendous. The relationship between Vastra and Jenny has blossomed beautifully by this point and it probably helps that Strax is on a weekend off engaged in combat in Glasgow. He would definitely fit in well in Scotland! The humour that came from him asking to be rendered unconscious to take part in the conference call was magnificent. One shot and he was out! The conference call itself was fantastic and Strax's description of River before she arrived was wonderful. The big head (hair) indeed! I think this serving as the final goodbye to River with her coming from beyond the Library and after the events of Forest of the Dead is just so poignant. The scene where the Doctor reveals he can see her after all is just stunning. True love he feels for her indeed. It's beautiful and full of emotion. I thought the Great Intelligence really shone as the villain here and having an army of Whisper Men is the right sense of Victorian evil. They're a fantastic looking monster! I'm delighted to own an Eaglemoss figurine of them. Taking the form of Simeon is brilliant and the threat provided in initially murdering Jenny and then stopping the hearts of those close to the Doctor unless he revealed his name to open his tomb was sublime. The concept of the Doctor's tomb alone is superb and having him visit is quite something! The TARDIS tomb looks incredible and this is a stunning showcase for Matt Smith. He absolutely shines. The contrast in a couple of minutes in having him label Artie and Angie as Daleks after they trick him to getting to the cinema and then the emotion of him hearing Trenzalore is just phenomenal. He's going out with a bang! The Doctor's time stream being an open wound is crazy and I love seeing the Great Intelligence within reversing every victory as it destroys the Doctor whilst killing itself. That is until Clara steps in to reverse the reversals. She's always there. She always has been. She saves the Doctor over and over. Her remembering the events of Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS to realise what she needs to do and hearing the Dalek Asylum as the final confirmation was brilliant. The ending with the Doctor going in to save Clara and then the reveal of John Hurt as the Doctor was still a terrific cliffhanger. I remember being stunned and confused in the best way at seeing that. Thankfully this time I don't have to wait six months for the resolution! Overall, one of the all time classics. 

Rating: 10/10

Nightmare in Silver

"The next model will be undefeatable."

Writer: Neil Gaiman 

Format: TV

Broadcast: 11 April 2013

Series: 7.12

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara

Synopsis

Hedgewick's World of Wonders is the perfect theme park day out, and ground zero for a deadly silver resurrection.

Verdict

Nightmare in Silver was another great episode to continue our way through Series 7 on the modern era rewatch! I always remember liking this episode despite my opinions on the change of design of the Cybermen not being all that favourable. This sparked a discussion in my household on the designs over the years and I mentioned my favourite design being either those from Earthshock onwards in the Classic era or their return in Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel. I commented that the upgraded versions here were almost too slick and a little too small for my liking. They seem more technologically proficient which is good and I appreciated the story being told here far in the future with the Cybermen constantly on the upgrade, but I like them to be scary. My partner Gemma commented on how I loved the design of the Mondasian Cybermen she would see in World Enough and Time/The Doctor Falls which was a fair comment, but I think the retro factor there sells a lot and considering that was the first ever design, I like how they've evolved since then. This almost feels like a backwards step. That seems incredibly harsh especially as I own both an action figure and Eaglemoss figurine of this new sleek design! The episode itself was a good one and whilst I'm not a huge fan of Angie and Artie featuring, they were soon sent into a walking coma and not physically present which helped. They were part of what needed rescuing which was good and I liked how Angie would work out that Porridge was the Emperor after all. I thought the setting of Hedgewick's World of Wonders was very good and the scale of it was incredible! It's a shame they came in the aftermath of the Cyber Wars and the world was closed. The Doctor having a golden ticket was amusing and that coming into play to tackle the Cybermen later was a nice touch and a good throwback to days gone by. We all know gold is a weapon against the silver nightmares. I thought the Cyberman playing chess was an incredibly striking image. I was fine with the Cybermites and was glad they didn't play too much of a role. The Cyberiad itself was terrific and actually having an internal battle with the Doctor was enthralling stuff. The performance from Matt Smith was superb and he really was able to shine in going back and forth between the Doctor and the Cyberiad. The aim to build a new Cyber Planner was another fun throwback and it's nice to have a writer clearly familiar with the history of the Cybermen in the show. It was also good to give just enough detail on the Doctor thinking of Clara as the impossible girl ahead of the finale. Things have been building slowly since The Bells of Saint John but we're getting there now. It's set to be a fantastic trilogy to see out the Eleventh Doctor and I for one can't wait! The way things ended here with Porridge setting off the desolator was good stuff and the explosive nature of the planet being destroyed to wipe out the Cyberiad was great stuff. The punishment platoon did alright in the end! I liked the little hint of a survival at the end with the ticking of something silver to leave a return open. The discussion on if the Doctor fancies Clara were also fun on both occasions as he found himself saying she wasn't pretty but then pondering on her skirt being just a little too tight. It's fun to think about! Who could blame him. Overall, a great episode! 

Rating: 8/10

The Crimson Horror

"The eye of a dead person retains the image of the last thing it sees."

Writer: Mark Gatiss

Format: TV

Broadcast: 4 May 2013

Series: 7.11

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara, Vastra, Jenny, Strax

Synopsis

In 1893, the Doctor's old friends; Vastra, Jenny and Strax find an optogram of the Doctor on a victim of the mysterious 'crimson horror'. They head for Yorkshire, where Jenny infiltrates Mrs Winifred Gillyflower's community of Sweetville to find out what her plan is and what business the Doctor had with it.

Verdict

The Crimson Horror was a fun episode to continue our way through the modern era with Series 7! I like how this one essentially opens as a loose pilot of what should have been a spinoff series for the Paternoster Gang. Thankfully we have an ongoing series for them with Big Finish, but I can't help but feel the Whoniverse missed out here. The Victorian era is just perfect for a spinoff and this shows it. Something like the Crimson Horror that was on show here didn't necessarily need the Doctor around. I mean Clara as the companion doesn't show up until well over halfway into the episode and despite her obvious qualities and the brilliance of the Doctor, neither are missed! The trio of Vastra, Jenny and Strax steal the show. They really are tremendous and I just adore the dynamic between them. The comedy that Strax brings to things is absolutely delightful and the scene in the carriage where Vastra refers to Jenny in needing someone fit and beautiful was magnificent. Strax will step up! The seriousness in which he offered himself was just magnificent. I'm such a huge fan of his. His efforts to overdo it when it came to the grenades and other weaponry because they were heading up north was fun stuff too. I liked the shift from a typical London setting and going to Yorkshire was a nice change of pace even if we did have to suffer the Doctor's impression of the accent. A couple of bodies later and he won't have to put on the accent, but this was bad! I thought Mrs Gillyflower made for a fantastic villain and it was clear that she had some sort of mental deficiency. I mean to experiment on your own daughter is pretty horrific. Ada herself was a troubled character but how could she not be with her mother and her blindness? Her shift in attitude and calling her mother a hag when she learned the truth was quite something! I thought her attachment to the Doctor was a little uncomfortable but it was good for him to be referred to as her monster. That was the right level of creepiness. I really enjoyed the continuity from The Snowmen when it came to Clara being present as the companion. Because of course this wasn't the same Clara that did battle with the Ice Lady. It was complicated as the Doctor had on repeat. I thought finding the Doctor some fifteen minutes into the episode as being consumed by the titular parasite was good and his reaction to Jenny coming to save him in kissing her was tremendous, mostly because of her slap reaction. That was a fun moment and it was good for her to shine in the episode, especially later on when she shifted into catlike attire and was ready for a fight. The Doctor was duly impressed. Clara working out the significance of the smokeless chimney was good and I thought it was a decent concept to have Gillyflower ready to poison the population. Vastra remembering her kind fighting off the same plague was intriguing, but I must admit I was not a fan of Mr Sweet. That's the only element of the episode that doesn't quite work for me. It was also a bit gruesome the way in which Ada murdered him with her guide stick. The Doctor was a bit too casual and accepting of that situation for my liking. I know it was a parasite but it was still living! I thought the mystery of Clara continuing was great and her reaction to being referred to as the boss was a delight. She's a wonderful level of playful. I thought the lead into the next episode with Angie and Artie having done some rather incredible detecting skills was fun, as they saw that Clara was a time traveller! The image of Clara from Victorian London was perfectly placed within the ongoing mystery as she confirmed she went to Victorian times but in Yorkshire. But also, it wasn't her. The complications go on! Overall, a really fun episode! 

Rating: 8/10

Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS

"The salvage of a lifetime."

Writer: Steve Thompson

Format: TV

Broadcast: 27 April 2013

Series: 7.10

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara

Synopsis

The Doctor's TARDIS captured by brothers running a salvage company in space. In the process, Clara gets lost inside the time machine. To save her, the Doctor promises the brothers they can have the TARDIS if they'll help search for his missing companion. They agree, only to find that what lies at the centre of the TARDIS could kill them all...

Verdict

Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS was an excellent episode to continue our way through the modern era rewatch! This is an exciting episode for me as I'm a huge fan of going beyond the console room when it comes to the TARDIS. It was a rather unique take in The Invasion of Time and it was done very well in The Doctor's Wife, but this is probably the most extensive look at the time and space machine. It's a little too corridor-filled for my liking, but that doesn't make it any less interesting. I think the premise is tremendous and the title is a fun play on words that works well. It's not the most traditional of episodes in getting there and not what I expected when I first watched it on broadcast, but it provides a threat outside of the time leakage which is strong. I think the different aspects of the TARDIS we see are tremendous and it works well to have Clara separated and stranded within. That goes even harder with how the episode starts and the Doctor trying to get his time machine and companion to get along. It was told to him last time out in Hide that Clara was just an ordinary woman, but the TARDIS appears to know better. There's clearly something wrong with her when it comes to time and that's to be expected given what we have seen since Asylum of the Daleks onwards. I thought it was brilliant that with the threat of death on the way to the heart of the TARDIS at the engine the Doctor addressed this. I was a little surprised that he was so confrontational given the hugging the pair have done since she arrived as companion in The Bells of Saint John, but it was good to address things. She was scared and that was a really innocent moment. We've seen Clara with such bravado and confidence in her first few adventures, but here she definitely did feel vulnerable. I mean, being chased by time zombies in an infinite time and space ship that is constantly reconfiguring itself is hardly unwarranted for that. The directing for the time zombies was good and I liked that there was never focus on them for more than a second or so. That kept them mysterious and scary. Their speed was a surprise and it was a good bit of intrigue to keep me guessing when the Doctor knew what, or more importantly, who they were. This is quite a unique version of a Clara death but it sparks his aforementioned confrontation so I'm all for it. I thought the time leakage within the TARDIS being mostly contained to recent history was understandable but I would love that if this would be novelised that we'd dive further back. The little echoes at the console going back to the likes of Susan and the Ninth Doctor were a lovely treat. It's a stark reminder of the extensive history this machine has! The Doctor's relationship with it is obviously so important, so the surprise I had when he set it to self destruct showed how much he cared for Clara. The line about her being the salvage of a lifetime he'd referred to whilst the brothers thought he had meant the ship was sensational. That's the Doctor showing compassion for his companion. I loved that. The comedy that came from the Doctor announcing the self destruct was a fake worked brilliantly and the line about having to do the face was terrific. Matt Smith really can go from comic goof to incredibly serious with apparent ease. The imagery of the TARDIS engine in explosion was fascinating and I like the link back to the moment of the tear to put things back in place. The Doctor realising that Clara really is just ordinary girl Clara is poignant and it's nice for him to embrace her, and for her to appreciate and love the hug. She needed it after everything she went through! I'd love to get a copy of the book telling the history of the Time War, and just what did Clara see? Perhaps foreshadowing events to come with the War Doctor? I like it a lot. Overall, a terrific episode! 

Rating: 9/10

Hide

"Show me the ghost."

Writer: Neil Cross

Format: TV

Broadcast: 20 April 2013

Series: 7.09

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara

Synopsis

Something terrifying is hiding in Caliburn House, and the Doctor finds himself part of the ghost hunt.

Verdict

Hide was a great episode to continue my way through the modern era rewatch! Unfortunately for my partner and I, this became more of something to watch in the background given our familiarity with the series and ongoing home circumstances, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable! Thankfully because it's one I really enjoy, I felt like this was an episode I remembered very well and part of that might also be down to it being subjected to The Fact of Fiction within the pages of Doctor Who Magazine. That's always helpful in reestablishing my memory of an episode because it always goes into such extensive detail (probably too much at times!). I am a huge fan of the character of Emma and her ability as a psychic empath was fascinating to explore. It's obviously perfect for Doctor Who and I really enjoyed seeing her character develop and go through excruciating pain over the course of the story. Jessica Raine is such a strong actress and I'm a huge fan of the performance here. She's full of emotion when it comes to showcasing the pain to use her powers to reach what she believes might be a ghost. But this is no ordinary ghost. This is a ghost in need of help. I thought the slow way the apparition went from looking featureless to actually being a woman was great stuff. The arrival of the Doctor and Clara to Caliburn House was excellent and the setting in of itself is just marvellous. You can't beat a haunted house and the 1970s just feels absolutely right. The technology in use feels perfect for this kind of horror-based episode. It certainly has its moments of being scary, but I think the main selling point is definitely the eery atmosphere. The moment in particular where Clara says the Doctor doesn't need to hold her hand despite the scary situation and then clumsily waves about his two hands to show that he isn't is magnificent. Matt Smith is playing the comic clown here but at the same time can shift that to being oh so serious. His true intentions of arriving at Caliburn House were to get a read on Clara. He's disappointed to learn that she is just an ordinary girl. She's more scared than she's letting on which is intriguing as she presents quite the front and even more so moving forward as her companion journey continues, whilst she gets a warning from Emma about the Doctor. She shouldn't blindly trust him and I like how these subtle moments really carried the story arc for the series forward. The relationship between Emma and Alec was sweet but by the end it did get a little annoying I must admit. The pair were obviously smitten and the former was trying to bring it out of the latter, but he was so hesitant. He didn't need to be a psychic empath to know what she was thinking. He got there eventually which was the main thing but it was like pulling teeth at times! Clara's question to the Doctor of when they were going was fun stuff and the journey to rescue the woman who turned out to be Emma's ancestor was strong action. The way he revealed their familial link was also typical Doctor fashion which I loved. I think the love story of the Crooked Man is fine and rightly isn't the main focus, although I'm not a huge fan of the Doctor going back at the end after Emma is recovered after quite the ordeal. I'm not sure borrowing her is the right term, but the shark analogy to find the truth was actually strong. Overall, a very entertaining episode with the best kind of atmosphere and feel!

Rating: 8/10

Cold War

"It's a big green man from Mars."

Writer: Mark Gatiss

Format: TV

Broadcast: 13 April 2013

Series: 7.08

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara

Synopsis

The Doctor and Clara land on a submarine in 1983 as it spirals into the depths of the ocean with a loose alien creature on board. An Ice Warrior returns...

Verdict

Cold War was a decent episode to continue our way through the modern era rewatch! Series 7 is in full flow by this point and Clara has reached a point as companion where she is very much established whilst still possessing that feeling of wonder and newness. It's a good place to be. I thought placing her on an underwater submarine amidst the Cold War was brave and her first experience was rather an eventful one as she got absolutely soaked. This wasn't something that wholly pleased my partner sitting alongside me as she quickly commented that Clara was the only female present and she was rather scantily clad in terms of her attire. Obviously, the intention was to be pleasing on the eye and they certainly didn't fail, but it's why I love watching alongside somebody as ignorantly that's something I hadn't noticed or considered before. She wasn't a fan of the episode at all and gave it a 3 as a rating which I think is pretty harsh! I don't think I've ever given a televised adventure a rating as low as that. I was so excited by the prospect of this episode when it was broadcast over eleven years ago now as I had been longing for the Ice Warriors to return. I absolutely love The Ice Warriors and The Seeds of Death is certainly one of my all time favourites. I think the redesign of the armour is impressive and has a good modern twist which makes the natives of Mars look pretty imposing. However, what I can't begin to understand is the intention of taking the creature within out of the casing? And it happens so quickly! For many viewers, this would be their first experience of the Ice Warriors so that wasn't a good move in my opinion. I can appreciate the idea of trying to do something new with them given their iconic status, but when bringing them back from the Classic era for the first time I think it works best to just keep them pure and traditional. That's my main negative about the episode and I'm not wholly fussed on the design of the creature within. It doesn't fit what I know of the Ice Warriors and looks a bit too cartoon and comical. Now, the imposing nature of Skaldak was tremendous and the Doctor's reaction to hearing his name and rank of Grand Marshall said everything we needed to know. This was an Ice Warrior to be feared, so when it was attacked the idiocy was something he couldn't believe. Provoking an Ice Warrior would not end well for humanity! The atmosphere of the submarine setting is great and I really like the call back with having Skaldak found in a block of ice. That's a nice subtle touch and nod to the past. The realisation for Clara of the TARDIS translation circuits kicking in is a fun moment, although it does make her seem a bit presumptuous when conversing in English during The Rings of Akahten. I thought Clara more than held her own and to the crew on the submarine they were quite impressed with her Russian! The Ice Warriors getting involved in something called the Cold War is a fun play on words and really fitting for their species. The Doctor getting to recall his past with them and how they went way back was lovely too. He almost looked pleased to see one! I'm sure that opinion soon altered. Clara conversing with the creature and realising it wasn't in its casing was good and the way she volunteered for the contact as she didn't smell of soldier was good fun. The reaction of the Doctor there was wonderful. Matt Smith is really shining at this point. Skaldak being taken by his own race as they had survived feels like something of a cop out for the finish, and I do think some more impact and danger could have occurred considering the setting. Somehow the stakes never quite felt believable or high enough, but the atmosphere mostly made up for that. Overall, a decent episode but not quite the fitting return for the Ice Warriors I was hoping for. I was hopeful my opinion might change after not watching for a long time, but alas I remain adamant the Ice Warriors should be contained to their armour. Still, a decent episode! 

Rating: 7/10

The Rings of Akhaten

"She's not possible."

Writer: Neil Cross

Format: TV

Broadcast: 6 April 2013

Series: 7.07

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara

Synopsis

Clara Oswald wants to see something awesome, so the Doctor whisks her off to the inhabited rings of the planet Akhaten, where the Festival of Offerings is in full swing. Clara meets the young Queen of Years as the pilgrims and natives ready for the ceremony. But something is stirring in the pyramid and a sacrifice will be demanded.

Verdict

The Rings of Akhaten was a decent episode to continue our way through the seventh series of the modern era! Despite my rating, this is probably the episode I was least looking forward to watching and it doesn't seem to have the best of reputations amongst fandom and I can understand why. It was my first viewing in around a decade so I was actually a little bit surprised by how much I remembered, but let's be honest the actual story is a little bit rubbish. The actual scenes on Akhaten are just filler for me as I was far more interested in the fact that this is Clara's first proper trip in the TARDIS. She very reasonably blanks when asked where and when she would like to go for her first adventure, and wanting to see something awesome sounds like a very good answer! The Doctor would be rubbing his hands at that so coming to the Festival of Offerings certainly had a lot going for it. Clara's face throughout after exiting the TARDIS was a delight as she was just taking it all in. Numerous alien species and the unfamiliar surroundings had her completely enraptured. It was tremendous. I thought the story of how her parents met was beautiful although the line when her dad gives the leaf to her mum was a bit cheesy with the number of times the word exact was used! My partner commented that the writer didn't know how to write romance very well, and if anyone is qualified to make such a comment then it's her as a published author in that genre. I liked it at least, and the importance of the leaf in bringing Clara to the world is actually something that frustrates the Doctor. She should be impossible, but yet she appears completely normal. I thought that being taken further with the TARDIS not liking her was terrific. I thought she showed good companion traits in helping Merry, the Queen of Years, when she was clearly on the run from something that was worrying her. The reassurance she was giving her and linking it back to her own story of getting lost and her mother reassuring her was really nicely done. I liked her reaction as well to hearing the Doctor mentioning visiting their current location previously and with his granddaughter! The image of the First Doctor amongst the crowd featured in this episode had me chuckling as I just couldn't see it. I think the song that was heard on numerous occasions throughout got overplayed and by the end it really was putting me to sleep, and not because of its calming tone or nature. I'd had enough. Thankfully, once Merry was taken by the would-be God, the Doctor was sparked into action. His reassurance to Clara that they didn't walk away was brilliant and his speech of his offerings is what I describe as the defining moment for Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor. It's a monumental performance for that minute or so as he describes all he has seen and felt. From the start and end of the universe to a neat little The Three Doctors reference. It has everything. The whole concept of sentimental objects as currency is actually quite sad because what use are they to others? But Clara using the leaf that she now had in her possession following her mother's death was pretty good. It was the most important leaf in human history as far as she was concerned as not only did it bring her into the world, but it contained a future of unloved days. I thought that was nicely done. The destruction of the god is impressive and the Doctor standing up to it was great, especially after the gaff with the heavy door on the pyramid. The means of getting there were a little unnecessary also. Just use the TARDIS? Anyway, still, a decent enough episode but without the speech which I just adore I think this would match my partner's rating of one mark less. Overall, it has its flaws and does drag, but there's enough there to make it a good episode. 

Rating: 7/10

The Bells of Saint John

"People's souls are being uploaded to the internet."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 30 March 2013

Series: 7.06

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara

Synopsis

The Doctor's search for Clara Oswald brings him to modern-day London, where Wi-Fi is everywhere. Humanity lives in a Wi-Fi soup. But something dangerous is lurking in the signals, picking off minds and imprisoning them. As Clara becomes the target of this insidious menace, the Doctor races to save her and the world from an ancient enemy.

Verdict

The Bells of Saint John was a great episode to kick off the second half of the seventh series within the modern era! This feels like a brand new series and I guess technically it is, and it feels so different already from what we had with Amy and Rory. Clara becomes companion during this episode but given what has happened in setting up her mystery arc in Asylum of the Daleks and The Snowmen, she already feels like the person in that role. We come to the present day rather than the Victorian era with the version of Clara that sadly died in the previous episode, and she’s in a position as a nanny now rather than a governess. I think that’s quite fun and I love the dynamic she has with the Doctor right from the off. There’s instant chemistry and there’s just the right amount of flirting and innuendo. I think it’s great that she refers to the TARDIS as the snogging box and that’s understandable given the frank way the Doctor tries to get her inside. I think doing an episode on the dangers of wifi is great and it’s amazing really that this aired eleven years ago. My girlfriend Gemma mentioned how this story shared similarities with Dot and Bubble given the focus on uploading and the internet, and I couldn’t disagree. I did prefer this one though I must say! It feels very modern which is good and I always remember Steven Moffat describing this episode as somewhere in the middle of his contributions. It’s not bad but it’s not amazing. It’s just there. I don’t think that quite does the story justice as it’s a lot better than that, but I can understand what he meant. I think it’s hilarious that the Doctor genuinely goes into help mode when he gets a call on the TARDIS phone regarding the internet. The mystery of the woman in the shop giving Clara the phone number is fun and I’m delighted that Gemma guessed it as Missy, but she has no memory of how there are multiple versions of Clara. That’s going to be a fun reveal in the finale! I think the spoon heads look pretty freaky and the concept of uploading souls to the internet is terrific. The mystery of the client is strong although the reveal of the Great Intelligence being behind it comes a little too late. I know it leads towards more moving forward in the series, but it could have happened quicker. I’m also not a huge fan of the anti-grab motorcycle sequence up the Shard. Clara deducing where the operations were was sensational though, especially with the Doctor not even being able to hack them. That wasn’t required though! Kizlet as the head of operations being uploaded by the Doctor hacking his own clone was fantastic though and it was clear the entire cloud would be downloaded to save Clara and the rest of the victims. That was neatly done. Kizlet’s reaction once she was uploaded was priceless and she soon stopped caring all about the client and the job at hand. She was concerned with herself only. The restoring of factory settings was intriguing as a means of finality, but I did really enjoy the arrival of UNIT as the clean up crew. The Great Intelligence referencing The Web of Fear as a means of having encountered them was marvellous. I thought Clara’s moment of entering the TARDIS was joyous and I really love that she accepts the offer to travel with the Doctor, just not right away. She’ll wait a day. And the Doctor is excited. He wants to find out who she is! A good journey is about to ensue. Overall, a fine episode to kick off the next half of the series!

Rating: 8/10

The Snowmen

"Tomorrow the snow shall fall and so shall mankind."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 25 December 2012

Series: 2012 Christmas Special

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara, Vastra, Jenny, Strax

Synopsis

After losing Amy and Rory, the Doctor has retired to Victorian England, where Madama Vastra, Jenny and Strax assist him. The Doctor eventually meets Clara and takes a liking to the young barmaid who leads a double life as a governess. At the same time, a sinister plot is unfolding; snowmen at randomly appearing around London, growing in size and power. All they need to take over the world is some human DNA in ice crystal form, and the frozen body of a drowned governess can give them just that. 

Verdict

The Snowmen was just stunning. This was one of the episodes I was most looking forward to rewatching way back when my partner and I started the modern era journey together for the first time, and after a long time coming of getting there this certainly didn't disappoint! I have long stated that this is my favourite of the Christmas Specials and after watching this evening, it's safe to say that this opinion has not altered. I really do think it is festive perfection. It does that whilst being a crucial story to the ongoing arc surrounding the Eleventh Doctor currently. He's still reeling from the events of The Angels Take Manhattan with the loss of Amy and Rory, and he's essentially now sulking in Victorian London. He doesn't want to get involved and he most certainly doesn't want a companion. Of course, we know that's not going to last and that's all down to Clara. Although we have seen Jenna Coleman in Asylum of the Daleks, this is essentially her debut as the companion and it's outrageously good. She captures the essence of a companion right from the off and it's clear that she has all the qualities and materials required. No wonder the Doctor knew! He didn't know why, he only knew who. I thought that was rather beautiful and seeing the shift in his expression from dismay and unhappiness to bright eyes and full of wonder as he wants to show Clara the universe is tremendous. I think it's excellent to include the Paternoster Gang once again and they provide great qualities. Jenny and Vastra get to shine when confronting Simeon in proclaiming themselves married, but the star of the show has to be Strax. I just love him. I do think the Doctor is a little harsh when it comes name calling and insults, but I can understand the frustration. He really would drive me up the wall! The memory worm sequence in particular is outstanding and the moment where he is under the cab and thinks he's been run over because he wasn't wearing the gauntlets was hilarious. Pure comedic brilliance. I just loved it. I thought the return of the Great Intelligence was rather subtle despite the director really focusing on those GI initials on the handout cards. That was really noticeable this time around. I love the snow dome appearance for the Great Intelligence and the link back to The Web of Fear with the 1967 London Underground as a strategic weakness map was delightful. So why does the Doctor not seem to remember them clearly? Surely events on the Underground along with those during The Abominable Snowmen would be ones to stick in the mind? That's always not sat right with me, but it doesn't take away from the episode's brilliance. I love the Great Intelligence as an enemy and having Simeon as the figurehead with an army of Snowmen is glorious. What perfect monsters for a festive story! They looked fantastic too with that evil toothy smile. Simeon just looks miserable throughout which is perfect as well, and even the iced governess looks impressive! Clara passing the one word test is excellent and having the Doctor look at his glasses which were Amy's is so touching. I like how the Great Intelligence tries to use the governess to find physical form, and the fake snow is a superb weapon. I like that things are left unfinished though, especially with what is to come, as the Intelligence lives on in bodiless form. The demise of Simeon is pretty brutal though! I think the reveal of the new TARDIS interior, which is one of my very favourites, is a beautiful moment and it's fun to see the Doctor showing off. Clara going up on the cloud was great, but the fall at the hands of the iced governess is extraordinary. The universe isn't fair and Clara dies which really sends the Doctor reeling. He is angered and she must survive, but doesn't. But that sets off a spark because he realises she is also soufflé girl from the Dalek asylum. A mystery at foot and he is right back into boyish grins. He knows Clara is out there and he's going to find her. Run you clever boy and remember, indeed. Overall, a sublime special!

Rating: 10/10

The Angels Take Manhattan

"You don't believe statues can move."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 29 September 2012

Series: 7.05

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Amy, Rory, River

Synopsis

A simple trip to 2012 New York goes horribly wrong when Rory is sent back to the 1930s by the Weeping Angels. There, he finds that his daughter, River Song, is investigating the Angels and Manhattan has become their hunting ground. The Doctor and Amy must find Rory before it's too late, but they soon find that not every point in time can be changed. And here, the Doctor must face the one thing he has been dreading – a final farewell to the Ponds. 

Verdict

The Angels Take Manhattan was an outstanding episode to conclude the first half of the seventh series of Doctor Who's modern era! After two-and-a-half series, we bid a fond farewell to Amy and Rory as companions and it's quite fitting that they go out together. Now, I'm going to sound contradictory here because my rating is one of perfection, but I can't wrap my head around the Doctor not being able to go back and visit Amy and Rory. I fully appreciate the difficulties of the TARDIS being able to land in New York given its significance as a city, but surely he could just land elsewhere in the States and commute on a train to where they were? That always feels a little off. I thought the build throughout the episode was superb though. It's ominous right from the off and the atmosphere is downright chilling. I was also a huge fan of the directing because it definitely helped with the eery tone of the episode. We know before watching that Amy and Rory are going to depart, but the suspense is always there. The Winter Quay as a farm for the Weeping Angels is a tremendous concept and I love the they just keep feeding on the same people across time. It was also excellent to not mess around or build towards the Weeping Angels arriving. They were there for all to see and in this episode we had them in numerous forms. The cherubs were very freaky and that mischievous laugh when Rory is getting coffees is downright frightening. The very idea of baby Angels is scary in its own right, but then we also have the granddaddy of them all in the form of the Statue of Liberty! That's an audacious move that absolutely pays off and I still can't believe I haven't purchased the Eaglemoss figurine of it. It's high on my wish list now after watching the episode again for the first time in a decade. The Doctor doing some final checks before meeting River is lovely and I like that he wants to impress. The chemistry between Smith and Kingston is palpable and I do wish that River would travel with him as he requested at the end. They just absolutely nail it together. The pondering on the ending of The Wedding of River Song with the Doctor erasing himself from records and therefore the man River killed not actually existing was very fun. She was no longer contained to Stormcage and was now a Professor. She was going up in the world! I absolutely adore the use of the book in showing what will come in the future and the parallels with what the Doctor and Amy were experiencing after Rory was sent back in time was just fantastic stuff. It was marvellous when it could have become a mess. The yowzah link to land in 1938 was fun stuff too. Seeing the older version of Rory die after seeing Amy after so long was heartbreaking stuff and the inner battle the Doctor was going through throughout the episode about fixed time was incredibly powerful. That was seen here as Rory had died, but River lying about not breaking her wrist to free herself of the Angel's grip was sensational. The use of regeneration energy to heal it doesn't exactly tie up with what will come in The Time of the Doctor as the Doctor is in his last regeneration now, and I thought River could have been a little more grateful! The ending and jump from Rory and Amy is incredible stuff as they do it together and the touch of having the Doctor witness them make the plunge makes it as good as it is. The paradox works in killing off the Angels, but one survivor causes so much pain. Rory gets taken back after seeing a gravestone with his own name, and Amy takes the risk of going back with him. The Doctor running for the last page is lovely as he gets a sort of goodbye with Amy, and I like how both she and River insist that the Doctor doesn't travel alone. He needs somebody and that's a good way of looking forward for what's to come. Overall though, emotional, chilling and just excellent. A tremendous mid-series finale! 

Rating: 10/10

The Power of Three

"Invasion of the very small cubes."

Writer: Chris Chibnall

Format: TV

Broadcast: 22 September 2012

Series: 7.04

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Amy, Rory

Synopsis

There have been ways to invade Earth, and the Doctor has seen them all – or so he always thought. And then the human race wakes up one morning and discovers the world has been overrun by small cubes, which then proceed to do nothing at all. A plan is afoot, humanity is endangered but by what, and how, and above all, when? The Year of the Slow Invasion has thus begun. 

Verdict

The Power of Three was a great episode to continue the modern era rewatch with Series 7! Whilst this series is spread out in two parts, they do have a distinct feeling of being separate and with that in mind we reach the penultimate episode for Amy and Rory. My partner Gemma hadn’t quite realised how quickly we have reached this point and she was quick to comment on the amount of foreshadowing in this episode. That was really good and whilst I’m not a huge fan of Amy and Rory preferring the mundane reality of a normal life to that of the TARDIS, it’s good to build towards their departure. Rory in particular really does seem disinterested in the Doctor’s lifestyle now and much more interested in his own job. Given his profession and the way he can help people that’s understandable, but he feels like he’s doing it in an on the nose way. He’s almost confrontational towards the Doctor when he’s annoyed at the slowness of real life which felt a little off. I wasn’t a huge fan, but at the same time I can appreciate the injection of realism. The concept of a slow invasion is really good and the simplicity of numerous black cubes all bearing the same look and physical makeup was fantastic. They just come and do nothing. And that frustrated the Doctor spectacularly. I thought this was a stellar performance from Matt Smith as the Doctor because he was able to go from the frustration of waiting around for the cubes to do something, to then confronting the Shakri in defiant defence of the human race. I think this story could have done with being a two-parter in all honesty as it does feel that we don’t enough time with the Shakri as by the time they’re revealed it’s time to defeat them! I loved how the Doctor thought they were a myth and actually used as a bedtime threat for the Time Lord children. His quick retort about the werewolf in your grandma’s dress for Little Red Riding Hood was excellent. I thought the debut of Kate Stewart here was wonderful and it’s so fun to rewatch this after seeing how far she has come with the Doctor now. Hell, she’s head of UNIT at a time where we’re getting them involved in a brand new spinoff series! She looks so young here as the Head of Science, but she holds her own with the Doctor. They honour the Brigadier spectacularly and I like how she is amazed by how good the Doctor is. I mean that’s understandable given that the Doctor essentially resurrects a third of the human race! The purpose of the cubes in causing cardiac problems was brutal but it provided strong comedy when one of the Doctor’s hearts stopped. That was tremendous. I thought the conclusion was a little quick but it was rather triumphant also for the human race to walk again. That wouldn’t be a contagion destroyed before they could colonise space as the Shakri wanted. Overall, a great episode! 

Rating: 8/10

A Town Called Mercy

"Make peace with your gods."

Writer: Toby Whithouse

Format: TV

Broadcast: 15 September 2012

Series: 7.03

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Amy, Rory

Synopsis

The Doctor gets a Stetson and a gun, and finds himself the reluctant sheriff of a Western town under siege by a relentless cyborg, who goes by the name of the Gunslinger. Who is he, and what does he want? The answer seems to lie with the mysterious Kahler-Jex, an alien doctor whose initial appearance is hiding a dark secret.

Verdict

A Town Called Mercy was a pretty average episode of Doctor Who as we continue our rewatch of the modern era! Well, it's been a decade since I last watched this particular adventure and unfortunately I cans safely say that it has gone way down in my estimation. I was not a huge fan which is a shame and whilst there were some good bits as my (generous) rating reflects, this now ranks as my least favourite Eleventh Doctor story. I've long claimed this to be Night Terrors, but this absolutely takes it. I'm not a big fan of the Wild West setting in the first place and that's a big reason as to why I usually consider The Gunfighters as my all time least favourite televised adventure. It just doesn't work for me and I don't really see the appeal. I did though think the Doctor's arrival into the saloon and the humour he had with the toothpick was magnificent. That was so perfect of this incarnation and his interaction with everyone and everything was undoubtedly the story's highlight for me. I thought some of the directing was also a little questionable which is not something I usually pick up on, or am not usually at least bothered by, but it was very jumpy on numerous occasions. I think the design behind Kahler-Tek is actually pretty good and he undoubtedly looks imposing and impressive, but it feels a bit of a let down that he's not actually the villain of the piece. Sure, he's a killer but it's not exactly his fault. That all goes down to Kahler-Jex who was not a cyborg and just an ordinary doctor on the Kahler world. I am not sure if it's because the actor played Pete in Gavin & Stacey but I just couldn't buy him as the true enemy. The Doctor's reaction when he sees the truth of his part in the war inside his ship is brilliant when confronting him, but it doesn't seem right that he would just send him off to the Gunslinger's hands to perish. Amy wasn't having that and knew they needed to be better. She was decent here and I liked that she was considered the Deputy Sheriff once the Doctor was installed following Isaac's death. Rory on the other hand may as well have stayed in the TARDIS. He offered very little which is a big shame. He could have been much more utilised here. Isaac being on the side of Tek because of his medical aid and provision of electricity was great but I was surprised he took the bullet for him! Appointing the Doctor as Marshall was good stuff and always bound to happen, and of course he'd wear a stetson now! It suited him. I thought the visual effects of seeing within the cyborg's point of view were a strong element and gave the episode something of a unique feeling in parts, and the history behind Ted was an emotional one. I thought it was particularly telling when he stopped his ambush and destruction because he saw the effect it had on a young girl. The significance of the barrier at the town of Mercy seemed a little odd and not exactly impenetrable, but it was nice to have some boundaries that's for sure. The way the locals get Jex back to his ship and over the boundary with the face effect of the Kohler people was quite clever, although it was pretty predictable what was going to happen once he got there. He was always going to initiate the self destruct and take himself out to stop more ceaseless killings. But the little addition at the end of Kahler-Tek becoming the sheriff felt a little forced and more than cheesy. I wasn't a fan. Overall, some good humour and decent elements, but despite my rating I can't help but feel a little disappointed by the episode. 

Rating: 6/10

Dinosaurs on a Spaceship

"Move away from the pterodactyls!"

Writer: Chris Chibnall

Format: TV

Broadcast: 8 September 2012

Series: 7.02

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Amy, Rory

Synopsis

An unmanned spaceship hurtles towards certain destruction. Only the Doctor can save it, along with its impossible cargo of dinosaurs. By his side are a ragtag gang of adventurers: a big game hunter, an Egyptian queen and a surprised member of the Pond family. But little does the Doctor know that there is someone else onboard who will stop at nothing to keep hold of his precious, prehistoric cargo. 

Verdict

Dinosaurs on a Spaceship was a decent episode to continue our way through the modern era rewatch! It's been around a decade since I last watched this particularly adventure which is almost baffling and does make me feel quite old, but I have a completely different perspective. Of course, this is written by Chris Chibnall and since the time of broadcast he has gone onto become the show runner and oversee the entire Thirteenth Doctor era, and created some controversy in the meantime! This didn't feel like a traditional Chibnall episode that we became used to during his era which was good, although he does seem to like a crowded TARDIS doesn't he! I did like how the episode started with the frisky aftermath between the Doctor and Queen Nefertiti, and whilst I did think she was welcomed on board the TARDIS, the same couldn't exactly be said for Riddell. He didn't seem like the kind of company the Doctor would keep and I'm not sure why he'd want to get friendly with someone so willing to kill the dinosaurs! The chemistry between Riddell and Nefertiti was good though and I loved how Amy had taken the role of seniority and didn't want flirty companions. That was amusing stuff. Of course, the true comedic value of the episode was in Brian. He was a fantastic character and the way he adjusted and reacted to being kidnapped in the TARDIS was hilarious. The Doctor confronting him at first was brilliant and typically great humour of the eleventh incarnation. He was quite shocked to see that Rory had brought his dad, but of course it wasn't exactly by choice. He was no taxi service! I think the title of this episode is obviously an appealing one for the younger fans and as a father of a three-year-old boy now, I had a much better appreciation for that. Our Albie is obsessed with dinosaurs and I found myself naming them right away as they appeared on screen. I think it's good that they're limited and the much more interesting story is the fact the TARDIS had landed on a Silurian ark. That was such an exciting concept. Solomon as the villain was just monstrous and a horrible man which was of course the intention, and he meets his fate quite fittingly. The way the Doctor confronts Solomon and reacts to his violence is excellent. It was never going to end well for the man concerned with nothing but riches and his own selfish profits. The chilling way in which Solomon reveals he sent the sleeping Silurians out of the airlock was horrifying and the Doctor's reaction said it all really. I wasn't a huge fan of the robots that Solomon had doing his bidding as they weren't that funny and it bordered on being just a little too childish. Solomon wanting Nefertiti in return for the lives of everyone else was quite something and I appreciated her sacrifice, but she was rescued rather fittingly and saw the ship destroyed taking Solomon with it to his deserved demise. So much for having his legs fixed! Brian getting a sense of adventure after this outing was good stuff and I was quite jealous of the locations he'd visited! Overall, a decent episode as a whole despite some minor flaws. 

Rating: 7/10

Asylum of the Daleks

"You will save the Daleks."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 1 September 2012

Series: 7.01

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Amy, Rory

Synopsis

The Doctor and his friends must escape from a planetary prison and the dangerous convicts within, but Rory becomes separated from the Doctor and Amy as disaster strikes. And who's the soufflé girl?

Verdict

Asylum of the Daleks was an excellent episode to kick off the seventh series of the modern era of Doctor Who! I am very excited to reach this point in the series because it has been, to my knowledge, around a decade since I last watched this episode which for a modern era instalment is an awfully long time for me. Doctor Who is and always will be my comfort show and before I discovered the world of extended media around the time I started this blog in 2013, I would rewatch endlessly the modern era. On paper, this is right up my alley with the numerous designs of Daleks featuring within the Asylum. I think it's a fun concept and I love the moment where the Doctor can proudly proclaim that the Daleks are scared of something of their own creation. Versions of their own kind gone wrong or mad. It's tremendous. I like how this sees the return of the more traditional gold Daleks and moves away from the Paradigm design established in Victory of the Daleks. They work well enough here as minimal elements in an entire Dalek Parliament, and the Prime Minister is very cool! It's a fantastic design and I'm all for giving us new kinds of Daleks. Even if it's just for the figurines. The number of designs I have of Daleks now is not far off a hundred and I hope they keep coming. I proudly own the Dalek Prime Minister and a few Daleks from within the Asylum which is tremendous. It's an easy marketing opportunity and I'm all for it being exploited. I think this is such a brilliant introduction for Jenna Coleman and whilst she's not quite playing her companion of Clara, the mystery of Oswin starts with a bang. It's brilliant stuff. I love that she's within a Dalek and it's such an emotional revelation. She's so much fun throughout and the chemistry she has with the Doctor just from mere telecommunication means she's perfect to be a companion, but she won't quite make it. The truth of her creating a dream for herself because the truth was just too hurtful was powerful stuff and I think it's heartbreaking that what seems like a comedic throwaway line at the start about where Oswin gets the milk for her soufflés actually becomes crucial. Where could she actually get the milk in the middle of a Dalek asylum? The Daleks simply needed her genius so they converted her fully into one of their kind. That's not exactly pure, but we saw the humans under Dalek control through the freaky eyestalks within the forehead! That's a new development that adds some fear. Getting glimpses of the Special Weapons Dalek in particular was a real highlight for me but just spotting the early Daleks, particularly those from the 1960s, was an absolute delight. One thing I don't enjoy about this episode is the whole storyline surrounding Amy and Rory. There's no feasible way I can ever believe that they would break up and whilst it is a little harsh for Rory to claim he loves her more than she did to him, it was equally not right of her to give him because he wanted kids that she couldn't give him without having a conversation. There are many other options! Rory didn't deserve that. I'm glad they see sense by the end and up in quite a passionate kiss, but for me it's a bitter pill to be kicking off a series with. Oswin actually deleting the Doctor from the Dalek path web is impressive and it really does give the Doctor an upper hand now when it comes to confronting his old enemies. I'm not sure I'm a huge fan of the Daleks forgetting their greatest enemy, but the Doctor relishes it! He just leaves and keeps the Dalek Parliament guessing on who he is and his significance. That's fun stuff. Overall, there's just so much going on and this does a good job of making the Daleks scary again. A fantastic series opener! 

Rating: 9/10

Apocrypha Bipedium

"I come from the future and know all sorts of things."

Writer: Ian Potter

Format: Short Story

Released: April 2003

Printed in: Short Trips: Companions 04

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Charley, Vicki

Synopsis

Adventures in time and space are no fun if there's no one to share them. the Doctor has taken along many people on his travels – humans, aliens and robots. Did he really care for any of them? What in their previous life fitted them for the role of companion – and how did they cope after they left the TARDIS?

These seventeen stories look at the Doctor's trusty companions, before, during and after their travels with the eccentric Time Lord. Discover the truth about Romana's regeneration, find out what happened when Zoe encountered the Doctor again, and learn which of his companions the Doctor cared for the most...

Verdict

Apocrypha Bipedium was an average little story to continue my way through the Companions volume of Short Trips! This was certainly an intriguing little tale and whilst on paper the ingredients all seemed very positive and very good, the format is probably the main thing that I had an issue with. Using source material as a means of storytelling is not new in these kind of releases, but for whatever reason it just didn’t quite click for me. It felt overlapping and confusing. I thought the jumping back and forth with numerous sources being just from one of the main character’s perspective was a little off putting. I’d have much preferred if each source was more varied. It was only really the point of view of young Shakespeare that was what I liked because of how different it was. I thought it was quite fun to have him as his younger self on his travels with the Eighth Doctor and Charley, playing nicely into the events of The Time of the Daleks. It seems a very long time now since I listened to that adventure early on in the Eighth Doctor and Charley run, but its impact is certainly long lasting. The use of the format as if it was a play was the best one by a country mile and I really appreciated that things rhymed. If the entire story was like that then I’d be well into it! Alas, it was not to be. I thought the other sources from the perspective of the Doctor, Charley and Vicki were less impactful. That was particularly the case for the former as I don’t think his voice was well captured in the prose. It didn’t feel like a diary extract or anything close for the Doctor. I wasn’t all that more impressed with Charley’s diary either, and the insistence on calling it a dairy got tiresome very quickly. Now, the inclusion of Vicki was terrific and I thought the central premise for her character here was a delight. I loved that she was older now but saw the Eighth Doctor’s arrival as a younger version of the Doctor she knew. Of course, the First Doctor is considerably younger than the version in this story and having the Eighth refer to his elderly incarnation as being young was very fun. The Doctor’s efforts to prevent a bootstrap paradox was fun and it was clear that he was never going to succeed. He basically gave up by the end which was amusing. The Time Lord inclusion of the source material from Flavia disapproved which was good, although some of the language throughout was lacking. The Doctor referring to the time and space visualiser as the telly didn’t seem correct, although I did like the continuity from The Chase in having the Doctor worry about the fact Vicki had seen Shakespeare on the screen. Going beyond The Myth Makers for Vicki was lovely and it was fun for the legends to have her in love with Diomede as that’s who Steven claimed to be during that story! The Doctor questioning her about their relationship was unexpected and it seems like it was something that had happened on numerous occasions with her reaction! She insisted there was no romance there. I was also shocked that the Doctor kissed Charley to basically shut her up. That felt awfully out of character despite what happened in The Movie with Grace. I liked that this was a pure historical and essentially served as a reunion and little catch up for the Doctor with an old companion, but for me the format needed to be better. It was trying too hard to be funny and just came across a little clunky for my liking despite a strong idea at heart. A worthy read nonetheless. 

Rating: 6/20

Mission to the Known

"Daleks don't listen to pleas for mercy."

Writer: James Goss

Format: Short Story

Released: December 2020

Printed in: Eaglemoss TLV 02

Featuring: Dalek Time Commander

Synopsis

The Dalek Emperor hopes to exploit the presence of the Dalek Time Commander and a Dalek Scientist in the Dark Times with an audacious mission.

Verdict

Mission to the Known was an excellent short story! This serves as a quick follow up from a personal perspective to The Last Message that kicked off these Time Lord Victorious shorts within the Eaglemoss figurine range. The booklets that accompany the figures to me are usually secondary and that makes sense given the price paid. I wouldn't be forking out the money I did for the two figurines here for a four-page short story! That would be crazy. However, this was the cheapest of the two sets that I managed to pick up boxed on eBay for a mere £15 which I believe is actually less than the RRP on release date four years ago. Good things come to those who wait and all that. However, it does appear that the third Dalek pairing from Eaglemoss in the Time Lord Victorious range is the rarest of the bunch and is going for some startlingly high prices on the resell market at the moment! Hopefully one day I will be able to purchase for a reasonable price as I think the Daleks within that are incredible figurines. I also have a sense of completeness required now when it comes to the Time Lord Victorious range. Whilst I do think the golden domed Emperor Dalek of the previous set is the main event and highlight piece, I really do like the Dalek Scientist in this set. It goes under the radar but that claw and the red paint job make for a stellar little Dalek in the collection. The story at hand here was absolutely tremendous and I'd have loved for it to be longer. There are still a couple of dodgy grammar and spelling errors that a simple editing job would have prevented which is slightly irksome, but this was excellent on the whole. It really tapped into the setting of the Dark Times with its potential there for all to see. It tied in nicely with the wider continuity in mentioning the Doctor having reluctantly brought them there, but now the Emperor had a mission for the Time Commander and Scientist. And boy was it a doozy! I think the title of the story alone is terrific and a really fun play on words. Of course, Mission to the Unknown is sadly missing from the BBC Archives but I feel like it is complete with the University of Central Lancashire remake that occurred a few years ago. That was outstanding. Despite the play on words, this is essentially a reverse of the opening scenes of Genesis of the Daleks. The Emperor foresees a time where the Time Lords unite the universe against the Daleks and so with two of their guard now being in the Dark Times, it was time to stop them at a point before their evolution. It's a shame we don't get a 'Genesis of the Time Lords' in the range but that story has been told, albeit without any reference to Dalek interference. Maybe one day? Although just setting it up here was exciting. The potential! I thought it was fun for the Time Commander and Scientist to feel a sense of surprise despite it not being something that the Daleks possess the ability for. There was a sense of excitement despite the simple nature of their standard 'I obey' reply. I did like the All Flesh is Grass continuity and the Daleks testing genetic material was very nicely done. Overall, not a lot to complain about for me! A really solid read. I look forward to eventually completing the Dalek set at some point in the future, but for now a great read! 

Rating: 9/10

The Great Beyond

"How do you escape from a prison that's always evolving?"

Writer: James Kettle

Format: Audio

Released: September 2024

Series: Fifth Doctor Adventures 08

Featuring: Fifth Doctor, Adric, Nyssa, Tegan

Synopsis

The Doctor has been sent to Beyond – for the rest of his natural lives.

In the years after a devastating intergalactic war, a prison facility was set up on a distant planet. To preserve the fragile peace, the most dangerous former combatants are sentenced to life in Beyond. Like the notorious Starclair sisters, whose involvement on both sides of the war is the stuff of legend – as well as a certain Time Lord with a reputation for interfering in things that don't concern them. 

But there's something else on the planet too. Something that adds an infinite variety of agony to a life sentence on Beyond, and makes the inmates wish for the relative comfort of death. Because what's coming to those who stay too long in Beyond is almost too hideous to contemplate. Alive and conscious, deprived of your senses and all movement. Just locked in, alone in a darkness that lasts forever.

Verdict

The Great Beyond was a bit of an average story to continue the ongoing releases of the Fifth Doctor Adventures. I must admit that I find it difficult to get excited about there only being one story that takes up an entire release as I prefer variety and just more stories. I would much prefer three stories comprising an hour as that feels like more of a series, whereas this just feels like a bit of a long Monthly Adventure. And it was a little too long by the end. I think the idea on paper is strong and the first part in particular worked really well. I loved the idea of the Doctor, Adric, Nyssa and Tegan already being contained within the galactic prison that was Beyond. It sounded ominous and a name like that made it enticing. The fact that nearly everyone there was begging for execution was also rather incredible, but I didn't really think I got anything that sold that communal feeling. I think the story definitely needed more of a darker vibe and whilst it was good to have Tegan forgotten by her fellow TARDIS crew, I felt that was resolved far too early for a six parter. It turned out to be some clever trickery from the Doctor as a sort of defence mechanism which would have been fine but we should have built more towards getting her remembered. I do think this adventure would have worked better with a smaller cast of main characters as there wasn't always a lot for each character to do. Adric in particular didn't feel like was offering too much physically and was just there for some quick intelligent remarks. I did think the cliffhangers were very strong in this story which is a huge positive as whilst I did think it went a bit long in terms of duration, they kept me wanting to come back. Hearing the Doctor like we never have before when fear itself had consumed him was excellent. We never really hear the Doctor in a vulnerable state like that so that worked really well for me. The world in which Beyond existed was good and I liked the situation that the Starclair sisters had found themselves in socially. There were conflicting views on everything and that was a good situation to throw the TARDIS team into. I like the idea of the evolving prison and it was put into perspective with the Doctor even questioning how you could escape it when it was constantly evolving. Walls added, corridors going missing and doors all over the shop. I think the visuals there were brilliant. Again, somehow with the length I thought more trepidation could have been created regarding the constant changes. Ivan was a strong character and I'm not sure why but when his significance to Beyond was revealed it felt like his name was on constant repeat! It was uncanny but of course not a problem. I did think it was a little predictable to have Beyond as actually being an organism and there before its guards which was a bit of a shame. I'm not sure why but I just knew it was coming and it wasn't a shocking reveal. I like the concept and it did work relatively well, but it was built as something when I was anticipating it anyway. I thought the discussions in part six between the Doctor and Beyond were a little off and never felt like they were clicking for whatever reason. I also thought things dragged on a little with a couple of false finishes towards the conclusion. There was definitely a sense of lingering. For whatever reason despite a strong idea at its heart, this didn't wholly appease my appetite. More focus on the Doctor being imprisoned and actually having a reason or being framed rather than a simple lure would have been better. Still, a decent listen. 

Rating: 6/10

The Stuff of Legend

"Only the light can bind the darkness."

Writer: Robert Valentine

Format: Audio

Released: September 2024

Series: Eighth Doctor Adventures Special

Featuring: Eighth Doctor, Charley

Synopsis

Something is afoot in the lonely Cornish village of Merrymaid Bay. Rumours of dead men working in the tin mines have sent a chill through the community, and it's up to the Doctor and Charley to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Can the legends of the Bucca that haunts the mines be true? And just what awesome power do the Doctor's greatest enemies – the Daleks! – threaten to unleash upon the universe?

Verdict

The Stuff of Legend was an excellent special story for the Eighth Doctor Adventures! I must admit I was disappointed not to be in a position to be able to attend the live performance of this adventure in London, but with the finances involved in getting to the capital along with childcare responsibilities, it unfortunately just wasn't going to be possible. But it looked like so much fun! Just seeing that image of Paul McGann in his late Eighth Doctor regalia and India Fisher in the background as Charley with them inside the iconic TARDIS police box was spectacular. They're one of my all time favourite pairings so to see them get to perform in front of an audience was a real treat. I do hope there are more of this kind of thing in the future as I would definitely try again. A different location would be tremendous. I am fascinated after hearing this studio version how the performance would have played out, but the story itself is rather excellent. I mean, a combination of both the Daleks and the Master is always going to appeal to me and I was quite impressed with how separate both parties were made to be. That worked well. This wasn't an alliance and it actually had the Master helping the Doctor slightly towards the end. I thought the Cornwall setting with Merrymaid Bay was brilliant and I absolutely adored the Doctor's reference to The Smugglers and his encounter with Captain Pike. That was really nicely done and a fun little serial to comment back upon. The missing men within the village turning out to be Robomen within mines was a really strong reveal and with The Dalek Invasion of Earth holding a special place in my fandom heart as the first First Doctor story I watched, I'm a sucker for them returning. They sounded really strong as well and their whole role in the story felt very much in line with their first appearance given the mine placement. That worked well. I thought the reveal of the Master at the cliffhanger was a fun moment and his disguise being in the form of the Cornish word for his name was great stuff. What else would it be? Hearing Alex Macqueen again is excellent and his performance here was chilling as you would hope for this villain. The reactions of Charley and Emily when the name meant nothing to them at the start of the second part was a magnificent moment that I appreciated so much. The Master didn't quite know what to make of that! He soon learned of the Doctor's presence and that they were his latest playthings, but he was more surprised to find Daleks present. Charles getting to reveal that to the Doctor later was terrific. I thought the suggestion of the Master being the Doctor's brother was actually rather monumental as the latter didn't dispute it whilst also not actually admitting it. It was like Planet of Fire all over again with the ambiguity and not quite telling us! I'm not sure if I have viewed them that way, but I could certainly see it and I wouldn't be disappointed if that ever did get confirmed. I thought the narration from the older Emily was a nice touch and definitely gave a bit more credence to the title. It felt like a story and I'm sure that would have worked well in the live performance. It certainly seemed an aspect of the story specifically with that in mind which was good. The TARDIS arriving to greet her there at the end after a long way away was a lovely little way to conclude. I liked the threat of the Daleks harnessing the telluric field of the Earth and the power it would yield over the planet was explained well. I appreciated the danger and the horror reaction of the suggestion to potentially remove it as well as control it was fantastic. The Master's TARDIS at the end being disguised as the iron maiden was simply wonderful and a fine means of escape just when it seemed like he had finally perished. That was terrifically done. Overall, a really strong story! Befitting of a live performance with some stellar ingredients! 

Rating: 9/10