Doctor Who and the Keys of Marinus

"One of the outer casings was pushed open and a shiny black hand emerged, its webbed fingers clawing the air for support. The Voord invasion of Marinus had begun."

Author: Philip Hinchcliffe

Format: Novel

Released: 21st August 1980

Series: Target 38

Featuring: First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara

Synopsis 

MARINUS

a remote force-shielded island set in a sea of acid, governed by 

THE CONSCIENCE 

the ultimate computer which rules and balances the gentle life of Marinus, guarded by 

ARBITAN THE KEEPER

ruthless protector of a peace-loving race threatened by 

YARTEK

Warlord of the brutal sub-human Voords, sworn enemy of Arbitan and of Marinus, who was within his grasp 

THE KEYS OF MARINUS

the Conscience's vital micro-circuits, the doors of good and evil. 

Can the Doctor find the hidden circuits in time? Arbitan's command was 'Find them, OR DIE!'

Verdict 

Doctor Who and the Keys of Marinus was an absolute pleasure to read today. Based on one of my all time favourite Classic serials, I knew this was going to be good and I wasn't left disappointed at all. It was a nice relaxed read that I did with a smile on my face at what was coming next or what had just occurred. Now, for what I think is a first in my 220+ entries, but I need to talk about the synopsis. I love the use of the capitals in explaining what the main grasps of the story was about but I have a big problem with the final quote where it claims Arbitan threatened the TARDIS crew with death. That just isn't the case! I adore this story so I think that final part of the synopsis tarnishes the original Target copy I gleefully picked up last year. The story itself didn't differ much at all from the TV serial and if anything I think the pace was actually improved. The format of two chapters per broadcast episode was brilliant and really helped advance the story along. I love the plot with Arbitan requiring the four remaining 'Keys of Marinus' to reboot the Conscience and eliminate the threat of evil, including that of the invading Voord. I found the description of "sub-human" quite intriguing and something new to the story in this format. I liked how with the novelised take on this story we got to know a bit more detail and get closer to the guest characters, particularly Sabetha and Altos who were outstanding makeshift companions if you like. Having the Doctor missing for two episodes, or in this case four chapters, was felt more effective here in the novel but due to the quality of the guest cast and the chance given to the other companions to shine doesn't hurt it at all. The constant change in setting was an interesting take on a Doctor Who story as every two chapters the scene was changed. Now, that doesn't mean every other novel I've read is just set in one small place but it's usually within the same city (or it's equivalent). However, we had scenes in a paradise, booby-trapped forest, snowy mountain and a court! And yet everything fell into place beautifully. I think the scenes following Ian being knocked out were my favourite. The accusation against him of murder was a big shock, even more so when it was announced he was already guilty of the crime! I loved the take on another planet's system of law and Millennium's was extremely interesting. They had the death penalty for those convicted of murder and it was up to the defence to prove that the accused wasn't guilty and the charge should be dropped. The references to An Unearthly Child and Marco Polo were nicely thrown in and the fact that reading this story out of order as you will was unique to me. When I've watched this story it's always been when watching in order from the very start but seeing the quality still undoubtedly shine through as a stand alone was very nice. The take on episode 4 was fantastic with the cave setting and Vasor's ruthlessness and selfishness. His description was intriguing and I liked how the crew stood up to him. The return of the Doctor towards the end was done excellently after an over 40 page absence and he was ready to defend Ian. He did so valiantly and the confusion regarding the true murder victim was done clearly which could've been problematic. The return to the Conscience with the keys after acquiring the final one was fab. Ian giving the fake key to Yartek, who was a wonderful villain despite appearing only at the start and end, to foil his mission was superb. The explosive climax was great and the goodbyes were done rather nicely. Altos and Sabetha had fallen in love and would now live on and work in the memory of Arbitan and his hopes for Marinus. Overall, a classic story, one of my favourite ever and it was just as good in novelised format. 

Rating: 10/10

Into the Dalek

"Daleks are born hating. This is what stokes the fire. Extinguishes even the tiniest glimmer of compassion or kindness. Imagine the worst possible thing in the universe and then don't bother - because you're looking at it right now. Evil refined as engineering." 

Writers: Phil Ford & Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 30th August 2014

Series: 8.02

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Clara

Synopsis

A Dalek fleet surrounds a lone rebel ship, and only the Doctor can help them. As he faces his greatest enemy, he needs Clara by his side as the pair plunge into darkness. The Doctor goes to a place he'd never imagine visiting - inside a Dalek. 

Verdict 

Into the Dalek was a brilliant episode for Peter Capaldi's first 'proper' adventure. I'm not sure I like that phrase but I do agree with it. Deep Breath was the debut of a brand new Doctor who for the majority wasn't how he'd be in future stories thanks to the effects of regeneration. But here, we got the first real taste of how our new Doctor would be, and he was quite incredible. Everything about Peter Capaldi just screams the Doctor. His look, his voice and his presence. I think it's pretty frightening how after just two episodes he's not just clearly the Doctor, but he's an absolutely brilliant one. His relationship with Clara was intriguing here, it was evident the pair had contrasting views on a number of things, most notably that of soldiers. This episode saw the much publicly talked about debut of the character Danny Pink. Yawn. Thus far I'm not interested in the character at all and I'm praying Clara doesn't fall to the same direction Amy did. When Amy was travelling alone, I absolutely loved her just like I do, currently, with Clara. But after The Vampires of Venice saw Rory join, and then his place was cemented after The Big Bang, my opinion on Amy dropped because of her relationship with Rory. I like companions to stand alone and I'm afraid that Clara might not become that. You now have no choice but to associate Amy with Rory, and I desperately don't want to have to do that with Clara for Danny. She was spectacular as the 'Impossible Girl', can't she just stay that and leave the crappy relationship stuff for when she leaves the TARDIS? Also, I'm not sure why Moffat insists on this whole thing of the companions coming home and being picked up by the Doctor at the end and start of episodes. The TARDIS isn't a taxi for goodness sake! Can't we just go back to the Classic series' take on companions? You know, when they just constantly travelled in the TARDIS. Anyway, that's mostly a dig at Moffat's running of the series as a whole but despite this I know we're in safe hands and the episode quality he oversees is superb. And that was no different here with this episode that he co-wrote with Phil Ford. I love the idea of the Doctor going one step further than simply facing the Daleks, he was going to inside one! The fact he genuinely believed that there was a good Dalek in the universe baffled me. Is that possible under the most of extreme circumstances? I have doubts myself. I liked the throwback to Planet of Giants with the TARDIS pairing being miniaturised, of course on this occasion they had planned on it though! The interior of the Dalek looked very good and I loved how the Doctor was genuinely frightened but seemingly excited at the same time. He was standing inside his greatest enemy. The hatred he had for the Daleks was crystal clear. The Doctor was just disgusted at their existence! And he should be after all the encounters he's had with them and what they've attempted to do. I loved the scene where the Doctor came eye to eye with the Dalek mutant. What a conversation! The reference to The Daleks was absolutely beautiful with the Doctor describing how when he left Gallifrey he was only known as the Doctor. But after visiting Skaro and the hell the Daleks put him, Susan, Ian and Barbara through the Doctor realised who he was and what being the Doctor meant. Outstanding. The guest cast were very good with Journey and Gretchen standing out for what I would say are obvious reasons. Journey arriving in the TARDIS at the start of the episode was quite humorous thanks to Capaldi. His staring as if to say she was stupid was magic. And I love the subtle humour he brings to the role of the Doctor. It's not quite quirkiness like his two predecessor's, it's more like what Tom Baker and Sylvester McCoy brilliantly brought to the role. Humorously heroic. The pun use in his dialogue is also wonderful. I was slightly surprised though at how much death the Doctor seemed to condone, even if it was at the expense of defeating the Daleks. What happened to his views in Victory of the Daleks? Gretchen's sacrifice was a heroic moment, she gave her life to ensure the Doctor could stop the Daleks from being evil. Could he possibly? I like the sound of the challenge though! I liked how the series arc scene involving Missy didn't close the story this week! Clara accessing the suppressed memories of 'Rusty' was terrific and the imagery of the star being born bringing the Dalek around to the good side was lovely. At that moment, the Doctor intended on using his mind to show the Dalek how beautiful the universe is. Instead, the Dalek looked into his mind and saw absolute hatred for the Daleks. Hate built upon hate. He utterly despised them. And Rusty would live by that, and destroyed the other Daleks terrorising the human rebel ship. The comment at the end was absolutely incredible. It seems the Doctor is the epitome of a 'good Dalek'. A quite frightening concept for a man we know only know as good, but now his own companion isn't even sure if he's a good man. 

Rating: 9/10

Apotheosis

"You listen, beardy. We're a team. Who's gonna save your neck when your brilliant plan goes pear-shaped?"

Writer: Jonathan Morris

Format: Comic Strip

Released: June - August 2011

Printed in: DWM 435-437

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Amy

Synopsis 

The Doctor and Amy arrive on a space station where time is running faster. They team up with a party of nuns to escape but the problem may lead to the TARDIS itself...

Verdict 

Apotheosis was a fantastic comic strip leading into the final adventure of this lengthy story's arc. For the first time since The Golden Ones, barring a cameo or two in a couple of stories, the arc resumed as the central part of the story and the revelations of everything were brilliant! I like how everything started with the very first comic strip to feature the Eleventh Doctor and Amy, Supernature. Now, it's been quite a while since I read that story but I can vaguely recall mentioning in my blog how it was just your basic introductory story for the new characters. But now we know it's actually got relevance to the arc that's very good! The jungle reappeared of all things! That crazy, barmy jungle was back and on a spaceship! Amy seemed much more like her TV self in this story as compared to previous adventures with her dialogue. I loved the reference to the 2030 World Cup Final ending Scotland 3-0 England at Wembley Stadium. Hmm, now I don't like the English and am partly Scottish but predominately I'm Welsh and proud and just couldn't envisage that final. I mean, England are never going to reach it! The Plague Robots were pretty good enemies here. I liked their appearance and the war between them and the organic Space Nuns sounded excellent. I adore the idea of a man vs robot war, especially considering it'd lasted for a millennium! The Plague Robots' admiration for the returning Chiyoko was great seeing as she was half organic and half machine. More specifically, she was part TARDIS. The creation of this Japanese girl who we've previously seen with the Axons was mightily intriguing! She had an incredible amount of power which was interesting, she just wiped out the Plague Robots as if they were playthings. The amalgamation of previous people the Doctor and Amy encountered being obsorbed into the TARDIS was a scary thought and it was a nice throwback to the previous stories in the range, with all but the Christmas special of The Professor, the Queen and the Bookshop being referenced. The amalgamation creature looked very good and frightening which I like in a monster, especially one of that stature! The different time zones going at different speeds is a concept I adore after the Rise and Fall Short Trip and it was played out here very well with very good explanation. The ageing of Amy was a shock and I thought the scenes where it seemed that she was all but dead were fantastic, except the fact it's completely unbelievable that a TV introduced companion will die in comic strip format. A shame. The stubble on the Doctor was a comical moment, especially with Amy's reaction. I liked the action packed scenes in the ship setting and the way Amy was restored to her youth in the nick of time. Quite literally restored. The arrival of Chiyoko and her power was fantastic and the story itself was a very good lead in to what should be a promising finale in The Child of Time. 

Rating: 8/10

Glorious Goodwood

"Daleks will be obeyed. Daleks will be obeyed!"

Writer: Unknown

Format: Audio

Released: 5th September 2005

Series: Doctor Who at the BBC vol.3

Featuring: Third Doctor, Sarah

Synopsis 

Upon the Brigadier's orders, the Doctor is having an aspect of his metabolism checked, leaving Sarah alone to ride the Whomobile in Goodwood, but soon faces a unique alliance of the Daleks and Aggedor...

Verdict

Glorious Goodwood was something different. An intriguing audio I must admit, not a great story by any stretch of the imagination, but I was interested from start to finish. At just ten minutes long, there's only so much you can do and it's rare you'll get a great story. The phone call between the Doctor and Sarah to kick off the audio was nice and I liked how good of a relationship this TARDIS pairing shared. They were definitely close to each other which was pleasant to know. The fact that Sarah was giving the critical Whomobile a ride around Goodwood was a bit weird to base a story around but I guess the audio was intended for some fun back in the 1970s, even if it wasn't broadcast. To be honest, I don't know the reason why this audio didn't go out on BBC Radio in 1974 but if the decision was based on quality then I can understand the reasoning. It wasn't great. The recordings sounded like they were done over the phone, the Daleks didn't sound as ruthless as their recent appearances on television encountering the Third Doctor and there was absolutely no reasoning given as to how the Daleks and Aggedor had formed the most unique of alliances. Just how did those two vicious enemies join forces for an Earth invasion? The references to Death to the Daleks and The Monster of Peladon were easily but nicely put in which I very much liked. The Daleks hunting for the Doctor and Sarah was fantastic but the way they just left and temporarily abandoned their plans for taking over Earth was poor. Borderline ridiculous really. Sarah saw the newly formed alliance and fancied taking them on by herself! I admired the courage and her wish to show the Doctor what she was capable of was nice to see. But the way she 'succeeded' wasn't very good at all. How weak did it make the Daleks! Overall though, very short, poor story but quite a bit of fun. 

Rating: 6/10

The Infinite Quest

"I like to stir things up."

Writer: Alan Barnes

Format: TV Animation

Broadcast: 2nd April - 29th June 2007

Series: 3 

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Martha

Synopsis 

The Doctor and Martha must find the legendary lost starship known as the Infinitec before the evil Baltazar, scourge of the Galaxy, gets it.

Verdict 

The Infinite Quest was a great little omnibus of minisodes! Combined as one, they gave us a bonus Tenth Doctor and Martha story to go along with Series Three which was fantastic. Despite the animation, it really did feel like a brand new visual Tenth Doctor story because, well, it was. I liked the concept very much and now new-Who has taken on the 'search and find' concept previously seen in The Keys of Marinus and The Key to Time season. The start was very intriguing with the Doctor and Martha arriving on Baltazar's ship for the sole purpose of causing its destruction really. Of course, it was to save the Earth but the way the Doctor went about it was different and unique. The changing of scenes to find the different data chips leading to the Infinite was brilliant. I really liked the scenes on the pirate ship of sort at the futuristic oil rig. I'm not surprised that when the oil ran out on this planet, humans spread far and wide to dig some more out of another helpless planet. The robotic mills were fantastic! Once the chip was obtained in mysterious circumstances, the bug planet was very good. The war of sorts between the colonists and bugs was superb and I liked how the Doctor acted as a peacemaker, even if it meant becoming a criminal on a technicality. The history behind the Infinite was a brilliant concept. A relic from the Dark Times that gives you your heart's desire. Unimaginable abilities! Whatever you desire, you can have. Marvellous. The reference to the Nestenes, Racnoss and State of Decay's Great Vampires was a cleverly fantastic thrown in reference. Volag-Noc was another good setting within the story and I liked how the jail was kind of harsh. Just what had the Doctor done to deserve a sentence of 2,000,000,000 years? But of course in typical Doctor fashion, he got out in 5 minutes with the real Governor. Baltazar's use of Caw to track where the TARDIS was using the broach was very simple yet effective. The explanation of the murders of those with the data chips being Baltazar was excellent. Martha feeling sorry for Caw when he died was a lovely scene and captured her compassion as a companion. The Doctor being left behind from the TARDIS was good and the way he found his way to the Infinite was superb. The climax was very good but I was surprised the "no second chances" Doctor gave Baltazar a way out. Overall though, very good!

Rating: 8/10

The Moonbase

"There are some corners of the universe which have bred the most terrible things. Things which act against everything we believe in. They must be fought."

Writer: Kit Pedler

Format: TV

Broadcast: 11th February - 4th March 1967

Season: 4.06

Featuring: Second Doctor, Polly, Ben, Jamie

Synopsis 

The TARDIS arrives in 2070 on the Moon, where a weather control station under the command of a man named Hobson is in the grip of a plague epidemic - in reality the result of an alien poison planted by the Cybermen. Jamie is knocked unconscious and lapses into delirium, leaving the Doctor, Polly and Ben to fend off the Cyber attack...

Verdict 

The Moonbase is an absolutely fantastic Cyber tale! After their outstanding debut in the swan-song of the First Doctor in The Tenth Planet, it was inevitable that the emotionless villains would be making a return and I'm glad it's been done very early. Just three stories are in between the first two Cyberman adventures and I think that's important when introducing a recurring villain, the memory of the previous tale will still be fresh in the viewer's mind, and now hopefully the redesign will improve the fear factor, which I think it definitely did. Now, the design of the Cybermen in The Tenth Planet is probably my all time favourite because it's so retro and classic but the, excuse the pun, upgraded appearance here was spectacular. A fully fledged helmet now and non-human hands really showed how advanced the Cybermen had become now. I was very intrigued by the setting of 2070, some 84 years after the events of the already mentioned Cyber story. I loved how at this point in Earth history the Cybermen were known to humans as being extinct. The result of Doomsday perhaps? Unusually, I think episode one was my favourite part of the story! I loved how the full appearance of the Cyberman was kept until the cliffhanger, a great one of that revealing the new design. The use of shadows was superb I must also add. I am extremely thankful to the people who made animating the missing episodes possible. They really did a stellar job and in doing so have given us a brand new, complete story. The only 'complete' story that exists to have the brilliant TARDIS crew of the Second Doctor, Polly, Ben and Jamie. The TARDIS scenes before the four were humorous after the bumpy landing seen in the lead in from The Underwater Menace. It's really nice seeing a close TARDIS team! Polly and Ben go together so they're always going to have a good relationship but now throw in a comfortable Doctor and clueless Jamie and the blend is really nice. It's a much better foursome than the one during the Fifth Doctor's tenure! These four actually get along all the time. Polly was yet again a shining light in this story and again showed why she's up there as a favourite companion of mine. Her kindness and caring for others was lovely to see. I also like how she does what the Doctor asks of her without question, every time. What's he complaining about consistently in the future about companions not listening? He can't forget Polly now can he. The plan of the Cybermen in this story was excellent - they wanted to control Earth's weather and turn it against the planet to cause its' inhabitants death. They way they were trying to achieve this was superb, trying to be sneaky! And they succeeded for the most part. The episode 2 cliffhanger was fantastic. Jamie in the sick bed was magnificent, especially when he believed the Cyberman to be the Phantom Piper from his Scottish culture. The virus being brought aboard the base via the sugar was a brilliant way of hiding its origin! Patrick Troughton really shone as the Doctor here for the first time I would argue. Not that he hasn't been good in his first three stories (he's been sublime!). The humour he brings to the role really is fresh, even though I adore the grumpiness of his predecessor. His method of gathering specimens was very funny I must say. I loved the Cyberman march at the end of episode three. The imagery was legendary in my opinion and easily topped the much talked about, and what I consider overrated, cliffhanger in The Sea Devils. The climax was great with the Doctor and Hobson uniting against the Cybermen after an edgy but not too serious dicker.  The fact the Gravitron, the very weapon the Cybermen wanted to manipulate, was used to bring about their downfall (or upfall rather) was excellent. I wasn't convinced of its ease of positioning but the scenes of the Cybermen ascending into space and to their demise was marvellous! More superb imagery. Overall, a wonderful story. Newly sounding and designed Cybermen that really worked in a brilliant plot. 

Rating: 9/10

The Underwater Menace

"The achievement, my dear Doctor. The destruction of the world. The scientist's dream of supreme power!"

Writer: Geoffrey Orme

Format: TV

Broadcast: 14th January - 4th February 1967

Season: 4.05

Featuring: Second Doctor, Polly, Ben, Jamie

Synopsis 

The TARDIS arrives on an extinct volcanic island. Before long, the travellers are captured and taken into the depths of the Earth, where they find a hidden civilisation - the lost City of Atlantis.

Verdict 

The Underwater Menace was a fantastic serial to continue the high standard of adventures thus far since Patrick Troughton took over the helm as the Doctor. I love the difference seen in the Doctor over the last three stories! In each serial the Doctor has been extremely different to anything imaginable from his predecessor which is great to see. Change is a constant in this glorious programme and the first major change has been extremely successful so far. Back to this serial, and I'm extremely thankful that episode two was recently found allowing me to view half of this serial in its entirety. My thanks must also go out, yet again, to Loose Canon productions who are just phenomenal. Thanks to their superb recons I was able to view episodes one and four successfully and in turn allowed a comfortable viewing format for the entire story. I liked how Jamie was getting used to his new surroundings after arriving in The Highlanders and his reaction to the TARDIS and its travelling was excellent. I noticed during this serial that having four members in a main cast is a really good idea. I mean really good. It worked so effectively and allowed us to have the foursome split into varying pairs which will always allow for some fantastic dialogue. I'm really loving Polly as companion and as I've previously mentioned in previous blogged stories, I think she's continuing to climb the ranks of best companion. Here she was wonderful! I loved how she sported the fish-like attire and she pulled it off rather elegantly. I love how the three companions, at some point in the serial, questioned the clothes of the Doctor, particularly those trousers. Comedy is always a bonus. And whilst I'm talking about clothing, I think I should mention how good the disguises of the Doctor were for a second straight story. Another new ability for the renewed Doctor. I thought the cliffhangers were all great and I found that I was eager to watch the next episode which I always look for. The guest cast were all strong with Ramo, Thous and Damon all impressing. But the standout guest cast member was undoubtedly Professor Zaroff. I really loved the character and thought he was played extremely villainously which was fantastic. I always like a good villain rather than enemy in stories now and then. To me, there definitely is a difference. The setting of Atlantis was a wonderful surprise! Such audacity to place an entire story there in what was pretty much modern day. The reference to the 1968 Mexico Olympics, with the serial broadcast in early 1967, was terrific. The plan of Zaroff was just crazy, which made it brilliant. A mad scientist villain always makes for a good antagonist! He wanted to destroy Atlantis, and in doing so cause the destruction of the entire planet! The way the Doctor showed this was tremendous. I loved the reference to The Smugglers, a story which seems to have cropped up subtly in a lot of stories lately. Not that I'm complaining at all! I love references to past stories. The relationship between the Doctor and Ben, something we haven't seen a great deal of, was good to see. I liked how well as a team they worked and thier plan in trapping Zaroff just before he could destroy the planet was cleverly done. I wasn't overly keen on the costume design of the fully fledged Fish People but then I remember this was 1967 so I can let it slide. However, things I can't let slide irrespective of the year are blatant production errors and sadly there was more than one here. My final issue with the serial was how a trio of men failed to jab Polly with a syringe in about five minutes. That just wasn't believable. On the other hand, the story as a whole was really good with the destructive and demolishing plot. I loved how we got Doctor Who's take on the mythical sinking of Atlantis. An extraordinary account really! Overall, lots and lots of good, a few errors but the quality of the story as a whole and the fantastic emotionally reuniting of the TARDIS crew allowed this to be a joy to watch. 

Rating: 8/10 

Art Attack

"He helps people. Does all kind of crazy stuff. He never stops."

Writer: Mike Collins

Format: Comic Strip

Released: July 2005

Printed in: DWM 358

Featuring: Ninth Doctor, Rose

Synopsis 

Rose wants some peace and quiet. She's getting tired of constant danger and alien threats when exiting the TARDIS on her travels with the Doctor. She wants to see something fantastic so the Doctor takes her to see an old friend of his, the Mona Lisa painting, in the 37th century...

Verdict 

Art Attack was a fantastic little comic strip! I'm not sure why DWM has done so many one part stories as is the case with this one - I think with this format stories should eclipse just the one issue (unless of course it's a feature length and extended comic). But to be honest the shortness in length didn't effect the quality of the story at all I don't think. It was interesting from the off which is sometimes difficult in this format but there always seemed like something mysterious was going on. The relationship between the Ninth Doctor and Rose was excellent here and it was evident they were enjoying their travels together. Well, maybe that only speaks for the Doctor. I loved that Rose just wanted to visit a place where she could have some peace and quiet. Sadly for her, that doesn't make a good Doctor Who story I'm afraid. However, to some extent she got her wish here. She got to see the infamous painting of the Mona Lisa 2600 years after her home century. Quite an experience I would imagine! I loved how the Doctor wouldn't allow Rose to just go and see the painting in her own time in whatever gallery or museum it was currently stored. He had a time machine so he was going to utilise it! Cazkelf was a very good character and I liked his appearance and how it linked with the story's theme and title. Very arty indeed! Speaking of the theme, I liked the artistic stance we got here. Historical or futuristic art stories, or even present day ones as we've previously seen, are brilliant and should be done more regularly in my opinion (obviously not so close together though!). We've only really had the amazing City of Death, which was wonderfully referenced as I would have hoped for, and Vincent and the Doctor as art-like themed stories. And this comic strip could be a good paving stone for a future arty story. The use of headsets to control and transport the humanoids was clever and I liked how the events of the story certainly weren't that of a planned alien invasion. The assumed menace of the story was horrified at that suggestion! Superb. I liked that the Doctor returned Cazkelf to his home planet, now wrecked. The Doctor reminiscing of being the last of his people was a nice throw in and I liked how it was implied that Rose was his purpose for continuing through the pain. I liked the continuation from The Unquiet Dead with the same incarnation referencing World War Five. Judging from what we saw here, it must've been a pretty catastrophic event! The ending of this comic was great with performed art seemingly achieved with the materialisation of the TARDIS. Fantastic. 

Rating: 8/10  

Deep Breath

"Never start with your final sanction, you've got nowhere to go but backwards."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 23rd August 2014

Series: 8.01

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Clara

Synopsis 

When the Doctor arrives in Victorian London he finds a dinosaur rampant in the Thames and a spate of deadly spontaneous combustions. Confused and disorientated following his unprecedented regeneration, and with Clara questioning who the Doctor is following the change, can the TARDIS duo, along with the Paternoster Gang, stop the ancient plan of the mysterious clockwork droids?

Verdict 

Deep Breath was a very solid start to Peter Capaldi's reign as the Doctor. I was rather intrigued by his take on the Time Lord as we'd never before seen the Twelfth Doctor in action, apart from the brief second or so in The Day of the Doctor. I'm not sure I'm in favour of an entire episode focusing on the after effects of regeneration and the Doctor getting back on his feet as was the case here, especially with it being a feature length episode. But then again I'm probably contradicting myself there as I really do love the stories Castrovalva and The Christmas Invasion. But if I was in charge, I'd do something similar to The Power of the Daleks or The Eleventh Hour. Now, thinking about it, I think this episode might be somewhere in between. I thought this episode for the Paternoster Gang was their weakest performance and I guess with it being the first episode for a new Doctor it'll be him who rightly gets the most screen time. But for me, the highlight of the episode was Clara, just as I expected. Regeneration isn't new to us anymore so we know there's going to be some disorientation at least. Ever since The Time of the Doctor aired with Clara's reaction to the change I was always far more interested in seeing how she'd react to the renewal of the Doctor whom she'd clearly taken a shine too. Now that loveable, flirty and quirky guy has been replaced by an old Scottish man. Still the same man. Just not the man she knew. I absolutely love the attire she wore when not in Victorian dress. Tartan beauty indeed. The story itself was very good and I liked it's many resemblances to The Girl in the Fireplace, of which was both humorously and cleverly referenced. The scenes where the Doctor took up the murder case of the dinosaur himself were fantastic. He was speaking horse, embracing the tramp life and disapproving of his face. The eyebrows comments were splendid. I was surprised to see that the fact that Peter Capaldi had appeared in The Fires of Pompeii was referenced with the Doctor seemingly recognising his new face. The return of the Clockwork Droids, or rather their sister-ship Droids, was fantastic. The Half-Face Man was a superb central enemy! His appearance was perfect for a Doctor Who villain and I also loved his voice. It just screamed evil. The fact that the droids had been replacing themselves since the time of the dinosaurs was very intriguing, especially when the Doctor blurted out what they were upto which was a phenomenal concept really. They weren't like the creators of the Cybermen, men trying to become robots, oh no. These were literally the complete opposite. Robots trying to become man. A horrifying concept when you think of it. Usually, Strax is my favourite member of the Paternoster Gang but in this episode it was Jenny who shone brightest for me. Her looks were dazzling and she looked absolutely sensational when posing in a luscious stance for no reason other than Vastra's pleasure. The relationship between the married pair here was great and I loved that both of them, maybe inadvertently, flirted with Clara. At the moment my imagination goes wild. For some reason, I adored the references to Clara's height of 5 foot 1. Something is telling me that's the perfect height for a women. Now, the Doctor calls her his impossible girl but to me, she's the perfect girl. Brunette, fashion sense supreme, courageous, sexy, brittle, beautiful and not afraid. But speaking of impossible, the advert in the paper was very clever and I like how Clara obtaining the phone number to the TARDIS in The Bells of Saint John has not been forgotten. Who is Missy I wonder, the women it seems wants to keep the Doctor and Clara together for whatever reason. How did she manage to bring the Half-Face Man to "heaven" after he self destructed after growing impatient of searching for paradise? The series arc has began in full swing, but I do wish they cut them out. Before I forget, I must say that I think the new opening title sequence is absolutely stunning. I love the clock like theme and it's linking to Capaldi being Doctor number 12. Extremely clever. The eyes too. Wow. The ending of this episode was something I never could have imagined. We got a bonus cameo from Matt Smith! The Eleventh Doctor was ringing his companion in her future from Trenzalore, before she'd entered the TARDIS for his regeneration. The conversation was staggeringly good with great humour and emotion. And I liked how it served as an incredible surprise and a full passing of the torch. As 11 said "is that the Doctor?" so did 12. A brilliant little moment. I loved how taken aback the Doctor seemed once the effects of regeneration had dawned down. He was normal now, who he'd be. Rebooted. And I do hope he brings back those round things in the TARDIS! The TARDIS of which has been nicely and slightly refurbished. The Doctor really needed Clara to help him through the change. And after the phone call from his predecessor, she knew undoubtedly that she could adapt to the new Doctor. They'd help each other through the transition and I think this relationship could bring about a superb duo. There shouldn't be any innuendo which is surprisingly something new! The Doctor wanted Clara, the ego maniac who asks all the questions, to look at him and see the Doctor. And now, as we head into a full length series, she does. The clock is striking twelve. 

Rating: 9/10

The Time of the Doctor

"It all just disappears doesn't it? Everything you are, like breath on a mirror. And he's a comin'."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 25th December 2013

Series: 2013 Christmas Special

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara

Synopsis 

Orbiting a quiet backwater planet, the universe's deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars. And amongst them, the Doctor. 

Verdict 

The Time of the Doctor is a sensational episode that ends the 'Doctor trilogy' celebrating the 50th Anniversary in some style. Not only does it end the hype-filled anniversary year on a massive high but it sees an emotionally wonderful sendoff to Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor. I loved how this story really did tie up every string very clever, every problem that Moffat had left unexplained. But now all was revealed and everything somehow made perfect sense! The story itself was superb with its similarities to the beginning of The Pandorica Opens with numerous spaceships just sitting waiting and gathered together but the Doctor getting there first. Only this time they weren't an alliance, they were united in fear but weren't trying to trap the Doctor. The chemistry between the Doctor and Tasha Lem was sensational and at times seemed to supersede that of him and River Song which I never thought would occur. The mention by the Doctor when he said "totally married her" when Tasha referenced that a psychopath was born and raised to kill the Doctor, tying up the series six arc. The only slight problem I had with this sensational episode was the fact the Doctor was bald, even for the Eleventh Doctor I thought that was a little too far. And I was very angry that we didn't get to properly see Clara naked! Ha! I really wish the hologram didn't work on me. Because she's absolutely outstandingly incredibly beautiful. The reference to the origin of the Silence was magnificent! I loved how it turned out that they were just confessional priests who you could tell all to and then forget about it. Very clever. "The Kovarian Chapter" was another tie in I really loved. After over a two series absence, I was really surprised that the crack returned, especially in a story without Amy. But it's appearance proved absolutely pivotal to the continuation of Doctor Who. It was the gap in space to which the Time Lords could return. All they needed was the right answer to the oldest question in the universe. "Doctor Who?" Fantastic. I loved how this in turn was the reason why the Silence are called what they are. Silence was to fall and war was not to resume. The Time Lords couldn't come back to the awaiting army of Daleks, Slitheen and Sontarans. I thought it was typical Doctor when he decided to stay and protect the town of Christmas. After some brilliant scenes with the Weeping Angels in the snow, he knew he had to stay. He couldn't let the planet and its inhabitants burn at the countless attempts to destroy the planet to prevent the return of the Time Lords but he couldn't let them be destroyed in turn. The Doctor finally got stuck. On Trenzalore. Just as it was implied in The Name of the Doctor. I liked the similarities to The Parting of the Ways with the Doctor sending his companion home without goodbye to protect them. I accept that the Doctor dislikes goodbyes but how can he not say farewell to his impossible girl? Crazy. The two returns of Clara were touching with the Doctor ageing significantly each time. I liked how the rules from The Deadly Assassin prevailed. 12 regenerations is the maximum and the Doctor had used them up. 11 Doctors plus the hidden away War Doctor and meta-crisis Tenth Doctor = 13. I'm glad the classic era is not forgotten, especially with foundations such as regeneration rules. I loved how it was clear how much Clara cared for the Doctor and just loved travelling with him. And the Doctor definitely felt the same way. I'm not convinced he was joking when he seemed to accept that he was Clara's boyfriend. I think he'd like it not to have been fake. I absolutely loved the wooden Cyberman and how it was defeated. For the first time, without officially working, the sonic screwdriver defeated wood. The Dalek attack on Trenzalore when the Doctor was on his last leg was superb. After defeating them through 12 regenerations over his entire millennium plus life, the Daleks still prevailed. They survived past the Doctor. But just as they started to brag at the death of their greatest enemy, Clara shed a heartwarming little speech through the crack to the Time Lords and begged them to help the Doctor. And they did. A brand new regeneration cycle was sent through and the Doctor was regenerating for the thirteenth time. As he said, never tell the Doctor the rules! He'll only go and break them. And in doing so the power from the new cycle caused the destruction of the Dalek ship in an epic climax. The Doctor has another thirteen bodies and now we don't have to worry for a long time about what happens once this cycle is up! Trenzalore was protected, the Doctor had been rebooted and Clara was back with him in the TARDIS. The regeneration speech by the Doctor was lovely, I'm not sure we needed Amelia and Amy appearing but the actual sendoff speech was really terrific. The transition sequence was an intriguing one with the speed but I guess that's the new cycle kicking into gear. Peter Capaldi arrived and he wasn't fond of his kidneys. The unprecedented Twelfth Doctor had arrived. The Eleventh Doctor had bowed out in tremendous style. 

Rating: 10/10

The Day of the Doctor

"I've had many faces, many lives. But I don't admit to all of them. There's one life I've tried very hard to forget. He was the Doctor who fought in the Time War and that was the day he did it. The day I did it. The day he killed them all. The last day of the Time War. The war to end all wars. Between my people and the Daleks. And in that battle there was a man with more blood on his hands than any other. A man who would commit a crime that would silence the universe. And that man was me. 

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 23rd November 2013

Series: 50th Anniversary Special

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara, Tenth Doctor, War Doctor

Synopsis 

In the 21st century, something terrible is awakening in London's National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion. All of reality is at stake as the Doctor's own dangerous past comes back to haunt him. 

Verdict 

The Day of the Doctor is exactly what it should be in being a real celebratory story. It was wonderful right from the off and just shows how much of a success this staggeringly good TV programme has grown since its debut in 1963 with An Unearthly Child which was paid homage to very nicely. The original opening sequence opening the story was terrific and seeing the shadow of a policeman was a lovely throwback. I like the idea of Clara having a job teaching in Coal Hill School! If she's not going to be constantly travelling with the Doctor then her home should have some connection with the Doctor and what bigger than Coal Hill? The humour surrounding UNIT picking up and transporting the TARDIS to the Tower of London was a great way to open the story. I'm glad to see Kate Stewart back after her success in The Power of Three and I like how the legacy of the Brigadier shone in the anniversary special. Osgood was a great assistant of sorts sporting the iconic scarf of the Fourth Doctor which the current Doctor nicely complimented. The scenes with the Tenth Doctor and Elizabeth I were done really well I thought as they definitely felt at home in the Tenth Doctor era. I think it's great that the ending of The Shakespeare Code is finally explained, some 6 years after its broadcast! But better late than never. The humour regarding the Zygon with the horse and later once the Eleventh Doctor arrived was absolutely fantastic. The scenes on Gallifrey were wonderful and I'm interested to know how long after the events of The End of Time this story took place. The leadership of the Time Lords has clearly changed significantly which I find intriguing. The moment all three Doctors joined together was wonderful! There's not many things better than a multi-Doctor story and with the exception of Time Crash we finally get one in the revived series. The humour as in all previous multi-Doctor stories was outstanding, especially as you'd expect between the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors with their quirkiness. The scene where they both sat in the chairs and put their feet up was so simple yet stunning. The War Doctor was excellent throughout and despite this being his debut story (sort of) he always looked and had the presence of the Doctor, even if he didn't call himself that. The fact that he stole the Moment from Gallifrey was intriguing and I loved how it was such a deadly weapon that it developed its own conscience. Billie Piper played the role with a lovely delicacy. The plan of the Zygons was simple yet fantastically effective. Their home world was destroyed in the early days of the Time War so they needed a new world. Earth was their target. The use of Time Lord art was astoundingly genius! I loved how the Zygons hid inside the painting. Tremendous. Clara was incredible in this story I have to say. She had three Doctors all to herself and she shone magnificently. Her elegance with the Tenth Doctor was lovely and I adored how she could see in the War Doctor's eyes that he hadn't yet destroyed his own people and the Daleks with them. I loved the Black Archive being TARDIS proof, even UNIT know some things have to remain secret from the Doctor. The scene when the three Doctors were locked up and trying to open the wooden door was hilariously brilliant. I loved the reactions when Clara just walked in with it unlocked. The fact the Tenth and Eleventh Doctor decided to be there with the War Doctor on the day he did it was very touching. They felt the hurt and loneliness of that day for centuries but now the War Doctor wouldn't have to do it alone. It was clear by the scorned TARDIS that this incarnation had been through a lot, especially with the significant ageing since The Night of the Doctor. But then it was Clara who was utterly stunningly beautiful in seeing the projection and being ashamed of the Doctor when seeing the people he'd kill. Her Doctor would condemn it. She refused to accept that and subtly talked him into changing his own history in one of the all time great scenes that followed. In the Council Room on Gallifrey, not one, three or even eleven Doctors were present via video link. "All thirteen!" The shock on broadcast of seeing Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor was unprecedented and just amazing. All the Doctors joined forces to freeze Gallifrey in suspension in a pocket parallel universe. The Dalek crossfire would wipe the species out but with it I love how it accounts for how some Daleks survived the Time War. The Doctors all rescued their home planet and now, after yet another beautiful scene with Tom Baker as the Curator, the Doctor could go off and find his home planet. Gallifrey Falls No More. A superb title for a painting. Overall, brilliant scenes, humour, many things tied up and a War Doctor regeneration, a perfect anniversary story really!

Rating: 10/10

The Night of the Doctor

"Physician, heal thyself." 

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 14th November 2013

Series: 50th Anniversary Prequel

Featuring: Eighth Doctor

Synopsis 

Still trying to skirt around the edges of the Last Great Time War, the Eighth Doctor is forced to fully join the conflict by the mysterious Sisterhood of Karn. Killed while trying to save a woman who hates him for simply being a Time Lord, the Doctor gets to choose what his next incarnation will be like. He arranges for a warrior...

Verdict 

The Night of the Doctor was the biggest and most pleasant surprise of the entire 50th Anniversary celebrations in my opinion. Forget the nostalgic books, magazines and the introduction of an unseen Doctor, seeing the Eighth Doctor return on screen as a complete surprise was more than I could have asked for! In just seven minutes this minisode told so much and was just utterly perfect really. I loved the returning line for Paul McGann, "I'm a Doctor but probably not the one you were expecting". Upon my first viewing I was stunned with joy. Paul McGann was actually back. On TV. As the Eighth Doctor. The same guy who should have been the centre point of the revival in 2005. After his wonderful performances in audio and his returning stint here, I bet the head-runners wished they'd gone with McGann over a guy who was just staying for the one year. Cass was a good character and she alone perfectly showed just how bad the Time War had gotten. She'd rather die than be saved by a Time Lord, in spite of the fact he could show her the universe as she so wished. She couldn't even tell the difference between a Time Lord and a Dalek anymore, that's the extent to which things had gotten. It was evident the Doctor wanted her as companion almost immediately after meeting her. Typical Doctor. Different body, same old Time Lord. The return to Karn was an added bonus and Ohila was terrific. She and her sisterhood, along with the rest of the universe, knew that only the Doctor could put an end to the War he so desolately didn't want any part in. So, after being convinced by the death of Cass, and with a wonderful tribute to his past companions, the Eighth Doctor made a devastating choice. "Doctor no more". He became a warrior and the mystery and much debated gap of what occurred between the Eighth and Ninth Doctors whilst the show was off air for nine years became clear. There was a whole new Doctor. 

Rating: 10/10

The Name of the Doctor

"I don't know where I am. It's like I'm breaking into a million pieces and there is only one thing I remember: I have to save the Doctor. He always looks different. I always know it's him. Sometimes I think I'm everywhere at once, running every second just to find him. Just to save him. But he never hears me. Almost never. I blew into this world on a leaf. I'm still blowing. I don't think I'll ever land. I'm Clara Oswald. I'm the impossible girl. I was born to save the Doctor. 

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 18th May 2013

Series: 7.13

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara, River, Paternoster Gang

Synopsis 

A prophecy is coming true. The Eleventh Doctor is summoned to Trenzalore where it was said he would fall. But what does the alleged site of his final battle have to do with the mystery of Clara Oswald? Can the Paternoster Gang help him avoid his apparent destiny? And most of all, prevent him from revealing his name?

Verdict 

The Name of the Doctor really is an incredible series finale to what has been an enigmatic, adventurous and mostly superb series! All is revealed about Clara and how she came to die twice and still travel with the Doctor in the TARDIS. The pre-titles scene was the best in Doctor a Who history I would argue. Utterly amazing. Not only is Clara the impossible girl, but she was seen close to or being noticed by many past incarnations of the Doctor! Oh, and just the small matter of fact that she was there on Gallifrey when the First Doctor and Susan left! I remember on broadcast having to pause the opening titles because I was in utter shock at what I had just witnessed. I was astounded in an extremely good way! Never did I think that we'd see the moment the Doctor left home depicted on television! Some amazing effects there. Now, into the story itself. The return of the Great Intelligence was greatly welcomed (no pun intended) after the successful double return in The Snowmen and The Bells of Saint John. Doctor Simeon's body continuing the portrayal of the mind with no body was superb. I loved how he'd dumped Snowmen for Whispermen and these newbie enemies were just as mysterious and horrifying! The conference call was very clever with anything being possible inside a dream. The arrival of Strax, Clara and River to the party was wonderful to see. Strax was the highlight of the Paternoster trio in this episode I thought with his continued magnificent humour and his brawling in Glasgow with the fearsome Scots! Goodness knows what the brutes from way up North were like during the Victorian Age! The conversation of the call was splendid and the shock and horror in River's voice when she knew what was happening with regards to Trenzalore was fantastic. I loved the play on words, not just in regards to the grave being found not the secret, but also with the episode title. The desperate pledge to get to Trenzalore by the Doctor in the TARDIS was brilliant and I loved how he barely had to think when considering going to the place of his tomb to save his friends who he now owed after the events of A Good Man Goes to War, The Snowmen and The Crimson Horror. And I adored how Clara asked no questions in regards to coming with him. Her questioning of Trenzalore and River was nice to see with the calm fashion and the emotion seen by the Doctor when he realised he had to go to his grave was outstanding by Matt Smith. The gravestone of River being an entrance was a good addition and it loved Clara's reaction to discovering that the women with the "giant hair" was in fact that Doctor's wife. I loved the continuity from Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead with River knowing her fate and the Doctor not liking endings. The scene where he prevented River from slapping him and basically told her he undoubtedly loved her was amazing! The Doctor initiated the kiss! Excellent. The Great Intelligence's attack on the tombed scar of the Doctor was a brilliant attempt of sabotage! Simeon was going to enter the time stream of the Doctor and reverse every victory he'd ever had and poison every friendship. The effects would have been similar to Turn Left but on a much larger and wider scale! But then, the series arc that started way back in Asylum of the Daleks came full circle. All was revealed about the beautiful Clara Oswald. She jumped into the time stream of the Doctor too, repairing the damage of the Great Intelligence. She was there when the Third Doctor was in the Death Zone on Gallifrey. She was there when the Fifth Doctor was at the mercy of the Master. She was there when the Tenth Doctor broke up the gridlock of New New York. Millions of versions of herself were scattered across time and space to save the Doctor. That's how they kept on running into each other. Very, very clever by Mr Moffat yet again! But the Doctor, despite being restored, wasn't going back without his impossible girl. He ran into his own time stream to retrieve his companion from danger and once he had, the cliffhanger was phenomenal. We saw a version of the Doctor we've never seen before. The Eleventh Doctor recognised him and knew of him, so that ruled out a future incarnation. An amazing thing occurred, we were introduced to a brand new incarnation of the Doctor that we've never seen before. One who broke the promise. One who didn't deserve recognition as the Doctor. Upon broadcast, we had to wait six months for everything to be revealed! Looking back, I just admire the astounding cliffhanger. 

Rating: 10/10

Nightmare in Silver

"Hail to you, the Doctor! Saviour of the Cybermen." 

Writer: Neil Gaiman

Format: TV

Broadcast: 11th April 2013

Series: 7.12

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara

Synopsis 

The Doctor takes Clara, and her wards, Angie and Artie, to the biggest amusement park in the universe, Hedgewick's World of Wonders. The theme park is empty, occupier by a 'punishment platoon' and a lone impresario with empty Cyberman shells as exhibits. The Doctor decides to stay a while, however, to investigate strange insect creatures that are roaming the park. But these insects are really machines seeking to convert the life forms on Hedgewick's World into the newest generation of the ever-upgrading menace...

Verdict 

Nightmare in Silver was another superb episode in this mostly consistent seventh series! For the first time since the Cybermen made their anticipated return to the revived series in 2006, they've had their first major redesign and despite them still easily being recognisable as the infamous foe of the Doctor's, the change really is quite drastic. I am in favour of the revamp as I think after Closing Time the Cybermen were becoming a bit stale and potentially running out of ideas but now with Neil Gaiman writing a redesign they have so much direction! I love the design of the Cybermen, they look even more emotionless and despite my dislike for the height, something I think takes away the monster aspect from them, they do look frightening and potentially more conniving. I'm not sure I liked the fact that Angie and Artie were travelling with the Doctor and Clara on the basis of blackmail and I wasn't keen on the character of Angie at all to be honest. Her attitude was a bit too pompous for my liking. She'd been given the opportunity of time and space travel and she was complaining of boredom? Ha. Silly little girl. Clara was absolutely brilliant in this episode and might just be my favourite performance from Jenna Coleman who was sporting a very simple yet sexy and elegant look. Jenna never fails to impress me with her looks and fashion sense and judging by some dialogue in this episode the Doctor thinks she's rather attractive too! He was found daydreaming about her rather too tight dress which was wonderful. It's like he's not allowed to think of his companions, or anyone really, in that way! Anyway, speaking of sparkling performances, Matt Smith was staggeringly good here and showed just why he is my all time favourite Doctor. Funny, genius and everything in between. The battle against the Cyber-Planner, technically dubbing a double part, was just phenomenal. The design of Smith as the Planner, or 'Mr Clever', was very good I thought. His use of speech for both parts was incredible and gave us an intriguing insight as to how the actor playing the Doctor would do as a villain. I think Matt Smith would easily do the job! The way he defeated the Cyber-Planner was done very cleverly as he knew that even if he won the game of chess the Planner wouldn't hold up to his end of the bargain so he took things into his own hands and cheated to gain victory. No argument here! I loved how authoritative Clara was when she was put in charge. No nerves, she thrived under the pressure with ease. It was nice seeing how much she trusted the Doctor, so much so that she happily placed the lives of Angie and Artie under his protection. The Doctor describing Clara as too short and having a funny nose when asked if he thought she was pretty was an expected sort of answer but one I couldn't understand. She's utterly perfect in my eyes. I love the new threat of the Cyberman and they now seem incapable of defeat with their ability to just upgrade their weaknesses on the spot. Imploding the planet destroyed them here, but would that be an option should they invade Earth any time soon? I think not. Overall, a great episode with a lot riding for the next episode and series finale. Clara knows the Doctor thinks of her as the impossible girl, and the Cybermen are more deadly than ever. Exciting times ahead. 

Rating: 9/10

The Crimson Horror

"Horse, you have failed in your mission. We are lost, with no sign of Sweetville!"

Writer: Mark Gatiss

Format: TV

Broadcast: 4th May 2013

Series: 7.11

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara, Paternoster Gang

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 an outstanding episode! A wonderful setting, brilliant play on things and the possible basis or preview for an eagerly hoped for spinoff featuring the Paternoster Gang (Vastra, Jenny and Strax). I was intrigued how for roughly the first fifteen minutes of the story the Doctor nor Clara did not appear. Instead we had the returning Paternoster Gang trio stealing the spotlight. I love the dynamic of the trio with Vastra leading, Jenny getting her knees dirty (figuratively) and Strax providing the wonderful humour. I was nearly in tears when Vastra was talking of getting somebody in Sweetville who was the fittest and most beautiful and Strax responded thinking he matched the criteria. Superb humour. Before this episode, Jenny was probably the member of the trio we knew least about just because she was human. We've seen numerous Silurian and Sontaran stories in the past so even though we don't know the individuals of Vastra and Strax all that well, they're more familiar and we know what they're capable of. Jenny's exploring and deviousness when inside the hunting ground of Mrs Gillyflower's factory was great with her gaining trust to cause a distraction to get her closer to the Doctor. I loved the character of Ada and felt so sorry for the way she was treated by her own mother. The fact she was blind was a good aspect with the way she saved the Doctor and kept him as a pet monster. The use of the superstition that the eye retains its last image upon death was really fascinating especially when the Doctor appeared on one man's image. Once Jenny found and helped cure the Doctor I loved how he rather passionately kissed her, and then welcomed the slap he received. The moments where Jenny acted as companion briefly were terrific and I think she would make a great companion for an episode in the future! But we've already got an absolute gem in that position at the moment with Clara. I liked the movie reel theme that depicted the earlier events that led to the start of the story with the arrival of the Doctor and Clara in Victorian Yorkshire and how they'd gotten involved with Mrs Gillyflower and her plan of brightness and beauty. Clara obviously fitted the bill. The lovely reference to Tegan was a wonderful addition to the story! I love how the Doctor thinks of Tegan as a "gobby Australian"! "Brave heart Clara". Some great stuff there. Once the Doctor and Clara were reunited and joined forces with Vastra, Jenny and Strax, the unravelling of the plot was tremendous with the threat of Mrs Gillyflower advancing her plans to poison the air and convert the population into her stiffs as they were dubbed with the weird red liquid. The enigma of Mr Sweet was intriguing throughout and once all was revealed it wasn't quite what I hoped for. The idea of him being symbiotic was brilliant and accounted well for the absence to that point, but the design I thought was poor sadly. Ada's reaction to Mr Sweet was a bit of a shock and I liked how Strax came and saved the day sending Gillyflower to her death. A superb climax to a brilliant story! I really enjoyed how the Paternoster Gang were confused how Clara was travelling with the Doctor. The numerous The Snowmen references were excellent and I loved how the Doctor only said it was complicated how she came to be travelling with him. Will it be long before all is revealed? I adored Clara when she continued to subtly challenge the Doctor when he jokingly said she was the boss. Women power was prevailing in the TARDIS it seemed. The lead into the next episode was very intriguing with the very children Clara babysat for had delved deep into archives and found some pictures of Clara from the '70s and '80s! I liked how she was also seen from The Snowmen but claimed it was wrong. She hadn't gone to Victorian London, at least not this version of her. The mystery just keeps getting better! 

Rating: 9/10

Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS

"Don't get into a spaceship with a madman. Didn't anyone ever teach you that?"

Writer: Steve Thompson

Format: TV

Broadcast: 27th April 2014

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 it 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 absolutely brilliant episode to continue the second part of the seventh series and now the arc and mystery of Clara really is kicking in. I loved the title despite its unusually long length and its similarities to the film (you can guess which one, I'm sure) were great! I loved the idea of exploring more of the TARDIS, more specifically heading towards the centre. We saw a lot of the TARDIS interior during The Invasion of Time but our only real look into the heart or centre of the TARDIS was in The Movie. Here, what we saw was sublime. I loved the irony in the way the TARDIS was subjected to damage. Just as the Doctor reverts the TARDIS to basic mode so Clara can fly her, the magno-grab reaches out and inflicts serious damage on the ship. I adored how the Doctor so wanted his ship and companion to get along (what a sentence!) and his reactions when Clara was a bit skeptical was magnificent. Had Clara been companion in The Doctor's Wife then maybe she'd have understood. The Van Baalen brothers were good additions to the story and just like its predecessor I liked how effective the small cast was. And again, it didn't need to be any bigger. I really envied Clara in that she was left alone in the TARDIS! What Doctor Who fan wouldn't want free passage inside the TARDIS? Seeing the numerous things the Doctor has inside his ship was marvellous with the swimming pool, endless corridors and impressive library! I'd love to know what Clara read in the book about the Time War and an intriguing thought came to my mind. Seeing as the Doctor was the sole survivor, surely he's the author? I found that amazingly interesting especially when Clara found out his real name, only to later forget. I loved how on the point of death, the Doctor angrily confronted Clara about her identity! How could she have died twice? It was wonderful seeing the fear in Clara's eyes. Then it was relief for them both as Clara received a hug and the Doctor ultimately knew she was just normal, ordinary Clara. The Time Zombies were fascinating enemies and the concept was quite frightening when it was revealed that the potential future was also leaking through the rupture, and the fate of Clara was quite horrifying! How could the beautiful companion end up like that? Speaking of beauty, Jenna Coleman looked absolutely sensational in this episode with that stunning and gorgeous red dress. I wouldn't be opposed if she wore that every episode! The way the Doctor resolved the problem, from the stunning heart of the TARDIS, was very clever. I loved the design of the heart of the TARDIS, frozen in destruction, it really wasn't what you'd expect and I liked that. The message of 'big friendly button' on the device (and Clara's hand) was fantastic and despite the clear font error, the idea of the Doctor changing the future by going back to the point in the console room that set the episode up was excellent. Clara would forget the confrontation about having died twice, and the relationship would be back to its wonderfulness. Overall, a great episode! 

Rating: 9/10

Hide

"Hold hands. Keep doing that and don't let go. That's the secret."

Writer: Neil Cross

Format: TV

Broadcast: 20th April 2013

Series: 7.09

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Clara

Synopsis 

The Doctor and Clara arrive at the haunted Caliburn House, set alone on a desolate moor. Within its walls, a ghost-hunting professor and a gifted empathic psychic are searching for the Witch of the Well. Her apparition appears throughout the history of the building, but is she really a ghost? And what is chasing her?

Verdict 

Hide was a fantastic episode full of scares, atmosphere and eeriness. I really liked this episode and despite a cast of just five, four for the majority, that actually made it better! You knew the characters very well by the end and for the story, there didn't need to be more than what was present. The Haliburn House setting was fantastic and it really did look old and potentially haunted which is exactly what is required for a ghost story. Emma was a wonderful character played beautifully by Jessica Raine. I really love her as an actress so I was glad to see her in Doctor Who as an empathic psychic! I love the idea of empathy in the world and despite my lack of belief, I do accept that it could be possible and I was excited that this type of ability was appearing in the Whoniverse. Alec was also excellent and I loved how he was a psychology professor as well as a ghost hunter, who the Doctor greatly admired. I loved Clara's reaction and statement to Alec as to how he acquired the house. That's dedication for you! I adored how the Doctor was gleeful towards the 1970s equipment and loved a good toggle. I really liked the relationship between the TARDIS and Clara! It really added to the mystery of the girl twice dead. Why wouldn't the TARDIS let her in like she did previous companions? I adored Clara when she called the TARDIS a "grumpy old cow"! Utterly brilliant. The return of the interface was terrific and I liked how in Clara's hologram there were signs of Idris in there. The hunt for the 'Witch from the Well' was a good centre point for the plot to unfold with the pictures being taken and so on. I liked that Emma could feel the emotions of Hila, who would turn out to be the 'ghost'. I thought the way the Doctor went from start to end of Earth's history as if it was nothing was pretty heartless but that's more than acceptable from the Eleventh Doctor! He rarely remembers to take the companion's feelings into account. Clara now saw the Doctor as what he was, immortal (give or take). He can see everything there's ever been. To him, as mentioned, Clara technically was a ghost. An intriguing feeling. The Crooked Man enemy was a bit silly I think. If they just left it as the unknown and scary monster chasing Hila that would have been great but making it a love story was unnecessary silliness I felt. I much preferred the thought of the bone creature being a horrific monster. The reference to the umbrella stand in the TARDIS was hilarious and a really nice throwback to previous console rooms. The use of the crystal from Metebelis III was an incredible surprise! Much better than the revelation of the inside of an Ice Warrior in the previous episode. It's excellent to see continuity from Planet of the Spiders having a big role in a revived series story. Emma's opening of the door into the pocket universe was very good and courageous and once Hila was saved I loved how Clara had an argument with the TARDIS to make sure the Doctor was saved as he held on to his blue box in Captain Jack style. The tired high five between the Doctor and Clara was superb. I liked how the true love story of the episode was between Alec and Emma. No rubbish there between monsters. The similarity to Rise and Fall with the pocket universe travelling on a different time stream was excellent but not quite done to the success of the Short Trip audio. But it was still tremendous! I liked how it wasn't the ghost that the Doctor came to see, it was Emma to see how Clara could be. But she was just normal. An ordinary girl. Many criticised that we didn't know anything about Clara and that they don't like her because of that but to me it's precisely what makes her so wonderfully amazing. She's a beautiful enigma, and is just a great companion. Overall, a very good episode!

Rating: 8/10