Flatline

"Are we really hiding from killer graffiti?"

Writer: Jamie Mathieson

Format: TV

Broadcast: 18 October 2014

Series: 8.09

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Clara

Synopsis

Clara discovers a menace from another dimension while she is separated from the Doctor; with the Doctor trapped, Clara must defend against an enemy that exists beyond human perception.

Verdict

Flatline was another excellent episode in our modern era rewatch with Series 8! I’m throughly enjoying revisiting Peter Capaldi’s first series as the Doctor alongside my partner Gemma who didn’t watch this series on broadcast because of the lead actor and how he was much changed from what came before. I’m seeing no evidence other than age and perhaps a lack of flirting to suggest that the Twelfth Doctor is much different at all. I think his humour is tremendous and that was taken to a new level of ridiculous here with the shrinking TARDIS. I really like the idea behind this story and it was another one I was really looking forward to. I think the concept of an invasion from a universe of two dimensions is fantastic and I like the pace in revealing that this is what is happening. It works well and the fear factor of people being taken and dragged down into a two dimensional world is excellent. Seeing people as murals on a wall or imprints on carpet was very eery once the truth was revealed. The idea of what was looking like a desert was actually blown up human skin was horrifying! And yet despite everything the episode didn’t feel dark. I think the fear factor of the TARDIS losing its external dimensions was really well done and getting a smaller box version of the TARDIS and then what had to be a Character Options figure version was glorious. Just seeing the Doctor stuck inside was perfect for this incarnation. I liked how that allowed Clara to take on the role of the Doctor and fair play she absolutely nailed it. She looked the part and the way Rigsy kind of filled her companion role was nicely done. He was a nice little character and you felt sorry for him being on community service having to cover up his own graffiti. His relationship with Clara was really nice and the humour that came from her communicating with the Doctor about him and his local knowledge was very good. He was bang on when it came to the missing still actually being in the room and you could see the light switch moment go off for the Doctor there. The TARDIS going into siege mode was great and I can’t believe we haven’t had a figure version of the box yet. I’d love to add that to my collection! The emergence of the Boneless into the world of three dimensions was brilliant and I’m a big fan of the grainy effects. It made things feel very real and that was most welcomed. The image of the train being imprinted on the tunnel wall was very strong and somehow I love the ridiculousness of the Twodis. Imagine being able to just change the dimensions of things! The image of the Doctor using his hand to get the TARDIS off the train track is equally stupendous but I think it’s also rather fun. You can just imagine the Doctor - this incarnation in particular - groaning. Clara using the power of the Boneless against them echoing the Doctor was a nice touch and recharging the TARDIS was nicely done. I do think the ending is a little easy and lacking clarity as the Doctor just emerges and banishes the Boneless with the sonic screwdriver, so why couldn’t Clara just do that in the first place if she had the device in hand already? And that glaring production error of Peter Capaldi’s haircut changing and then reverting mid-episode is still something I’ll never forget. I pointed it out right away. It’s just pretty funny and I can guarantee nothing like that would get close to happening.  

Rating: 9/10