Mummy on the Orient Express

"A mummy that only the victim can see."

Writer: Jamie Mathieson

Format: TV

Broadcast: 11 October 2014

Series: 8.08

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Clara

Synopsis

The Doctor is on the most beautiful train in history speeding among the stars of the future, but a deadly creature is stalking the passengers.

Verdict

Mummy on the Orient Express was an outstanding episode to continue our way through the modern era combined rewatch with Series 8! I was very excited before watching this story because I have maintained that this is my favourite on screen Twelfth Doctor tale. I'm going to wait until we reach the end of his era before making a judgement again as it's been a long time now since watching these episodes, but a third perfect rating for this one certainly makes a strong case! It's just an excellent concept and the Foretold is a proper Doctor Who monster. I don't even mind that it wasn't actually evil or choosing to kill out of malice. It just works in providing a fear factor and the atmosphere right from the off. The whole countdown of sixty-six seconds really provides a fantastic impetus in building anticipation for what's to come. Having it actually appear on the screen really helps things and it makes the timing of the episode all the more impressive in working out. I think the follow on from Kill the Moon felt different than I expected as I always thought it was kind of pushed aside, but Clara is here to affirm that this is her last hurrah. She never looked convincing in believing that and that was clear when she thought it wouldn't be the last time she would see the Doctor. Is he really the type to come around for dinner? Does she not remember her last Christmas hosting duties in The Time of the Doctor? I think it's fun that despite everything Clara is addicted to the TARDIS drug and even more so when it comes to being lied to. She was horrified again that he made her lie to Maisie when they worked out that she was the next victim, but he more than made up for it. I thought the humour still managing to be so prevalent in the episode was impressive after recent events and the Doctor's line about having an astonishing guess based on Clara's non-description of a singer she saw was incredible. It had Gemma and I cackling. I honestly can't believe how funny this incarnation is as I always remember him being the serious type, but he's magnificent. I thought Perkins was a delightful character who bounced off the Doctor really well as he was also looking into things regarding the Foretold and the mysterious deaths aboard the Orient Express. The continuity back to The Big Bang in following up with the phone call to the TARDIS about the Orient Express and being lured by Gus was fun stuff. The idea behind the experiment to capture the Foretold was fascinating and I liked it a lot when the illusion was lifted. I thought it happened a bit earlier than I remembered, but I like the concept behind the people being on board as a means to solve the myth. The Doctor was always going to be the one to solve it and the way that happened was terrific. I love the idea behind an ancient soldier with malfunctioning technology as it explains everything without malice. I think there's a missed opportunity with the whole Missy and the afterlife arc running through the series by not having the victims show up there, but potentially that is because of timing. I think the Perkins scene in the TARDIS is fun but it's so obvious that it's down to getting Frank Skinner on that set! I'm not complaining though. I'd love him to show up in Big Finish again as the character. The Doctor working things out and surrendering and relieving the solder of his duties was pretty fulfilling. It was fun for the Doctor to then get everyone off with the teleport and his joke on the beach about suffocating the rest whilst saving Clara was good stuff. And of course she was going to want more adventures! Show her the planets. I can't wait for more on this journey again. And here I am shocked that Gemma only gave it a seven! I was stunned. I think it's brilliant. Overall, a tremendous episode! 

Rating: 10/10