I think Whittaker could have been a great Doctor. I don't blame her for the lackluster show she was involved with, I blame Chibnal. I know he is a talented individual, but I do not think that he and his team of writers were up for the task of working on such a beloved and iconic series. What 13's entire run lacked was the joy that Doctors 9-12 had. When I say joy, I do not mean in her performance, which I liked, I mean in the stories themselves. Her finale had that and I would have really liked the rest of her tenure to have reflected that fun. If it had, I do not believe she would have been unfairly disliked by the fan community. Because, let's be honest, fans are jerks.
107 Reviews
One of the better Chibnall efforts.
straker224 October 2022
It's a little sad that it took until the very last Whittaker story to get things to a level of strong entertainment, but Chibnall ends the era of the Whittaker Doctor on a pretty decent note. It was a divisive era, marked by forgettable aliens, simple plots, a lack of horror and a lot of preaching, not to mention a try at altering the show's mythos which alienated a lot of the fan-base. Over the last half decade, the Dr Who series has fallen from being the jewel in the BBC's crown to a show with mediocre ratings, too. But as Jodie Whittaker departs and fans wait to see if returning RTD and new Doctor can revitalize the show, it is good that the swansong of Doctor 13 at least tried to win back some good will.
Messy but brilliant
colinsparfitt5 November 2022
It might just be my expectations at this point were extremely low, but that was the best of Chibnall's run.
Yes - the plot doesn't make any sense, there are plot holes you could drive a train through, and some of the lines sound as if they were read off a cue card.
But the spectacle of the thing more than makes up for it - throwing just about everything at the screen in the hope something sticks. - just don't spend any time trying to work out what's happening.
Massive fan service - if you aren't familiar with Classic Who, there will be moments of pure bafflement as old characters pop up with no explanation.
And finally, the best regeneration of NuWho.
Yes - the plot doesn't make any sense, there are plot holes you could drive a train through, and some of the lines sound as if they were read off a cue card.
But the spectacle of the thing more than makes up for it - throwing just about everything at the screen in the hope something sticks. - just don't spend any time trying to work out what's happening.
Massive fan service - if you aren't familiar with Classic Who, there will be moments of pure bafflement as old characters pop up with no explanation.
And finally, the best regeneration of NuWho.
Saving the Best Until Last...
Xstal24 October 2022
It's fair to say that all good things must come to an end, and when it comes to Doctor Who that came when this regeneration was penned, with some early teething woes, talking frogs, arachnid foes, and the Dregs that made you beg, and shout "Please no!" Who can forget the Terror Tesla forced us through, and the fingers that were forced right into you, the not fantastic plastic eater, then The Flux, the great defeater, the Sea Devils was the lowest of the low. But at least Jodie can go out with a bang, as she's joined by predecessors, and the old gang, while the CGI's excessive, I thought the story was impressive, now the cloister bell no longer needs to clang - and we can all move on and put the past behind us.
Out with a bang.
Sleepin_Dragon24 October 2022
The Doctor faces a perilous battle, taking on a crazed Master, Daleks and Cybermen.
Let's start with this, plain and simple, this was quite something, quite excellent. Chibnall's master plan finally climaxes, in style. Was it always the plan to conclude in this way, or was it a course correction? A real shame there were so many misfires along the way, this shows the potential, what could have been all along.
Terrific writing (for the big bits,), I loved the plot, I loved the use of the show's past, and of course the familiar faces, nobody felt shoehorned in for the sake of it, everyone played a part. Was it perfect? No, but I am prepared to overlook the host of plot devices used, somehow in the scale of this episode, they didn't matter. .....oh look there's Graham, for example, and does Tegan need a first aid kit?
The Dalek Masterplan, The Master Dalek Plan, I loved that segment, a nice reference to the show's past, but then that's what this whole episode was all about. We knew, through masses of publicity that Axe and Tegan were back, but of course there were other faces too. Both wer marvellous, picking up where each left off, if anyone's reading, Ace deserves a spin-off show.
Among the carnage and action, there were some tender, sweeter moments to enjoy too, they worked thanks to some quality acting. The Doctor's final scenes, pretty impressive I thought.
Whittaker's final outing, a very good one, I still think she had too many scenes where she's stood explaining the narrative, but on the whole, a strong end. I'm intrigued to see if she'll ever return to the part.
Sacha Dhawan was incredibly maniacal once again, the character becoming more and more crazed, this time full of hate, I actually thought he was excellent here, I was reminded of Simm, the early years.
Visually jaw dropping, Flux had some good effects, some poor, this though, was a whole new level, it looked incredible throughout, great special effects, great music too, it was perfectly in keeping.
A strong end to a troubled chapter, 9/10.
That final scene, if dreams came true.
Let's start with this, plain and simple, this was quite something, quite excellent. Chibnall's master plan finally climaxes, in style. Was it always the plan to conclude in this way, or was it a course correction? A real shame there were so many misfires along the way, this shows the potential, what could have been all along.
Terrific writing (for the big bits,), I loved the plot, I loved the use of the show's past, and of course the familiar faces, nobody felt shoehorned in for the sake of it, everyone played a part. Was it perfect? No, but I am prepared to overlook the host of plot devices used, somehow in the scale of this episode, they didn't matter. .....oh look there's Graham, for example, and does Tegan need a first aid kit?
The Dalek Masterplan, The Master Dalek Plan, I loved that segment, a nice reference to the show's past, but then that's what this whole episode was all about. We knew, through masses of publicity that Axe and Tegan were back, but of course there were other faces too. Both wer marvellous, picking up where each left off, if anyone's reading, Ace deserves a spin-off show.
Among the carnage and action, there were some tender, sweeter moments to enjoy too, they worked thanks to some quality acting. The Doctor's final scenes, pretty impressive I thought.
Whittaker's final outing, a very good one, I still think she had too many scenes where she's stood explaining the narrative, but on the whole, a strong end. I'm intrigued to see if she'll ever return to the part.
Sacha Dhawan was incredibly maniacal once again, the character becoming more and more crazed, this time full of hate, I actually thought he was excellent here, I was reminded of Simm, the early years.
Visually jaw dropping, Flux had some good effects, some poor, this though, was a whole new level, it looked incredible throughout, great special effects, great music too, it was perfectly in keeping.
A strong end to a troubled chapter, 9/10.
That final scene, if dreams came true.
Pure "fan service": really only enjoyable by classic who fans
illisia4224 October 2022
WARNING: This is nearly constant "fan service", full of old characters, throwbacks, references, etc, from "classic Who" from decades ago. As a classic Who fan, this is so, so enjoyable, a 8-9/10! *However*, if you have only seen "new Who" (since the 2000s), most of this will be lost on you and although I think you'll like it, it sits at more of a 6-7/10.
This episode was definitely Chibnell and Whittaker's best, and that makes me annoyed! Suddenly I'm thinking "okay, where was this quality for the last three seasons?!" and I'm actually sad to see them go!
It's action-packed, lots of fun, very emotional in places, and fills-in some of Chibnell's previous plot, which is good. There's a good twist at the end that will lead us until the 60th, with Russel T Davies return. There are still far, far too many questions Left unanswered from this tenure though, *especially* "The Timeless Child". This episode itself has a few unanswered questions, too, but *hopefully* you are having so much fun (like me) that you were able to ignore them.
I can definitely see myself rewatching this, which is the first time I've said that about any Chibnell-Whittaker episode!
You'll enjoy it more if you're a classic Who fan, and if you are able to ignore plot holes and unanswered questions, but I'm not sure I can recommend it outhetwise, sadly.
This episode was definitely Chibnell and Whittaker's best, and that makes me annoyed! Suddenly I'm thinking "okay, where was this quality for the last three seasons?!" and I'm actually sad to see them go!
It's action-packed, lots of fun, very emotional in places, and fills-in some of Chibnell's previous plot, which is good. There's a good twist at the end that will lead us until the 60th, with Russel T Davies return. There are still far, far too many questions Left unanswered from this tenure though, *especially* "The Timeless Child". This episode itself has a few unanswered questions, too, but *hopefully* you are having so much fun (like me) that you were able to ignore them.
I can definitely see myself rewatching this, which is the first time I've said that about any Chibnell-Whittaker episode!
You'll enjoy it more if you're a classic Who fan, and if you are able to ignore plot holes and unanswered questions, but I'm not sure I can recommend it outhetwise, sadly.
The Power of the Doctor
studioAT26 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I remember having such hopes for the Jodie Whittaker era of 'Doctor Who' after travelling with Peter Capaldi's Doctor felt a bit like hard work.
Unfortunately though, like Capaldi's era, Whittaker has been lumbered with weak scripts, and a whole Scooby-doo style gang of misfits who've never quite gelled. The proof of this is that John Bishop, so 'vital' in 'Flux' is booted off here after about five minutes.
Even her Doctor has never had much depth to her. There's no comparison between her and say Christopher Eccleston's take on the character.
But here we go, the BBC billed this as an 'event' and it's here that we bid farewell to the 13th Doctor and much maligned Writer/Exec Producer Chris Chibnall (writer of one good series of 'Broadchurch' and two bad ones).
And he goes for full on fan service as a way of smoothing over the troubled tenure, with surprise surprise, this making for a better episode.
Like most Doctor Who episodes from about 2010 onwards I didn't understand all of the plot, but I don't think it really mattered.
It's bright, it's buzzy, and the cameos/references paper over the cracks along the way.
I agree with a previous reviewer - this was a shameless attempt to win back fans and steady the ship. It did that for now.
Unfortunately though, like Capaldi's era, Whittaker has been lumbered with weak scripts, and a whole Scooby-doo style gang of misfits who've never quite gelled. The proof of this is that John Bishop, so 'vital' in 'Flux' is booted off here after about five minutes.
Even her Doctor has never had much depth to her. There's no comparison between her and say Christopher Eccleston's take on the character.
But here we go, the BBC billed this as an 'event' and it's here that we bid farewell to the 13th Doctor and much maligned Writer/Exec Producer Chris Chibnall (writer of one good series of 'Broadchurch' and two bad ones).
And he goes for full on fan service as a way of smoothing over the troubled tenure, with surprise surprise, this making for a better episode.
Like most Doctor Who episodes from about 2010 onwards I didn't understand all of the plot, but I don't think it really mattered.
It's bright, it's buzzy, and the cameos/references paper over the cracks along the way.
I agree with a previous reviewer - this was a shameless attempt to win back fans and steady the ship. It did that for now.
The blossomiest blossom...
Chalice_Of_Evil24 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The opening for this episode was certainly flashy/action-packed with the space train. It surprised me that Dan was written out so early on. I wondered if John Bishop wasn't available to film much, whether he didn't wish to or whether Chibnall just couldn't find a way to fit Dan into the story with so much else going on. I never felt we got a real good handle on what the Doctor/Dan dynamic was, unlike the Doctor/Yaz dynamic (I guess that's one of the downsides to only being a Companion for nine episodes). At least he appeared at the end again, so that was something, but I felt his departure/the Doctor's non-goodbye to him felt a bit weird (at least he had a proper goodbye with Yaz). However, Jodie Whittaker totally conveyed everything the Doctor felt about Dan leaving (after he decided he'd had one too many close calls/near-death experiences) with the look on her face. We didn't really need any dialogue from her, as her expression said it all.
Having never watched 'Classic Who' myself, I didn't really know the characters of Tegan and Ace (other than from the bits and pieces I'd seen of them in various DVD extras/documentaries about the show). I ended up liking Ace a bit more than Tegan for two reasons: 1) The acting from the actress who played Tegan, at least in her first scene, kind of took some getting used to...I guess that was how she played her part back in the day? For me it felt somewhat 'off'. 2) Ace didn't seem quite so 'harsh' towards the Doctor (though it was clear Tegan had her reasons for holding a grudge). The Tegan/Ace team-up was cool, I liked seeing them interact with Jodie's Doctor (she did a good job of playing the awkwardness of being reunited with her old Companions) as well as Yaz and other characters, and I especially liked seeing Graham again (I'd read he was going to be in the episode but had forgotten, so it was somewhat of a surprise when he appeared) and his teaming up with Ace.
I imagine fans of the two 'Classic Who' era Companions (as well as the actresses who played them) were happy for their characters to get some 'closure' of sorts with their respective Doctors appearing to them via hologram. Speaking of those former Doctors, I'm guessing the actors they brought back had probably been holding off reappearing until they felt it was worth it. The scene with them talking to Jodie's Doctor was great and I'm sure Jodie enjoyed getting to interact with these past Doctor actors. Someone else clearly having a ball was Sacha Dhawan as the Master. I think he's probably my favourite version of the Master since Derek Jacobi's all-too-brief appearance back in Season 3. This Master actually felt *dangerous* at times and wasn't just 'wacky'. I did, however, think that whilst Sacha's performance was up to his usual standard in the beginning of this episode, he verged too much into OTT territory later on. More than anything, I HATED seeing the Master put Jodie's Doctor through a forced regeneration, turning her into him. The way she said Yaz's name before she changed (which was shown in the trailers for the episode) was especially chilling/upsetting, I thought.
It felt like a 'violation' seeing the Master-as-the-Doctor, wearing her outfit and basically threatening Yaz into going on 'adventures' with him. I resented him for taking away Jodie's Doctor for a percentage of the episode (though it was somewhat amusing when he tried on previous Doctor's outfits, since it reminded me of the time Joey wore all of Chandler's clothes at the same time in an episode of Friends). I do think that Jodie's Doctor had a unique/twisted relationship with this version of the Master and their dynamic was an interesting one. Although, in the end, the Master proved himself as just being petty when he couldn't be the Doctor...so he ensured she couldn't either, wounding her to trigger her regeneration. Luckily, Yaz was there to carry her inside the TARDIS (speaking of, I liked how many shots we got of going from the outside of the TARDIS all the way inside and vice versa, illustrating the contrast between the small exterior and vast interior). Another thing I was happy to see was Jodie's Doctor inventing/creating, with her goggles on, like in her first episode. Nice callback.
We've seen the Doctor/Yaz relationship developed the most over the course of these last three seasons, both Jodie and Mandip Gill did an excellent job conveying all the emotions when saying goodbye. I enjoyed the shot of them sitting atop the TARDIS with ice cream (the sound/background music dropping out was really effective). When the Doctor said she had to do her regeneration alone, I thought after all the times Yaz had pointed out she *didn't* need to do things alone, this would be the one time where the Doctor would welcome her company. Instead, she went off by herself. The thing I most appreciated about this Doctor's regeneration was that it wasn't drawn-out, nor was she whiny about it. Yes, she said she wished she had more time, but after that she seemed to accept it and just wished she could've seen what came next. Unlike certain other Doctors, she was 'mature' about it and went out how she had always been since she first appeared (with kindness and encouragement), wishing all the best for the next Doctor. If nothing else, her regeneration will surely be remembered for having one of the most beautiful shots ever.
It might be an 'unpopular' opinion, but I think Jodie Whittaker did a superb job with the material she was given and I hate the fact that due to Covid and other reasons she didn't get to be the Doctor for as long as the last three actors to play the role did. She was unfairly judged in a harsh manner and while others might see her departure from the show as a reason to start watching again, I'm considering it being time for me to stop. I guess I'll wait and see. Kudos to Jodie and everyone else for this fitting send-off to Jodie's Doctor. In my opinion, she was brilliant, I'll miss her (A LOT) and I thank her for making the show watchable for me again after I nearly gave up on it during Season 10.
Having never watched 'Classic Who' myself, I didn't really know the characters of Tegan and Ace (other than from the bits and pieces I'd seen of them in various DVD extras/documentaries about the show). I ended up liking Ace a bit more than Tegan for two reasons: 1) The acting from the actress who played Tegan, at least in her first scene, kind of took some getting used to...I guess that was how she played her part back in the day? For me it felt somewhat 'off'. 2) Ace didn't seem quite so 'harsh' towards the Doctor (though it was clear Tegan had her reasons for holding a grudge). The Tegan/Ace team-up was cool, I liked seeing them interact with Jodie's Doctor (she did a good job of playing the awkwardness of being reunited with her old Companions) as well as Yaz and other characters, and I especially liked seeing Graham again (I'd read he was going to be in the episode but had forgotten, so it was somewhat of a surprise when he appeared) and his teaming up with Ace.
I imagine fans of the two 'Classic Who' era Companions (as well as the actresses who played them) were happy for their characters to get some 'closure' of sorts with their respective Doctors appearing to them via hologram. Speaking of those former Doctors, I'm guessing the actors they brought back had probably been holding off reappearing until they felt it was worth it. The scene with them talking to Jodie's Doctor was great and I'm sure Jodie enjoyed getting to interact with these past Doctor actors. Someone else clearly having a ball was Sacha Dhawan as the Master. I think he's probably my favourite version of the Master since Derek Jacobi's all-too-brief appearance back in Season 3. This Master actually felt *dangerous* at times and wasn't just 'wacky'. I did, however, think that whilst Sacha's performance was up to his usual standard in the beginning of this episode, he verged too much into OTT territory later on. More than anything, I HATED seeing the Master put Jodie's Doctor through a forced regeneration, turning her into him. The way she said Yaz's name before she changed (which was shown in the trailers for the episode) was especially chilling/upsetting, I thought.
It felt like a 'violation' seeing the Master-as-the-Doctor, wearing her outfit and basically threatening Yaz into going on 'adventures' with him. I resented him for taking away Jodie's Doctor for a percentage of the episode (though it was somewhat amusing when he tried on previous Doctor's outfits, since it reminded me of the time Joey wore all of Chandler's clothes at the same time in an episode of Friends). I do think that Jodie's Doctor had a unique/twisted relationship with this version of the Master and their dynamic was an interesting one. Although, in the end, the Master proved himself as just being petty when he couldn't be the Doctor...so he ensured she couldn't either, wounding her to trigger her regeneration. Luckily, Yaz was there to carry her inside the TARDIS (speaking of, I liked how many shots we got of going from the outside of the TARDIS all the way inside and vice versa, illustrating the contrast between the small exterior and vast interior). Another thing I was happy to see was Jodie's Doctor inventing/creating, with her goggles on, like in her first episode. Nice callback.
We've seen the Doctor/Yaz relationship developed the most over the course of these last three seasons, both Jodie and Mandip Gill did an excellent job conveying all the emotions when saying goodbye. I enjoyed the shot of them sitting atop the TARDIS with ice cream (the sound/background music dropping out was really effective). When the Doctor said she had to do her regeneration alone, I thought after all the times Yaz had pointed out she *didn't* need to do things alone, this would be the one time where the Doctor would welcome her company. Instead, she went off by herself. The thing I most appreciated about this Doctor's regeneration was that it wasn't drawn-out, nor was she whiny about it. Yes, she said she wished she had more time, but after that she seemed to accept it and just wished she could've seen what came next. Unlike certain other Doctors, she was 'mature' about it and went out how she had always been since she first appeared (with kindness and encouragement), wishing all the best for the next Doctor. If nothing else, her regeneration will surely be remembered for having one of the most beautiful shots ever.
It might be an 'unpopular' opinion, but I think Jodie Whittaker did a superb job with the material she was given and I hate the fact that due to Covid and other reasons she didn't get to be the Doctor for as long as the last three actors to play the role did. She was unfairly judged in a harsh manner and while others might see her departure from the show as a reason to start watching again, I'm considering it being time for me to stop. I guess I'll wait and see. Kudos to Jodie and everyone else for this fitting send-off to Jodie's Doctor. In my opinion, she was brilliant, I'll miss her (A LOT) and I thank her for making the show watchable for me again after I nearly gave up on it during Season 10.
An okay departure for the 13th Doctor
josephcohen-5740424 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A 6/10 might be a little generous. I loved seeing familiar faces, but I feel like that's distracted many people from how mediocre the episode truly is. The story had a good setup but a terrible resolution. Ace, Tegan, Kate, Graham and Ashad were wasted. Dan and Yaz's goodbyes were terrible and had no buildup or emotional impact. The Doctor's regeneration didn't have any proper buildup either, though I did like how peaceful it was by the sunrise. The episode was visually stunning and entertaining, and it's music was good too. It was a mediocre end to a terrible era, I will miss Whittaker though.
Thank God it's Over
scottiyoung23 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Lazy writing
(Tegan falling to her death, but she's fine with no explanation)
(First forced regeneration took the Master an entire artificial planet and a uniquely rare stolen alien to do... Second time it took a handful of Cyber Masters)
(How did Graham get to the volcano?)
(Dan gets shot with a laser straight through his glass helmet... Not a single scratch on him)
(And so on, and so on).
Usual awful dialog ("Daleks... That's not good" *facepalm*) and sometimes painful acting. Ridiculous pacing and constant switching between scenes and emotional states (masters Rasputin dance was a sin against nature).
CGI that varied from OK to dreadful. And clothes regenerate now too?!
But, it was fun and interesting to see all the old doctors coming back. And the twist regeneration is indeed captivating.
Thank GOD Chibnal's era of destruction has come to a close. Russell will have a hell of a time stiching back together the ripped up lore. Good luck to him!
La commedia è finita!
Usual awful dialog ("Daleks... That's not good" *facepalm*) and sometimes painful acting. Ridiculous pacing and constant switching between scenes and emotional states (masters Rasputin dance was a sin against nature).
CGI that varied from OK to dreadful. And clothes regenerate now too?!
But, it was fun and interesting to see all the old doctors coming back. And the twist regeneration is indeed captivating.
Thank GOD Chibnal's era of destruction has come to a close. Russell will have a hell of a time stiching back together the ripped up lore. Good luck to him!
La commedia è finita!
No surprises here, Chibnall made another failure
AstelleVey23 October 2022
It's apparent that Chibnall took some inspiration from, not only past Doctor Who finales, but also the MCU. It's all nostalgia-bait and cameos, that sacrifices any competent or worthy story telling. The inclusion of past characters, whether they're part of the main group or a simple point-at-the-screen feature, doesn't enhance what's going on; in fact, they serve no purpose. Take them out, and you would have basically the same episode, with a few very minor tweaks. I would consider my self an avid fan of the classic run of the show. I haven't seen it all, but enough to comment about this. The emotions this episodes tries to tug by bringing these characters back don't register at all. In the hands of a competent writer, then perhaps I would take it away differently; however, knowing the losses of the past few years has taught me to not expect anything from this era's finale, and yet I still sigh and eye-roll. It was certainly risky trying to cram all these together, but doing so left many holes, specifically with the absence of certain people.
Even when you ignore the crowd-pleasing attributes, the central story is still stuffed and bloated. The Master! The Cybermen! The Daleks! Wow, the Doctor's big 3 antagonists all to do....nothing, essentially. The Daleks take an off-screen approach to provide no threat in the slightest. Chibnall has blatantly overused the Daleks - and to an extent, all 3 of these vital villains - in his tenure as showrunner. Constantly regurgitating them out for some of the poorest written episodes in TV history, just to make them look like fools and weak. I'm sorry, but wasn't it established countless of times in the revival that the Daleks are the universe's ultimate threat? The most powerful race? Of course, we see plentiful of failures, yet we still witness their pure evil. Guess Chibnall forgot to include that very core characteristic when throwing them in here. This can be said again for both the Master and the newish Cybermen. Trying to amalgamate beloved appearances from both sides into one highlights the consistent flaws that persist in Chibnall's run. His whole shtick with his finales are nothing more than contrived fanservices that build up to nothing.
As for the central plot, it's still pathetic. So the man did it, he actually made 0 decent episodes for his singular-doctor era. What an idiot. What a fool. Let's pray he is blacklisted from working on Doctor Who. It's actually quite irritating attempting to articulate exactly why the plot was bad, because the plot doesn't exist. The characters, which I've already elaborated on, force the plot to happen. That's not good writing. Good writing allows the characters to make decisions and then follow the story from there. What's happening here is the characters do certain actions because why not. There's no history, just recycled motives. They just exist because the episode wanted them to. What do they do? What do they want? Oh they just want to kill humans/destroy the Earth, again, using some uber-complex plan that involves out-of-nowhere devices that contradict written lore, again, and hoping the Doctor doesn't stop them even though they do, again. No nuance, no spices or flavour to appear different. I wouldn't even dare call it a reskin, it's just repeats after repeats.
Visually, it's still horrendous as well. Doctor Who trying too hard on effects is pointless, because evidently, the show has never been about how pretty or realistic it looks. Yet with the desperation to make all the crap on screen look somewhat tolerable, it achieves the polar opposite.
I'm obliged to note on the final minutes. To no one's surprise that this certain event was going to make it in. Again, it's just another attempt to make the viewers smile and eager to continue watching after the appalling 3 seasons we've had. Clever, admittedly. It's obviously the only way they could make us care to tune in next time, which I'm sure we will, excited for a promising, well-deserved good episode with a new writer.
Even when you ignore the crowd-pleasing attributes, the central story is still stuffed and bloated. The Master! The Cybermen! The Daleks! Wow, the Doctor's big 3 antagonists all to do....nothing, essentially. The Daleks take an off-screen approach to provide no threat in the slightest. Chibnall has blatantly overused the Daleks - and to an extent, all 3 of these vital villains - in his tenure as showrunner. Constantly regurgitating them out for some of the poorest written episodes in TV history, just to make them look like fools and weak. I'm sorry, but wasn't it established countless of times in the revival that the Daleks are the universe's ultimate threat? The most powerful race? Of course, we see plentiful of failures, yet we still witness their pure evil. Guess Chibnall forgot to include that very core characteristic when throwing them in here. This can be said again for both the Master and the newish Cybermen. Trying to amalgamate beloved appearances from both sides into one highlights the consistent flaws that persist in Chibnall's run. His whole shtick with his finales are nothing more than contrived fanservices that build up to nothing.
As for the central plot, it's still pathetic. So the man did it, he actually made 0 decent episodes for his singular-doctor era. What an idiot. What a fool. Let's pray he is blacklisted from working on Doctor Who. It's actually quite irritating attempting to articulate exactly why the plot was bad, because the plot doesn't exist. The characters, which I've already elaborated on, force the plot to happen. That's not good writing. Good writing allows the characters to make decisions and then follow the story from there. What's happening here is the characters do certain actions because why not. There's no history, just recycled motives. They just exist because the episode wanted them to. What do they do? What do they want? Oh they just want to kill humans/destroy the Earth, again, using some uber-complex plan that involves out-of-nowhere devices that contradict written lore, again, and hoping the Doctor doesn't stop them even though they do, again. No nuance, no spices or flavour to appear different. I wouldn't even dare call it a reskin, it's just repeats after repeats.
Visually, it's still horrendous as well. Doctor Who trying too hard on effects is pointless, because evidently, the show has never been about how pretty or realistic it looks. Yet with the desperation to make all the crap on screen look somewhat tolerable, it achieves the polar opposite.
I'm obliged to note on the final minutes. To no one's surprise that this certain event was going to make it in. Again, it's just another attempt to make the viewers smile and eager to continue watching after the appalling 3 seasons we've had. Clever, admittedly. It's obviously the only way they could make us care to tune in next time, which I'm sure we will, excited for a promising, well-deserved good episode with a new writer.
The Power of Nostalgia
A_Kind_Of_CineMagic14 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This epic finale to the Chibnall/Jodie era is good fun and one of the top 5 episodes of the era. It isn't perfect as I feel too much unnecessary stuff was thrown in but the nostalgia with old faces returning is a wonderful aspect which lifts the episode hugely.
The moment when the 13th Doctor finds herself meeting manifestations of her consciousness, the "Guardians of the Edge", in the form of the 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Doctors is a truly magical addition. I am thankful to Chibnall for finding this tenuous excuse to bring back David Bradley, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann in their more aged forms. It was fantastic to see them all as they are now. They all perform their cameos perfectly in a way that CGI de-aging wouldn't have matched.
It is nice and fitting that Jo Martin gets to return as a manifestation of the Fugitive Doctor too and it is fabulous to also get the return of former companions.
Sophie Aldred is Ace in more ways than one and her role in this is "wicked". Bradley Walsh popping back up as Graham and teaming up amusingly with Ace is great. Tegan gets a good role in the story too and the cameos at the end of Jo, Mel and especially Ian were terrific to see. The emotion I felt seeing William Russell making his long, long overdue return as Ian Chesterton was huge.
The scenes with Davison meeting back up with Tegan and McCoy meeting back up with Ace are superbly emotional too. The joy and warmth of those scenes just shines through. They were tremendous scenes.
These elements should result in a 10/10 classic and I am sure some fans do rate it at that top level but there are aspects of the episode that I am not so keen on which hold it back a little bit in my ratings:
I don't like the opening scenes with the space train. I find it unsatisfying in how it is done. The CyberMasters are not all that formidable, being defeated by a handful of train guards before regenerating. I don't get why the train guards recognise regeneration energy and feel the whole scene is just a bit cheesy and clunky.
Dan leaves, rather unceremoniously with the Doctor dumping him at the ruinous site where his house once stood and showing no care for this predicament.
Then Vinder inexplicably returns. I do not buy into the contrived, overly convenient scenario of someone the Doctor met before in another part of space and time just happening to bump into the Doctor again by crossing the galaxy through a wormhole searching for the "qurunx" energy that the Master is using for his scheme. I wish Dan, Captain Jack or someone else more fitting had played the role in the story Vinder did.
I think the reset of the volcanoes and other resolutions were rather weak deus ex machina endings. I found the qurunx a bit strange and the way it is used to blast the Doctor was not the best climax for my taste either. I also found it odd how Yaz dropped off the rest of the companions while the Doctor is unconscious. Wouldn't they want to check she was ok or say goodbye before leaving?
There are so many elements crammed into this story - The Master, Rasputin, altered famous paintings, CyberMasters, Ashad, Daleks, Vinder, old companions, former Doctors, UNIT, missing seismologists, volcanoes, space train heists, a stolen sentient energy hiding as a child.... etc. It is epic spectacle but a little bit messy at times.
However, it is fun, exciting and has lots of excellent stuff in it. The use of old cast members is my favourite element but I also enjoy various other parts:
Sacha Dhawan was good value and a formidable adversary. I liked the Master as Rasputin. I even laughed at the crazy and incongruous dancing to Boney M's disco hit!
The cinematography, effects, music and dynamic pacing is all good.
Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill perform well in their finale and Jodie's final words "tag, you're it" were good.
The regeneration looked great and was both hugely intriguing and really exhilerating as we see David Tennant return and his clothes change! I believe this will be explained in the forthcoming 60th Anniversary.
Episode Rating: 8.5/10.
2022 Specials Ranking: 1st out of 3.
The moment when the 13th Doctor finds herself meeting manifestations of her consciousness, the "Guardians of the Edge", in the form of the 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Doctors is a truly magical addition. I am thankful to Chibnall for finding this tenuous excuse to bring back David Bradley, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann in their more aged forms. It was fantastic to see them all as they are now. They all perform their cameos perfectly in a way that CGI de-aging wouldn't have matched.
It is nice and fitting that Jo Martin gets to return as a manifestation of the Fugitive Doctor too and it is fabulous to also get the return of former companions.
Sophie Aldred is Ace in more ways than one and her role in this is "wicked". Bradley Walsh popping back up as Graham and teaming up amusingly with Ace is great. Tegan gets a good role in the story too and the cameos at the end of Jo, Mel and especially Ian were terrific to see. The emotion I felt seeing William Russell making his long, long overdue return as Ian Chesterton was huge.
The scenes with Davison meeting back up with Tegan and McCoy meeting back up with Ace are superbly emotional too. The joy and warmth of those scenes just shines through. They were tremendous scenes.
These elements should result in a 10/10 classic and I am sure some fans do rate it at that top level but there are aspects of the episode that I am not so keen on which hold it back a little bit in my ratings:
I don't like the opening scenes with the space train. I find it unsatisfying in how it is done. The CyberMasters are not all that formidable, being defeated by a handful of train guards before regenerating. I don't get why the train guards recognise regeneration energy and feel the whole scene is just a bit cheesy and clunky.
Dan leaves, rather unceremoniously with the Doctor dumping him at the ruinous site where his house once stood and showing no care for this predicament.
Then Vinder inexplicably returns. I do not buy into the contrived, overly convenient scenario of someone the Doctor met before in another part of space and time just happening to bump into the Doctor again by crossing the galaxy through a wormhole searching for the "qurunx" energy that the Master is using for his scheme. I wish Dan, Captain Jack or someone else more fitting had played the role in the story Vinder did.
I think the reset of the volcanoes and other resolutions were rather weak deus ex machina endings. I found the qurunx a bit strange and the way it is used to blast the Doctor was not the best climax for my taste either. I also found it odd how Yaz dropped off the rest of the companions while the Doctor is unconscious. Wouldn't they want to check she was ok or say goodbye before leaving?
There are so many elements crammed into this story - The Master, Rasputin, altered famous paintings, CyberMasters, Ashad, Daleks, Vinder, old companions, former Doctors, UNIT, missing seismologists, volcanoes, space train heists, a stolen sentient energy hiding as a child.... etc. It is epic spectacle but a little bit messy at times.
However, it is fun, exciting and has lots of excellent stuff in it. The use of old cast members is my favourite element but I also enjoy various other parts:
Sacha Dhawan was good value and a formidable adversary. I liked the Master as Rasputin. I even laughed at the crazy and incongruous dancing to Boney M's disco hit!
The cinematography, effects, music and dynamic pacing is all good.
Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill perform well in their finale and Jodie's final words "tag, you're it" were good.
The regeneration looked great and was both hugely intriguing and really exhilerating as we see David Tennant return and his clothes change! I believe this will be explained in the forthcoming 60th Anniversary.
Episode Rating: 8.5/10.
2022 Specials Ranking: 1st out of 3.
Too good of an ending
edwardbenjsmith24 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Jodie Whittaker's finale as the Doctor was a sendoff which feels like it was from a show superior to the three series which preceded. I had very low expectations after 'Legend of the Sea Devils', but since this episode was not only a regeneration, but marked the 100th anniversary of the BBC, there was clearly a step up in writing and production to match the raised stakes.
It has the hallmarks of a Chibnall episode, it wraps up far too quickly, and there is a barrage of supporting characters. Plus, the decision for the Master to 'kill' the Doctor is a bit contrived. However, it all comes together to be a fantastic celebration of Doctor Who. The villains feel suitably villainous, the plots are imaginative,vwith stakes far better established than any other previous Chibnall episode.
Whittaker, Dhawan and Gill give stellar performances. The final scene between the Doctor and Yasmin is beautifully acted, carrying the weight of five years of television upon it (such a shame that these emotional scenes were not present in the previous series). Bradley Walsh also steals the show whenever he's on screen.
In a sense, this episode makes me angry. Angry because it shows how good Chibnall's run could have been had he given his tenure the care and attention this episode received. Sure, it succumbs to the many Chibnall-isms which have marred the previous series, but it shows that despite it he can create great television if he has the reason to.
Whittaker's regeneration scene is by far the best of the revival (bar Tennant's). It is beautifully shot, powerfully acted and a send off which feels suited for a far superior run. The choice to have the companions give the Doctor's eulogy, with the actress herself given only few poignant lines, is such a refreshing take on the regeneration.
I can count on one hand the number of Chibnall episodes I have enjoyed. The Power of the Doctor is a definite addition to this list.
It has the hallmarks of a Chibnall episode, it wraps up far too quickly, and there is a barrage of supporting characters. Plus, the decision for the Master to 'kill' the Doctor is a bit contrived. However, it all comes together to be a fantastic celebration of Doctor Who. The villains feel suitably villainous, the plots are imaginative,vwith stakes far better established than any other previous Chibnall episode.
Whittaker, Dhawan and Gill give stellar performances. The final scene between the Doctor and Yasmin is beautifully acted, carrying the weight of five years of television upon it (such a shame that these emotional scenes were not present in the previous series). Bradley Walsh also steals the show whenever he's on screen.
In a sense, this episode makes me angry. Angry because it shows how good Chibnall's run could have been had he given his tenure the care and attention this episode received. Sure, it succumbs to the many Chibnall-isms which have marred the previous series, but it shows that despite it he can create great television if he has the reason to.
Whittaker's regeneration scene is by far the best of the revival (bar Tennant's). It is beautifully shot, powerfully acted and a send off which feels suited for a far superior run. The choice to have the companions give the Doctor's eulogy, with the actress herself given only few poignant lines, is such a refreshing take on the regeneration.
I can count on one hand the number of Chibnall episodes I have enjoyed. The Power of the Doctor is a definite addition to this list.
Fundamentally terrible until the final scene
thebenjaminnunn23 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
We're heading straight into major spoiler territory here because this episode was focused around one extremely flawed evil plan and here it is:
The Master wants to become The Doctor so he can ruin her reputation and make her name a byword for evil. To accomplish this he uses a forced regeneration machine to force her to regenerate into him, effectively stealing her body and turning her from Jodie Whittaker into Sasha Dhawan.
A plan which could also have been achieved by saying "Hello, I'm The Doctor" and then shooting some people.
On one level it's nice that the hilariously bad Chibnall era has ended on such a stupid story. If he'd pulled some good writing out of the bag we might have missed him.
But onto the real headline, that spicy regeneration at the end of the episode. Jodie Whittaker regenerating into none other than...David Tennant!
Thousands of fans cheered at their screens in unison as the new Russell T Davies era exploded onto the scene, ushering in what we can only hope will be a new revival, much like what Davies first accomplished in 2005. Though now he arguably faces an even greater challenge.
Series 1 tasked Davies with resurrecting a series long on hiatus, a daunting task but one he rose to mightily.
Now he faces the challenge of rescuing the show from the festering quagmire of almost half a decade of lacklustre or downright awful stories, can he rise to this challenge? I'm optimistic but only time will tell.
The Master wants to become The Doctor so he can ruin her reputation and make her name a byword for evil. To accomplish this he uses a forced regeneration machine to force her to regenerate into him, effectively stealing her body and turning her from Jodie Whittaker into Sasha Dhawan.
A plan which could also have been achieved by saying "Hello, I'm The Doctor" and then shooting some people.
On one level it's nice that the hilariously bad Chibnall era has ended on such a stupid story. If he'd pulled some good writing out of the bag we might have missed him.
But onto the real headline, that spicy regeneration at the end of the episode. Jodie Whittaker regenerating into none other than...David Tennant!
Thousands of fans cheered at their screens in unison as the new Russell T Davies era exploded onto the scene, ushering in what we can only hope will be a new revival, much like what Davies first accomplished in 2005. Though now he arguably faces an even greater challenge.
Series 1 tasked Davies with resurrecting a series long on hiatus, a daunting task but one he rose to mightily.
Now he faces the challenge of rescuing the show from the festering quagmire of almost half a decade of lacklustre or downright awful stories, can he rise to this challenge? I'm optimistic but only time will tell.
Not Bad. Nice end to a rough few years
princesschloej24 October 2022
I really enjoyed this end to Jodie's tenure, and was surprised by the speed with which the story started to wrap up, with a departure only a few minutes in.
The remainder featured a cast which was by no other name, Exceptional, and a perfectly twisted trio of Classic Baddies at their very best/worst. All the characters fulfilled their expectations and More, and seeing old with new was as always a real thrill for fans of both OG and Reboot.
The last third was a tad slow, and I didn't think the final conversation of the Dr with the person it was with, did any sort of Justice nor gave any sort of closure, which was annoying at best, lazy writing at worst.
But then the end scene... oh f me Wke, this was Brilliant! Can't wait for Season 14.
The remainder featured a cast which was by no other name, Exceptional, and a perfectly twisted trio of Classic Baddies at their very best/worst. All the characters fulfilled their expectations and More, and seeing old with new was as always a real thrill for fans of both OG and Reboot.
The last third was a tad slow, and I didn't think the final conversation of the Dr with the person it was with, did any sort of Justice nor gave any sort of closure, which was annoying at best, lazy writing at worst.
But then the end scene... oh f me Wke, this was Brilliant! Can't wait for Season 14.
Confusing feelings
jbmhulbert23 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I have so many feelings yet I have no idea how to feel.
Watching this in a room with 20 odd people made it funnier than ever, both intentionally, though mostly unintentionally. But then it did slightly put a damper on moments I tried to take seriously. However I wouldn't give up the hype of the cheer and claps when Tennant became the 14th Doctor for the world. The moment that tie appeared the hair on the back of everyone's heads stood right up. I feel the same about the Rasputin Morbius inspired dance number, though for less serious reasons.
Most of it was poorly written and made so little sense with needless exposition and scenes that needed more exposition, a tightrope Chibnall never learnt to tred in 4 years. Equally the story made little sense and did absolutely nothing to bring closure to the arcs and plots he's spent the last 4 years cultivating. Though any questions that remained unanswered would have undoubtedly had unsatisfying answers.
Then every bit of fan service was just, chefs kiss. Tegan and Ace were a lovely inclusion, though Tegan was the clear standout. But then the companion meet up was a beautiful joy with the 97 year old William Russell now having 59 years between his first and last cannon apparence.
And then there were the Doctors'. All 8 of them, technically. Having Collin, David, Peter, Sylvester and Paul come back was sublime, though it showed Chibnal was better at writing the snappy, sarcy 8 suited dialogue than anything else. His quip about not wearing robes was pitch perfect. It all really compounded how I want Chibnall to write for Big Finish. If only also to clear up the few dozen plot thread he left unanswered.
Then Ace and 7 and Tegan and 5 getting one more scene together made me so emotional. After 30 and 40 years appart it felt as whole magnificent as David and Billie Piper being back together for the 50th, or 10 meeting 5 in Time Crash, or everything about the 5 Doctos.
It is so deeply unfortunate that these things are already deeply entrenched in my favourite scenes from the shows 60 year history, just because of how messy and clunky, and in parts appalling, the rest of the episode was. Nothing made any sense and it felt more like the first draft of a fan fiction than usual. It was all very poorly handled until it just suddenly wasn't. But 5 minutes of some of my favourite Doctor Who ever can't save something that's 90 minutes long.
Most of these problems are down to the writing however, Jamie Magnus Stone remains and exceptional director, though he doesn't always have the best things to work with.
And then there is the future. A line about familiar teeth and a what thrice over. So simple and yet we're straight back to where we were 13 years ago. So much excitement and anticipation from such little screen time. An excellent portent for what's to come.
Oh yeah, and Jodie regenerated and had her emotional goodbye. I almost forgot, much like the episode. Since the buildup was missing within and her fatal wound just comes out of the blue it's almost not worth mentioning, especially given how quickly she's overshadowed by Tennant and Gatwa as the 14th and 15th Doctor respectively.
Ultimately her goodbye was as messy as expected, but with more shining lights than were expected.
Watching this in a room with 20 odd people made it funnier than ever, both intentionally, though mostly unintentionally. But then it did slightly put a damper on moments I tried to take seriously. However I wouldn't give up the hype of the cheer and claps when Tennant became the 14th Doctor for the world. The moment that tie appeared the hair on the back of everyone's heads stood right up. I feel the same about the Rasputin Morbius inspired dance number, though for less serious reasons.
Most of it was poorly written and made so little sense with needless exposition and scenes that needed more exposition, a tightrope Chibnall never learnt to tred in 4 years. Equally the story made little sense and did absolutely nothing to bring closure to the arcs and plots he's spent the last 4 years cultivating. Though any questions that remained unanswered would have undoubtedly had unsatisfying answers.
Then every bit of fan service was just, chefs kiss. Tegan and Ace were a lovely inclusion, though Tegan was the clear standout. But then the companion meet up was a beautiful joy with the 97 year old William Russell now having 59 years between his first and last cannon apparence.
And then there were the Doctors'. All 8 of them, technically. Having Collin, David, Peter, Sylvester and Paul come back was sublime, though it showed Chibnal was better at writing the snappy, sarcy 8 suited dialogue than anything else. His quip about not wearing robes was pitch perfect. It all really compounded how I want Chibnall to write for Big Finish. If only also to clear up the few dozen plot thread he left unanswered.
Then Ace and 7 and Tegan and 5 getting one more scene together made me so emotional. After 30 and 40 years appart it felt as whole magnificent as David and Billie Piper being back together for the 50th, or 10 meeting 5 in Time Crash, or everything about the 5 Doctos.
It is so deeply unfortunate that these things are already deeply entrenched in my favourite scenes from the shows 60 year history, just because of how messy and clunky, and in parts appalling, the rest of the episode was. Nothing made any sense and it felt more like the first draft of a fan fiction than usual. It was all very poorly handled until it just suddenly wasn't. But 5 minutes of some of my favourite Doctor Who ever can't save something that's 90 minutes long.
Most of these problems are down to the writing however, Jamie Magnus Stone remains and exceptional director, though he doesn't always have the best things to work with.
And then there is the future. A line about familiar teeth and a what thrice over. So simple and yet we're straight back to where we were 13 years ago. So much excitement and anticipation from such little screen time. An excellent portent for what's to come.
Oh yeah, and Jodie regenerated and had her emotional goodbye. I almost forgot, much like the episode. Since the buildup was missing within and her fatal wound just comes out of the blue it's almost not worth mentioning, especially given how quickly she's overshadowed by Tennant and Gatwa as the 14th and 15th Doctor respectively.
Ultimately her goodbye was as messy as expected, but with more shining lights than were expected.
Old Enemies, Old Friends and a New Doctor
Tweekums31 October 2022
This, the final episode with Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor, sees her facing some old foes. The Master has a plot, involving both Daleks and Cybermen, which if successful will lead to the end of The Doctor and the destruction of Earth. Of course The Doctor isn't about to let him do that without a fight. She will also have a little extra help from two old companions; Tegan and Ace.
I thought this was a pretty solid episode. There was plenty of danger for our protagonists and no overt message to be rammed down the viewers throats like in many episodes in recent series. The story might have a few plot holes but nothing serious enough to spoil my enjoyment. The cast was solid; Jodie Whittaker was on good form as The Doctor but it was Sacha Dhawan who stole the show as he dialled it up to eleven in his portrayal of The Master... especially in a scene where he dances to Boney M's 1978 classic 'Rasputin'! It was nice to see Janet Fielding and Sophie Aldred return as Tegan and Ace as well as few other old cast members. The most obvious of these was saved till last and hopefully heralds good things to come. On the down side some of the effects did look a bit ropey with some very obvious CGI. Overall though a return to form which I enjoyed.
I thought this was a pretty solid episode. There was plenty of danger for our protagonists and no overt message to be rammed down the viewers throats like in many episodes in recent series. The story might have a few plot holes but nothing serious enough to spoil my enjoyment. The cast was solid; Jodie Whittaker was on good form as The Doctor but it was Sacha Dhawan who stole the show as he dialled it up to eleven in his portrayal of The Master... especially in a scene where he dances to Boney M's 1978 classic 'Rasputin'! It was nice to see Janet Fielding and Sophie Aldred return as Tegan and Ace as well as few other old cast members. The most obvious of these was saved till last and hopefully heralds good things to come. On the down side some of the effects did look a bit ropey with some very obvious CGI. Overall though a return to form which I enjoyed.
Wow.
maxx_23 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Honestly surprised by this. But in a good way. Came in expecting lazy writing and a pathetic story line. Though there were elements of this, focusing on that would undermine all the good things about this episode.
Incredible nostalgia, fast paced action and a generally exciting story all made for a very very good episode of doctor who. Dare I say, I am actually looking forward to next series and seeing where the story goes. Honestly can't wait for David Tennant to be back.
Brilliant episode, story was great. Some dodgy bits here and there with the plot but the master played to perfection. Great acting from the doctor. Love the new cybermaster designs. Generally so enjoyable.
Massive step up.
Incredible nostalgia, fast paced action and a generally exciting story all made for a very very good episode of doctor who. Dare I say, I am actually looking forward to next series and seeing where the story goes. Honestly can't wait for David Tennant to be back.
Brilliant episode, story was great. Some dodgy bits here and there with the plot but the master played to perfection. Great acting from the doctor. Love the new cybermaster designs. Generally so enjoyable.
Massive step up.
This should've been in the beginning
Little_C24 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Finally, after all these years, Chibnall has done what he should've done in the beginning; he tried to give this incarnation of the Doctor something of a character of her own. The determination was always a staple of the Doctor, as was the curiosity. But 9 was the war torn Doctor, 10 was the one healing but hurting, 11 was joyful and chaotic, but dark and 12 was older, grumpier. But 13 never really got a character trade of her own.
But now, at the end, there was finally a hint pointing to something that made her the Doctor. I'm still not sure what it would've been, but.at least it wasn't a washed out carbon copy of all the other Doctors. Well, too little, too late. This should be done in the first episode and fleshed out in the second.
And it had the same problem it had all Chibnall's run long; stunning visuals, but the story is either lacking or too packed, resulting in dropped plot lines and plot holes. Is he trying to rule beyond the grave?
So, why still a passing grade? Because I'm still a sucker for the fan service with Ace, Tegan and all the old Doctors. Yes, I admit it.
But it's very disheartening to get a passing grade at the last moment.
I sincerely hope that RTD2 will bring back the old form.
But now, at the end, there was finally a hint pointing to something that made her the Doctor. I'm still not sure what it would've been, but.at least it wasn't a washed out carbon copy of all the other Doctors. Well, too little, too late. This should be done in the first episode and fleshed out in the second.
And it had the same problem it had all Chibnall's run long; stunning visuals, but the story is either lacking or too packed, resulting in dropped plot lines and plot holes. Is he trying to rule beyond the grave?
So, why still a passing grade? Because I'm still a sucker for the fan service with Ace, Tegan and all the old Doctors. Yes, I admit it.
But it's very disheartening to get a passing grade at the last moment.
I sincerely hope that RTD2 will bring back the old form.
Great episode but chipnall still suffers from lazy writing
olliemaddicum24 October 2022
If I'm being honest, this is a 7.5. This is by far Chipnalls best episode, it has some great comedy and the master is potentially the strongest they've ever been! I really hope this incarnation does return! It's also clear to see that Whittaker has more of an understanding for the character now. Which is also brilliant. However, I really feel like the companions have been done very dirty here. None of them get to say a goodbye to the doctor and there's no explanation on why Yaz is leaving the show. In the past when the Doctor has regenerated the Companion stays, so why has Yaz left? Don't get me wrong, I think she defo should of left. She was by far the worst written Companion theres ever been. But there was no reason for it. Very confusing.
Overall, a great episode but still suffers from extremely lazy Chipnall writing. 7/10.
Overall, a great episode but still suffers from extremely lazy Chipnall writing. 7/10.
A crowd pleasing end to a divisive era
Super_Bob124 October 2022
It's no secret that this era of the show has been divisive and ever since it's beginning I've felt that Jodie was always let down by mediocre writing among other issues however, this episode gave us some genuinely great performances and character work, it's nothing amazing in terms of it's story but for an era that has been okay at best it's great to be having something positive to say about it.
I've also got to address the elephant in the room and those who have seen the episode will know what I'm talking about, the way the ending is handled visually and story wise is beautiful really showcasing the higher budget of the episode and of course at the very end, I along with countless other fans watched in delight and I can comfortably say this is the most excited for the show I've been since Capaldi left.
I've also got to address the elephant in the room and those who have seen the episode will know what I'm talking about, the way the ending is handled visually and story wise is beautiful really showcasing the higher budget of the episode and of course at the very end, I along with countless other fans watched in delight and I can comfortably say this is the most excited for the show I've been since Capaldi left.
Confusion reigns supreme.
plan9925 October 2022
Does Mr Chibnal attempt to hide his very bad writing behind overdone CGI and by having the story, the little of a story that is actually there, jumping about all over the place, and time, in an effort to hide his lack of writing talent, you bet he does. And for good measure chuck in a few previous Doctors in the hope that this will get him forgiveness for ruining Doctor Who. If Mr Chibnal was to attend a Doctor Who convention I suspect that he would need to have a police escort to get out of the building alive, that illustrates how much of a great job in killing the Doctor off as an enjoyable to watch, entertaining bit of Sci-Fi he has done. He must get a lot of hate mail due to his over complex plot lines.
Absolutely stunning episode
spider-2757123 October 2022
What a way to bow out as the Doctor. No spoilers here, suffice to say that just about everything you thought could happen did, including a tear jerking last scene between the doctor and yazz. Weather you liked the fact that a woman could be the time lord or were against, the performance of Jodie Whittaker was magnificent, why when an actor finally gets the persona of the character, they have to move on. The ending (if you didn't already know) is amazing and so emotional that I hardly had time to grieve over the demise of the old doctor, than I was cheering for the new one. With the fact that Russell T Davies is back for the best series can only mean that the reboot is in full swing, and I for one can't wait.
A nice nostalgia trip
thomasgouldsbrough12 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Well, at least the worst era of Doctor Who is finally over. Jodie Whittaker will without a doubt go down in history as the worst Doctor of all time. It's nearly impossible to have a worse Doctor than her, and this episode reinforces that fact. She continues to childish, annoying and lack character.
In true Chibnall fashion the plot continues to be all over the place, impossible to follow, until the viewer gets to the point where they're too lost to care. The only redeeming factors of this episode is that despite it being awful, it has a somewhat likable charm, with the appearance of the past Doctors, and the twist regeneration at the end.
In true Chibnall fashion the plot continues to be all over the place, impossible to follow, until the viewer gets to the point where they're too lost to care. The only redeeming factors of this episode is that despite it being awful, it has a somewhat likable charm, with the appearance of the past Doctors, and the twist regeneration at the end.
Worst finale special in the series
vlahman-7621115 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This episode made me reconsider being a fan of Doctor Who. It feels like they threw a bunch of random facts about the doctor into chatGPT and asked it to write an episode.
I'm sorry... the Master forced the doctor to regenerate and turned her into him??? WHAT?????
He transferred his consciousness into the Doctor?? WHAT???
This ridiculous plot throws any logic about regeneration out the window.
The Master cloned that Frankenstein looking cyberman? Stupid!
The energy thing that was chained up could've freed itself the entire time???????
This version of the Master is two dimensional, pointless and drowning in continuity stupidity.
My favorite show has been reduced to this generic, boring and annoying thing. Worst finale ever.
On a positive note, David Tennant at the end was absolutely amazing.
I'm sorry... the Master forced the doctor to regenerate and turned her into him??? WHAT?????
He transferred his consciousness into the Doctor?? WHAT???
This ridiculous plot throws any logic about regeneration out the window.
The Master cloned that Frankenstein looking cyberman? Stupid!
The energy thing that was chained up could've freed itself the entire time???????
This version of the Master is two dimensional, pointless and drowning in continuity stupidity.
My favorite show has been reduced to this generic, boring and annoying thing. Worst finale ever.
On a positive note, David Tennant at the end was absolutely amazing.
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