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vivdunstanContinuing my rewatch, with this late-era Matt Smith story. Going to go into
This story sees the Doctor and Clara caught, in the TARDIS, by a salvage crew. Which then leads to a desperate chase into the heart of the TARDIS to try to survive what happens as a result of that.
In a nutshell I found this story overlong and padded. So many running about the TARDIS scenes. It also felt oddly too reminiscent of the previous Hide, with Clara running through an often antique decorated TARDIS (reminiscent of Hide's mansion), chased by mysterious monsters. Plus timey wimey issues throughout.
There were some nice moments. I liked Clara's initial exploration around the TARDIS, which was reminiscent of similar adventures for earlier companions. The library and the Time War book were a particular highlight.
The clash between the Doctor and Clara, where he reveals the mystery around her, was strong, and should have been a highlight. But knowing - on my rewatch - that this was about to be reset, with Clara remembering nothing of the conversation, left it feeling very flat for me this time. The reset wasn't even necessary for Clara's feelings: she had already resolved that she still trusted the Doctor. I wish their conversation had stuck.
The direction left a lot to be desired for me. Having strange creatures (who turn out to be future echoes of Clara and others - it's complicated!) chase them over and over around the TARDIS only works if it's well directed, and also clear for the audience viewing to understand what was happening. So much was muddled.
I also found the timey wimey stuff even more hand waving than usual for Doctor Who. My husband came in at one point, and asked what was happening. I waved my arms in the air in despair.
The big reveal that salvage crew member Tricky is a cyber-repaired human, not a robot, should have been another strong emotional beat. But the three brothers were not well written. And then they're lost soon after. Though reset again at the very end, when we're meant to be happy that Tricky is treated better by one brother for a moment. But given how appallingly he'd been treated by the others for years, it's hardly a given that this was a sign of better times to come.
So yup, disappointing for me. Even more so on rewatch. And I know we still have at least one rough Matt Smith episode to come. But hey, the next one should be better for me. Hopefully!
This story sees the Doctor and Clara caught, in the TARDIS, by a salvage crew. Which then leads to a desperate chase into the heart of the TARDIS to try to survive what happens as a result of that.
In a nutshell I found this story overlong and padded. So many running about the TARDIS scenes. It also felt oddly too reminiscent of the previous Hide, with Clara running through an often antique decorated TARDIS (reminiscent of Hide's mansion), chased by mysterious monsters. Plus timey wimey issues throughout.
There were some nice moments. I liked Clara's initial exploration around the TARDIS, which was reminiscent of similar adventures for earlier companions. The library and the Time War book were a particular highlight.
The clash between the Doctor and Clara, where he reveals the mystery around her, was strong, and should have been a highlight. But knowing - on my rewatch - that this was about to be reset, with Clara remembering nothing of the conversation, left it feeling very flat for me this time. The reset wasn't even necessary for Clara's feelings: she had already resolved that she still trusted the Doctor. I wish their conversation had stuck.
The direction left a lot to be desired for me. Having strange creatures (who turn out to be future echoes of Clara and others - it's complicated!) chase them over and over around the TARDIS only works if it's well directed, and also clear for the audience viewing to understand what was happening. So much was muddled.
I also found the timey wimey stuff even more hand waving than usual for Doctor Who. My husband came in at one point, and asked what was happening. I waved my arms in the air in despair.
The big reveal that salvage crew member Tricky is a cyber-repaired human, not a robot, should have been another strong emotional beat. But the three brothers were not well written. And then they're lost soon after. Though reset again at the very end, when we're meant to be happy that Tricky is treated better by one brother for a moment. But given how appallingly he'd been treated by the others for years, it's hardly a given that this was a sign of better times to come.
So yup, disappointing for me. Even more so on rewatch. And I know we still have at least one rough Matt Smith episode to come. But hey, the next one should be better for me. Hopefully!