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vivdunstanContinuing my Twelfth Doctor rewatch. And going to put this two-parter's discussion in a spoiler cut.
I remember having very mixed views about this two-parter on original watch.
On plus I thought Michelle Gomez as Missy was fantastic. And I liked the epic storytelling. But I found some of the Cybermen effects cringeworthy, and thought the Cyber Brig was utterly distasteful.
This time I'm happier watching it, following the storytelling and emotions much more closely. Though I found the cremation references too disturbing, especially after losing my dad four years ago - he was cremated much later, after donating his body to medical science / training medics. But we traditionally go for cremation in my family in any event.
The Nethersphere is a phenomenally strong scifi concept, and well presented. And I found the emotions between Danny and Clara heartrending, especially in the second episode.
Both episodes also have eye opening pre credit sequences. In the first Danny dies, suddenly and shockingly. In the second we have Jenna Coleman presenting as the Doctor, including in the on-screen credit visuals.
The scene early on between Clara and the Doctor as she throws away the TARDIS keys is one of the most gripping moments for me in New Who history. Stunningly well acted by both leads, and incredibly moving.
And it was very nice to see Osgood again, albeit in a tragic way. Missy does have a very feline nature, the way she plays with the people she is going to kill before she dispatches them. Which, sadly, included Osgood.
Where I'm less happy is in the second half's big special effect moments, e.g. masses of Cybermen flying into the air etc. This still felt too gimmicky, and just didn't connect with me, unlike the emotional beats. But, surprisingly, I was happy this time with the Cyber Brig's inclusion. Though again for probably personal reasons.
The ending was frustrating though. This season for Clara has seen so much lying and concealment, and to have the miscommunication trope continue between her and the Doctor - Clara lying about Danny coming back to life, the Doctor lying about Gallifrey - was exasperating to me, even if they both did it with the best intentions.
However the resolution of that plot line is for another time. Meanwhile, yes, I enjoyed these episodes more than before, even if I still had issues with some of the core concepts and approach.
I remember having very mixed views about this two-parter on original watch.
On plus I thought Michelle Gomez as Missy was fantastic. And I liked the epic storytelling. But I found some of the Cybermen effects cringeworthy, and thought the Cyber Brig was utterly distasteful.
This time I'm happier watching it, following the storytelling and emotions much more closely. Though I found the cremation references too disturbing, especially after losing my dad four years ago - he was cremated much later, after donating his body to medical science / training medics. But we traditionally go for cremation in my family in any event.
The Nethersphere is a phenomenally strong scifi concept, and well presented. And I found the emotions between Danny and Clara heartrending, especially in the second episode.
Both episodes also have eye opening pre credit sequences. In the first Danny dies, suddenly and shockingly. In the second we have Jenna Coleman presenting as the Doctor, including in the on-screen credit visuals.
The scene early on between Clara and the Doctor as she throws away the TARDIS keys is one of the most gripping moments for me in New Who history. Stunningly well acted by both leads, and incredibly moving.
And it was very nice to see Osgood again, albeit in a tragic way. Missy does have a very feline nature, the way she plays with the people she is going to kill before she dispatches them. Which, sadly, included Osgood.
Where I'm less happy is in the second half's big special effect moments, e.g. masses of Cybermen flying into the air etc. This still felt too gimmicky, and just didn't connect with me, unlike the emotional beats. But, surprisingly, I was happy this time with the Cyber Brig's inclusion. Though again for probably personal reasons.
The ending was frustrating though. This season for Clara has seen so much lying and concealment, and to have the miscommunication trope continue between her and the Doctor - Clara lying about Danny coming back to life, the Doctor lying about Gallifrey - was exasperating to me, even if they both did it with the best intentions.
However the resolution of that plot line is for another time. Meanwhile, yes, I enjoyed these episodes more than before, even if I still had issues with some of the core concepts and approach.