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vivdunstanContinuing my Twelfth Doctor rewatch with this pair of linked episodes. Going to discuss this with big spoilers.
As with much of this era I enjoyed these more on rewatch.
I remembered "The Girl Who Died" as a rather daft episode, but although it has comedic elements (reminiscent of "Robot of Sherwood") it has a powerful and moving ending. Though the Doctor's actions there seem clearly unwise, and it's no wonder there are ramifications. Never mind the Hybrid, this is a Doctor out of control.
The second episode I remembered as a very bland piece, but it was more moving on rewatch. But Maisie Williams' performance is still too one note for much of it, literally monotonous. Which, while understandable with her character's weariness, makes for frustrating viewing, and also doesn't show anger where it should do. I blame this in part on the writing, and directing, more so than the actress, who I suspect was working with what she was given.
With Me/Ashildr surviving, the ending leaves things open, and in addition adds a sinister element.
I'd forgotten that Ariyon Bakare appeared in this, under much leonine prosthetics. He reappears, though much more recognisably as himself, in the second Ncuti Gatwa series.
As with much of this era I enjoyed these more on rewatch.
I remembered "The Girl Who Died" as a rather daft episode, but although it has comedic elements (reminiscent of "Robot of Sherwood") it has a powerful and moving ending. Though the Doctor's actions there seem clearly unwise, and it's no wonder there are ramifications. Never mind the Hybrid, this is a Doctor out of control.
The second episode I remembered as a very bland piece, but it was more moving on rewatch. But Maisie Williams' performance is still too one note for much of it, literally monotonous. Which, while understandable with her character's weariness, makes for frustrating viewing, and also doesn't show anger where it should do. I blame this in part on the writing, and directing, more so than the actress, who I suspect was working with what she was given.
With Me/Ashildr surviving, the ending leaves things open, and in addition adds a sinister element.
I'd forgotten that Ariyon Bakare appeared in this, under much leonine prosthetics. He reappears, though much more recognisably as himself, in the second Ncuti Gatwa series.