This episode Starts with the doctor and her companions arriving on an alien planet known as Desolation after surviving the events of the previous episode.
The planet is a desert, covered in sand and the crew come across a tent with a hologram. This episode has a very dragging pace to it, but is still much better pacing than the first episode of the season had, and there is a bit more direction to this episode than the previous episode.
The crew encounter some holograms that are competing in a space-race to the ghost monument and are the final pilots in the race. The winner of the race gets transported off of the planet and the loser stays. behind.
The music really captures the feel and atmosphere of the episode.
Jodie’s Doctor is slowly growing on me, but the more I like her, the more I am disliking the companions., some of them are getting pretty annoying, especially Ryan.
His character is looking like he is going to be the idiot of the series, and is going to make the other characters smarter and more likeable by comparison.
Overall, this episode has much more direction and plot than the previous episode, and also unlike the previous episode, this one was not 90% filler. It’s still very slow though, so hopefully it picks up a bit soon.
6.5/10
Review by Aniela KrajewskaVIP 8BlockedParentSpoilers2018-10-14T20:30:10Z— updated 2018-10-16T19:32:10Z
I'm very pleased to say that I really loved this! As much as I enjoyed the premiere, it didn't fully feel like a Doctor Who episode to me. This one, however, absolutely did. I think it captured the essence of the show perfectly.
Something that Chibnall does very skillfully is create an engaging mystery that really draws you in. I was on the edge of my seat for a big part of the episode, waiting to find out what happened to the population of the planet. And what do you know, it looks like the Stenza are going to be a recurring theme this season! I'm curious to see how that will play out. And what - or who - could the timeless child be?
One of the strongest points of this season is the cinematography. Some of the wide shots that we got in this episode looked like they belonged in a Star Wars movie. And the music is excellent as well. It's kind of subtler than what I've gotten used to with Doctor Who, but it's lovely. The new composer is doing a great job.
Another strong point is obviously the acting. While I do think that Jodie, just like every Doctor, will need a few episodes to fully come into her own, I love everything she's given us so far. The quick wit, the quirks, the boundless energy, the enthusiasm and the charm that she brings to the role - it's all exactly right. And I'll be honest, the emotional moments in this episode really got me. Her face when she saw the hologram of the Ghost Monument and realized it was the TARDIS! And the reunion was so soft and gentle and wonderful! I actually cried happy tears when she said "You've done yourself up! Very nice". I adore Thirteen. And the companions are growing on me too. I like the interactions between the three of them and the Doctor. I can't wait to see these individual dynamics develop over the course of the season.
The opening credits are awesome. I've never seen the classic series, but the theme has a very retro vibe to it and I like the color scheme. It looks like a kaleidoscope. I dig it.
And finally, the TARDIS! She's redecorated all right! The interior looks more organic, kind of like Nine's and Ten's were. I liked the sleek, mechanical designs of the Moffat era, but this one is so appropriately alien. The biscuit dispenser is a cute little touch, especially considering that they put it there as a gift to Jodie and packed it with her favorite custard creams.
Overall, I thought this was a really great episode. Now that we have the TARDIS back, I'm excited to see what adventures await us.