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Posted by: Calum Hood 30th January 2015, 07:12 PM

Moffat's said that the next two episodes to begin filming are both written by him - one of which is presumably 'The Magician's Apprentice'!

Posted by: Calum Hood 6th February 2015, 07:09 PM

The first picture on set of filming has landed:



Apparently for episodes 3 and 4 which are rumoured to be set on a "spooky Russian base".

Posted by: Calum Hood 11th February 2015, 06:37 PM

L+& figures for 'Last Christmas': 9.62m. Bit disappointing it didn't manage to break 10m after everything's accounted for, but oh well.

Posted by: Calum Hood 12th February 2015, 07:24 PM

Filming on block 2 has now begun, with Hettie MacDonald, who directed 'Blink', confirmed to be directing one of the episodes!

Posted by: April 13th February 2015, 02:52 PM

Hopefully it's as well made as "Blink" then!

Posted by: Calum Hood 14th February 2015, 02:04 PM

Jemma Redgrave has been spotted on set, so I guess this means a return for UNIT. Cannot wait

Posted by: THEO. 15th February 2015, 12:38 PM

QUOTE(Calum Hood @ Feb 14 2015, 02:04 PM)

Jemma Redgrave has been spotted on set, so I guess this means a return for UNIT. Cannot wait

Posted by: ♡ Heezus Froot ♡ 15th February 2015, 04:26 PM

An epidemic?

Posted by: Calum Hood 19th February 2015, 12:14 PM

It's been confirmed that Missy will be returning in the two-part opening story of series 9 - episode 1 being 'The Magician's Apprentice' and episode 2's title now confirmed as 'The Witch's Familiar'.

SO excited for this!

Posted by: April 19th February 2015, 05:15 PM

So glad Missy is back! Such a brilliant character!

Posted by: Rabbit Froot 19th February 2015, 05:50 PM

Oh she's back for a two-parter opening! So soon Thought it might have been later in the run although I guess using her for the finale again wouldn't be right.

Glad she's returning though, hope there's no lost potential this time and by that I mean over the character as a whole, not just Missy's last episode.

Posted by: Beaverhousen 19th February 2015, 05:56 PM

This is getting dafter and more fantasy.

It's a sci-fi show, Moffat - please recognise!!

Posted by: Severin 19th February 2015, 05:58 PM

Just please don't kill her off or waste her potential. Allow her to be an occasional recurring character for a good few years - at least as long as Capaldi is The Doctor. (Hmm, The Doctor and Missy regenerating in the same, two part, series 12 finale would be fun!)

Posted by: Calum Hood 19th February 2015, 06:04 PM

Rumour has it the whole series could consist of two-parters - with this opening story being one, and it was confirmed a while ago Toby Whithouse was writing a two-parter - then of course the finale would be a two-parter!

Posted by: Suedehead2 20th February 2015, 12:13 AM

QUOTE(Severin @ Feb 19 2015, 05:58 PM)

Posted by: Calum Hood 26th February 2015, 11:56 PM

Filming for 'The Magician's Apprentice' and 'The Witch's Familiar' is apparently taking place in Tenerife again - Missy's been spotted on set as well as some men in black with guns, and UNIT! Sounds like this is certainly going to be a very action-packed two-parter! *.*

Oh and this picture has also surfaced:

Posted by: Rabbit Froot 5th March 2015, 07:01 PM

Steven Moffatt has confirmed that Jenna Colman planned to leave at the end of 'Death in Heaven' but then wanted to stay on just for the Christmas special. However, during the read-through of 'Last Christmas', she changed her mind again

Posted by: ♡ Heezus Froot ♡ 5th March 2015, 07:45 PM

QUOTE(Rabbit Froot @ Mar 5 2015, 09:01 PM)

Steven Moffatt has confirmed that Jenna Colman planned to leave at the end of 'Death in Heaven' but then wanted to stay on just for the Christmas special. However, during the read-through of 'Last Christmas', she changed her mind again

Posted by: swadders 6th March 2015, 01:06 PM

QUOTE(Calum Hood @ Feb 19 2015, 12:14 PM)

It's been confirmed that Missy will be returning in the two-part opening story of series 9 - episode 1 being 'The Magician's Apprentice' and episode 2's title now confirmed as 'The Witch's Familiar'.

SO excited for this!

Posted by: swadders 6th March 2015, 01:09 PM

QUOTE(Suedehead2 @ Feb 20 2015, 12:13 AM)

As each other?

Posted by: Calum Hood 8th March 2015, 03:45 PM

Moffat's said in an interview that the chances of River Song returning are very slim. And he's also hinted that the BBC are quite keen to commission a Paternoster Gang spin-off show. I'd say that would be a brilliant idea, but I think Moffat would be quite reluctant to let it happen (unfortunately).

Posted by: JosephStyles 9th March 2015, 02:01 PM

Boo re. River, I don't feel like her story is actually finished yet at all

Posted by: T Boy 9th March 2015, 05:49 PM

I feel cheated we only got to see River with 2 Doctors. It was built up that she became a massive part of the Doctor's life and it's such a shame if her story is already over.

Posted by: swadders 9th March 2015, 06:11 PM

QUOTE(April @ Feb 13 2015, 02:52 PM)

Posted by: Calum Hood 9th March 2015, 06:32 PM

QUOTE(JosephStyles @ Mar 9 2015, 02:01 PM)

Boo re. River, I don't feel like her story is actually finished yet at all

Posted by: Cheese Wombat 9th March 2015, 06:34 PM

I just recall that whenever River was there, the storylines were always really confusing so I wouldn't mind never seeing her again quite frankly (kinda overrated as a character too)

Posted by: ♡ Heezus Froot ♡ 9th March 2015, 07:58 PM

I don't mind River, but I'd love Captain Jack to come back for an episode

Posted by: Slick 9th March 2015, 08:04 PM

I LOVE River and I would like to see her return at some point, however, I think her story ended wonderfully in 'The Name of the Doctor'. Although not confirmed at the time, that goodbye between River and Matt Smith's Doctor really felt like an 'ending' and after a couple of seasons where she dominated quite a lot, I think it was the right time to end it. There is so much potential for her character (especially since she's essentially a time-travelling Timelord as well), but I think for now I'd rather just know that she had "other" adventures with the Doctor, and leave it at that.

One episode with River in a couple of seasons time would be totally unexpected and make her as exciting as she was when she first arrived. There's no need for anymore than that.

Posted by: Rabbit Froot 10th March 2015, 02:30 PM

I would like to see River perhaps pop in other episode or two but I think that the problem with making her Amy/Rory's daughter is that once they left, it feels weird her returning and it's as if her story ended with them.

Posted by: Suedehead2 24th March 2015, 11:41 PM

Armando Ianucci (writer of The Thick Of It) has said that he would like to write an episode of Dr Who and that he has spoken to Steven Moffatt about the possibility. He has made it clear that he is particularly attracted by the idea of writing for Peter Capaldi again, which would suggest that he will definitely continue in the role next year

Posted by: popchartfreak 25th March 2015, 07:09 AM

QUOTE(Suedehead2 @ Mar 24 2015, 11:41 PM)

Armando Ianucci (writer of The Thick Of It) has said that he would like to write an episode of Dr Who and that he has spoken to Steven Moffatt about the possibility. He has made it clear that he is particularly attracted by the idea of writing for Peter Capaldi again, which would suggest that he will definitely continue in the role next year

Posted by: Calum Hood 26th March 2015, 12:54 PM

Today marks the ten year anniversary of Doctor Who coming back to our screens with 'Rose' in 2005!

It really doesn't feel like it was that long ago at all, and that we've had EIGHT series of the show since then.

Posted by: Rabbit Froot 26th March 2015, 12:58 PM

Can't believe it's been 10 years today!

I'm positive that when they decided to bring the show back, that they didn't expect it to still be one of the BBC's most successful shows 10 years on. It's incredible that's become an even bigger phenomenon within these 10 years.

Posted by: Calum Hood 26th March 2015, 01:40 PM

New issue of DWM out 2 April:



I'm actually looking at those and thinking of getting both the Tennant and Smith covers. They look fab!

Posted by: Apricot 30th March 2015, 01:16 PM

Maisie Williams will be guest starring in an episode next series!

Posted by: Calum Hood 30th March 2015, 04:32 PM

Currently being filmed are two episodes - 'The Girl Who Died' by Jamie Mathieson and Steven Moffat ( !!!) and 'The Woman Who Lived' by Catherine Tregenna.

Guest cast include Rufus Hound, Tom Stourton, Ariyon Bakare, Simon Lipkin, Ian Conningham, Murray McArthur, Barnaby Kay, John Voce and Struan Rodger.

Posted by: Calum Hood 15th April 2015, 12:28 AM

There's an episode guide floating around at the moment, but I'm taking it with a pinch of salt at the moment...

9.01 · The Magician's Apprentice
9.02 · The Witch's Familiar
9.03 · The Creeping Dark
9.04 · Deep Down
9.05 · The Girl Who Died
9.06 · The Woman Who Lived
9.07 · Calling
9.08 · Last Stop
9.09 · The Night You Left
9.10 · The Day We Die
9.11 · The Shadowman
9.12 · Apocalypse

Posted by: Calum Hood 19th April 2015, 04:13 PM

David Schofield has been cast in the role of Odin in 'The Girl Who Died' and 'The Woman Who Lived'. Brian Blessed was originally meant to be playing the part but pulled out due to his illness.

A Viking story?

Posted by: Rabbit Froot 21st April 2015, 03:13 PM

New monster:



Thank you BBC, what a revealing picture.

There's also this homage to St Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band to promote the upcoming 'Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular' tour, which kicks off on May 23 at The SSE Arena in Wembley.

Posted by: Calum Hood 22nd April 2015, 01:10 PM

Update on the monster:

Posted by: Rabbit Froot 22nd April 2015, 04:35 PM

The director in the image is the same one for episodes 5 & 6 too, so it's more than likely either (or both) of them will be when the monster will appear.

Doesn't look like it's anything new/interesting though - from that image, it just looks like a killing robot.

Posted by: Calum Hood 23rd April 2015, 11:06 AM

Picture from filming today:

Posted by: Calum Hood 1st May 2015, 06:57 PM

Jemma Redgrave has confirmed at the readthrough for episodes 7 and 8 that Kate Stewart will be appearing in both episodes as well as 'The Magician's Apprentice' and 'The Witch's Familiar', yay.

Also, some information about the series from Moffat and Brian Minchin:

Posted by: Calum Hood 8th May 2015, 06:00 PM

It's been confirmed that Osgood will be returning in a two-part story written by Paul Harness (presumably the episodes filming now that also feature Kate Stewart!)

Posted by: Rabbit Froot 8th May 2015, 06:39 PM

The Zygons are also returning! So I think it may be the Zygom version of her, unless that was the one that died!

Posted by: popchartfreak 8th May 2015, 07:03 PM

great to see Rufus Hound, Doctor Who tats and all, getting a guest spot. Yay!

Posted by: Calum Hood 15th May 2015, 11:07 PM

Paul Harness:

Posted by: Calum Hood 16th May 2015, 10:27 PM

Moffat appears to have confirmed that he'll be back for series 10!

Posted by: FROOT. 10th June 2015, 12:28 PM

Rigsy (from last year's 'Flatline') will be returning in an episode directed by Justin Molotnikov and written by The Game's Sarah Dollard.

For those still unsure, here's a picture reminder:

Posted by: Calum Hood 10th June 2015, 04:05 PM

He didn't come across as anything special in 'Flatline', but I'm hoping he's put to better use this time.

for another female writer too!

Posted by: FROOT. 10th June 2015, 04:07 PM

It does seem like a random return!

Posted by: FROOT. 25th June 2015, 10:15 AM

Officially confirmed for 12 episodes.

Posted by: J▼hnkm 25th June 2015, 10:17 AM

QUOTE(Calum Hood @ May 16 2015, 11:27 PM)

Moffat appears to have confirmed that he'll be back for series 10!

Posted by: T Boy 25th June 2015, 04:35 PM

We need something as good as Season 5. That was Moffat's best.

Posted by: Calum Hood 26th June 2015, 12:37 PM

QUOTE(J▼hnkm @ Jun 25 2015, 11:17 AM)

Posted by: J▼hnkm 26th June 2015, 01:40 PM

I can't imagine how it could possibly suffer MORE under Gatiss than Moffat. It's at it's absolute NADIR right now and has been for about 2 years (minus the brief flury with greatness that was the 50th and 2013 Christmas special).

I think a COMPLETE BREAK would be the best way to go forward. I'm not for a moment suggesting this is on the verge of happening, but stagnation killed the original series. Capaldi is a breath of fresh air, but the writing and general direction of the show is still not THERE. And I know I'm a broken record, but if they can get it SO RIGHT with the finale of the season, then surely they can TRY a little harder with the rest.

Posted by: JosephStyles 26th June 2015, 01:54 PM

I actually enjoyed series 8 a hell of a lot more than series 6 or 7, I'd even go as far as to say it's my favourite Moffat series (still behind the four RTD series though)! It's the best the show's been in a while for me and Capaldi really is a breath of fresh air as you said. The writing has improved and the storylines weren't all over the place so they were straightforward enough to follow.

Posted by: FROOT. 26th June 2015, 01:58 PM

I really enjoyed Series 8 but it would be nice to have a bit of fresh air to the show and I really wouldn't like to see Moffatt to continue past Series 10. However, I am slightly worried over how the BBC would react once he eventually leaves considering they were contemplating ending the show when RTD left and there is no obvious replacement this time.

I would not to like to see Mark Gatiss in charge AT ALL.

Posted by: Calum Hood 26th June 2015, 02:01 PM

QUOTE(FROOT. @ Jun 26 2015, 02:58 PM)

Posted by: Chez Wombat 26th June 2015, 02:20 PM

I found Peter Capaldi to be the best thing about Series 8 by far, he definitely breathed new life into the role that Matt Smith never quite did for me. As for the quality of the episodes, it's been sort of consistent for a while in the sense there's still a few 'WOW' moments per series, but feels not as great as it could be and though there were a few great moments (probably more so than S6 and S7 I'd say) the finale this year was a complete let down

I wouldn't be adverse to a small break to come back stronger, though I doubt that's on the cards really as it still does very well for the BBC, depends how S10 goes really.

Posted by: FROOT. 1st July 2015, 09:22 AM

Rachel Talalay, the director of 'Dark Water/Death in Heaven', will return to direct this year's series finale ie episodes 11 & 12.

Great news for me as she seemed very passionate in an interview I read.

Posted by: Calum Hood 3rd July 2015, 03:43 PM

Entertainment Weekly have interviewed Capaldi about the new series, and the following two images have been released from the opening episode:

Posted by: Calum Hood 9th July 2015, 05:30 PM

The BBC tweeted saying that we should make an appointment for 10:30pm tonight.

If this is the trailer omg. dead:

Posted by: FROOT. 9th July 2015, 05:33 PM

It'll probably just be a 30 second teaser for now.

Posted by: FROOT. 9th July 2015, 10:31 PM

And it is a trailer!










OMG! Doesn't give too much away but looks as spectacular as always. Daleks confirmed to be back then, as well as that red spacesuit!! Masie Williams at the end

19th September start date then, still 2 months away. I thought it would be August again

Posted by: JosephStyles 9th July 2015, 10:45 PM

Fabulous trailer, very excited for this series

I think we need some love for The Sarah Jane Adventures also, I've just rewatched all five series and gosh, what a brilliant show Such a shame it had to come to a sudden end

Posted by: Ninjabait 9th July 2015, 10:51 PM

My Twitter feed right now has basically been exploding with the Doctor Who Q&A that they're doing.

Is it bad that in that incredibly exciting trailer, the thing I found most exciting was the like one second clip of Peter Capaldi strumming a guitar? Like, to me just the sheer thought of The Doctor wearing sunglasses and rocking out is amazing. Also, I noticed zygons and Missy in the trailer. There's probably more, but it went by a little too fast to decipher 100% of it. And I wonder what kind of role Masie Williams will have in this? Maybe a new companion or a one-shot companion like Sally Sparrow or Astrid?

I'm ridiculously excited for this. September 19th cannot come soon enough.

Posted by: Calum Hood 9th July 2015, 11:00 PM

OMG this series looks AMAZING. Officially ready for 19 September. Saturday night drinking is no longer.

Posted by: burbe 9th July 2015, 11:04 PM

This looks amazing! I can't wait for 19th September (a bit later than I expected though).

Posted by: Spinning Dev ಠ_ಠ 9th July 2015, 11:26 PM

omagodddddddddddddddddddd


Trailer amazes me. Doctor slays as usual. Editing slays as usual. BRING ON 2015 DOC

Posted by: 'Dan 11th July 2015, 06:59 PM

I thought Clara was leaving? Slightly disappointed there

great to have Doctor Who back on the TV soon though

Posted by: FROOT. 11th July 2015, 07:16 PM

QUOTE('Dan @ Jul 11 2015, 07:59 PM)

Posted by: Spinning Dev ಠ_ಠ 11th July 2015, 07:21 PM

QUOTE('Dan @ Jul 11 2015, 07:59 PM)

Posted by: Froot. 15th July 2015, 11:07 AM

Confirmed to return for a tenth series!

Posted by: ♡ Heezus Froot ♡ 23rd July 2015, 03:57 PM

Slow news, so time for some shameless plugging, I guess.

My (online) friend http://www.meriamber.com, who is an australian geek pop singer-songwriter, has put out a Doctor Who themed/inspired record called 'Pop Goes the TARDIS'. If you think you'd be interested in such a thing, check it out. You can stream it for free on her http://www.meriamber.com/music/ as well as on https://meriamber.bandcamp.com/album/pop-goes-the-tardis. You may skip the intro as it's a bit weird, lol. It has a couple of Eiffel 65 & Aqua parodies, too. Kudos.

Posted by: Calum Hood 28th July 2015, 06:07 PM

There's going to be US exclusive cinema screenings of 'Dark Water' and 'Death in Heaven' in 3D - which will also premiere 'The Doctor's Meditation', the prequel to series 9. Presumably we'll get it a day or so after.

Posted by: Calum Hood 31st July 2015, 01:25 AM

Michelle Gomez has hinted that the Heaven arc is not finished yet, and that it's no coincidence the first heaven setting we saw at the end of 'Deep Breath' looks so familiar to the garden Amy was in during 'The Girl Who Waited'.

Posted by: Calum Hood 3rd August 2015, 11:35 PM

New promo pic for the series with the caption 'Born to Save the Universe':

Posted by: Calum Hood 5th August 2015, 08:34 PM

Rumour has it there may not be a full series next year because Moffat will be focusing on the next series of Sherlock.

Personally, this doesn't come as a surprise to me. Sherlock's been on hold for quite some time now because Moffat's been focusing on Doctor Who. Sherlock fans are obviously waiting patiently for more, but when it comes to Doctor Who, which has a considerably larger fanbase than the former, maybe Moffat should step down next year? I'd absolutely love for him to stay beyond next year because he's a brilliant writer and has taken the show from strength to strength, but if both the quality and quantity suffer because his loyalties lie elsewhere, I'd rather he moved on.

-x-

Also, Reece Shearsmith has been cast in a role in Mark Gatiss' episode for series 9.

Posted by: T Boy 5th August 2015, 08:37 PM

He's done 6 years which is pretty good. It wouldn't look bad to leave now but something tells me he'll always be reluctant to relinquish the role.

Posted by: THEO. 6th August 2015, 11:47 AM

QUOTE(Calum Hood @ Aug 5 2015, 09:34 PM)

Posted by: Calum Hood 8th August 2015, 04:46 PM

Bethany Black, a transgender actress who was in 'Banana' earlier this year has also been cast in an episode.

Seems to me that because they're still making casting announcements there could be more than 12 episodes like last year, unless they're just filming really late in the day this year. The finale is on 5 December though, so it'd be great if it ran straight through to Christmas (with the Christmas special being the Friday after the last episode) - although maybe that'd be a bit quick to have the Christmas special so soon after the finale?

Posted by: T Boy 8th August 2015, 04:52 PM

I don't think it'd be too soon. We're used to a big gap between the finale and Christmas based on when the series have been previously. But really, the only reason for a DW Christmas special is because it's a huge ratings pull so I can't see the powers that be being bothered too much with gap sizes.

Posted by: Matt Aloud 9th August 2015, 10:39 AM

Assuming it is true, then it will probably be September 2017 before Series 10 I just hope if it is, we get a few feature length specials, at Easter, August Bank Holiday, and the usual Xmas Special next year.

Posted by: Froot. 9th August 2015, 11:09 AM

I can totally see why the break would be needed from Moffat's point of view but this is why I think it would be the right time to stand down. He's now done five series which is a huge amount but this would be the second time in his tenure where we've basically had a year without a series. I feel a large part of why he might be staying on is the fact that he turned down the big money writing for Steven Spielberg when he accepted the DW job. Also, the huge pessimist in me is thinking that the BBC might consider stopping it when he leaves, like they apparently considered it when Davies left.

Thinking about it now though, Moffat is staying on for Series 10 and I'm thinking he might leave after that with Capaldi.

Posted by: Calum Hood 11th August 2015, 06:12 PM

Filming for episode 12 is now underway. The BBC released an image of the readthrough with the title of the script being 'X'. A few people on Doctor Who sites have been saying that since David Tennant and Russell T Davies are in Cardiff, and X = roman numeral for '10', this could tie in with explaining Peter Capaldi's appearance in 'The Fires of Pompeii'.

Posted by: Froot. 11th August 2015, 06:25 PM

I would rather they didn't explain his appearance in that really, it's not necessary at all.

Posted by: Froot. 12th August 2015, 07:02 PM

New trailer:



Even though this one is shorter, it makes me a lot more excited. Maybe because it reveals more of the monsters, the ones with eyes in the hands in particular look good (maybe it's because I like Pan's Labyrinth idk).

The Dalek Supreme is back too

Posted by: Calum Hood 12th August 2015, 10:31 PM

Omg both of the trailers are amazing, but I am LOVING that one even more! In love with Clara's look, and all of the episodes just look very epic!

Surprised, but excited for it, that the Dalek Supreme's back as well.

Posted by: Ninjabait 13th August 2015, 03:46 PM

Every new trailer we get for this makes it look so much more amazing. I'm so very excited for this. Especially Dalek Supreme and Missy returning and that big grey monster thing. o:

And, you know, The Doctor rocking out which is still the coolest thing ever.

Posted by: Mart!n 13th August 2015, 07:29 PM

Saw the trailer for this after Eastenders, looks good, I literally can't wait.

Posted by: Calum Hood 17th August 2015, 01:25 PM

Moffat has "teased" every episode of the series in the upcoming issue of SFX. Don't know if it's just me, but they don't really seem like teasers, lol. A lot more secretive about the last half of the series than he was for series 8.

Posted by: Calum Hood 19th August 2015, 04:51 PM

Episodes 7 and 8's titles have now been revealed - 'Invasion of the Zygons' and 'Inversion of the Zygons'.

'The Magician's Apprentice' apparently ends on a massive cliffhanger, and Moffat's said that the last episode sees the Doctor and Clara paying the price for having good fun for too long.

Posted by: Froot. 2nd September 2015, 09:04 AM

River Song will be returning in the Christmas Special as filming starts this week.

Very happy that she's working with another Doctor!

QUOTE(Calum Hood @ Aug 19 2015, 05:51 PM)

The Hath and the Judoon are also confirmed to be returning!

Posted by: James1987 2nd September 2015, 10:01 AM

I'd hoped for a return for River as I'm sure she'd mentioned in her first appearance in Silence In The Library that David Tennant's Doctor looked younger...

Either way I'm looking forward to this series especially after series 8 was a vast improvement on the Moffatt era, I just hope it delivers!!

Posted by: J▼hnkm 2nd September 2015, 02:23 PM

I mean Moffat's descriptions/teasers above seem perfect, but then if he WASN'T high on his own auteurship then I'd be worried.

Posted by: Slick 2nd September 2015, 04:55 PM

QUOTE(Slick @ Mar 9 2015, 09:04 PM)

Posted by: Calum Hood 2nd September 2015, 08:42 PM

Saw this on BBC News at work today, and I got VERY excited - looking forward to her returning a lot!

Posted by: T Boy 2nd September 2015, 09:57 PM

So glad River will be back. After the build up, it would have been lame if she'd only partnered with 11 before meeting 10.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 2nd September 2015, 10:08 PM

Well, I'll hope for the best (yes I'm probably the only one that didn't really like her, but it was TOO CONFUSING whenever she was in it :'()

Posted by: James1987 2nd September 2015, 10:27 PM

I have to say I was really disappointed when they revealed her relation to the Doctor in series 6 (?) I didn't feel it was right and I think that added to the confusion some of you have referred to...but I love the character so I can't wait to see what's in store for the Christmas special!

Posted by: burbe 3rd September 2015, 12:39 AM

Very excited for that River Song return!

Posted by: JosephBieber 3rd September 2015, 07:45 PM

DELIGHTED that River's returning, always been a huge fan of the character and was hoping it wasn't the end in series 7!

Posted by: 100% ~spadam~ 😎 5th September 2015, 11:10 AM

Trailer bombed


Coming 19th September

Posted by: Froot. 5th September 2015, 01:51 PM

Still no idea what it's about then but I kind of like it this way, there's more of a surprise when I tune in.

Loving that shot of the hands in the ground though!

Posted by: SexySummerFruits 5th September 2015, 02:22 PM

There was definitely an alíen under the bedsheet as a child would NEVER be that creepy. They'd shout boo, etc, especially with Strange adults in the room. Thyey wouldn't take it to extremes.

Also there was definitely something knocking at the door and trying to get in the Tardía so much the Cloister bell rang!!

Probably the same creature from Midnight, probably banished to the planeta as it was mád, by its especies, and then tried to steal a voice instead of listenin.

The Doctor also is quirky, not batshit nuts, so he didn't write Listen then forget. That was the creature.

Great episode though.

Posted by: Calum Hood 7th September 2015, 12:47 AM

The Radio Times has the episode starting at 7:45pm, and apparently only for 45 minutes until 8:30pm. Bit later than normal series openers~

Posted by: burbe 8th September 2015, 12:24 AM

There will be a one-hander episode this series: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a667103/doctor-who-peter-capaldi-will-go-solo-in-the-shows-most-experimental-episode-ever.html#~pnEg8jkPSzJwf4

It will either be incredible or awful.

Posted by: Calum Hood 8th September 2015, 12:55 AM

All of the reviews are out there now, and every one of them seems to be saying the cliffhanger at the end of the episode is the best since the show returned.

Posted by: Froot. 14th September 2015, 03:19 PM

All the titles have been revealed:

1. The Magician's Apprentice (Steven Moffat)
2. The Witch's Familiar (Steven Moffat)
3. Under the Lake (Toby Whithouse)
4. Before The Flood (Toby Whithouse)
5. The Girl Who Died (Jamie Mathieson and Steven Moffat)
6. The Woman Who Lived (Catherine Tregenna)
7. The Zygon Invasion (Peter Harness)
8. The Zygon Inversion (Peter Harness)
9. Sleep No More ( Mark Gatiss)
10. Face The Raven (Sarah Dollard)
11. Heaven Sent (Steven Moffat)
12. Hell Bent (Steven Moffat)

Strange to see them all basically in pairs with contrasting titles.

Posted by: Slick 14th September 2015, 05:10 PM

'Heaven' again. I wonder if that's at all related to last year's finale.

Posted by: Calum Hood 14th September 2015, 08:50 PM

Some of those titles seem a bit strange when you think about the 'traditional' sort of episode titles. 'Face the Raven' is making me think of That's So Raven.

The preview of 'Hell Bent' in The Radio Times is VERY spoilery though!

12. Hell Bent – “Is it a sad song?” “Nothing’s sad till it’s over. Then everything is.” “What’s it called?” “I think it’s called Clara.” “Tell me about her.”

Posted by: Calum Hood 16th September 2015, 11:40 PM

The series 9 DVD is now up for pre-order (released 2 November), but it's only episodes 1-6, and they're releasing it in two parts.

Posted by: Calum Hood 18th September 2015, 10:42 AM

The BBC have officially confirmed that Jenna Coleman is leaving in series 9. Presumably not until 'Hell Bent' because she's been seen filming for every episode up to then. She'll be appearing in ITV's 'Victoria' after this.

All good things must come to an end, I guess. She's my favourite NuWho companion by a country mile, so I'll be very sad to see her go.

Posted by: Adam's Stories😍 18th September 2015, 10:58 AM

QUOTE(Calum Hood @ Sep 18 2015, 11:42 AM)

Posted by: Froot. 18th September 2015, 11:20 AM

It was to be expected really and the right decision too. She did shine a lot more in Series 8 but it's always good to freshen things up and I don't think any companion should do more than 3 series.

Posted by: Froot. 18th September 2015, 11:23 AM

QUOTE(Calum Hood @ Sep 17 2015, 12:40 AM)

The series 9 DVD is now up for pre-order (released 2 November), but it's only episodes 1-6, and they're releasing it in two parts.

Posted by: T Boy 18th September 2015, 03:43 PM

Jenna has been great for the most part. Such as shame she was wasted in series 7 though.

Posted by: JosephBieber 18th September 2015, 03:50 PM

I'm not at all shocked she's decided to leave but nonetheless, it's a shame because she's been really excellent. I hope she gets a fantastic exit!

Posted by: Chez Wombat 18th September 2015, 03:58 PM

She seems to have served her purpose as companion I think, so this feels quite an appropriate time for her to leave. I didn't warm to her properly until last season where she was admittedly great. Jenna played her excellently, but as a character, I always felt Clara was on the verge of being a truly amazing companion but never quite got there (I guess there's still one series to go and there's big expectations on the final this time if it's then she's leaving!)

Have to keep reminding myself this is tomorrow Always seems to come around so quick!

Posted by: burbe 18th September 2015, 11:49 PM

I've enjoyed Jenna's time as companion, but it's definitely the right time for her to leave.

Posted by: James1987 19th September 2015, 08:35 AM

It's a shame she's leaving but I'm just glad she's back for this series.

I have read that Clara will be killed off but I hope that's not true...I don't know why Moffatt keeps doing this to the companions when RTD just trapped them in alternate universes or wiped their memories!

Posted by: Calum Hood 19th September 2015, 02:05 PM

QUOTE(James1987 @ Sep 19 2015, 09:35 AM)

Posted by: Mart!n 19th September 2015, 05:01 PM

Recording it tonight, I heard Jenna was leaving yesterday on Grimmy's show in the morning. Anna Friel next companion please.

Posted by: T Boy 19th September 2015, 07:34 PM

I very much enjoyed that!

It could be that I just haven't paid much attention to spoilers but I had no idea Davros was going to be in it but it was good that he was. After disappointing me at the end of series 8, Missy really grew on me in this. I hope that wasn't Clara's exit though but we shall see for next week.

Posted by: JamesP 19th September 2015, 08:01 PM

That was easily the best episode of Who in an absolute age. Capaldi is 110% The Doctor now, chemistry between him and Davros was outstanding.

Oh, and don't worry, that wasn't Clara's exit.

Posted by: burbe 19th September 2015, 08:24 PM

It was fairly good as an opener actually. I was a little disappointed with the pacing. They spent too long in the Medieval scene and then later there became so many questions but no answers. For example, how did Davros survive the events of Stolen Earth/Journey's End? How did Missy survive last series? I imagine the killing of Missy and Clara and the blowing up of the TARDIS is fake. Davros is somehow messing with the Doctor. It was quite enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next episode.

Posted by: Adam's Stories😍 19th September 2015, 08:27 PM

Can't wait for this. But I shouldn't watch it until I've watched the last few series which I'm currently doing (like 4/5 episodes a day lmao)

Posted by: Mart!n 19th September 2015, 09:19 PM

Wow that was the best ever season opener ever... totally hooked from start to finish, well executed and loved the whole episode. This could be the best season ever if the series carries on form. Also I love the flashback scene of Tom Baker. Having Davros as the main villain of the opening episode was a great way to open the show, I never expected that, can't wait for the conclusion.

Posted by: JosephBieber 19th September 2015, 09:23 PM

That was a fantastic opener! Davros was a HUUUUGE shock but a very pleasant one of course. Looking forward to next week a HUGE amount now.

Posted by: burbe 19th September 2015, 09:31 PM

QUOTE(JosephBieber @ Sep 19 2015, 10:23 PM)

Posted by: Chez Wombat 19th September 2015, 11:21 PM

I was a little unsure about this episode at first as it seemed a bit complex and dialogue-heavy, but by the end I was practically frothing at the mouth for more! Really great opener in general (though I'm not convinced for a second Missy, Clara and the TARDIS are all gone) Quite a lot of unanswered questions, related to Davros in particular, but I'm sure/hoping next week can help with that (I hope so anyway, the second of two part stories have been disappointing lately so I hope this one isn't!)

Posted by: Slick 19th September 2015, 11:23 PM

Even though I knew Missy was coming back, I totally forgot until she appeared and she was HILARIOUS throughout - love her even more than I did in Series 8. I really like the dynamic of her being some sort of crazy uncontrollable companion.

Davros coming back was a surprise, especially so early on in the series, and I really like where it's going. Can't wait until next week's episode.

Posted by: Froot. 20th September 2015, 11:03 AM

Wow, that was truly an explosive opener, going straight into the action with no messing around!

I'd been thinking that it was time for Davros to return but didn't think it was going to happen again this series due to the lack of announcement. I'm so glad that they didn't announce it because I LOVED the twist that the boy was him and to put a spin on 'Genesis of the Daleks', that the Doctor was actually responsible for creating who Davros became, is very clever and shows how the show can keep adding new things even after 50 years. Julian Bleach was again great as Davros and I'm very glad he returned to the role, he played it perfectly. It's funny how the Shadow Proclamation returned in the same episode as Davros when it's only previous showing was in 'The Stolen Earth'. I'd seen them in the trailer but I still loved the hands in the ground too, very eerie.

Michelle Gomez was again fab as Missy and confirms to me that no one else could have potrayed the role of the Master as a woman better than her. She added an extra bit of fun and liveliness to the episode and it was interesting to see her play the part of a companion for most of it. It's good that they showed how dark she still is though by shooting the guards and revelling in it. She reminded me of the Classic-Who Masters too when she put the offer on the table to team up with the Daleks.

Obviously, Missy, Clara and the TARDIS haven't actually gone and so I wonder if it's all a trick that Davros is playing on the Doctor. I really enjoyed the twisted nature of Davros telling the Doctor what the Daleks are thinking when Clara was the only one left in the room with them. That certainly showed to me the evilness of the Daleks a lot more than just shooting her on the spot.

The things I wasn't so keen on was the Doctor's re-entrance with the guitar and everything, I just thought it went on for a bit too long compared to how fast-paced everything else was. I'm also not really keen on the Doctor coming up to his last day, something so soon after we already explored that in a LOT of episodes with Matt Smith's Doctor in Series 6 & 7. I wouldn't be too bothered if it was just for these two episodes but if it's going to be a series long thing or setting it up for Peter's regeneration, then I'm going to be disappointed.

Posted by: 'Spadgemobile' 21st September 2015, 08:55 AM

Watching it since I couldn't resist
Proving that it's still as great as ever, with its one-liners, suspense and cliffhangers hopefully I see more random scenes like the Doctor on the tank playing an electric guitar that cliffhanger though

Posted by: Severin 21st September 2015, 07:17 PM

I've watched this twice now and whilst it doesn't quite match the brilliance of Genesis Of The Daleks (which it so lovingly acts as a sequel to) it has landed squarely in my top 10 modern Who stories. If part 2 can keep up the momentum and mood it could go very high. Even the silliness of the Doctor's party wasn't irritating.

My only gripe is the lack of coherence around the warrior being a servant of the Daleks. If he knew where the Doctor was and by extension so did the Daleks, why did Davros have to hunt for him with Colony Saarf? I know it hasn't been established that Davros is working with the Daleks again (and I hope not) but that he may actually be manipulating the whole thing. In which case... great. And if the Daleks where hunting him without Davros why didn't they make a move on him when they must've suspected it was him with or without finding the TARDIS?

Posted by: popchartfreak 21st September 2015, 08:00 PM

FAB!

Posted by: James1987 22nd September 2015, 09:34 AM

I wasn't that keen in the first part of the episode. The tank scene we t on longer than it needed to but once the Doctor, Missy and Clara were on the Daleks planet that was the turning point and I was hooked.

Just hope we get a good conclusion next week...

Posted by: J▼hnkm 22nd September 2015, 09:45 AM

Sorry to be a bit of a DOWNER in this sea of praise, but...

I felt it was solid, much better than most of S8 for sure, but as usual it felt like they had an excellent idea, wrote half a script and then gave up and filled it with stuff. Missy was sensational, of course, she's just so effortless and funny and brings a wonderful sense of crazy to the show. Clara acted off Michelle Gomez very well I thought, and I quite like her new role as UNIT whatever she is. But yeah, aside from the (amazing) bookend story of Dave-Ross being 'created' by The Doctor it all felt like they were just biding time until they got to the big reveal at the end.

The guitar pity party was absolutely the worst. If it had been 2/3 minutes I could have dealt with it, it was a fun counterpoint to the serious doctor of S8 and also felt in character, but then it just went on and on and on and on. It made the whole thing feel like they were stalling for time rather than just a fun aside which it should have been.

Ok, half a script in this case is maybe harsh, but definitely not a finished script. I did really enjoy it but with a little more finesse and effort this COULD have been sensational as most of the building blocks were there. I hope the second part is basically just story from start to finish, in which case I WILL be ready to claim this an amazing 2 parter.

Posted by: SexySummerFruits 22nd September 2015, 09:23 PM

Yeah, tank scene was shit.

BUT omg at the end!!!

They can´t be just gone ... right??

Posted by: T Boy 23rd September 2015, 04:28 PM

It has felt in recent series that they are just filling time in some episodes. I didn't really feel that this time but I can see what you mean.

Posted by: Froot. 23rd September 2015, 04:30 PM

It feels like it's a finale rather than a series opener, especially looking at some teasers for the next episode.

Posted by: Calum Hood 26th September 2015, 03:33 PM

Finally had the chance to watch this a second time, and it really is a stunning episode. Stand-out scenes are definitely when Missy realises that they're all on Skaro, and the Doctor's reaction to it as well, and when Missy and Clara are both "exterminated".

Only problem I have with it though is would it really take Davros until the moment he's in his death bed to remember that the Doctor abandoned him as a child during the war, aka. the person who turned him into what he is today? And in not doing so, revert the majority of the Daleks' history?

Very much looking forward to 'The Witch's Familiar' though!

EDIT: And Missy tickling the Dalek was the highlight of the episode, obviously

Posted by: Severin 26th September 2015, 07:45 PM

Spoilers ahead


Tied up all the loose ends and questions nicely, had some great interplay between Davros and The Doctor, Missy & Clara (mainly Missy tbh) and a fine theme of what it is that defines friends/enemies.

Not sure I like the idea of Daleks never dying but degenerating into poo but as long as it never really comes up again I don't mind.

Really don't like the idea of him whipping out the sunglasses every five minutes. It's a bit too mid-life crisis.

Thing it really is time for Clara to make way now as she's passed her sell by date. Rose Leslie next please, but make her smart so she can say 'You know nothing, Doctor'

Posted by: Mart!n 26th September 2015, 09:09 PM

A great 2-parter, it had everything suspense and drama, and tied up all the questions. The only drawback I just found Clara and Missy parts together were getting a bit silly and tedious at times, I just wanted the episode to move along.

Posted by: 'Spadgemobile' 26th September 2015, 09:22 PM

Another fab episode

Would've been cool to see the super daleks until the finale or something but still great. And agree that the Doctor saving Davros as a kid would've changed SOMETHING. Maybe we gotta wait until the finale to find out
Next episode's trailer:

Posted by: Calum Hood 26th September 2015, 10:32 PM

The scene where Missy tried to make the Doctor kill the Dalek with Clara inside, holy shit.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 27th September 2015, 01:52 AM

OK, I was really scared that that episode would be a totally underwhelming follow-up after the big set-up last time but that was even better than last week <3 The pace was almost perfect, hostility followed by a real emotional focus followed by escape. The scenes between The Doctor and Davros were genuinely touching and I was almost sad that they were both bluffing each other! (I did see the Davros/Missy turnaround coming, but they played it very well on both parts!) and Missy in general was brilliant.

The ending was great in the great mercy message and the final line from Missy about a 'new idea' when surrounded , I sense that may not be the last we hear of that (don't THINK we exactly saw Davros die either? ;o).

Excellent two parter in general and best DW episode in a long time, made me considerably more excited for the rest of the series!

Posted by: T Boy 27th September 2015, 07:56 AM

Absolutely fantastic. Not a minute was wasted in that and for once all loose ends were pretty much tied up. And I like that Missy's fate has been left sort of ambiguous. The Doctor wouldn't just let her go free and yet we know she'll turn up again. Same with Davros, at one point I was genuinely sad to think we'd seen the last of him and I'm glad we probably haven't. The snakes were bloody scary but then I have a phobia of them.

Posted by: Froot. 27th September 2015, 12:19 PM

Indeed, a truly excellent story and a great episode/closer. I agree with Chez that the pacing was perfect. I loved both the Clara/Missy scenes and the Doctor/Davros scenes. Again, it showed just how horrible yet clever Missy is which is great to see while she's teaming up with Clara. I would kind of want to see a series of Missy/Clara adventure instead of Doctor/Clara haha. The scene where Clara in the Dalek met with the Doctor was PERFECT in every single way and showed all three characters off.

The Doctor/Davros scenes were so engaging too and it did really make me feel sorry for Davros. I agree that I was thinking it could be the end of Davros and I was gutted, even though I knew he had something under his sleeve. It was really good to get those scenes of the pair's relationship rather than Davros just conjuring up some ridiculous plan.

The sewer was a great idea I thought, the fact that they were all still alive and made noises when Missy hit them. Another creepy feature of the Daleks. Clara in the Dalek also helped explore further the mind of them.

I like how Moffat is harking back to the old series regarding the Master and him always surving despite apparently dying in the previous story.

And yes, less of the sunglasses technology, just... no.

Posted by: Froot. 4th October 2015, 10:42 AM

EPISODE 3: UNDER THE LAKE



Discuss the episode below, full spoilers will therefore follow.

Posted by: Froot. 4th October 2015, 10:42 AM

Well, 'Under the Lake' marked a change of pace! Very slow build-up but it's always nice to have these sort of episodes to develop a bigger story. I did enjoy the episode, it definitely set a creepy, atmospheric atmosphere and the dialogue was great throughout. Loved the scene in the TARDIS after the cloister bell rang where the Doctor is expressing concern that Clara isn't even scared of these situations anymore.

However, the whole thing was very reminiscent of previous similar stories e.g. mysterious untranslated writing in The Impossible Planet and the water coming in, similar controls to Gadget reminded me of The Waters of Mars.

Still, the idea of the ghosts were great and very well realised. I liked how they had to kill more to boost the signal rather than just randomly killing for no reason. The ending was excellent too, with Clara and the Doctor split up and the Doctor being a ghost. It makes me very excited going into next week as it shifts the story. Very interested to know why that guy wasn't killed by the ghosts and the deaf girl told him he couldn't go into the spaceship even though everyone else could!

Posted by: dandystar 4th October 2015, 11:36 AM

The reason the guy wasn't killed by the ghosts was that he hadn't been in the space ship and hadn't read the writing on the inside - therefore he didn't subconsciously know the co-ordinates and wouldn't boost the signal at all if he died.

I thought the episode was okay but it just felt like it was lacking something. I didn't think the ghosts were used to full effect, I didn't find them even vaguely scary when they were just walking through the corridors and I felt there was a lack of inventiveness in this aspect in particular... it would possibly have benefitted from more of the crew being killed off, especially as they're making a big deal about the ghosts being able to pick up metal objects to kill people and so far precisely zero people have died as a result!

That said, I do feel the characters are shaping up nicely, I particularly liked the interaction between the deaf woman and the rest of the crew and I'm liking the woman who was controlling the overrides on the doors etc.

Posted by: Froot. 4th October 2015, 12:14 PM

QUOTE(dandystar @ Oct 4 2015, 12:36 PM)

Posted by: Adam's Stories😍 4th October 2015, 12:15 PM

Doctor Who always disproves ghost phenomenon another fab episode. I wonder what the series arc is yet?

Posted by: Mart!n 4th October 2015, 04:26 PM

I wasn't expecting another 2 parter so soon, reminds me of a classic Dr. Who episode in some places with the Ghosts theme to it, some great moments in there, the final part looks better.

Posted by: Froot. 4th October 2015, 04:54 PM

QUOTE(Mart!n @ Oct 4 2015, 05:26 PM)

Posted by: Calum Hood 4th October 2015, 05:26 PM

Thought that episode was brilliant, definitely a big change in pace from 'The Witch's Familiar', but it was great nonetheless. I thought for a moment the Doctor was just going to abandon Clara because she didn't make it through in time, but I'm glad that's not the case. I do think though that this could be relative to the arc for the series - he almost abandoned her on Skaro when Missy made him believe she was killed by the Dalek she was inside, then last night he's leaving her in danger on the Drum so he can go back in time and find the roots of the situation. Maybe he'll end up leaving her somewhere because he's afraid of what she might become if she does become 'too native' to situations that put her in grave danger (hence the scene in the TARDIS)?

Rank time~

1. The Witch's Familiar
2. Under the Lake
3. The Magician's Apprentice

Posted by: ♡ Heezus Froot ♡ 4th October 2015, 05:36 PM

It has been a brilliant season so far and I love that it's almost all two-parters. Really looking forward to the conclusion next week and the 2-parter with Maisie Williams the week after that!

Posted by: popchartfreak 4th October 2015, 06:35 PM

loved all 3 episodes, liked the change of pace with the current 2-parter. I loved the pre-prepared tactful apology cards which the Doctor messed up of course, blunt lack of tact is his thing, shades of the first Doctor

Posted by: Suedehead2 4th October 2015, 07:12 PM

QUOTE(popchartfreak @ Oct 4 2015, 07:35 PM)

loved all 3 episodes, liked the change of pace with the current 2-parter. I loved the pre-prepared tactful apology cards which the Doctor messed up of course, blunt lack of tact is his thing, shades of the first Doctor

Posted by: Chez Wombat 4th October 2015, 10:20 PM

OK episode with a killer ending scene, but did ultimately feel a bit filler-ish and I agree with Dandy that the ghosts didn't feel scary enough (particularly as they didn't seem to have any supernatural powers or ways of killing other than with weapons/controls?), but the human characters were all strong (and unsettling in some cases, they don't all seem entirely innocent somehow), and the Doctor's cue cards situation was genuinely funny.

I'm still a bit uncertain about a lot of the story so I hope next week can end this in as good a fashion as The Witch's Familiar did!

Posted by: Slick 5th October 2015, 01:43 PM

Perhaps it's because it came after such an impressive opening two-parter but I really didn't think much of Saturday's episode. The pace was very slow and I was actually bored in places waiting for something to happen. Some episodes really benefit from being two-parters - so far, this one doesn't look like one that needed to be fleshed out. Hopefully we've got a treat of an action-packed second parter to come.

Posted by: Mart!n 10th October 2015, 08:22 PM

Bit disappointed, the whole thing just fell to pieces it just felt flat as a pancake in the end, it had some boring bits in there, I just wanted to turn it off half way through, but I muddled through it. Probably the weakest double episode of the lot.

Posted by: dandystar 10th October 2015, 08:56 PM

Yeah, it was pretty rubbish. The abandoned town scenes looked low budget and out of place against the scenes in the base and that element just fell completely flat. I assumed last week that the doctor would be in the chamber thing and sure enough he was... actually in trying to find things to write about it, I'm really realising how much of a nothing episode it was.

Posted by: Low Hanging Peen 10th October 2015, 10:53 PM

Knew it. I can always tell a shit Doc Who episode from the previews alone, which is why I didn't bother wasting time with watching either part.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 10th October 2015, 11:33 PM

I think I might have liked this more if it wasn't so...confusing, it all seemed a bit cop out-ish tied together by some big infodump in the last five minutes and a shoehorned villain (that looked quite naff), and the Beethoven stuff...I just didn't really get it (I might just be misunderstanding stuff). It wasn't without it's good parts (all of the ship sequences were pretty great), but a wasted opportunity definitely.

Dunno what to think about next weeks as Doctor Who and history are a bit 'hit and miss' (but Maisie Williams yay)

Posted by: James1987 11th October 2015, 10:31 AM

I liked the episode but there were parts that felt rushed or unresolved.

The ghosts I thought were genuinely scary, especially when the deaf character was being followed by the ghost with the axe. There were some great moments but I thought the Fisher King needed more time to feel like a real threat and the ending felt a little rushed and thrown together.

The Beethoven stuff though......did anyone else understands the relevance of this to the episode?

I agree it wasn't the strongest two parter I've seen but there were some really good moments in this.

Posted by: Slick 11th October 2015, 11:42 AM

I thought the second part was much better than the first, mainly because something actually happened. It did feel rushed and confusing and I'm not entirely sure I actually understand it all, so it really would have benefited from the first part being much shorter and the plot from this episode stretching across them both with more explanation.

I always enjoy the 'timey wimey' elements in Doctor Who so appreciated it for that, but I don't really think it was used as well as it could have been.

Posted by: Froot. 11th October 2015, 11:52 AM

Have to agree that I was anticipating a lot more after the slow build-up last week and from the preview. There seemed to be a lot of 'back to the TARDIS', 'back to the Farraday cage' moments which felt like stalling rather than progressing the plot. I was hoping for more from the Fisher King too rather than just a confrontation with the Doctor, only for him to be swept away in the flood. It would have been exciting to see it in the actual base.

Nevertheless, there were some great moments, particularly surrounding the deaf character and indeed the moment with the ghost chasing after her was fantastic. Again, I thought the development of Clara was very exciting, with her becoming more and more like the Doctor. I thought the line of 'Die with whoever comes after me, you do not leave me!' was particularly interesting.

I would say the series opener was the better two parter but it was an enjoyable story, just not something I'll keep coming back to.

QUOTE(James1987 @ Oct 11 2015, 11:31 AM)

Posted by: burbe 11th October 2015, 05:52 PM

Very disappointed for this episode. The first part set up the story well and generally quite strong but I didn't really enjoy the conclusion.

Posted by: Adam's Stories😍 12th October 2015, 01:20 PM

It might have been the influence of all the negativity of reviews in the thread that made me "pre-judge" the episode but I also was a bit underwhelmed by it. The episode just didn't seem to have the quality of "moving along" a lot of the time. Still not worked out what the series arc is yet though...

Next episode's trailer looks interesting ish. I'll put it on the thread if I remember later

Posted by: Calum Hood 12th October 2015, 02:51 PM

I think the arc is slowly but steadily building up to Clara's demise, it's not been any more than subtle at the moment, but the scenes where people / the Doctor keep informing her she's becoming too familiar with danger are an indication it'll be going somewhere by the end of the series.

Posted by: Slick 12th October 2015, 05:07 PM

The arc is going to be the ELECTRIC GUITAR.

Posted by: popchartfreak 15th October 2015, 07:13 PM

I really enjoyed it, loved the time-loop chicken-egg which came first plotting, the dialogue was fine, the characters good, amusing bits, the major downside to me was the Monster-of-the-week look of the alien baddie, a bit too old-skool for these days, but still a decent episode.

Posted by: Severin 17th October 2015, 07:35 PM

Urgh. Horned helmets. What a schoolboy error

Posted by: T Boy 17th October 2015, 08:24 PM

Loved that Donna Noble relevance.

Posted by: Mart!n 17th October 2015, 08:27 PM

Good god what was that, bit of a messy episode, I really don't know if it can re-cover from it next week. The only part that intrigued me, the Doctor recognised Anya from somewhere else, at the very start, I like to know where they are going with that, that was an oddball of an episode. The names of the vikings made me laugh though, Lofty, ZZ Top etc, etc,

Posted by: Jester 17th October 2015, 09:11 PM

I really enjoyed that episode. A decent Viking romp with a twist. I'm very interested where it is heading and who Arya (I can't remember her name in the episode!) is or turns into. Is it something Gallifrey related as Davros alluded to in the earlier episodes?

Plus I agree about Clara - she is looking competent/bolshy/vulnerable - not a good mix in Dr Who.

Posted by: Froot. 18th October 2015, 12:21 PM

I really enjoyed that episode and would place it above the previous two. While I'm still not a massive fan if Peter's Doctor, his historical stories have been a lot better than the previous ones.

There was a nice balance of the fun and the dark and I did like the training segment. However, it did feel odd that it was the Doctor leading this considering he's not really a violence battle man but oh well. It was pretty dark that all those Vikings were killed which could have made the villain really good but I think the person who played him did it a bit too over the top, playing it more like something you would see in the classic series.

As for Maisie Williams, obviously she has been placed at the forefront of all the promotion and I'm not surprised why because puting her in that historical setting makes it hard to seperate Ayra from your mind, which isn't necessarily a good thing. The titles of the episodes meant that I wasn't particularly shocked by the ending but it's interesting to see where it will lead into next week and I wonder if it could be compared with the Doctor saving the child Davros ie could her character become ultimately evil? The explanation of why he had that face was actually quite nice (I thought it may been unnecessary) but it was very out of the blue. Why choose that moment to realise when they'll have been lots of other people he could have tried to save and I especially wonder how newer viewers felt watching it.

Posted by: Suedehead2 19th October 2015, 09:11 PM

Am I alone in thinking that Anya is Clara?

I've only just seen Saturday's episode as I was away at the weekend. It was all a bit of a mess at the start, but it got better. He even got to reverse the polarity of the neutron flow

Posted by: top40chartsuk 24th October 2015, 06:59 PM

Peter Capaldi has made a decision on his future as the Dcotor.
He has agreed to come back for another series next year, and an option for another year
after that.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/doctor-whos-peter-capaldi-made-6696486

Posted by: top40chartsuk 24th October 2015, 06:59 PM

QUOTE(Suedehead2 @ Oct 19 2015, 10:11 PM)

Am I alone in thinking that Anya is Clara?

I've only just seen Saturday's episode as I was away at the weekend. It was all a bit of a mess at the start, but it got better. He even got to reverse the polarity of the neutron flow

Posted by: Poot. 24th October 2015, 07:12 PM

Episode 6: The Woman Who Lived



Discuss the episode below, full spoilers will therefore follow

Posted by: Calum Hood 24th October 2015, 10:12 PM

I think tonight was more or less an indication that Maisie Williams could be the next companion if she's wandering around in modern-day Earth. But hopefully that was just Catherine Tregenna exploring her immortality further.

Posted by: Slick 24th October 2015, 11:01 PM

I think Maisie Williams will be back when we see Clara depart, as a reminder to the Doctor that saving Clara/bringing her back from death will have consequences.

I'm not sure what I thought of that episode - so many of Peter Capaldi's episodes benefit from a second viewing before making a decision either way. It seemed a bit messy - I really enjoyed the indepth look into Maisie's character and the effect immortality has had on her (and the Doctor), but I'm never really here for "historical romps."

Posted by: The Grim Reaper 24th October 2015, 11:28 PM

Not the greatest 2 parter I've seen this series, it just lacks something, it didn't draw me in like the opening 2 parter. As for Maisie been the new companion I can't see that happening when she is committed to Games of Thrones apart from some odd appearances, takes 9 months to film a whole series.

Posted by: Chez Werewolf 24th October 2015, 11:28 PM

Seemed clear from that episode that Maisie (can't remember her character's name) will be the next companion, seemed to be quite a lot of hints they'd be suitable together throughout that episode, which I would be totally on board with, but maybe I'm biased :x

I didn't think tonight worked as well as last week's, that was quite an effective full story told, but a lot of the 'story' around this felt very shoehorned in and rushed (those big cat aliens really?). The chemistry between the two leads was excellent though, it worked well on that level, but I don't think it needed a whole episode.

Posted by: Slick 24th October 2015, 11:31 PM

Personally I preferred Maisie's acting/character last week. I think she pulls off "normal innocent girl" much better. I would be disappointed if she became full-time companion.

Posted by: All Hallows Peen 24th October 2015, 11:37 PM

I reaaally don't think Capaldi should stay as the Doctor.

He hasn't made the role his own and the show is losing popularity.

Posted by: Poot. 24th October 2015, 11:42 PM

QUOTE(Slick @ Oct 25 2015, 12:31 AM)

Posted by: ♡ Heezus Froot ♡ 25th October 2015, 09:21 AM

She's on Game of Thrones, I don't think she could manage both shows.

Posted by: Dandyman*5 25th October 2015, 03:22 PM

Well that was all a bit silly wasn't it? I liked that 'Me' had grown to become completely unaffected by life in general and the concept of her seeing other people's lives as being short and somewhat disposable was good. But then we had silly medieval banter and alien lions thrown in to make it all just a bit too pantomime for my liking. And I really hope Maisie doesn't become the next companion, I'd rather her character became another cameo one with occasionally dubious morals so you're never quite sure if she's on the doctor's side or not.

I do now think that Clara will be dying at some point this season, seeing 'Me' in the background of the selfie made me think she'll play a part in the finale and remind the doctor that it would be a mistake to bring Clara back - after all, by his own logic, they wouldn't be able to travel together any longer regardless if she became immortal.

Posted by: Calum Hood 25th October 2015, 06:33 PM

Sarah Dollard, the writer of episode 10, 'Face the Raven', has said that Maisie Williams will be appearing in that episode.

Posted by: JVSH 26th October 2015, 08:00 PM

This is soon becoming my favourite season of Nu Who! I've loved the first 6 episodes, and the Zygon two parter looks great, the found footage idea of Sleep No More is very intriguing and has the potential to be a Nu Blink if successful, Face The Raven's should be great too if the premise delivers (particularly with the above spoiler) and the final two look very ambitious with Heaven Sent being a Doctor one-hander and Clara inevitably leaving. I'm amazed at how consistent this show has been over 10 years, even if you haven't personally liked the episodes as a whole you can't deny the moments of brilliance and the plethora of poetic lines interwoven into literally every episode.

I'm also excited to see how the arc plays out too as there hasn't been anything obvious, just little themes like the hybrid, immortality, finding friends in enemies and Clara's seeming immunity to fear (I'm liking how Danny's death has caused this, rather than it being completely forgotten about), and thinking she can keep up with the Doctor, catching up to her.

Posted by: Chop-part-freak 28th October 2015, 06:36 PM

this two-parter wasn't quite up to the earlier ones, and I wasn't that bothered by "me" as a character. I also didn't go for the sudden "oh everythings all right then" ending when she has a sudden change of heart about saving the Earth. Already clearly a moral-free killer, the whole issue should have been around "choice" rather than "blame". We all get hurt and scarred, and see people as short-lived as we get older, but we don't turn into cold killers as a result, or immune to death, and that arrogance and convenience of blaming the Doctor doesn't wash. It's fairly clear "Me" isn't immortal, just very very long-lived. Even Captain jack died, despite seeming immortal and didn't have a problem with a side-industry in murder at any stage of his life....

That the Doctor forgave her, out of regret or guilt, should come back to haunt him or else it seems illogical plotting....

Posted by: Jester 28th October 2015, 06:47 PM

That big cat alien was awfully pointless. The 'jokey' highwayman and cronies were cringeworthy!

Posted by: Poot. 29th October 2015, 06:43 PM

I wasn't so sure about that last episode. I agree that I wasn't invested enough about 'Me' for the episode to basically be a two-hander with her and the Doctor about immortality. By the time, it got to the actual adventure of the episode, it was too late to care about that too. It was perhaps a nice episode as a one-off but not something I would be excited to come back to. I am perhaps interested to see what they're setting up with the character in relation to the rest of the series.

I am VERY excited about next wek's episode though which looks set to be amazing to me, putting the aloens right at the forefront again which is perhaps what this series has lacked. It's going to be interesting seeing how the paranoia plays out and I guess that's why Osgood is going to be at the centre of the episode and why they haven't announced if the Zygon version or the 'real' version died. Hence why she's the best person to be kidnapped by them.

Posted by: Brett-Butler 31st October 2015, 08:35 PM

I'm getting lots of allegorical vibes from this episode. They seem to be trying to draw parallels between the Zygon high command and Islamic State.

Posted by: T Boy 31st October 2015, 09:04 PM

Knew that American cop would be a Zygon the moment we saw her.

Posted by: Suedehead2 31st October 2015, 10:08 PM

QUOTE(Brett-Butler @ Oct 31 2015, 08:35 PM)

Posted by: Brett-Butler 31st October 2015, 10:20 PM

QUOTE(Suedehead2 @ Oct 31 2015, 11:08 PM)

It wasn't exactly subtle

Posted by: JosephStyles 31st October 2015, 11:23 PM

That was my favourite episode of the series so far, felt like a proper Who episode with no silly confusing bits, and a threat that felt real for a change. I hope the second part lives up to the first!

Posted by: The Grim Reaper 31st October 2015, 11:40 PM

Probably my favourite episode of the series, since the opening double episode which was just as good. Let's hope the second episode of the two parter lives up to the first, thoroughly enjoyed that, its probably on par with the Jon Pertwee era. I did see a bit of tumbleweed flying about in Mexico, nothing new there.

Posted by: burbe 1st November 2015, 05:16 AM

That was my favourite episode in a long time! None of the confusing timey-wimey stuff, just pure action and drama. I've seen people refer to this story as Peter Capaldi's "Doctor moment" and I can definitely see that being true if part one is an indication.

Posted by: popchartfreak 1st November 2015, 10:05 AM

Seemed to borrow ftom several world event rebel causes and events incl IS and ukraine which has slways been the strength of sci fi - to take people conflicts and comment without upset, politicians and radicals dont usually connect monsters with the real world. Too busy being monsters.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 1st November 2015, 06:45 PM

Best episode of the series so far for sure. The Zygons always had quite a minimal and mute part when they featured in the 50th anniversary episode, so glad to see an episode where they took center stage. I agree that it was good to see straight out action, suspense and drama than dawdling and overly complicated explanations, just hope next week can deliver as well.

I think the political/IS message is effectively done and it's good to see Doctor Who tackling this more, Especially as recently with these 'historical romps' and all, it's been turning too much into a fantasy show, which is fine and all but I much prefer when it's proper speculative science fiction - tackling and extrapolating issues in the real world today.

Posted by: Froot. 1st November 2015, 09:31 PM

That was indeed an excellent episode which lived up to my high expectations! Really interesting story to tell as the alien threat is of course much harder to solve and it reflects what is happening in the world right now. It was very good to twist that real life situation on it's head by making everyone very wary of the British immigrants. The story had a great global aspect to it and the way that it was pulled of, really did make it feel like the big movie conspiracy thriller it was trying to be.

My standout scene was the very unnerving confrontation between the soldier and the Zygon pretending to be his mother which really was perfect to highlight the paranoia. Loved the ending/cliffhanger too, which makes you really excited to see how they all actually live. I thought it was a bit strange that Clara just left the child with the parents at the start but I still never saw her being a Zygon coming!

The Zygon's are an excellent monster, the design of them is absolutely brilliant and I'm glad they were given a chance to be centre stage again!

Posted by: Calum Hood 2nd November 2015, 04:20 PM

Moffat has said in an interview that Clara's exit will "shock, terrify and surprise" and that she will never return.

Posted by: Froot. 7th November 2015, 11:31 PM

Episode 8: The Zygon Inversion



Discuss the episode below, full spoilers will therefore follow

Posted by: Froot. 8th November 2015, 12:19 AM

full thoughts later but what an EXCELLENT two parter that was. After the previous two have been slightly off for me, that brought what Doctor Who is right to the forefront again. Peter Capaldi gave his best performance yet imo and the box scene provided his biggest 'Doctor moment' yet.

Posted by: JosephStyles 8th November 2015, 12:22 AM

I couldn't agree more, it was a superb episode on all counts. Character moments were very much present and strong, but this time, the villians weren't just an afterthought like they have been in many recent episodes sadly. Excellent acting from everyone too, it's exactly what I want from a Who episode. Job well done, my favourite story of the series *.*

Posted by: burbe 8th November 2015, 12:40 AM

Seriously amazing. Definitely the best two parter of the series so far and Peter Capaldi definitely had his Doctor moment. Less action packed than the first part, but the dialogue and the Doctor's incredible speech on war made the episode. Also, yet more foreshadowing that Clara will probably die

Posted by: Calum Hood 8th November 2015, 01:49 AM

The final fifteen minutes were incredible, and the Osgood Box scene was just so beautifully done. The ending was great too. I'm glad we never found out which Osgood was which, although really for another Osgood duplicate to be made, the source would still need to be 'active' (or alive), so it must have been the original Zygon duplicate that was killed by Missy in 'Death in Heaven'.

Posted by: ♡ Heezus Froot ♡ 8th November 2015, 05:52 PM

The Box scene was so powerful, I think it's my favourite Peter Capaldi moment so far. Next ep looks very sci-fi-ey, can't wait!

Posted by: popchartfreak 9th November 2015, 12:42 PM

a good part 2, I emotionally loved the speechifying Doctor and the ending, a villain turned good is always irresistable. I doubt any radical murdering psycho would be persuaded by any speech, no matter how good, but I want to believe.....

Posted by: Calum Hood 14th November 2015, 12:26 AM

The synopsis for 'Hell Bent' has been released, and it confirms something MAJOR! The Doctor finds Gallifrey, and the Time Lords return.

Posted by: T Boy 14th November 2015, 09:01 PM

That was such a borefest. And by the looks of things, Twitter agreed with me.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 15th November 2015, 12:12 AM

Yeah, that didn't really work unfortunately. Intriguing concept, but found footage is a tad overused in films these days so it's always touch and go whether it works or not and this one didn't.

Like it was...clever? I guess, but it dragged a lot (ironic considering it was meant to be an 'entertaining story' that the professor created!) , the plot had WAY too many holes in it and the acting was generally poor from the crew, plus the found footage element handicapped the story in places and didn't make full use of it. Doctor Who could've quite worked quite well with found footage, but this wasn't it.

Shame, as it was coming after a brilliant two parter that was right up there with Tennant era 06-08 standard.

Posted by: Froot. 15th November 2015, 12:53 AM

Aww I thought that was actually really good, definitely one of the better Mark Gatiss stories (perhaps helped that it wasn't a historical for once!). It maybe relied upon being found footage a bit too much, taking away from the actual story a bit and having a character say 'pet' at the end of every sentence doesn't make them developed but I enjoyed the different take of the traditional Doctor Who story.

Plus, that ending is definitely one of the best of the show. It's such a brilliant and terrifying concept to make the viewer at home feel like THEY'VE been turned into a monster purely by watching it. Watching him turn into the dust was truly shocking as well.

Posted by: ♡ Heezus Froot ♡ 15th November 2015, 02:29 AM

How many times are they going to do "crew on a spaceship that gets killed off one by one by scary monsters"? This one was a drag and nothing really made sense to me, or I just wasn't paying that much attention. The shaky footage certainly didn't help.

Oh and can they please bring back the sonic screwdriver? The sunglasses were fine for a couple of episodes, but you can't really replace such an iconic tool with THAT.

Posted by: James1987 15th November 2015, 07:53 AM

I have to say I really enjoyed the episode!

It wasn't perfect by any means and sometimes the constant narration from Reese Shearsmith's character felt, at times, like it was cutting away some of the really scary moments.

Loved the ending though, didn't see that coming but definitely an intriguing concept generally well written though some poor acting from the supporting cast but Mark Gatiss did a great job!

Next weeks looks interesting...

Posted by: T Boy 15th November 2015, 10:12 AM

QUOTE(♡ Heezus Froot ♡ @ Nov 15 2015, 02:29 AM)

Posted by: Matt Aloud 15th November 2015, 11:35 AM

From the TV trailer for next week =

Posted by: Mart!n 15th November 2015, 12:26 PM

I didn't think that episode was that good, but brilliant work by Mark Gatiss, and I have to agree too many episodes were all the crew are getting killed off one by one. This series needs something with a bit more punch, started off pretty good, after that it just went all floppy in places apart from the previous 2 parter. Time to bring back Missy, she really adds more diversity to the series.

Posted by: JosephStyles 15th November 2015, 12:44 PM

Yeah the "base under siege" thing has been overdone a bit this series but nonetheless, I really enjoyed that episode. Plot holes were very much present but it had me on the edge of my seat throughout, I found it generally exciting and the main cast were pretty great. I'd rank it just behind the Zygon two-parter and The Witch's Familiar I think for the entire series.

Seems that this episode is the "In the Forest of the Night" of the year, with it being incredibly divisive

Posted by: Calum Hood 15th November 2015, 10:24 PM

Obviously there are going to be plot holes though, because we are watching the episode from Rassmussen's perspective who, himself, doesn't know everything that's going on...?

I wasn't a massive fan of that episode, but it did pick up towards the end. None of the supporting cast really did anything of note, but all I can say is that 'Face the Raven' looks AMAZING. *.*

Ranking~

1. The Zygon Inversion
2. The Witch's Familiar
3. The Zygon Invasion
4. The Girl Who Died
5. Under the Lake
6. The Magician's Apprentice
7. The Woman Who Lived
8. Before the Flood
9. Sleep No More

Posted by: JosephStyles 15th November 2015, 10:52 PM

QUOTE(Calum Hood @ Nov 15 2015, 10:24 PM)

Posted by: Shivering Adam❄️ 15th November 2015, 11:02 PM

QUOTE(♡ Heezus Froot ♡ @ Nov 15 2015, 02:29 AM)

Posted by: burbe 16th November 2015, 05:11 AM

The last three episodes look amazing. I think next week was the one we've been warned to watch live to avoid major spoilers.

Posted by: popchartfreak 16th November 2015, 12:28 PM

yeah I enjoyed it, a good pace, a bit "Alien" in concept, and in favour of the choice of crewmembers it was fab to see UK TV actually including actors of far-east Asian origin in a leading support role. About time. That would make a change for a Who asisstant....

Posted by: Suedehead2 16th November 2015, 07:17 PM

QUOTE(popchartfreak @ Nov 16 2015, 12:28 PM)

Posted by: Froot. 18th November 2015, 01:26 PM

'Heaven Sent' is 55 minutes long and 'Hell Bent' will be 65 minutes long.

Posted by: burbe 18th November 2015, 06:39 PM

That's good - the lost 13th episode has once again been made up for by longer episode times (we've also had three 50 minute episodes).

Posted by: Froot. 19th November 2015, 04:26 PM

Judging by Peter's comments on tomorrow's Graham Norton, it seems that Clara may be leaving in 'Face the Raven'. Digital Spy also teased the episode and stated it was technically the first of a three parter.

Posted by: Calum Hood 20th November 2015, 12:57 AM

Going by all the previews saying to watch it live, etc. I'm guessing whatever's going to happen to her will happen in 'Face the Raven', but she's definitely in 'Hell Bent' as well.

Posted by: ♡ Heezus Froot ♡ 20th November 2015, 12:08 PM

Rumour has it she's really gone in 'Face the Raven', but comes back in 'Hell Bent' as an echo.

Posted by: Froot. 21st November 2015, 03:52 PM

Episode 10: Face the Raven



Discuss the episode below, full spoilers will therefore follow.

This episode, in particular, appears to be one to watch LIVE.

Posted by: Shivering Adam❄️ 21st November 2015, 03:55 PM

I've somehow resisted the urge to read the spoiler tags but I imagine it has something to do with Clara

I've also temporarily unfollowed Doctor Who on Twitter as a precaution

Posted by: Froot. 21st November 2015, 09:09 PM

What a beautiful and amazingly written episode.

I'm not sure I've processed what's just happened.

Posted by: dandy* 21st November 2015, 09:12 PM

Oh gosh, I was in tears.

Posted by: jaynesangel 21st November 2015, 09:35 PM

Glad I don't read any spoilers - even in the Doctor Who Magazine I don't read the episode preview until after the episode. Loved it - some of the scenes between the Doctor and Clara were beautiful - Clara urging him not to seek revenge was perfect.

Posted by: burbe 21st November 2015, 09:50 PM

It was a very well-acted and fitting ending for Clara. She was never going to leave the Doctor of her own free will, so death was always going to be the only option for her character leaving. The only thing that ruined the scenes was that music playing so loudly over her final moments. It would have been a much better ending without it. Also, I can see the Doctor going very dark over the next few episodes. Without Clara to stop him, who knows what will happen? The next episode looks very intriguing!

Posted by: Chez Wombat 21st November 2015, 09:56 PM

I did see it coming as I saw the spoilers, but...wow that final scene was incredible, Capaldi has really came into his own this series more so than last, his performance was excellent there and quite chilling and ambiguous as well as Clara was basically his control, can't predict what will happen now (and I now take back what I said abut Maisie being the next companion )

Good episode in all, even if it was all about THAT scene.

Posted by: Suedehead2 21st November 2015, 11:00 PM

It was a great episode. I just wish they hadn't said so much on Graham Norton last night. They gave far too much away

Posted by: Froot. 21st November 2015, 11:04 PM

QUOTE(Suedehead2 @ Nov 21 2015, 11:00 PM)

It was a great episode. I just wish they hadn't said so much on Graham Norton last night. They gave far too much away

Posted by: Calum Hood 21st November 2015, 11:07 PM

DID THAT JUST HAPPEN.

Posted by: Mart!n 21st November 2015, 11:28 PM

One of the best episodes of the entire series, I even shed some tears at the end of the episode, it be interesting to see where the rest of this series goes. I think the Dr. will be on his lonesome in the xmas episode.

Posted by: JosephStyles 21st November 2015, 11:31 PM

Incredible episode, Clara's death made me shed a few tears. Very fitting exit, but the entire episode really was top notch. Excited for next week now!

Posted by: popchartfreak 21st November 2015, 11:33 PM

heartbreakingly beautiful, Clara is a beacon of Right. Capaldi played it wonderfully simmering, and ominous.

Posted by: Suedehead2 21st November 2015, 11:48 PM

QUOTE(Froot. @ Nov 21 2015, 11:04 PM)

Posted by: Froot. 22nd November 2015, 12:05 AM

I think that was a perfect exit for Clara. She may have started out generic but I very much enjoyed her character in Series 8 & 9. Her controlling nature and the death of Danny which led to her developing this carefree nature and aspiration/belief that she was actually the Doctor paved the way for such a minimalist exit to be so effective. Her taking over the tattoo was something that the Doctor would most definitely do/is very similar to stuff he has done in the past. That's what makes the exit so great for me because Clara thinks she can easily overcome something like a death warrant because the Doctor would be able to and, even when you take that out of it, she's sacrificing her life for the sake of someone she's only met twice, another Doctor trait.

I've said it before but the problem with companions leaving is that there's often not a real reason for them to leave considering that they knowingly face danger a lot of the time. That's why you have to physically (or mentally in Donna's case) separate them away from the Doctor but I never thought they would actually go as far as killing a companion off in the modern era.

The whole episode was fantastic though, it didn't feel like it was 40 minutes or so of a story (or filler), plus Clara's departure. It all worked together as one whole and the pacing was excellent throughout, with great ideas and perfect writing. This was all without a real monster too but it's never something I even noticed, thought one was necessary. It was by far a lot more effective than 'The Woman Who Lived'. More from Sarah in future please.

I am wary that she is still in 'Hell Bent' but I'm hoping that this exit in 'Face the Raven' is the real deal.

Posted by: Suedehead2 22nd November 2015, 12:26 AM

Apparently, Sarah Dollard, who wrote tonight's episode, spent four years writing for Neighbours OTOH, she has worked with Toby Whithouse, creator ad writer of the utterly brilliant Being Human and another Who writer. Let's hope we see more episodes from her.

Posted by: burbe 22nd November 2015, 03:53 AM

QUOTE(Mart!n @ Nov 22 2015, 12:28 AM)

Posted by: T Boy 22nd November 2015, 09:27 AM

The best episode of the series outside the opening two parter. I shall miss Clara, she really developed over the last two series after being incredibly boring in series 7. And kudos to the writers for having the guts to actually properly bump off a companion for a change.

Posted by: Shivering Adam❄️ 23rd November 2015, 10:20 AM

QUOTE(burbe @ Nov 22 2015, 03:53 AM)

Posted by: Froot. 28th November 2015, 09:01 PM

Episode 11: Heaven Sent



Discuss the episode below, full spoilers will therefore follow.

Posted by: popchartfreak 28th November 2015, 09:31 PM

pretty much a soliloquy this episode, and a bit Groundhog Day (that was also a personal hell, albeit funny). I guessed the plot early on, bar the way of getting out of it. Why's he hitting a wall..?, I mused. Clever. Very good episode....

Posted by: burbe 28th November 2015, 09:34 PM

The solution to escaping was extremely clever and only became clear on the repeat run in the last few minutes. The episode seemed to fly by despite it being a whole of episode of just The Doctor. Also, it was nice to have the Clara cameo. The TARDIS scenes reminded me of Sherlock's mind palace (from Sherlock of course). Next week looks very exciting!

Posted by: JosephCarey 28th November 2015, 10:53 PM

That episode was EXHAUSTING but absolutely incredible. Had me hooked throughout, had no idea how the Doctor would get out of it either. Really can't fault it. Top notch.

Posted by: Shivering Adam❄️ 28th November 2015, 10:56 PM

It might have been because it was pretty much just the Doctor and his thoughts that made the episode a bit boring for me. The last 10 minutes or so were quite good and when I worked out what was going on it became quite interesting! The next episode looks AMAZING though *.*

I need to find time to watch the series again tbh

Posted by: Mart!n 29th November 2015, 09:29 AM

Excellent episode, probably the best episode of the entire series, but by the end of the episode I just knew where he was heading. Please don't let it be Pixie Lott as the new companion

Posted by: popchartfreak 29th November 2015, 10:04 AM

there are a couple of things that occur to me: the Doctor died billions of times but the world (?) he was on didn't change, although the stars did. After a few hundred thousand years the skulls would be higher than the water-line even taking wear and tear into account, and he wouldnt be able to dive into water - the skulls and the water must be outside the re-setting process or they wouldnt have built up when we come into it.

Doh! Some people are so nitpicky

Posted by: Severin 29th November 2015, 11:24 AM

Although it was fairly obvious what was going on from the moment The Doctor found his dry clothes in the room and where he was heading as soon as he mentioned a closed energy loop I still found that to be easily one of the best episodes of Who ever. Showcasing just how great Capaldi is. He's easily the best actor in the role and leaving him to do all the work was a great idea.

Posted by: Suedehead2 29th November 2015, 11:53 AM

They've really exploited Capaldi's experience as an actor in this series which is, of course, a good thing.

My first reaction to the thought of Pixie Lott as a companion is fairly negative. Then again, I said the same about Billie Piper and was proved wrong.

Posted by: Slick 29th November 2015, 02:23 PM

Yesterday's episode was one of the best (if not the best) of Peter Capaldi's era so far. I wasn't sure what to expect due to it being promoted as a very 'different' episode, but I think it was exactly what makes Doctor Who so good. It was a great concept, timey wimey, there was a genuine threat in the form of The Veil and the Doctor's 'prison', and I loved that it was all a big metaphor for grief too, with Clara's presence very real throughout.

I'm expecting big things for the finale.

Posted by: Jester 29th November 2015, 09:06 PM

Fantastic episode!

Someone clever please explain all the stuff I missed about it though please.

Posted by: Calum Hood 1st December 2015, 12:08 AM

The Christmas special is titled 'The Husbands of River Song'. Interesting title.

Posted by: Frootincense 1st December 2015, 12:19 AM

The Sonic Screwdriver is back.

Posted by: Shivering Adam❄️ 1st December 2015, 12:21 AM

That title is giving me so many questions
At least its suggesting River is going to have a somewhat significant appearance though

And YESSS the sonik is back

Posted by: burbe 1st December 2015, 01:37 AM

What an odd title! Thank the Lord at the return of the sonic screwdriver! I can't believe the glasses managed to last through the whole series.

Posted by: Slick 1st December 2015, 06:33 PM

I'm not sure what to think of that title. I LOVE River but I think people get fed up of her appearances when she dominates the episode. I do yearn for the days when she was just a (fabulous) recurring character who wasn't central to the plot.

I am fairly confident that her 'husbands' are the 13 different versions of the Doctor but WE'LL SEE.

Posted by: Xmas Tree Boy 5th December 2015, 09:06 PM

That was one hell of a finale! I loved the twist, so much better than Clara just dying and actually quite original. It's 2 and a half years since we last saw River Song so I am READY for Christmas.

Posted by: burbe 5th December 2015, 09:19 PM

That was a great finale and a very good/surprising resolution to the episode. The christmas episode looks pretty good from the trailer - definitely more exciting than last years.

Posted by: dandy* 5th December 2015, 11:46 PM

Just watched it... it was okay but I think I preferred Clara just dying. The whole concept of her becoming more doctor-esque and losing her fear was such a poignant and dangerous element to their relationship that it felt the perfect ending, especially for the girl who couldn't die.

Posted by: popchartfreak 6th December 2015, 12:04 AM

yes, i'm in two minds - her dying was powerful, and could still have been with the final episode (though it's only delayed, she's technically on death's door, what with not breathing and all of the knock-on effects that must bring), though the twist on The Doctor getting a dose of the Donna's is sort of good for him, in terms of suffering, but also not. The Doctor must have switched the device as would Clara know what to do? Surely he saw it as the only alternative after he'd literally gone to the end of time, and a prison of 4 billion years, all to bring Clara back to life, and she still wasn't.

The christmas episode looks a real laugh!

Posted by: Calum Hood 6th December 2015, 01:10 AM

I've just watched it and I'm just SO *.* at Clara saying "back to Gallifrey, the long way round."... in a TARDIS of her own. Fuck me.

Posted by: Xmas Tree Boy 6th December 2015, 08:39 AM

I also like that we probably won't see the Doctor moping about Clara so much since he can't fully remember her. We've had enough of seeing him do this over companions and we've already seen him do it for Clara as well.

Posted by: Frootincense 6th December 2015, 01:07 PM

What an excellent but very, very different final two episodes. They're certainly not episodes that would have aired during RTD's era and, whilst I found them excellent, I'm worrying that the show is becoming a bit too niche for casual viewers.

Anyway, regarding 'Heaven Sent', I had my initial doubts about a single hander Doctor episode but it exceeded my expectations and it was really enjoyable and gripping. I'm not always the best at figuring out what is happening/going to happen early but, once he left his clothes in the exact same position by the fireplace, I did guess that there was some sort of loop going on. I liked that the idea of it being in his confession dial as well, something that's been shown throughout the series and that he only had to say about the Hybrid to be released.

I thought 'Hell Bent' started off a bit slow and perhaps that's due to the difficulty of knowing what to do with the Time Lords because, once they became less prominent in the episode, and the Doctor was joined by Clara, I thought it picked up in pace and quality. I'm not really sure where the episode leaves Gallifrey and the Time Lords either. Will they forever remain where they are because if so, what becomes their purpose? Now the Doctor has been their once since the Time War ended, can he now return, does he know where it can be found now? I do think the show is perhaps better off without the Time Lords but, after perhaps 10 years of leading up to it, actually being on Gallifrey didn't seem to be the momentous occasion that it should have been and we're left in the same position afterwards as we were before. It didn't develop the idea of what's going to happen to it at all.

The bits with Clara though were excellent, I absolutely loved the scene where she realised he'd gone through 4.5 billion years just to get her back (even if I'm not to keen on Moffat forever trying to significantly increase the Doctor's age everytime) and the fact that they were in an old TARDIS too, omg. I also loved the line where they were at the very end of the universe and the Doctor said he was going to meet Me, as I was one of those who was fooled by it! The Doctor not remembering Clara too is another heartbreaking scenario but I'm very glad at how they developed the pair's relationship to get to that point and for it to be significant.

There are mixed feelings about Clara and Me going off in their own Diner TARDIS, it's very bizarre, slightly amazing but, in storyline terms, it would have been better for Clara to go back to her death because, I do think the ending of 'Face the Raven' was perfect for her (even if it will happen eventually in her timeline, although whose to say she doesn't die in her current travels which would mess things up... )

Posted by: Santa's Address 6th December 2015, 01:25 PM

Loved the final episode just tied everything up together, I did find the ending a little bit dragging towards the end. The diner tardis was quite something and different the inside of the tardis felt like early Dr. Who, Patrick Troughton era.

Posted by: Frootincense 6th December 2015, 01:27 PM

Doctor Who: Series 9

01. The Magician's Apprentice · 4.60m (21.2%) · 6.54m
02. The Witch's Familiar · 3.71m (16.6%) · 5.71m
03. Under the Lake · 3.74m (16.3%) · 5.63m
04. Before the Flood · 4.38m (21.%) · 6.05m
05. The Girl Who Died · 4.63m (22.2%) · 6.56m
06. The Woman Who Lived · 4.39m (20.2%) · 6.11m
07. The Zygon Invasion · 3.87m (19.4%) · 5.76m
08. The Zygon Inversion · 4.22m (20.4%) · 6.03m
09. Sleep No More · 4.00m (18.2%) · 5.61m
10. Face the Raven · 4.48m (19.9%) · 6.05m
11. Heaven Sent · 4.51m (20.7%)
12. Hell Bent · 4.47m (20%)

first figures are overnights, second are the official BARB ratings

Average overnight rating: 4.25m




Posting this here for those who don't read the overnight thread!

Posted by: JosephCarey 6th December 2015, 06:43 PM

The final BARB ratings are OK really, slightly disappointing after previous series but they could be a whole lot worse going by what the press seem to be reporting

The final two episodes really were incredible, Capaldi was on top form and I feel like it was timey-wimey stuff done right. The ending to Clara's story felt quite satisfying to me, always a sucker for a happy ending. Very excited for the Christmas special now

Posted by: James1987 6th December 2015, 07:00 PM

I've just caught up with both episodes...

Overall I was happy with the finale though I could have done without the return to Gallifrey/the time lords as they all felt a bit redundant. I was hoping for Missy to make an appearance but hopefully that will come in the next series especially after the end if the Witches Familiar.

I'm glad Clara got that ending, it felt very strange to kill her off at before the finale but it felt more emotional this way that the Doctor wouldn't just accept a companions death and I loved the references to the Doctor/Donna and other classic nods to last stories. Faultless acting from Peter and Jenna, those last scenes were so moving and I think Peter has excelled this series he's up there with David Tennant as the best actors in the role.

I feel this series, bar the Ashildr episodes, felt more coherent and I cannot wait for the Christmas special with Alex Kingston and Greg Davies! Intrigued to see what series 10 brings now!

Posted by: Xmas Tree Boy 6th December 2015, 07:11 PM

It does feel like resurrecting the Timelords in the 50th anniversary was just to have a huge revelation and they clearly had no idea where to go with them from there. The throwaway mention in last year's finale coupled with the unnecessary mess they were in yesterday's episode makes it look like Moffatt suddenly thought 'I'd better do something with this plot point fast'.

Posted by: Frootincense 6th December 2015, 07:26 PM

It definitely worked in the 50th Anniversary but I do think the Time Lords are more problematic trying to find a story for them. As I said in my other post, I'm not entirely sure where they go from here and the fact that it was Gallifrey/the Time Lords was very much glanced over (in terms of the fact this is the first time we've seen it after the events of the Time War) which is very odd.

Posted by: Cheznuts 7th December 2015, 07:08 PM

Just watched it (both of the last two), rather good finale overall, it could have been so much more than just 'rather good' though if it weren't for that ending :/

Heaven Sent was fantastic, properly gripping and enigmatic, the sort of thing I'd see on a cult sci-fi film and not primetime on a Saturday night on BBC1 I'd go down to say one of the best of Nu-Who. Like the Zygon two parter, it was really intense science fiction - presenting a strange world and not giving any answers.

Hell Bent I was in two minds about, I'm gonna agree with those that weren't very happy with the ending. The end of Face the Raven was so powerful and such a daring and excellent exit, that for Moffat to go back on himself and have her constantly prolonging her death feels a bit incomprehensible (plus I may be misunderstanding but doesn't that mess with time too much or something given in real time she's still in that moment? I don't think the Doctor would normally condone this sort of thing and it felt too rash even with his big connection to Clara) The interaction between Peter and Jenna was excellent and the Gallifrey Hell place and the old school TARDIS' were amaze. Gallifrey otherwise was brushed over too quickly (particularly Rassillon, where did he go???)

Overall a flawed finale but it has definitely been a bold and daring series with some real classic episodes, which I guess is a good and a bad thing - it's good as the quality's high but bad somewhat as, like Froot said, it does feel like it's becoming quite niche and putting off more casual viewers which doesn't bode well for commercial success, having said that, the Christmas special looks like daft fun!

Posted by: liamk97 7th December 2015, 10:28 PM

Digital Spy have really excelled in making a complete cock-up of creating ranks - Series 1 last and Series 5 winning ffs: http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/doctor-who/feature/a776343/ranking-all-9-series-of-doctor-who-and-the-specials-from-2005-to-2015/

01 Series 2
02 Series 1
03 Series 4
04 Series 3

Didn't care for Series 5+ when originally watched or didn't watch in the first place. The first four series are all excellent.

Posted by: Santa's Address 25th December 2015, 06:54 PM

The Dr. Who episode felt like a Disney kids movie adaptation of Big Hero 6, personally I didn't find it that good, but it was nice to see River Song back again,

Posted by: Calum Hood 25th December 2015, 08:40 PM

The last 15 minutes were beautiful, especially when they got to Derilium. The final moments were emotional af.

Posted by: Cheznuts 25th December 2015, 08:43 PM

The ending aside, the whole thing was stupid really - the completely cartoonish villain, Greg Davies and Matt Lucas, the thin plot, but I wouldn't expect much from a Christmas special and I found it enjoyable enough, Capaldi and Kingston worked well together and Davies was especially hilarious. Was kinda surprised River didn't know who the Doctor was, I was sure she was bluffing him or something and she'd know him best out of anyone? But I've never really understood anything about their relationship!

It was fine Christmas viewing, nothing more nothing less.

Posted by: Xmas Tree Boy 25th December 2015, 09:05 PM

That must be the end for River then which is a shame. I'm glad she met another Doctor though. The fact she had only 12 faces to memory and that the next even is the Library means she won't be meeting any more probably. Alex Kingston is so fantastic.

Posted by: FrostytheBeaver 25th December 2015, 09:31 PM

Absolutely awful.

I assume during that long night they went on many adventures etc like Clara and Me? If so, it is a goof and long end for her.

Posted by: Calum Hood 25th December 2015, 09:52 PM

QUOTE(Xmas Tree Boy @ Dec 25 2015, 09:05 PM)

Posted by: Mace Spindu 26th December 2015, 12:49 AM

QUOTE(Cheznuts @ Dec 25 2015, 08:43 PM)

Posted by: popchartfreak 26th December 2015, 10:47 AM

a bit of a slapstick Hitch-hikers Guide To The Galaxy episode, love River and glad to see her back, the ending was so sad but we already know how she dies. She doesn't have much room left in her diary, so we assume she dies soon after - or maybe The Doctor does her a new diary which she loses. Spoilers!

Posted by: Slick 26th December 2015, 03:35 PM

I watched this yesterday and re-watched today and as usual, this episode fares better after a repeat viewing.

I thought it was a fun, light-hearted, silly episode which was genuinely amusing in parts (e.g. the scene where the Doctor enters the TARDIS for the 'first time') - it was nice to see Peter Capaldi having a good time after a grim few episodes at the end of Series 9 and I really don't mind if Doctor Who is campy and silly at Christmas. On first watch, I was quite disappointed with the scenes at Dallirium as I thought they did a dis-service to River, and to their relationship. I FAR preferred the ending in 'The Name of the Doctor'. However, it got me more on repeat viewing and I love the idea of the two of them spending the next 24 years together.

People are saying this is the last we'll see of River this time - I guess we can never say for sure, but with Stephen Moffat's days as exec producer surely coming to an end, River's days numbered. Perhaps when Capaldi regenerates we'll see him say a final farewell akin to David Tennant's final scenes but if not, I'm quite happy for them to leave it here.

Posted by: JosephCarey 26th December 2015, 04:41 PM

Yeah I'd imagine that's the last we see of River A great ending though if that's the case, was great to see Alex Kingston back in the role for the episode, she was on form as always. The episode as a whole was definitely stupid but it was really fun and I enjoyed it a lot, potentially my favourite Christmas episode of the Moffat era (although maybe The Time of the Doctor takes that title, that one's grown lots with repeat watches). The villain actually felt more threatening than half of the series 9 villains too so job well done

Posted by: Xmas Tree Boy 26th December 2015, 06:24 PM

It would be lovely to find a way around it but River not recognising this Doctor and this being what she described as their last meeting before the library is pretty much meaning this is an iron clad ending for River

Posted by: Sproot. 26th December 2015, 08:05 PM

I'm glad that it was so fun as, even though I liked the majority if Series 9, it was quite dark in tone throughout so this episode brought some much needed fun and what better a time to do it than Christmas. River was great as always and there were many a funny moment. The guest actors were all great too and it was nice to have that monster threat throughout the episode for once.

Loved to see another Doctor pair with River, it's what I'd hoped for and they worked just as well together. That said, it's sad that it's highly unlikely we won't see River again considering she didn't recognise him/know about the events of 'The Time of the Doctor' where he was given more regenerations from the Time Lords. Still, the scene was beautiful and I'm glad we were able to see it, particularly the handing over of the screwdriver which will of course 'save' her.

Overall, fun is the only word to describe the episode and I liked it for that. It's not going to be one of my favourites and last years 'Last Christmas' was so much better, but it's not something I can criticse either.

Posted by: burbe 28th December 2015, 11:36 AM

This was the best Christmas special (aside from The Time of the Doctor) since the RTD/Tennant era. It was fun, light-hearted but also moved the plot along and filled in the gaps (River's final meeting before The Library episodes). It also makes a nice change to the complicated plots of the main series - it generally felt like this episode was more for a casual audience but the series was made for the fanbase.

Posted by: Suedehead2 30th December 2015, 08:07 PM

I didn't see it until last night, so I've had to avoid this thread for a few days.

After a very dark series this year, it was good to see a much more light-hearted episode for Christmas. There was a definite Hitchhiker's Guide feel to it, which has to be a good thing. I'm not normally much of a fan of Matt Lucas, but I enjoyed his part in this.