Episode 5 and another one penned by Showrunner: Russell T Davies.

I loved last week’s – 73 Yards – but when it came to the final act, it was a bit short on answers! But it didn’t stop me from giving it the highest rating so far this series! Having said that, I really do hope this week’s is a bit more straightforward – my brain could do with a rest! 😵💫




It’s 9am, and I’m getting ahead and downloading it on iPlayer.
9.15am: Here we go…
What’s it about?
“In the world of Finetime, a colony on an alien planet, seems happy and harmonious
– but an awful terror is preying on the citizens“
Any good?
Well, this felt very different from last week’s, where the somewhat sinister premise of Episode 4 was replaced this time by something that appeared to be light and frothy. I already don’t like it! 😟. The ‘Instagram-like’ colour-grading of the opening scenes was obviously deliberate to amplify the apparent frivolous nature of this latest story.
But like everything about Doctor Who, appearances can sometimes be deceptive! 🤔. Two minutes in, the Doctor appeared (yes, he IS in this one, albeit mostly on a screen) with a stark warning for the lead character – Lindy Pepper-bean (played by Callie Cooke).
…and they also brought back the opening credits (after last week’s mystery disappearance). So far, so ‘Doctor Who’ (thankfully!).
OK, we’re off! It didn’t take long to spot that this episode was closer to Black Mirror in both tone and style. That’s no bad thing, and if you’re already a fan, there is lots to love here. ‘A society that is over-reliant on technology and has lost touch with reality’ has been a familiar trope for that series for a long time, where it also suited this world of Time Lords perfectly well. So far, so futuristic, but did you spot the link with something from the past – the Agatha Christie story – the ABC Murders? Enough said, for fear of spoiling this story🤔
If you’re like me, don’t be too quick to base your judgement on those opening 10 minutes – that ‘light and airy’ feel in the early scenes gave way to something far more sinister. Consequently, this is one that’s a real slow-burner, and has more than a few moments of genuine terror onscreen as the story unfolds. Today’s top tip? Make sure you’ve hoovered behind the sofa, as it may get crowded!! 🫨. Cue lots of Who-trademarks such as running, shouting and saving people, but it’s perhaps not the ending you’d expect.
And for continuity-watchers, in those final scenes, would someone clean up the Doctor’s lapel? What is that? 🤔
Forty-three minutes later and for me, this was a story that just got better, although I felt (again) that ‘the solution’ came together a little too quickly. This one deserved another 10-15 minutes to slow things down a bit.
Story aside, once more, the SFX are top-notch and the acting is superb, considering pretty much all of it must have been shot against ‘green screen’. Nkuti Gatwa is proving that he really does own the part – and I pity the actor who has to follow him when this Doctor eventually hangs up his keys to the Tardis.
It’s now around 11am and I’ve scheduled this Post so that it won’t go live until tonight’s episode has aired at 7.35pm
Next Week
Next week’s outing – ‘Rogue’ – has got a distinctive Bridgerton vibe about it. Written by Kate Herron & Briony Redman and directed by Ben Chessell, this will give our titular hero the perfect excuse to dress up in a flamboyant way! No, wait… 😎. Bridgerton???? I’ve got a bad feeling about this!! 😵💫😟🤔

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!
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