What makes Doctor Who so special is its ability to be stupid and funny while simultaneously being deeply emotionally resonant. Davies was arguably the one who made the post-2005 version of the show what it was, and it’s clear he hasn’t lost his touch. (By the way, returning composer Murray Gold absolutely kills it in these episodes as well.) Combine that with new talent in the form of the cast and you have the best of both worlds.
It takes no time at all to accept Gatwa‘s Doctor as the absolutely genuine article. He’s a hugger, full of heart, and brings an energy not unrelated to his predecessors but amplified. He’s a dancing Doctor, a singing Doctor, a frisky, flirty, fit, stylish Doctor. (Unlike his predecessors, his costume changes often.) And as Ruby, Gibson is a good match; she’s young, bright and fearless.
Very good and I am so happy it is a return to form. It still has some room for improvement but episodes like "Boom" and "73 yards" are inspired. Unfortunately I feel a lot of people will remember the finale which was a bit of a let down but, nonetheless, it doesn't ruin what was otherwise a really fun season. Excited to see where some of the plotlines go as they may retroactively make the finale a bit better too (e.g. Mrs Flood).
The main pair this time around are a ton of fun and I can’t wait to see them go on more adventures. Some moments verge on a little too cheesy for my liking, but overall I’m having a blast.
With love as its guiding principle, the new season isn’t afraid of getting silly, scary, and a little bit serious — all within the space of a single episode. Davies also returns at the top of his game, with a Doctor and companion that we just can’t help but fall head over heels for and an overarching mystery that will have fans eagerly awaiting every new episode.
Whether the team can stay spirited without devolving into inanity or convolution will determine its success, and help bring this stumbling show back to life. But two episodes in, the new Who is off to a promising start.
Although just two episodes in, the new "Doctor Who" season has already proven itself to be a bold, lively, kindhearted show; it's still cheesy and awkward at times, but that energy and excitement goes a long way.
Space Babies is a textbook example of a mid-ranking Who instalment, fun but forgettable and, ultimately, not making sense. .... Much better is episode two, The Devil’s Chord, which takes the Doctor and Ruby to Abbey Road to witness the Beatles recording their debut album.
Pretty good so far. Amazing cast, authentic trans and disability representation, and a couple of problematic points (TW for blood libel with Church on Ruby Road) are worth mentioning. I am still looking forward to more! I love Doctor Who.
This simply is not Doctor Who. Constant fourth wall breaks, diegetic musical numbers, fast cuts and surprisingly poor writing. Diversity is welcomed but does not substitute for good storytelling.
Unfortunately this is a reboot that isn't a reboot. Sure it has a new doctor and the writer is Stephen Russell Davies again so everything should be fine but the new horror, baddy and overlord is the Di$ney corporation that clearly forced this reboot. The first episode is an exposition dump. Every new companion always came with some exposition but there was always something to figure out later in the series. Above that the (lame) explanation for the monster is also over explained in another exposition dump.
Lets hope Stephen Russell Davies was just out of shape for this first effort and lets hope the interference of the Rat will magicaly go away so we can go back to a quality series it once was.
I won't go into the new actors as what they had to work with the first episode is terrible but from what we got now it's not boding well.
Russel T Davies has previously written some fantastically good Dr Who episodes but his season episodes are a complete mess. It's unclear if the new series is trying to embrace the woke movement or ridicule it. Every reference that has been shoehorned in is so clumsy that it's difficult to know if you're watching an episode of Dr Who or It Aint Half Hot Mum.