This is a strange one to rate because within itself this episode is entertaining, well acted, well made and quite powerful with the death of companion Clara, however writer Steven Moffatt YET AGAIN flips this apparent death and has an improbable get out 2 episodes later that returns Clara to life. Moffatt has reused the plot device of apparent deaths of main characters which he then undoes and has the characters return over and over again. As a result, even when Clara seemingly died on first broadcast, I thought there may well be yet another get out coming which lessened the emotional impact for me. Sure enough Moffatt did indeed undo the death which is disappointing for me. However, taken on its own this is a very good episode.
This story was interesting, intriguing and had suspense and drama. Peter Capaldi was, as always, superb. Jenna Coleman does an excellent job as Clara. There is a welcome return for Riggsy as a guest companion. The hidden street is a neat idea and the tattoo countdown is different. The return of Ashildr/Me is again very ambiguous and dark and Maisie Williams performs her role well.
Clara's apparent demise was as a result of her reckless and power crazed personality that had kept popping up annoyingly throughout her time as companion. Clara seemingly wants to be the Doctor - yet often hypocritically tells him off for his behaviour - and frequently acts as if she is invincible and superior. This causing her downfall is interesting but does not bring about sympathy or sadness for me as a viewer.
I give credit for all the good stuff in this episode and also will not judge this episode too much based on the return of Clara 2 episodes later. The acting, particularly of Capaldi shines through. If only Clara had actually been allowed to die in this episode it would be more emotional and would be 9/10 minimum.
My Rating: 8.5/10.
Series 9 Episode Ranking: 6th out of 14.
This story was interesting, intriguing and had suspense and drama. Peter Capaldi was, as always, superb. Jenna Coleman does an excellent job as Clara. There is a welcome return for Riggsy as a guest companion. The hidden street is a neat idea and the tattoo countdown is different. The return of Ashildr/Me is again very ambiguous and dark and Maisie Williams performs her role well.
Clara's apparent demise was as a result of her reckless and power crazed personality that had kept popping up annoyingly throughout her time as companion. Clara seemingly wants to be the Doctor - yet often hypocritically tells him off for his behaviour - and frequently acts as if she is invincible and superior. This causing her downfall is interesting but does not bring about sympathy or sadness for me as a viewer.
I give credit for all the good stuff in this episode and also will not judge this episode too much based on the return of Clara 2 episodes later. The acting, particularly of Capaldi shines through. If only Clara had actually been allowed to die in this episode it would be more emotional and would be 9/10 minimum.
My Rating: 8.5/10.
Series 9 Episode Ranking: 6th out of 14.