TV Show of the Week: Doctor Who – Season 10 – Episode 12: The Doctor Falls

Series 10 of Doctor Who was met with mixed opinions. Stephen Moffatt was initially going to step down as head writer at the end of season 9, but ultimately decided was able to do one more series before officially stepping down the year with the conclusion of the Christmas special.

Season 10’s structure was a bit shaky from the beginning, and unfortunately it didn’t really level out as the series went on. It did feel as if Stephen should have stepped down at the end of series 9 – one of the strongest seasons so far and the second strongest season of Stephen’s run since season 5. There were a few mysteries throughout the series, which were wrapped up nicely.

However, this article isn’t about the series overall, but instead is focusing solely on the final episode of the series, The Doctor Falls. I enjoyed the episode for several reasons:

1) Bill’s transformation –

Bill only lasted one season, but that’s OK, because so did Martha Jones and Donna Noble, except they both had something Bill didn’t, and that’s a solid character arc. I knew her character’s personality, but that’s really it. Her character was introduced as a way to pull in new members into the show, and that worked well to begin with, but unfortunately, I didn’t connect with her as I did the previous companions. That being said, Pearl Mackie’s performance in this episode was outstanding. It was sad to see Pearl suddenly get shot in the previous episode, and be turned into a Cyberman at the end. When we first see Bill as herself, we’re obviously lead to assume the Doctor did do something, but alas, she was only seeing herself as herself, everyone else was seeing her as a Cyberman. The explanation why I felt did tie up the series nicely, but how when she fought the perception filter set by the monks, she did it again with her own transformation. Seeing Bill struggling to except that she is now a Cyberman was meaningful and didn’t feel at all clunky.

            Bill’s final ending, by heading off to explore the universe with “The Pilot”, is undoubtedly very similar to Clara’s final scene, and so does feel a bit rehashed, however, it was a happy ending nevertheless.

2) The two Masters –

Missy and The Master, two incarnations of the same character. A story that’s never been done in the history of the show. I wrote an article about that a few weeks ago explaining my excitement. I was right to be so, because the two actors, Michelle Gomaz and John Simm bounced off each other brilliantly. Their on-screen chemistry couldn’t have been better. It was a treat to see John Simm return and play the maniacal Master once more. Missy’s story arc this season was her being trapped in a prison in an attempt to turn nice – that was The Doctor’s mission. Not only do we have two incarnations of the same character, but a subtle battle between the two – something that does ultimately make sense. The Master cannot work with anyone, not even himself, or in this case, herself.

It was nice to learn how The Master returned from Gallifrey at the end of New Year’s special, End of Time Part 2, even though it did feel a little bit like a copout, I had to admit that it did make sense and does mean his character can continue in the form of Missy. We also learn how The Master regenerated into Missy. Missy stabbed The Master in the back, and then the Master shoots Missy in the back with his laser screwdriver, prompting the end of both character’s arc overall. The Doctor will never know that he succeeded with transforming Missy in a good person. I think that’s a powerful statement and the show has really done a powerful statement similar to that in a long time.

3) The Doctor –

Peter Capaldi’s incarnation of The Doctor was met with mixed reviews. Some liked that he was a little meaner than his previous generations, but others didn’t. This led to a definitive split in the audience, which saw a significant dip in the ratings. However, the 12^th Doctor gradually grew less mean and more like The Doctor we all know. This episode saw the 12^th Doctor being the person many people believe he should have been from the start. Seeing the 12^th Doctor defend a group of humans against an army of Cyberman even when there’s no possible way out is what the Doctor does best. It would have been nice to see the 12^th Incarnation do what he does in this episode before.

4) The brief flashback of nostalgia –

Blink and you’ll miss it, but I did enjoy the inclusion of all the modern era companions calling the Doctor, highlighting just how much impact he has had on everyone’s life and why he cannot die.

***

A lot does happen in this episode, giving the impression that it’s too convoluted and it is understandable when people say they have lost the narrative slightly halfway through. However, if you’re able to stay with it, it’s a brilliant, well-written, deep story that has the word “change” strategically weaved throughout.

It does have its problems, and when you’ve been seeing problem after problem in episode after episode in this series and a couple others during Stephen’s run as head writer, it does get a bit tedious and give the illusion that this episode is no different than the rest. From the second episode, I decided to watch this season as if the episodes are completely different, even the two-parters, including this one, hence why this article is solely focusing on the finale only. Comparing it to previous episodes, it’s easy to get this one lost amongst the crowd, allowing it to stand out on its own, you can see so much more.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)