October 28th, 2018
98 comments
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Poll – What Did You Think of Arachnids in the UK?
Now that the fourth episode of series 11 has aired what did you think? Was it everything you had hoped for or not what you expected.
“Something’s happening with the spiders in this city.”
The Doctor, Yaz, Graham and Ryan find their way back to Yorkshire – and Yaz’s family – only to find something is stirring amidst the eight-legged arachnid population of Sheffield.
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obsie
October 29th, 2018 - 10:12amFour episodes and I’m still not feeling a “Doctor Who” vibe at all, moderate Sarah Jane Adventures maybe. Got the issues of the landfill site issue but had that with “The Green Death”, dodgy CSO, ropey fly effects aside it was a great story. This time around I was watching the clock wondering if I read wrong that the show was meant to be on for an hour or I imagined it. An extra 5 minutes added on that could easily been utilised elsewhere and I’m beginning to lose interest. The best thing about this was the TARDIS in the time vortex exiting showing various (presumably hundreds/thousands/millions of branches off it) and landing in this scenario, I reckon we got a bum deal off this one.
Arthurian2
October 29th, 2018 - 9:25amWeek four and as an atheist, I’m seriously contemplating religion. I was beginning to wonder where the budget was being spent as up till now special effects, incidental music and purpose built sets have been noticeable by their absence. Nothing much here either for the set design dept. as it was mostly set in a hotel only requiring some spider webs and a cracked bath. Just to note that since the series was rebooted in 2005 the TARDIS interior has always felt like a complete space, cables, galleries, stairs and exits off, which suggested that the control room was just a part of a much larger ship. Now the set has seemed to have gone backwards, just the central console in a room, and very dark, probably to hide the fact that there’s very little set beyond it. Also the porch has acted as a means not to have to show the TARDIS interior from the outside, all we see now, as they enter, is one of the side sections of the interior of the Police Box prop cutting out any CGI. I digress, admittedly this has been the best story so far, but still Chibnail can’t resist his agendas, and this week it was the turn of the American President and their gun laws. It was as subtle as a house brick and why didn’t the make up dept. go the whole hog and give him an orange wig and have done with it. I know there have always been references to politics and social affairs in Dr Who but they’ve generally been used as parallels, The Green Death and The Happiness Patrol for example. Arachnids was a simple story of domestic spiders being exposed to mans waste and then adopting some worrying characteristics through no fault of their own. Still for me, I just don’t find any of the cast engaging, and it just feels like it’s being acted, the conversations don’t flow and the Doctorish banter I’ve grown to love has gone. There are some funny lines, but they’re just not that funny, oh, and Ryan bagged a spider with a saucepan first shot. Also this series has opted for a realistic approach, it’s trying to be that gritty detective come soap drama, which is fine, but what happens when you meet those traditional Dr Who monsters? I believe the sontarans are going to make an appearance in this series, so how will ‘SON TA RA’ sit in these realistic scripts? Are they going to regret their ways and make up with the Rutans? I’ve been with this show since the 1960’s but, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know, this is where I get off. I’m glad so many of you are enjoying this version of the show and I hope it carries on delivering for you but I’ve tried really hard to get on board but, like Captain Jack, I’m just clinging on to the exterior….
BlueCrossSale
October 29th, 2018 - 12:21pmThey should bring Bessie back and have spend lots on costumes maybe putting the hotel owner in a big gown or something.
Arthurian2
October 29th, 2018 - 2:31pmAt least we could have laughed at the costumes, rather than the script and acting!
R1ch1e
October 29th, 2018 - 5:24amExactly how I like my Doctor Who. Creepy and weird and funny all at the same time. Brilliant central performances from the regulars. NIce, simple story. Chris Noth was a bit rubbish but he had much more about him than Krasko did last week. It just seemed to end abruptly as the Ghost Monument did.
I don’t want Doctor Who to give me a headache after watching it like Lie of the Land for example. I just want to enjoy it. And I did. It ticked alot of boxes for me. Well done Chris Chibnall. More of this please
9/10
Anonymous
October 28th, 2018 - 10:52pmI am really struggling now with Doctor Who, for several years now ABC Australia have been Streaming it on their Streaming Service starting straight after it finishes in the UK, about 6am. So I would get up make a Coffee and watch it. Today I completely forgot it was on till about 7.30am.
Just can’t get excited about it, sorry not overly enthused about any of the Actors. Just doesn’t feel right, neither good nor bad.
Spamella
October 28th, 2018 - 10:24pmI thought that this espiode was well scary it is good to see the doctor having 3 companions to keep her company. I am looking forward to the rest of the season and the christmas espiode as well with plenty of famous faces in them.
josh
October 28th, 2018 - 10:08pmthe first dud of the series for me, unfortunately, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either it was just kind of ok. but really that was a given following last weeks episode.
Lorraine
October 28th, 2018 - 10:05pmBradley Walsh was by far the best thing tonight. Was watchable but like an old Hammer House of Horror still no real Who vibe. Seemed to end too quickly so perhaps the pacing was a bit off again. “I could have a flat….” was so Matt Smith. The Doctor has the biggest flat going. Music and titles good. Dancing spiders at the end a bit silly. Predictable American character. 5 /10
Pats86
October 29th, 2018 - 11:29am5/10 Lorraine? I wish I had your ability to see some good in the episode! I found it dreadful and it is upsetting to see this great show going downhill further than it already has.
Dr phil
October 28th, 2018 - 9:38pmSorry, not feeling this series at all. Seems that the Dr is tryin to do a David Tennant impression whole time. Tardis columns block view of interior.
The show has been dumbed down
RORY DOCTOR RIVER POND
October 28th, 2018 - 9:08pmThe script relied on too many coincidences! That’s what I was trying to think of. I think that was a major flaw
Anonymous
October 29th, 2018 - 10:11amAll fiction relies on too many coincidences
GreenCrossCode
October 29th, 2018 - 12:26pmTo be honest, its surprising how many seemingly coincidental things happen in real life. Bring Bessie back and go back to the good old days of Delta and the Bannermen!
RORY DOCTOR RIVER POND
October 29th, 2018 - 4:24pmI think them bumping into an expert on spiders, who was responsible for the spider experiments was a bit too much to be honest
Anonymous
October 28th, 2018 - 8:58pmI so badly want Dr Who to blow me away and leave me perched on the edge of my seat, but week after week it just lets me down. That was yet another mediocre episode and no scarier than the Sarah Jane Adventures. Jodie is ok, I like her but it needs to be better.
As for the new companions, please just go back to where Grace falls off that crane in episode one and bung a few mattresses down so she lives, then the Doctor can finally ditch them all and get off this planet for a bit as I’m sick of Earth based stories and characters. It’s time to have a nonhuman companion.
Luke Ryan
October 29th, 2018 - 12:00amNardole doesn’t count as a nonhuman companion then?
BlueCrossSale
October 29th, 2018 - 12:24pmOr maybe the Doctor can just jump back in time and stop all of this from happening. Plus use more money on costumes like big dresses, green ones.
Doctordredd67
October 28th, 2018 - 8:56pmLoved it from start to finish. I agree with Who Rules comments above. I’ve been watching since the 60’s and I’m viewing Jodies Doctor as if I’ve seen Who for the first time. Those who hate it so far…Just give it a chance then ‘re watch it all again once the full series has aired. It may not be too sci-fi for some as yet, but remember we are only 4 episodes into a brand new series. I’m looking forward to see what comes next.
RORY DOCTOR RIVER POND
October 28th, 2018 - 8:55pmI thought that was really bad. Yaz’s mum was quite dull, as was the villain who so obviously was criticising the USA in a very unsubtle manner. He didn’t really need to be there to be honest. I hate spiders, so watched through my fingers, and if it was a good story I would go with it, but there wasn’t really one. The explanation of how they got big was like something out of a marvel comic, if the place was so toxic, why didn’t they die? Also, what happened to the spider in Anna’s room? I just found it quite flat really. And all a bit too convenient, with the whole panic room thing.
I’m not feeling this series massively, and am still not fully convinced by the new Doctor, although the companions are beginning to grow on me. Even though I do find them a bit cringy at times. I don’t think they’ve been introduced as strongly as previous ones – probably because there’s more of them.
Next week looks interesting!
DannyTheNerd
October 28th, 2018 - 8:42pmPoor episode. This series really lacks the sci fi feel.
The Temporal Jelly Baby
October 28th, 2018 - 8:35pmA fairly enjoyable monster romp episode. Not exactly a great episode, but enjoyable enough. 7/10 for now.
Ollie
October 28th, 2018 - 8:32pmIt was ok. I tuned out a few times if I’m being honest. I also thought it was a blatant rip-off of ‘The Green Death’ from 1973 though, so not that original in terms of storyline.
I really liked the CGI TARDIS flying through the vortex; that was superb!
For me, Bradley Walsh is the best actor in it and a real revelation as a companion; his speech about the grief of his dead wife at the end was very moving.
BlueCrossSale
October 28th, 2018 - 8:17pmMe and my 9 year old child watched tonight’s episode and are disgusted at the current standard that Doctor Who is at.
The storyline of Arachnids in the UK was easy to understand, had no apparent loose ends, a good pace, plenty of dramatic tension, well directed and was actually fun to watch. This has left me intrigued as to what will happen in the next episode. I also note that the opening title sequence is much shorter too, meaning there is more actual story to watch now.
I am absolutely appalled at the BBC for allowing this story to be aired, it is no where near the calibre of my apparent favourite era of Doctor Who when Steven Moffat was the show runner. During his ‘reign’ the programme was full of loose ends, contained really obviously awful plot devices, terribly directed and just boring to watch. (Realisation hits that he is not returning!)
Shame on you Christopher Chibnall and the BBC for allowing this to happen, you may just be responsible for Doctor Who being popular again. The episode this week didn’t even have Riversong, Missy or that block of wood Clara in it! Plus not even a whiff of fishfingers with custard.
*I will now cry now and watch The Cry.
Tyler Prescott
October 28th, 2018 - 8:27pmO……K…….
Anonymous
October 28th, 2018 - 8:38pmI am impressed
DannyTheNerd
October 28th, 2018 - 8:44pmI can’t tell if your being serious or not
The Moffat Paradox
October 29th, 2018 - 5:15pmI’m of the view that your both right and wrong at the same time.
Morlu
October 28th, 2018 - 8:14pmI have not been impressed by the stories this season but this was the worst yet. Just as they were building a set up to something, it abruptly ends. Making the whole adventure pointless. I expected more from Chris Chibnall as I really enjoyed Broadchurch but this has been way below par so far. I like Jodie as the Doctor but they are giving her nothing to do.
whovian
October 28th, 2018 - 8:12pmI’m am a massive arachnophobe and I am surprised that felt emotional at the spider mother’s death. I really hope that evil tyrant gets what’s coming to him
Pats86
October 29th, 2018 - 11:32amWow whovian, this is a step forward with you and spiders I think, next step is get a tarantula as a pet?
Dan 23
October 28th, 2018 - 8:12pmDoes anyone think that guy will become president then read some classified file on the doctor then start to plan something?
Tyler Prescott
October 28th, 2018 - 8:28pmThat would be interesting.
Mick C
October 28th, 2018 - 10:40pmI thought we might have had a scene showing the Doctor setting something up to completely disgrace him and ensure he would never become President
Anonymous
October 29th, 2018 - 12:29amI have a feeling we will see him again, like an evil american version of Harriet Jones…
The Moffat Paradox
October 29th, 2018 - 1:00pm“We need to build a wall in space to protect us from illegal extraterrestrials and we need to do it quickly”!
MAKE EARTH SAFE AGAIN
Anonymous
October 28th, 2018 - 8:10pmBoring. I was absolutely bored. Jodie and Bradley saved this episode. And did anyone just hate how the spiders like crawled to the beat of the music.
R1ch1e
October 29th, 2018 - 7:01amActually I thought that was really funny
Pats86
October 29th, 2018 - 11:37amThey do react to vibrations but it was a bit cringeworthy.
Tim M
October 28th, 2018 - 8:04pmEnjoyed this episode. 8/10. The cgi spiders looked brilliant. Storyline was adequate, the regulars were very good, and Jodie is becoming a fine Doctor, although no where close to the mighty Tom Baker, or a few others I could mention. It still feels like Doctor Who, but it is more of an ensemble piece. Chibnall has gone back to basics. Hartnell’s first series as the ‘original’ Doctor was treated more as an ensemble piece with Ian, Susan and Barbara. This current series feels like a reboot and an agenda driven vehicle.
Dan23
October 28th, 2018 - 8:09pmYeah I read that the showrunner wanted to actually do a reboot of Doctor Who but he was told he would have to continue the series.
Tyler Prescott
October 28th, 2018 - 8:29pmGood. Imagine having to go back to square one in Doctor Who lore…
Anonymous
October 28th, 2018 - 8:31pmBelieve me I thought about rebooting doctor who, and believe me resets can be fun. You can remake some stories and not be bogged down by the past
Who rules
October 28th, 2018 - 8:02pmVery good, and scientifically accurate in terms of the large spider not being able to breath at a certain size. They breath through holes in their skin and above a certain size they wouldn’t be able to take in enough oxygen to function. I don’t understand the recent complaints about the show being childish and for young children. The stories have been aimed at a wide audience and the deaths have not been child friendly. Many people at work and in my family who don’t watch who normally are watching and enjoying the new series. I still love the show and am fully enjoying whittaker’s doctor. I do wonder though if the villains who seem to be getting away with it, Tim Shaw, tonight’s odious trumpesque politician will get their comeuppance at a later date! Not going to look back in to this page, I enjoyed it and that’s all that matters. Friends of mine who do come back to read the comments under strict instructions not to bother telling me.
The Dalek Whovian
October 28th, 2018 - 8:02pmReminded me a lot of The Green Death as it featured over-sized animals and a satirical depiction of corporations and their treatment of the environment.
T.A
October 28th, 2018 - 8:02pmOkay episode i liked aspects of it, Jodie is okay still feels like a combination of Matt and David. The spiders were cool and creepy, but the pc stuff with the American man was so un subtle, it made it hard to watch, Yaz was much better in this, graham and Ryan was good as ever, definitely been the stand outs in this season.
6.5/10
Graham
October 28th, 2018 - 8:00pmReally hoping for better. Going to watch brain of morbius to make up for my disappointment
James Guthrie
October 28th, 2018 - 8:00pmAbsolutely brilliant – v scary (arachnophobe) + v emotional (Bradley Walsh knocking it out of the park) – this series is just getting better and better, from a flying start.
ColinB
October 28th, 2018 - 7:56pmwhat happened to all the spiders in the vault and the city????
Confusing
the ergon
October 28th, 2018 - 8:12pmI actually thought they,d skipped a few scenes.
When The Doctor Was Me
October 28th, 2018 - 7:55pmEnjoyable, but I was hoping for a scarier, darker tone. Nixe to let Yaz have more to do. Jodie as great as ever. Graham is just brilliant.
Last week the music was appropreaite to what the scene was conveying. This week it made what could have been creepy, very silly. Shame.
6/10
P.s. Am I the only one missing the pre-titles sequences?
Anonymous
October 28th, 2018 - 10:28pmI miss them too.
doctorsmith12
October 28th, 2018 - 7:55pmworst episode of the season, so far. lost interest while watching. if the rest of the season ends up like the last 4, this will end up being the last doctor who series i watch
The Drums The Never Ending Drum Beat
October 28th, 2018 - 7:54pmI’m honestly not too sure I thought the episode I think I’m going to have to have a rewatch