November 4th, 2018
183 comments
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Poll – What Did You Think of The Tsuranga Conundrum?
Now that the fifth episode of series 11 has aired what did you think? Was it everything you had hoped for or not what you expected.
“Risk to life: absolute.”
Injured and stranded in the wilds of a far-flung galaxy, The Doctor, Yaz, Graham and Ryan must band together with a group of strangers to survive against one of the universe’s most deadly — and unusual — creatures.
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Anonymous
November 10th, 2018 - 8:46pmI have to watch this show on a delay as I have 2 kids under 3 and work full time. I’ve been putting this episode off as I saw all the negative comments and expected it to be terrible. But I have to say, I enjoyed it! I’m not sure where all the terribleness is coming from. After years of near omnipotent doctors, I’m really enjoying seeing a Doctor that is vulnerable and unsure of herself but is still committed and capable. I also like how they are reinforcing the theme of family. The man giving birth provided the avenue to discuss Ryan’s issues with his father. Then we had the brother and sister who told each other how much they meant for the first time in a while. Overall I thought this episode was good! I agree that the villains have been a little light but I feel like this show is just getting started. They are trying not to rely on previous big bads which is a good thing!
Doctor Stu
November 9th, 2018 - 11:49pmIt’s definitely not as bad as people are making out but here’s a question, would people have appreciated it more if the title was a bit different, say it was called the Tsuranga Debarkle for example? If the title was a bit goofy would people have been more appreciative of the fact that the plot was a bit light hearted and wacky? I think people saw the trailers and went in thinking it was going to be this massive conundrum with terrifying monsters and were just let down when it wasn’t what they were expecting. I’m thinking people were angrier at expectations that weren’t met rather than the actual plot itself
Pats86
November 10th, 2018 - 8:05amIf only it was that simple, no it’s a terrible episode and the whole series is exceptionally poor.
I thought the first episode was reasonable the second slightly more interesting, and then it was down hill from that point onwards.
After watching h episode one again I don’t think it was that reasonable anymore. It was just the excitement off have Doctor Who back. What a let down, this looks like it will go down as the worst season EVER!
Anonymous
November 10th, 2018 - 9:05amNo the title had nothing to do with it
Doctor Stu
November 10th, 2018 - 11:04amEpisodes 1,3 and 4 have been really good, it’s only 5 that hasn’t matched up, it wasn’t awful but it hasn’t been the same quality as the others, but it was definitely better than episode 2
R1ch1e
November 10th, 2018 - 3:07pmThis episode is not a classic but for me the rest of the series has been very good. I think Jodie is brilliant. The stories are a little lacking something I admit but I’m not going to let that get in the way of my enjoyment of them. It’s Doctor Who for a whole new generation. I’m actually quite excited that there are new fans.
Seriously if you don’t like it then there is no need to make yourselves miserable. Just stick a Pertwee DVD on tomorrow night or something.
Gus Sivewright
November 11th, 2018 - 12:06pmCouldn’t agree more ^^^^^
Anonymous
November 11th, 2018 - 2:14pm@Pats86 – I’m afraid I have to agree with you! This is the first time in many years that I have seriously considered NOT buying the DVD Box Set for Season 11 due to it being so poor. It’s not even in the ballpark of ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’
I’m waiting to see if they have a gallery of decent Special Features, if they add the Christmas Special & other points that will entice me to buy? As we are currently halfway through the new series it isn’t looking good!
the ergon
November 11th, 2018 - 2:35pmI think it would be more constructive if people just put forward the positives of a particular episode and or even just the score out of 10 would suffice with what you liked.A muted silence speaks volumes rather than just venting our spleens and exploding with anger no matter how ‘Passionate’.
techmki
November 9th, 2018 - 8:04pmJust looking through this and the last few weeks and have noticed seems a very small minority of people who post repeatedly just during one week giving a somewhat skewed vision of the new series. Not only that, they post these massive essay long posts that I bet hardly anyone except a very small group could even be bothered to read. Bit sad really.
Anonymous
November 10th, 2018 - 9:06amJust means they want to give their detailed thoughts.
The Prydonian
November 7th, 2018 - 8:28pmIt is all so awful. Im staggered at all the positive reactions to this bowl of simplistic childish slop. This is possibly the worst Doctor Ive seen. No gravitas or charisma at all. I can’t believe the positive responses. What do you think you are watching.I really hate also the BBC publishing only positive hype. They should check out these forums. So sad that the legacy of this unique show has been wrecked. Very sad. I’m going to watch Pyramids Of Mars. (also really unfortunate my honest feelings do not get posted on this site anymore)
Pats86
November 7th, 2018 - 9:12pmYour true feelings have to be respectful, I myself could be much more vocal but I would not be allowed to post such strong views on this forum, and rightly so.
I do try to get my opinion across respectfully as possible, I know some don’t like my views but the again I don’t like some of the the positive comments! I often feel some would like this current debacle no matter how bad it gets.
Problem is I have seen better and expect better!
If you like what we are getting at the moment fine, the rest of us will keep waiting for something to be positive about.
Dalek Eye Stalk
November 8th, 2018 - 7:13pmOver the next five Sunday evenings I’m going to watch the five stories of Season 11, and NOT the final five episodes of series 11. This current series of Doctor Who feels like a light weight kiddies version, with inferior weak villains. This is NOT my Doctor Who. This has sadly gone the same way as other long running Sci-Fi. Too much change that deviates away from what is long established, and basically doesn’t think or care about the core fan base already well established. We’ve seen it with ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ and the new ‘Star Trek ‘. Now the same has been done with ‘Doctor Who’. It’s a great shame. I will get round to watching the rest of series 11, but I’m in no rush to see them opening night anymore. It’s a show now I can take or leave. I don’t look forward to new episodes anymore. And I’ve been a fan for some considerable time, and NEVER felt like this towards my favourite series, even through some low creative moments in it’s history. Pertwee’s final series, Season 11 isn’t his best. But it’s Doctor Who in a way that this current version by a long way isn’t. Yes, I know the Dinosaurs in ‘Invasion of the Dinosaurs’ aren’t great, and neither are the spiders in ‘Planet of the Spiders’, but what they lack in some of the visuals, is more than made up for in script and performances. So it’s Season 11 for me the next five Sunday nights, starting with ‘The Time Warrior’. I’m sure that will be more entertaining.
Doctor Stu
November 9th, 2018 - 10:32amAlien trophy hunting humans and ripping their teeth out, a woman falling to he death, a raw look into a grieving grandson and husband, the remnants nearly choking the guy to death in the second episode, a whole episode about racism with explicit terminology and an alien white supremacist, giant spiders pinning down and cocooning humans to string up and eat and someone’s sister dying last episode of a heart condition, accelerated by the doctors intervention. This doesn’t seem like a kiddy show to me
Pats86
November 9th, 2018 - 1:21pmTracy Beaker a well known kids programme that deals with adult issues, only better that Doctor Who at the moment.
This series would look out of place on CBBS at this present time.
Dalek Eye Stalk
November 9th, 2018 - 5:59pmI recall adult themes in children’s tv I watched in the early 90’s. In fact one of those series was written by Russell T Davies. So having adult themes in Doctor Who actually isn’t the issue. It’s the fact Doctor Who is now within a kid show format. Jodie Whitaker is light weight and lacks any gravitas the role requires. So when the Doctor is required to show strong condemnation against a foe, Jodie sounds more like it’s just a little inconvenience. Hence, kid friendly. But we seem to be at a point where Chibnall recognises this and creates poor weak villains, for a weak Doctor.
Anonymous
November 9th, 2018 - 9:31pmSarah Jane Adventures had nazi racism, alien who kill humans and use human skin and kidnap a boy yo use his abilities, aliens being enslaved and abused and humans in a dystopian future, androids trying to kill Sarah and the others, and this is an actual kid show.
Blungering Hinklesburn
November 7th, 2018 - 8:50amIt’s better on re-watch. Not especially good, but perfectly watchable.
I do find it really quite pathetic though, how some fans get so wound up on the basis of one bad-to-average episode. As if any of us could go in there and produce a whole series of dazzlers. The duds have been a part of Doctor Who for as long as it’s existed. They aren’t anything to get angry about, just laugh them off!
If a whole series was of that quality, then yeah – scream away. But that isn’t the case this year at all, nor has it been for any series of NuWho.
Doctor Stu
November 7th, 2018 - 3:27pmPeople have been so desperate to dislike this series that as soon as they find something bad they jump on it and milk it as much as possible. I’ve seen people who have remarked how they’ve surprisingly liked episode 1,2,3 and 4 but now that episode 5 was ‘bad’ (which I don’t agree with) all of a sudden their opinion on the whole series has changed. ‘Series 11 is rubbish it’s pc gone mad’ or whatever they say, despite admitting they’ve liked the previous 4 episodes
Puddle
November 7th, 2018 - 6:21pmBut it’s not just one episode this year most so far have been lacking
Dalek Eye Stalk
November 7th, 2018 - 8:25pmI have been particularly underwhelmed by the poor opposition for the Doctor. It appears Chibnall has got rid of classic worthy opponents, for weaker and undesirable opponents. I suppose it’s weak opponents for a weak Doctor. That makes sense.
The Moffat Paradox
November 7th, 2018 - 8:55pmExactly and it’s bordering on passing, if not actually passed, the giving this the benefit of the doubt point unless Chibnall has got something REALLY GOOD lined up for the series wind up/any rumored New Years’ day episode to make up for it which on current form I very much doubt.
Sorry Doctor Stu now that series reality bites on this current form if this were the House Of Commons we would be wanting to lay a motion of no confidence.
The Prydonian
November 8th, 2018 - 4:16pmThere have always been duds. Absolutely. It’s inevitsble. However this whole series has been one massive dud. Terrible Doctor. Terrible chemistry between main characters. Terrible non stories. Does not feel like Doctor Who. 42 and the Power of Three were better than this dross. I’ve been watching since the late 60s. I feel I understand what it can or cannot achieve. When DW gets it right nothing can touch it but this series has some way to go – by a cosmic mile.
Blungering Hinklesburn
November 8th, 2018 - 7:26pm– The Prydonian
You happen to be wrong, but that’s okay.
Nothing duddish (my latest contribution to the English language, don’t think it’ll stick) about the opener this year, nor Rosa, nor the spider episode. All very good for their own reasons.
The Ghost Monument was…all right. Tsuranga really isn’t all that bad on re-watch. It’s by no means a standout, but it’s not half as bad as some are making out.
I haven’t been watching since the sixties, I’m not old enough. But I’ve watched plenty of stories from the classic series, and by that I mean loads. As well as all of the new series. I’m plenty qualified myself with regards to being a fan, and I say it’s okay to good so far.
What everyone should do of course, me included, is remember to say “in my opinion” a lot more.
Lorraine
November 8th, 2018 - 10:56pmSurely people don’t have to prefix every comment “in my opinion” simply because what else can it be. Perhaps just IMO to keep the peace which is quite difficult at the moment. It is a personal evaluation of stories, characters and monsters whether you have been watching since 1963 like me as I am an old crock now or have recently joined our little band. Comments get heated because if you are not a fan you would not visit this well run site. Personally very disappointed with this series so far IMO. Consequently have been revisiting quite a few old episodes to get my fix.
Mick C
November 7th, 2018 - 1:35amCan anyone, anyone in the World explain to me why anyone would think that was a good design for a Dr Who Monster?, All the superbly done Monsters we have seen from the Daleks to the Master to the Weeping Angels and we get that piece of ****
Been compared on here to what you would get if Ben 10 & Futurama teamed up to make a Movie about Gremlins.
The Monsters on Dr Who are supposed to scare us not make our pre School Kids go oh he’s so cute, yes he is.
It was a great chance to introduce an all new recurring Monster to the Show. The idea was right, a Life form that lives in Space and eats Space Ship energy is something new to Dr who. and they completely blow it by a poorly conceived design.
Doctor Stu
November 7th, 2018 - 3:35pmThere have been loads of tame aliens and monsters that some might call cute or unthreatening looking like the adipose, face of boe, Cassandra, spider droids, Ood, Judoon, brannigan, human Dalek, Chantho, Hath, time beetle, prisoner zero, Silurians, Krafayis, Minotaur, spoonheads, those stupid robots from dinosaurs on a spaceship, wrinkle head from power of 3, snowmen, mr sweet, the teller, skovox blitser,a bunch of trees, Alien disguised as Odin, the lion dude, zygons, a raven, emoji robots and bits of ribbon. This isn’t anything new
The Moffat Paradox
November 8th, 2018 - 11:51amAh.And a good few of them were part of Chibnall written episodes whatever else might be said.
Doctor Stu
November 8th, 2018 - 6:45pm29 monsters I listed, there are 4 from Chibnall written episodes. So not a good few just 4/29
Mick C
November 8th, 2018 - 9:00pmDr Stu what I was trying to get at is that the Alien was a being that lived in open Space and could attack a Space Ship in flight to get at its energy source none of those you named can do that.
I just thought it was a missed opportunity to create a new Monster on the scale of the Daleks, Cybermen, Weeping Angels that offer a different kind of monster to anything that has come before and they come up with a joke.
The problem with the Classic Monsters is coming up with a new Story, just about everything I can think of has been done, Dalek Invasions, been done to death, Cybermen annihilation been done to death.
We now have a combined total of 37 seasons of Dr Who and coming up with fresh ideas seems to be getting harder and harder.
The Moffat Paradox
November 8th, 2018 - 9:38pmNearly just all on his own and including the Pting on that basis currently 17% Now Chibnall can get lame aliens and monsters nearer to 100% whether the episodes are written by him or not on this showing And to think he once griped about the Vervoids back in 1986.
The Moffat Paradox
November 8th, 2018 - 10:20pmWhen the episode synopsis said “The Doctor, Yaz, Graham and Ryan must band together with a group of strangers to survive against one of the universe’s most deadly and unusual creatures” I though, and probably many others as well, that this was potentially going to be the big break out moment with this current series that would be quintessential Who and if so then shut up us sceptics convincingly. That we might see something new, fearsome looking and memorable as well as highly dangerous (and not ridiculously sized). Instead we got……….well we know what we got.
Steve66
November 6th, 2018 - 11:52pmThe Doctor has been with me since he was played by William Hartnell. I have watched each iteration, some in awe, some with respect, some as a source of humour. Others have provided a sense of parity with sci fi of the time. Surprisingly for a BBC show, some episodes have had the ‘wow’ factor and have been comparable with the best of US sci fi.
I was expecting something new, exciting, different with a gender change at regeneration. Well new and different we do have. Unfortunately the new Doctor doesn’t bring adult excitement with her, merely a sense of stumbling from the A team to the C team. In other words, Dr Who has pulled the levers of the TARDIS and emerged into the world of CBBC. It’s no longer for me but at the age of 66 I’ll suffer it to the end, just to see, and hope, that it will improve.
Dalek Eye Stalk
November 7th, 2018 - 8:35pmThe issue for me is Jodie Whitaker seems to be playing the title role like a five year old child, especially with all her over exaggerated face pulling. It’s like she’s trying too hard. Trouble is, much of the time it feels like an actor acting, and not a natural characteristic reaction from the situation. I’m not against a female being the Doctor, not at all. But Jodie doesn’t fit the role. She’s great at doing serious dramatic acting, but is unable to convincingly do the lighter sides of a character. So instead it looks and sounds childish. That in turn undermines her dramatic scenes.
Ade71
November 6th, 2018 - 7:33pmThe only thing that springs to my mind is the old adage “Don’t throw the baby out with bathwater”.
Derek Angell
November 6th, 2018 - 7:16pmWell this was a bit Casualty meets Gremlins in space.The pregnant man gag was a bit flat because most folks have run that joke many times in their own heads.The switch from a set up that might produce some heinous xenomorph to a cute ursine like space vandal had me chuckling all day at work._._._I know little things please little minds etc.I am just loving Wittaker in this and for me she is currently sitting 5th behind Tom,Patrick,Jon and Chris.Not the best episode but it cheered me up!
Anonymous
November 10th, 2018 - 3:44pmI love it when I find people who at least liked it because I Love Doctor Who and I just don’t like seeing stuff about not liking Doctor Who currently/always. I know people have opinions
techmki
November 6th, 2018 - 3:59pmTbh I quite liked it, it was just fun really.
Tim M
November 6th, 2018 - 2:54pmI fully expect next episodes overnight ratings to be under 6 million, after this truly awful ‘Conundrum’ episode. I thought ‘In the Forest of the Night’ would be the worst episode of new WHO. Chibnall holds that accolade now. Not great for a showrunner!
Doctor Stu
November 6th, 2018 - 4:47pmI really think people need to rewatch this episode there was no way on this planet that the episode was worse than in the forest of the night, are people’s problems only the pregnant man because this seems to be the case, they’re failing to grasp it’s a parallel between Ryan’s problems with his Dad and actually helped to advance his character development. It wouldn’t have worked with a woman so they made it a male alien
the ergon
November 6th, 2018 - 5:25pmThis according to ‘The Sun’. Down to 5.5 Million with this story.
Tim M
November 6th, 2018 - 5:52pmI’ve sadly have re-watched it, and it gets worse on every viewing. It doesn’t improve watching it again, and I won’t be watching it again anytime soon. The issues I have with this story are numerous, and not just about the pregnant man, which was presented on screen in a stupid way anyway!
Pats86
November 6th, 2018 - 5:53pmI kid you not Tim M, both my wife and daughter have actually said this series is awful and will not watch with me again!
You never know if it does not improve the Doctor may regenerate sooner rather than later, Eccleston only did one season.
I am not saying I want Jodie to leave but if she can’t do any more than she is now then for the good of the show she should leave, her Doctor isa poor imitation of any other Doctor, that said it could be down to the poor quality of writing/showrunning?
R1ch1e
November 6th, 2018 - 8:04pmAccording to everything else I’ve read it’s not
The Moffat Paradox
November 6th, 2018 - 8:18pmAye,aye,aye!
Doctor Stu
November 7th, 2018 - 3:39pmThe story the sun ran was entirely fictional and doesn’t take into account weekly figures and flat out lied about the viewing figures for the previous episodes and failed to mention the 4 million viewers Doctor who was getting last series and the fact that this series of Doctor who has weekly figures similar to the bodyguard, which was the most successful tv drama since 2013
Dalek Eye Stalk
November 7th, 2018 - 8:40pm‘Bodyguard’ was the best thing on TV this year. The current ‘Doctor Who’ comes nowhere close in writing, acting or quality. Doctor Who’s current ratings are well off the pace of what the ‘Bodyguard’ was achieving.
The Moffat Paradox
November 7th, 2018 - 8:57pmAnd unlike Chibnall Who it was actually gripping.
Pats86
November 7th, 2018 - 9:01pmDalek Eye Stalk I couldn’t agree more.
the ergon
November 8th, 2018 - 12:25amDon,t shoot the messenger. This is ‘The Sun’ we are talking about. Anything to fill a page. Just running with what i saw on the news page.The official figures should be due any day now. Once tallied up with all other media viewing ‘i,m’ guessing around the 7 million mark.Or is that being optimistic?
Doctor Stu
November 8th, 2018 - 12:54amThat may be your opinion but it doesn’t change the fact that the Suns article was completely false
Anonymous
November 6th, 2018 - 12:25pmI am enjoying this new series. I like how they are showing some History. The Rosa Parks episode was great, shows younger people what happened in the US. People just need to relax, shows go up and down now and again. It can’t always be Daleks & Cybermen. It’s nice that the show is trying new things, i can relate to the character of Ryan. he suffers with learning problems, which i also suffer with. Jodie Whittaker is great as The Doctor, there are little of David Tennant and Peter Capldi in her. Nice Work Jodie. She’s my Doctor
Pats86
November 6th, 2018 - 12:07pmConsidering the way the show has been and continues to be written as badly as it has in many fans eyes, would it be too much to ask for a team of writers like the USA do with their shows.
For the most part they get it right, it would stop one showrunner form making all the decisions and open up new ideas stopping the poor quality episodes from being a weekly experience.
Moffat began well enough but allowed his ridiculous ideas to ruin the shows rich history and cannon, Chibnall has got off to the worst start possible and I am not optimistic going forward!
Or is it a case of getting an excellent showrunner in and get Chibnall out now? Maybe a rest is in order to allow new life to be infused into the show.
Tim M
November 6th, 2018 - 6:00pmThe show needs a rest. It’s had a good run for any series made in the 21st century, especially a sci-fi one. What’s clear is Chibnall is unable to write a Christmas episode, because he can’t think up a festive story apparently. What’s also clear is that he can’t even write a decent story in the first half of a full regular series either!
The Moffat Paradox
November 7th, 2018 - 9:34pmStarting to look like, as we suspected, Moffat at his worst is better than Chibnall at his best.
Dalek Eye Stalk
November 8th, 2018 - 6:23amChibnall writes great boring mediocre Doctor Who.
Anonymous
November 10th, 2018 - 8:35pmAs an American I feel like I can say that having a writers room does not guarantee good television. Most American shows are very much character driven with ensemble casts now a days. Just like what we’re watching here that you seem to passionately hate.
chris7
November 6th, 2018 - 9:03amI get it. So it will go off and kill someone else when it gets hungry again. Really, I’d lost interest long before that, which is why I missed the point in the first place.
chris7
November 6th, 2018 - 2:29pmOops. The above should have been with my original comment down the page
Anonymous
November 6th, 2018 - 4:23amAm I the only one who thinks there’s no story arc what so ever?
Like the 11th doctor had trenzalore and the silence, I feel like I’m watching this new series and it’s a bunch of random episodes with nothing too leave you questioning things like we did when, the doctor was told silence would fall, it had us thinking and theorising about what is was
the ergon
November 6th, 2018 - 9:03amThat was the original idea. No story Arc, just standalones.
R1ch1e
November 6th, 2018 - 2:26pmYep, that is what Chibnall said. No series arc or classic villains
Doctor Stu
November 5th, 2018 - 8:36pmNice to see some familiar monsters in the episode too, like the cybermen, slitheen, Silurian and Zygon that popped up on the ships computer when they were searching for information about the Pting
Pusher
November 5th, 2018 - 6:16pmCome on guys, it’s just a stumble; it happens to every TV show. I found it just about watchable.
Season 5 of game of thrones was the worst my my count but i still found it engaging. Let’s give the show a fighting chance. The peting reminded me of something from monsters inc.
Mick C
November 7th, 2018 - 12:48amEvery episode of Dr Who I have ever seen was watchable its the lack of re-watchable Episodes since about the time Amy & Rory left that has left me disappointed, count them on one Hand.
Graham
November 5th, 2018 - 5:07pmStarted ok but soon went down hill got bored and almost put on the Twin Dilemma or Time and the Ranish lol
Anonymous
November 5th, 2018 - 5:01pmI thought I’d give it one more go. Afterwards I watched the ‘Impossible Planet’. Very similar set up, Dr trapped without the TARDIS, a threat, crew member murdered, reluctant captain, some tech and companion issues. If you just compare the production values of these two episodes there is no comparison. There was a real energy about ‘Impossible’.The lighting, the editing was spot on, always sticking with the story. Scooters death was genuinely heart felt, despite her having very little script, with incidental music used to compliment the action. Rose and the Dr coming to terms with being stuck in one time, even if they got out alive, and the ominous threat of the black hole, let alone Satan, all added to the tension. We knew all the main characters within ten minutes of the story and there was even a slave race, the parallel was there for the viewer to see through Roses eyes, and it was subtle. I can’t see any of the skills that were used to produce ‘Impossible’ or any of the earlier episodes evident in this new reboot……this week an angry green gremlin, male birth, Ryans acting and a gurning Dr, were the horrors served up with none of the style or finesse of the previous rebooted series.
Pats86
November 5th, 2018 - 7:09pmThe Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit were excellent
lorraine
November 6th, 2018 - 1:45pmYes Jodie does gurn. My husband says it’s the same expression I have when I am trying to see something without my glasses. The whole thing thus far, half-way in, has been extremely poor. Chibnall and Jodie have not understood the premise of the programme at all. If anything having her as a female doctor has put the female cause back. There are strong women actors about it is just not her. She is not right, the stories are not right; only Bradley and the music ticks two little boxes. The viewing figures should be better because it really is a good regular time slot. Shame they didn’t offer that earlier. Oh Booboo I know I go on and on but you must be one of the biggest ever fans given what you and Luke have set up so please understand the frustration. I do understand your role as mediator, I must hope for the second half improving. Is it true all the merchandising has been placed States side now?
Mark Belsom.
November 5th, 2018 - 2:28pmNot a “watch again ” episod,was ok. Don’t know what it is but this new series has something missing, just can’t put my finger on it.
The Moffat Paradox
November 5th, 2018 - 8:20pmDynamic made possible by main character being male, the character exuding a real sense of authority as well as knowledge/intellect, sense that’s there’s any real kind of stake with hostile aliens/monsters that are worthy of recent additions like The Reapers ,The Vashta Nerada,The Krillitane The Weeping Angels, The Bonelesss, The Fisher King and the Veritas Monks besides the revamped golden oldies as well as any instinct that this is in creative hands that are at all safe perhaps?
The Living Shadow
November 5th, 2018 - 9:36pmCurious about what kind of dynamic a man could bring that a woman couldn’t… (at least in the context of a show about a regenerating, time-travelling alien)
ADAM
November 5th, 2018 - 10:09pmThe Doctor is missing…along with good story telling.
The Moffat Paradox
November 6th, 2018 - 9:36amMore aura of gravitas, presence, stronger impression of knowing how to handle situations that this hitherto always male until Moffat tinkered humanoid based alien seems to have better displayed when played by an actor; Danny Pink recognised him when he was still him as officer class which tends to be still be overwhelmingly a male preserve.. Maybe actresses who have played strong female characters like Sigourney weaver and Linda Hamilton in the day could pull that off or an older actress than Jodie Whittaker but not Jodie Whittaker.
Paddy
November 6th, 2018 - 11:10amWhat is missing is believable Dr- this whole season has been a disaster – for the first time since 1971 I won’t bother watching again until a new regeneration – Oh for the days of Tom Baker!
Tim M
November 6th, 2018 - 12:21pmI don’t know if Jodie is trying too hard, but the face pulling doesn’t work for me. It feels like it’s acting, and not acting natural. It all looks so false.
Pats86
November 5th, 2018 - 2:05pmAntimatter drive, particle accelerator, CERN, particles, atoms, positrons, electric-magnetic fields! Music to my ears.
Had this little discussion not taken place this episode would have got 0.5 from me simply because of Bradley Walsh, thanks to the science I can now push my score up to 1/10
The science was good but the episode was unbelievably bad!
Chibnall is clearly a poor show runner, I had high hopes he could do something good with this series but how wrong could I have been?
The BBC and Chibnall have been quite astute putting the series out on a sleepy Sunday evening slot, had this been on a Saturday evening I can well believe it would be attracting 2/3 million viewers! If that. I am not reading anything into the steady 6/7 million viewer’s it is attracting, the X Factor and other such drivel pulls in more than that regularly so it doesn’t mean much, people will watch any rubbish put in front of them nowadays. Including me watching this dreadful excuse for a once great programme. Will I watch next week? Yes, although I’m on my own because both my wife and daughter have now thrown the towel in sadly, but understandable.
Can it get any worse? Possibly but I hope not I would hate to see it cancelled again.
Next week looks interesting but I have a feeling it could be another preachy episode on how bad the British were back then, but we will see.
I feel for Jodie, she just isn’t cutting it at the moment. Lack of gravitas is showing only too well.
Puddle
November 5th, 2018 - 8:02pmAgree 100 per cent with what your saying thought some of the jnt stories were bad but this series is without a doubt worse
The Moffat Paradox
November 6th, 2018 - 12:40amAs far as I am concerned Who is like Bond in that there has to be certain core ingredients that MUST meet with popular expectations which made it successful before and if they are violated too much then the franchise is no longer really the franchise and risks ultimate rejection. And rightly so..
the ergon
November 6th, 2018 - 9:50amI mean do people continue to watch the ‘rubbish’ in the hope it improves (as most loyal fans would do) and keep those viewing figures buoyant or allow this current team to run the show into the ground.It does feel more CBBC, not primetime ‘WHO’ which seems to be alienating the core audience. Something needs to change. As you say i can,t really see much improvement, as this series format has already been set. I wouldn,t like to think there was some sort of hidden agenda to get the show cancelled, trying to turn it from award winning series to a poison chalice nobody would touch but as it is their going the right way about it.
They need to return to the original formula and get the old writers and directors back in next series.
I really like jodie and her gang, but if chibnall was to go,i fear she would leave also and i wouldn,t want that. I want to see different traits to make her doctor really stand out. She just hasn,t had much chance to shine as yet.
KORSAIR
November 5th, 2018 - 1:46pmWasn’t too keen on it to be honest, the episode was slow and thinly plotted and as for the Pting it was like a Scooby Doo monster. Overall a serious drop compared to the last two episodes mind you it won’t put me off I’ll remain faithful to the show.
Anonymous
November 5th, 2018 - 1:16pmMuch better on a second watch but still my least favourite so far. Mainly because there was potential to make this into a fright fest and I found it disappointing it went down the Disney route.
Ep 1 – Good
Ep 2 – V good
Ep 3 – Brilliant
Ep 4 – OK (So many lose ends)
Ep 5 – OK after 2nd watch
My opinion only- the above is not intended to start a keystroke riot.
R1ch1e
November 5th, 2018 - 7:24pmWow Anonymous you have pretty much the same view as me. Especially with the first 3 episodes. I did really enjoy episode 4 as well but I agree that there were some loose ends that need thing up. I haven’t watched episode 5 again yet though. I might leave it till the weekend.
Anonymous
November 5th, 2018 - 1:11pmI liked it, thought it was pretty good.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2018 - 8:48pmMe too. I can’t stop saying Pting to my friends who like Doctor Who now!
me
November 5th, 2018 - 12:40pmwhat has happened to doctor who ? for the first time ever i turned over from it to watch a programme about bobby moore and i don t even like football. jodie whittaker could be a good doctor who .but the programme has lost something. but i do think bradley walsh is quite good in it
ADAM
November 5th, 2018 - 12:39pmThe series can’t get any worse…can it?…..this was awful on every level.
Anonymous
November 5th, 2018 - 1:18pmit is like a cross between the worst episodes of star trek and the tomorrow people
techmki
November 5th, 2018 - 5:45pm*poor Adam is suffering. *throws copy of Hell Bent for him to watch.
ADAM
November 5th, 2018 - 10:21pmAnd to think that the great Capaldi was pushed out for this…
The Moffat Paradox
November 7th, 2018 - 11:16amYes. Replacing vintage Champagne with flat Bucks Fizz.
the ergon
November 8th, 2018 - 12:54amDon,t let cheryl baker hear you saying that?
chris7
November 5th, 2018 - 9:35amWhy didn’t they chuck it out of the airlock when they had it wrapped in that blanket thing?
Anonymous
November 5th, 2018 - 10:55amBecause they needed it to drain the energy from the spaceship’s self destruct bomb.
Doctor Stu
November 5th, 2018 - 12:21pmBecause it would have come back again to start feeding some more, the whole point of the bomb was that it had enough energy to keep it satisfied for quite a while so the ship was able to escape while the Pting was outside feeding on the bombs energy. If they’d kicked it out just wrapped in the blanket it would have come straight back
The Moffat Paradox
November 5th, 2018 - 2:52pmIf the majority of people as judged by here are finding an episode overall risible then their not so intellectually invested in the finer points o it’s “plot” logic.
Arthurian2
November 6th, 2018 - 8:48amThanks Dr Stu for explaining the reason why it wasn’t kicked out in the first place, I was probably out the room making tea, or washing my hair.
Anonymous
November 5th, 2018 - 7:40amUmmmmmmmmmmm
Did anyone understand what was going on
I mean everyone talked too fast
Either Jodie’s Preformance is getting better or Growing on me
The alien was cute though, I really screamed “I Want One” (well. A plush one), The thing about this episode all people do is talk. This episode is basically talk talk talk, all people did was talk really fast and say exprostion, This episode could literally be done in minutes, if the doctor just didn’t wait around for the last 10 minuteto do stuff. I said to my friend that I really wanted a really good episode as each episode has just been average
Rosa is a exspection as it’s above average
Please please please give us an amazing episode
Anonymous
November 5th, 2018 - 5:30amI know a lot of people won’t agree with me but, I feel like when I’m watching this new series of doctor who I don’t feel like I’m watching the same show anymore. The companions are dull, the storytelling has too many plot holes, and the music is awful. The other doctors and companions like Clara had great themes which you could listen too and instantly recognise, I don’t feel any of this with this new cast. In my opinion I just feel like the spirit of doctor who isn’t there anymore, and the writers only care about political issues with the world. The thing I always loved about doctor who was the fact that I could watch episodes and forget about all the worries in the world and watch a hero and his companions save the day from the Daleks or Sontarans
Angus Brown
November 5th, 2018 - 10:37amI agree with you about a lot of this. I don’t feel the companions have been given any space to grow really, and it’s definitely missing the effortless humour and intelligence of the Moffat era. I do have to disagree with you about the music though, I think Segun Akinola does a great job. Also, as regards political commentary I think it’s something that can be done really well (see The Zygon Invasion; Inversion) but Arachnids in the UK was the most egregious example of a complete failure to integrate it naturally into the storytelling. Disagreeing with Trump is not political commentary. It is simplistic and distracted and adds nothing to a dumb story about giant spiders. So no, you are not the only person who feels this way.
RORY DOCTOR RIVER POND
November 5th, 2018 - 2:59pmI’m also in that boat generally I think
T.A
November 5th, 2018 - 5:40pmWhat I think people don’t get about the pc stuff in Doctor is, yes doctor who can have political episode, but they need to be there for a good reason and tell both sides of a story, not there just for the sake of it and to attack certain people for no reason.
Mick C
November 6th, 2018 - 2:52amI think there is to many Companions, throw in a new Doctor and you are trying to introduce 4 Characters including a brand new Doctor at once in a show in which the Characters are as important as the Story Line and the Monsters.
I don’t have an issue with 3 Companions(been done before) but with the exception of Hartnell’s first Season they have been introduced over time, where you have one Companion we have got used to. Then they have brought in a new companion.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2018 - 4:17amI miss the old days of Amy Rory and the doctor, three personalities that were beautiful too watch and cause a range of emotions and I don’t feel this with the new doctor any companions.
P.s does the Tardis ever have screen time anymore, feels like the doctor doesn’t spend time with the Tardis, we know nothing of her new interior apart from a silly biscuit dispenser.
Anonymous
November 7th, 2018 - 1:04amAgree Anonymous and the 2 Companions was handled a lot better, Rory started as a recurring Character then come on board after we got used to Amy and it worked superbly throw in the occasional appearance by River and I think Moffatt got it right. Unfortunately got it totally wrong with Clara & Danny(my least favourite new who Character) that’s were I feel Dr Who started to go wrong.