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October 7th, 2018 193 comments

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Poll – What Did You Think of The Woman Who Fell To Earth?

Now that the highly anticipated First episode of series 11 has aired what did you think? Was it everything you had hoped for or not what you expected.

We don’t get aliens in Sheffield. In a South Yorkshire city, Ryan Sinclair, Yasmin Khan and Graham O’Brien are about to have their lives changed forever, as a mysterious woman, unable to remember her own name, falls from the night sky.

Can they believe a word she says? And can she help solve the strange events taking place across the city?



The Complete Series 11 DVD, Blu-ray and steelbook are available to order in the UK from www.amazon.co.uk. The DVD and Blu-ray are available to order in the USA from www.amazon.com


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193 comments

  • Who-fan

    October 8th, 2018 - 10:08pm

    The new Doctor was ok, the probleem was the writing, it was so boring and predictable that I stopped watching half and startend checking me phone. I never had that with the previous series. The companions and even the new Doctor just didn’t connect with me and I stopped caring, even when the kid’s poor old grandma died…I will watch one more episode, after that if this remains I just have to decide that this show is no longer for me.

    Reply
    • Doctor Stu

      October 10th, 2018 - 2:48pm

      Wasn’t predictable for me, I didn’t know a guy would hatch from an egg thing, or it would get stolen by a man with a van, or that he was a hunter and he was cheating by using the recoil thing, I also didn’t expect what was going to happen to Grace, or that he’d wear teeth on his face, or that Tim Shaw had absorbed the bombs or that the crane guy wouldn’t make the jump or that they’d end up in space at the end of the episode etc. etc.

  • When The Doctor Was Me

    October 8th, 2018 - 10:00pm

    Okay so I don’t really know where else to put this so I’m gonna put it here. I have a theory that we are going to see scene play out, possibly as the closing scene to the series. My idea is that we will be back on the hilltop as the episode opened this time with the doctor and Yaz helping Ryan starting off on his bike. Graham will be in the usual spot at the other end. I really think it would make a such a touching scene, showing Ryan finally riding his bike for the first time and as he rides towards Graham he shouts “grandad I’m doing it, I’m doing it grandad“. Just from this one episode you can tell how relatable and charming these characters are. And i think thos would be such a heartwarming scene. Just an idea I had And wanted to share with you guys.

    Reply
    • R1ch1e

      October 9th, 2018 - 7:27am

      Sounds good

    • Doctor Stu

      October 9th, 2018 - 8:48am

      But he’s got dyspraxia I doubt it’s something that can just be overcome so easily, that’s why I liked the scene at the end on the hill, because it would have been so predictable for him to be successful but the fact that he wasn’t made it much more realistic

    • Lightningboy

      October 9th, 2018 - 10:51am

      Hardly up there with Tom Baker’s Doctor deciding on whether to kill Davros or not though,is it?

  • Rex Lloyd

    October 8th, 2018 - 5:58pm

    Ok, I thought Jodie Whitaker’s performance was ok. I mean she literally befriends 3 new people in 5 minutes like is this self aware that the doctor just befriends new people in 5 minutes. Anyway. I thought her performance was a little over the top and a bit like a 10 year old me pretending to be The Doctor so I felt like this doctor is an echo on how I would play the doctor so it was werid. Anyway I do hope she appeals to younger people more cause more people need to watch Doctor and and 8.20 million tuned in last night and I. Am shocked. I can’t wait to see more Jodie

    Reply
  • CG

    October 8th, 2018 - 2:59pm

    I loved the whole episode – storyline was good for an opener in my opinion. I had a few queries though….
    Will we get a ‘title sequence’? – which was one thing I was really surprised me! I did like the music at the end though – nice variation, sounded like a mix between the Eccleston/Tennant theme and the first original theme.
    Other than that loved the characters, their stories and everything! Left a few gaps for possible returns of themes and storylines too.

    Reply
    • Doctor Stu

      October 8th, 2018 - 7:16pm

      The title sequence is coming next episode don’t worry

  • arthurian2

    October 8th, 2018 - 10:09am

    Interesting to read the many comments about the opening episode of our much loved show. Like other viewers I have also been there since the 1960’s and watched through all it’s highs and lows. As a bloke I’m starting to feel that theres an agenda to get rid of us on the BBC, with a trailer that heralded it’s female led shows, (many of which I had watched), then a cast list, (why?) of 90% female upcoming actors, it just like constantly shouting in your face. The end of the show should have given us a taster as to what’s coming in future episodes, if, for no other reason, to keep those of us that thought it wasn’t the greatest opening to perhaps hang on for future episodes. My main issue was that there were too many ‘friends’, all of whom accepted her as an alien in charge very quickly. To be honest me and my partner thought the grandmother was the most interesting character, and he killed her off! She would have have made a far better ‘friend’. Also Jodie seems far more sparky in interviews than she did as the Doctor, couldn’t really understand why, maybe the script or direction! And finally the music, well nothing memorable throughout the show and finally getting the revamped theme at the end which was basically the fabulous original which some terrible skittering drum beats over the top, sorry get rid of those drums and let’s hear the best version of the theme ever, the original. That all said I will continue to watch as to be honest I think it will need the viewing figures. Oh, and also there were two women discussing the show on the BBC breakfast show, no men available, and a Dr Who Barbie doll……..

    Reply
    • Lightningboy

      October 8th, 2018 - 11:23am

      Agree..Jodie Wittaker is a good choice but sadly (if not surprisingly) the rest of it was very underwhelming..I found the cast,writing & story amateurish & dull..Was hoping i’d love it but I guess this is what you get when you have the wrong people in charge with so many boxes to tick..sadly it’s no longer aimed at original Who fans but aimed at the mass US market..the average viewer will love it & therein lies the problem…the 1 pluspoint was the nod to the original closing credits but even that was botched – watched a Pertwee episode last night – how can the credits from 45 years ago look & sound more advanced?..I suppose it’s too much to expect a return to the original Tardis interior too?

      Sometimes new isn’t necessarily always better..tbh i’ve found it very hit & miss since it’s return in 2005 (some of Capaldi’s episodes being the highpoint for me)..think i’ll stick to my Pertwee,Baker,Davison & Baker collection for my fix.

      4/10

    • Doctor Stu

      October 8th, 2018 - 1:19pm

      An agenda to get rid of men on the BBC? The trailer was there so they could show off the new music and give us a taster of the guest stars this series as opposed to ruining all the plot points and monsters. And showcasing 90% women? No, there were 9 women in that trailer and 11 men so I respect your opinion but that part just simply isn’t true

    • Arthurian 2

      October 8th, 2018 - 7:43pm

      Yeah OK Stu, but lets face it, there were plenty of boxes being ticked and it just seemed so unnecessary.

    • lorraine

      October 9th, 2018 - 1:50pm

      I do feel sorry for older male fans and in fact female fans like myself who have been watching since the beginning. There is an agenda and the strength that Dr Who has going for it is its rich deep history. This sets it apart from other Sci-fi shows. This is now going to be forgotten it seems. Don’t start me off with the Barbie doll – says it all. I think the viewers abroad may have a problem with her Yorkshire accent which does seem broader than expected. There is nothing wrong with a Yorkshire accent many great actors come from Yorkshire like Patrick Stewart I believe. Eccleston’s Northern accent was easier to understand from the off. Sometimes had to think “ehh?” when Peter Capaldi was in mid-flow so I don’t want anyone taking offence. It is just an observation and perhaps this will also calm down when the rest of her settles into the role.

    • Dalek Eye Stalk

      October 9th, 2018 - 4:00pm

      I felt it was really tacky just showing us a montage of guest stars. Many of which I’ve never even heard or seen before, and some familiar faces from ‘Corrie’. Confirming my belief that Chibnall is turning Doctor Who into part sci-fi part soap opera.

    • Arthurian2

      October 9th, 2018 - 4:03pm

      Yes Lorraine I also thought the accent may be a problem abroad, didn’t they subtitle Eastenders?But the Barbie doll is surely everything they are against, it’s so stereotyped aimed specifically at girls, I thought the whole point of the costume was that it was transgender, and come on, let’s face there won’t be many boys buying it.

    • Lorraine

      October 9th, 2018 - 8:46pm

      Arthurian2 i am female and i wont be adding the barbie doll to my collection of 5 inch action figures. I cannot understand the process here. Must be family time as opposed to scifi time. RTD caught the moment and dragged the past to 2005 and it was brilliant. I do not understand the thinking now unless it is forget the history, lets grab the bits we can and make a nice post Sunday tea programme and flog some merchandise. It is the history of the programme that keeps the interest, the audios, the books, the actors who go pillar to post to meet us. Of course viewing figs were good as everyone curious. They have put Bradley Walsh the Chase in combat with DW which is ironic.

    • Arthurian2

      October 10th, 2018 - 8:46am

      Totally agree about RTD, he nailed his first episode, the characters, introductions and setting. Rose was established in seconds and immediately likable, and the same with the Doctor. As for that Barbie Doll I noticed there are not comments enabled yet!

    • Lightningboy

      October 10th, 2018 - 12:58pm

      Agree Dalek Eye Stalk..the list of upcoming guests was “in your face” to say the least but then again it shouldn’t be about big names/colour of the actor’s skin,gender etc (which is what they seem to be hammering home more than ever)..it should be about the quality of the acting,programme,scripts & stories..as i’ve said b4,i’ve found it very hit & miss since it returned in 2005 (since about 1987 tbh)..I know things move on but sometimes for the worse..watched the Talons of Weng Chiang last night (to restore my faith)..my heart sinks when you compare the classic era with the current run,I was only about 5 or 6 when that went out originally – they didn’t feel the need to dumb it down so much in those days (even to us kids) & it was true to the DW fans rather than trying to water it down to appeal to the mass-teen-market of today..i’m so glad I grew up in the 70s & 80s (rant over,sorry).

    • Arthurian2

      October 10th, 2018 - 4:11pm

      Yes some of the early stories were very dark, for me the autons mowing down innocent by standers at the age of 8 was quite traumatic, but it never stopped me watching. Interestingly the body count doesn’t seem to have been so graphically high since the series was rebooted, and yet this opening episode seems to have bucked that trend. Unlike you though Lighteningboy, I have enjoyed the new series, yeah it’s had a lot of ups and downs, but I’ve always found something to keep my interest. Looking back at this new reboot, maybe trying to set something up in a realistic style just doesn’t suit the show. Let’s face it, Daleks, (and I love em’), are ridiculous, as are many of the Dr’s foes and although the format of Dr Who could be almost anything, it seems to work best in a slightly stylised setting. This reboot also just seemed to be trying too hard to make us feel sympathetic towards the characters. If the actors are strong enough that will come over in time. I appreciate that quite a few of the Doctor’s companions have not been favoured but none of them started with so much baggage. And still can’t believe that Barbie Doll, doesn’t that go against everything this new reboot stands for. Will Jodie be posing for a photo with one?

  • Dalek Eye Stalk

    October 8th, 2018 - 8:43am

    This really needed to be a brilliant opening episode. It wasn’t. It was terribly boring and plodding in places early on. Jodie Whitaker was fine but has not quite got a handle on the role..yet. All in all a watchable episode, but really should have been a more gripping, stunning opening story. Must do better. 5/10 Next episode looks promising though…

    Reply
  • Susannah

    October 8th, 2018 - 7:54am

    I’ve been a great fan of Dr Who since the beginning. To make him a woman spoils the whole concept for me. This first episode was boring, lacking in the feel of space and time, and had weak supporting characters. Sorry, but it just didn’t work. After the last few brilliant doctors – a real let down. Will start watching again when she regenerates into a decent male lead.

    Reply
    • Blungering Hinklesburn

      October 8th, 2018 - 8:52am

      Well, actually it did work. I get that you didn’t like it, but that doesn’t make the episode, or the new series a failure. It worked for plenty of us.

    • Doctor Stu

      October 8th, 2018 - 9:04am

      That’s pointless though as you’ll have missed years of plot. New earth, asylum of the Daleks, Bells of St John, The Pilot weren’t exactly brilliant series openers and people still carried on watching. The majority of the reaction has been positive you just need to give it a chance

    • The Moffat Paradox

      October 8th, 2018 - 9:18am

      Speaking as a gender change sceptic we need to see now that it’s here how all of series 11 pans out, wider reaction and overall viewing figures to get a full perspective and sense of what shape Who looks like being in for a series 12.

    • Blungering Hinklesburn

      October 8th, 2018 - 9:55am

      Speaking of ratings – it got an overnight of 8.2 million, a share of 40.1%.

      That. Is absolutely amazing. Nearly double the overnight of series 10’s opener. If (IF) the show keeps that up, the show is onto a massive winner.

    • Tim M

      October 8th, 2018 - 11:06am

      First episodes of a new Doctor generally perform very well. It’s how they pan out during the course of the series that matters. Still too early to say yet.

    • The Moffat Paradox

      October 8th, 2018 - 2:24pm

      Far to early.

    • Blungering Hinklesburn

      October 8th, 2018 - 7:02pm

      ^ True indeed, but come on! These last few series, if someone had said that the show will be getting an overnight of over 8m in 2018, even for just one episode, would any of us have believed that?

      That’s a higher number than both Smith and Capaldi got for their introduction. There’s every reason to be delighted by this figure, even if the numbers become more average for the rest of the series.

    • Tim M

      October 9th, 2018 - 3:56pm

      The fact a woman was cast as the Doctor for the first time was bound to draw a lot of viewers to this first episode. So a figure close to 9 million isn’t all that surprising. However, I highly doubt it will hold at that mark. I’m predicting 7.8 million for next Sundays episode.

    • Blungering Hinklesburn

      October 9th, 2018 - 8:12pm

      ^ That sounds a fair guess. And again, a great result if so.

      This has been superb news for a series which was scoring 4m, 3m and, believe it or not, UNDER 3m on one occasion last year.

    • R1ch1e

      October 9th, 2018 - 8:50pm

      I agree with that number too. Though I do expect the numbers will drop severely over the course of the series. Nothing to do with quality though, it’s just what happens these days. 10 episodes is a long time to maintain 7 or 8 million viewers

  • Doctorsmith12

    October 8th, 2018 - 7:47am

    Thought it was pretty good. Looking forward for next week

    Reply
  • Tyler Prescott

    October 8th, 2018 - 7:28am

    Just one question – how did she survive the massive fall from the TARDIS? Yes, she’s “within the first 15 hours of her regeneration” so will have some “residual regenerative energy”, especially as she isn’t fully regenerated.

    But she fell that distance, and just stood up and was fine. Is this ever explained?

    Reply
    • Dalek Eye Stalk

      October 8th, 2018 - 8:57am

      Another question, what on earth did the inquest say about Grace’s fall from a crane and death. Did they just put it down to misadventure, showing off and showboating to her family!?

    • Doctor Stu

      October 8th, 2018 - 9:05am

      They all mentioned the lies they all had to tell and the doctor obviously has contacts to help with the paperwork

    • Dalek Eye Stalk

      October 8th, 2018 - 11:01am

      Plus if Chibnall is reaching out for more realism, why then hasn’t the Doctor changed her clothes sooner, or at the very least had a wash! The Doctor must have stunk by the time of the funeral.

    • The Outcast

      October 8th, 2018 - 2:05pm

      I dunno how 13 survived the fall, but I suspect it’ll have something to do with the glowing thing that flew out of her mouth. Will we ever find out and get an explanation for that? The Doctor did say she’d explain later…

    • Doctor Stu

      October 8th, 2018 - 2:25pm

      That was regeneration energy wasn’t it? The same thing that Ten released into the atmosphere

    • whovian

      October 9th, 2018 - 10:22am

      Yeah, the same regeneration energy that came out of the 10th Doctor’s mouth in The Christmas Invasion and out of the 11th Doctor’s mouth in The Eleventh Hour. I think the Doctor managed to survive the fall from her TARDIS is due to point of her being within the first 15 hours of her regeneration cycle. If it had been after that timeframe, she may not have survived. But if that was the case and it was still Moffat in charge, we would have been given some ridiculous mumbo jumbo about a load of words that don’t make any sense.

      I personally really liked the episode, but realise that there are going to be others that don’t like the fact that women are equal to men and also the fact that the Doctor is a shape-changing humanoid alien with two hearts.

    • The Living Shadow

      October 9th, 2018 - 3:42pm

      I think the Doctor has just gotten better at falling. I mean when the 4th Doctor fell in Logopolis he was injured so badly that he had to regenerate, then when the 10th Doctor fell in The End Of Time he got a few cuts, so I’m guessing it’s just like a foot callus type of thing, but for the Doctor’s whole body!

  • Dalekparadigm2

    October 8th, 2018 - 12:07am

    I was scheptical of the whole thing openly online coming into this episode but on the whole I thought it was a pretty Good episode. The story was a little spotty in places but everything worked and I wasn’t left with any regrets. Jodie’s not Peter but she does well with the roll. Looking forward toa good series!

    Reply
  • Doctor Stu

    October 7th, 2018 - 11:22pm

    I’m not going to pretend it was the best series opener because it wasn’t but it was loads better than some of the later Moffatt tripe. Jodie was brilliant, Bradley Walsh was brilliant, Yasmin didn’t really get a chance to shine and Ryan was wooden at some points but I loved the villain, the creepy cable thing, loads of people died, it felt dark and you saw the creature pull the tooth out of one of his victims from a distance and that was a little disturbing. And I loved the guy from the train (I am special, I am valued) XD. And at long last we have some realistic dialogue and settings instead of the poetic quote of the day Moffatt dialogue. I’m hoping we get at least one classic monster return. I felt the most exciting moments for me were when something familiar was addressed, like the regeneration energy, the two hearts, the sonic etc. I know this is supposed to be a reboot but then again so was series 5 and look how that turned out, weeping angels, Daleks, Cybermen, Autons, Judoon, Sontarans etc. etc.

    Reply
  • Mick C

    October 7th, 2018 - 11:19pm

    Oh B****r iv’e become bored with Dr Who and basically have been since Amy and Rory left. I could count on one hand the number of episodes i have enjoyed and the other hand the number iv’e hated. The rest i could take or leave and this one falls into the latter categery.
    Did like the Alien though has some promise.

    Reply
  • Carl

    October 7th, 2018 - 10:59pm

    I will admit I love Dr who BUT this final shot at a come back was not thought out fully .the new writer was just not in the groove .just let this tired old favoret go quietly into history before it becomes a full blown farce to all that whent before it.

    Reply
    • Doctor Stu

      October 8th, 2018 - 9:06am

      That already happened when series 7 was airing

  • Anonymous

    October 7th, 2018 - 10:48pm

    Can someone explain the whole “Tim shaw” joke please

    Reply
    • The Outcast

      October 8th, 2018 - 2:08pm

      The alien’s name sounds a bit like the name “Tim Shaw”, though it’s really something like “Tzim sha”*.

      *That’s probably not the actual spelling of his name, but I can’t be bothered to search for it.

    • Robbo

      October 8th, 2018 - 6:24pm

      Tim Shaw is also a Sheffield born TV and Radio presenter of factual engineering and science TV series, and Car SoS.

  • Carl

    October 7th, 2018 - 10:33pm

    After my first post i still believe the show is wrong and it being made to just keep it p c and the money rolling in for the BBC .the new reworking of the theme song was the best bit .the story was ragged leaving you to fill in the gaps and what’s so great about the accent it’s been done before…

    Reply
    • ADAM

      October 7th, 2018 - 11:33pm

      I agree it was best arrangement of the theme since the 70’s…loved it! Pity about the rest though..

    • Susannah

      October 8th, 2018 - 8:07am

      Agree about the accent. Totally unnecessary.

    • Doctor Stu

      October 8th, 2018 - 9:07am

      It’s her accent though, how was it unnecessary? It’s literally how she speaks. That’s like saying if David Tennant spoke with his natural Scottish accent that it would have been ‘unnecessary’

    • Anonymous

      October 8th, 2018 - 10:09pm

      Nit-picking for nit-picking sake! How dare she have an accent that’s been “done before”. Should she have made up a new accent never heard by human ears. Or used an accent never used my any other Doctor. Maybe we should’ve had a South African sounding Doctor, or how about Norwegian?

    • Lorraine

      October 9th, 2018 - 9:21pm

      Why do the papers say it was so brilliant
      Must be viewing figures alone. That is all that matters not the great history of the programme. How much for RTD to come back.

    • R1ch1e

      October 10th, 2018 - 6:31am

      Lorraine a lot of people DID find it brilliant. It’s each to their own though. It won’t be to everyone’s taste

  • Anonymous

    October 7th, 2018 - 10:24pm

    It was fine

    Reply
  • Antonio Zambonini

    October 7th, 2018 - 10:23pm

    Never watched this and never will dr who has long gone now for me since series 9 everything went and changed too much nothing to do with Jodie dr but this is exact same as eastenders and gone loads think walking dead and others hit up the audience more now days this is definitely for audience of youngers

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      October 7th, 2018 - 10:32pm

      K bye!

    • Anonymous

      October 8th, 2018 - 7:30am

      Think your missing out, I was one of the first to shout, oh no a woman! Oh no Chibnall! But it was really really great, really enjoyable. Yes it’s a bit of a different feel but if it good to watch so be it. Wasn’t look forward to it at all, but now am excited and can’t wait to see the rest of the series. And the theme will go down as one of the best versions to be sure.

  • The Moffat Paradox

    October 7th, 2018 - 10:17pm

    Well whatever hieghts in critical estimation Chibnall has reached since writing episodes under RTD/Moffat this just seemed to me at best another OK Chibnall written Doctor Who episode notwithstanding the gender change and his being in creative control.

    It neither made me think WOW or NAH but as it’s effectively a Jodie Whittaker pilot episode and device for what of course comes afterwards it’s still too early to make firm judgements.The transition from the Peter Capaldi incarnation by Jodi seemed better than I thought it might be.

    Reply
    • The Moffat Paradox

      October 8th, 2018 - 8:42am

      Forgot to mention. Not so keen on the use of letterbox appearing on the screen. For supposedly making the series look “moiré cinematic” I don’t see the problem with widescreen.

    • Omega63

      October 8th, 2018 - 6:42pm

      The way that it works is the lenses will be wider, so you’re actually just seeing ‘more screen’ essentially. Think of it this way, if you widened you TV screen but kept it at the same height, then that’d be the frame.

      If you really wanted to you could zoom a little to make it 16:9 again

  • ADAM

    October 7th, 2018 - 10:08pm

    Again this show needs a rest and a rethink….

    Reply
    • Tim M

      October 7th, 2018 - 10:35pm

      Agreed. It’s clearly going down the route of several shows on T.V now. Reflecting ‘real life’ and commenting on social issues of the day. Doctor Who doesn’t need to go down this route, and it doesn’t suit it. Leave that to the dreary soaps. The show needs another long rest.

    • ADAM

      October 7th, 2018 - 11:28pm

      It needs a rest and a serious rethink. Personally i’d like to see a movie version,preferably a trilogy with Benedict cumberbatch and more hard hitting sci-fi writing.

    • The Living Shadow

      October 8th, 2018 - 3:08am

      Because Doctor Who has, of course, never ever reflected “real life” or social issues….

    • Waterloo Curve

      October 8th, 2018 - 6:55am

      This direction could yet prove to be to the shows’ ruinment. Utter rubbish. It needs a rest or all out cancellation. That sounds brutal but it’s no longer Doctor Who (just my view).

      I watched it on iPlayer late evening when I got in from work and it was unrecognisable as Doctor Who – so much so I checked that I’d selected the right program.

      I love this program and it’s soul destroying seeing it being treated this way, once again a political football.

    • techmki

      October 8th, 2018 - 8:00am

      I don’t quite agree there. Also, this is only one episode. Seems rather over critical from just one episode. However, not everyone will be satisfied. The previous series are available on DVD for anyone wishing to ‘relive’ their favourites from the past. The Pc thing though is really over the top, I would agree there.

    • Tim M

      October 8th, 2018 - 8:50am

      ‘The Living Shadow’ I’m fully aware Doctor Who should and has reflected ‘real life’ and ‘social issue’s ‘, but it should be more of a back story and shouldn’t be forced significantly into Doctor Who. I don’t want a sci-fi version of EastEnders!

    • The Living Shadow

      October 8th, 2018 - 12:58pm

      When did social issues take the forefront of this episode more than any other episodes? Maybe the parts about the dyspraxia, but I thought that aspect was handled well

    • Tim M

      October 8th, 2018 - 9:16pm

      I thought it was handed poorly actually. Why on earth was Ryan trying to cycle on an uneven ground anyway, hardly going to improve his confidence, it’s no wonder he threw the bicycle away, especially with Gran and ‘Grandad’ encouraging him as if he was aged four! I found it very tacky and not well handled nor well acted.

    • Anonymous

      October 8th, 2018 - 9:58pm

      A public park, or road might seem too intimidating or humiliating if you’re likely to make mistakes. Also it’s better to fall onto grass than onto concrete! Personally, when I learned to ride a bike I made sure that I was away from people, because I would’ve been embarrassed if anyone saw me fall (not to mention the possible dangers) and often the only non busy areas happened to be in fields or near hills. Not ideal, but certainly made me feel better about not being able to cycle and helped my confidence when learning

    • Pats86

      October 9th, 2018 - 1:39pm

      Stabilisers would help?

  • dalek1

    October 7th, 2018 - 10:07pm

    I have watched Doctor Who since I was born in 1963!

    I was extremely apprehensive about tonight but THROLOUGHY ENJOYED the whole hour. My biggest reservations – a female Doctor & (of course) Bradley Walsh, but these both were completely unfounded.

    Great episode and the fact that we haven’t even seen the new title sequence and new TARDIS makes it even more compelling.

    Congratulations to the new team. I am really impressed (and believe me, that’s not easy to do).

    What finally nailed it was the new version of the theme music at the end – FANTASTIC and cannot wait to see that installed with the new title sequence next week.

    So – BRILLIANT

    Reply
    • Lorraine

      October 7th, 2018 - 10:44pm

      I have also watched since 1963 and this is not Doctor Who so far. It was okay nothing special. I quite liked the companions. I liked the music. Jodie is OTT but hopefully she will calm down with more experience in the role. The villain was very average. Visually it was well shot but so are many other sci-fi shows. I want Doctor Who to be great but this was just okay. Early days so I hope it will bed in better.

    • techmki

      October 8th, 2018 - 8:01am

      Yes, I agree. Really refreshing. Be interesting to see what comes next.

  • The Dalek Whovian

    October 7th, 2018 - 9:45pm

    I thought it was really good, I find the new cast of characters instantly likeable and compelling. Although the plot had some issues, I felt it was what it needed to be as it is difficult to have a high-scale grand adventure when you have so many characters to establish.

    Although the term ‘cinematic experience’ is arguably cliche, the visual presentation of this series really feels like it without becoming too over-stylised.

    Also the ‘fan-service’ in this episode was done perfectly and for me did not feel like a over-reliance. The Doctor’s mention of her family was a nice callback to Tomb of the Cybermen and of course THAT THEME.

    Overall, I would give this episode a 7/10, a simple but solid plot with an excellent presentation.

    Reply
  • Pats86

    October 7th, 2018 - 9:38pm

    As no one else has mentioned it I will, how did the Doctor survive the fall through the Earths atmosphere and not burn up? Time Lords are not indestructible! The Fourth Doctor died falling from the Jodrel Bank radio telescope! No excuse for poor science here, she should have died entering the atmosphere and if surviving that she should have been splattered like a fly hitting a car the motorway.

    And the three new companions need to be careful, they need to expelle the air from their lungs otherwise the vacuum will cause the oxygen to to expand and rupture their lung tissue forcing fatal air bubbles into their blood vessels, and ultimately the hearts and brains, resulting in death, and not a quick painless death.

    So we are looking at 15 seconds before they pass out, 90 seconds after exposure its death from asphyxiation.

    Poor writing? Yes I am disappointed.

    Reply
    • Lorraine

      October 7th, 2018 - 9:45pm

      I don’t think they are aiming to please an adult thinking audience.

    • R1ch1e

      October 7th, 2018 - 9:48pm

      I just assumed the Tardis was already on Earth. It was just in the sky. But she should have gone splat though when she hit that train

    • Pats86

      October 7th, 2018 - 9:56pm

      Clearly Lorraine, not surprised young ones today don’t know their Photon from their Boson?
      Science is dumbed down to pure fantasy all too often.

    • Pats86

      October 7th, 2018 - 9:58pm

      Probably a bit too much for Sunday evening drama I guess and the episode would have been very short if she had.

    • Anonymous

      October 7th, 2018 - 10:02pm

      The only theory I have is the regeneration energy kept her life, but it’s a weak theory.

    • Anonymous

      October 7th, 2018 - 10:46pm

      the show is science FICTION

    • Doctor Stu

      October 7th, 2018 - 11:10pm

      She didn’t fall from space though her TARDIS was within the atmosphere when she fell, there were clouds and all sorts I think you need to rewatch the regeneration scene

    • Anonymous

      October 8th, 2018 - 3:14am

      Do we know that they’re actually isolated in the vacuum of space and all die, due to poor writing? Or was it maybe a cliffhanger which will be resolved next episode?

    • Pats86

      October 8th, 2018 - 6:38am

      SCIENCE fiction, movie’s like Interstellar and The Martian tried very hard to make them as realistic as possible.
      Interstellar used Kip Thorn a well know physicist who works on black holes to keep the movie grounded as far as possible in reality and it worked very well, Doctor Who would benefit from someone similar.
      The Doctors fall to Earth was ridiculous and pure fantasy, nothing else.

    • obsie

      October 8th, 2018 - 8:02am

      They did it before of course with David Tennant falling a fair distance, resulting with a few cuts only for him to get up and walk about quite easily. So it does make a nonsense of the 4th Doctor’s fall.

    • pats86

      October 8th, 2018 - 8:10am

      Doctor Stu you are right, but the laws of physics still comes into play when falling from the Earth’s cloud tops. She should be splattered all over that train carriage.

      As for being isolated in a vacuum of space, I will be counting the seconds to see how far this has been allowed to steer clear from scientific fact.

      I know it is fiction but as I mentioned earlier we need something bordering on the realms of scientific accuracy, considering traveling back in time is almost if not completely impossible travelling forward is theoretically feasible so in this respect the show is almost working on the grounds of reality.

    • the ergon

      October 8th, 2018 - 10:21am

      Thankyou Mr. Brian Cox. Doctor Who as always been more science Fantasy than Science Fiction and I don,t want it so grounded in reality. Doctor Who is supposed to be escapism.

    • R1ch1e

      October 8th, 2018 - 10:42am

      But In the 60s Jamie and Zoe were clutching onto the Tardis console long enough for her to scream Jamie it’s the Doctor! Arrghh Arrghh!!

    • the ergon

      October 8th, 2018 - 1:13pm

      Also have we all forgot about the atmospheric bubble that allowed Amy to float outside or wilf with with his flask and sandwich.

    • Pats86

      October 8th, 2018 - 3:45pm

      Yes it is escapism, and the show comes mostly under SCIENCE fiction not fantasy.
      And we have books on the “science of Doctor Who” so it should have some strong elements of reality in it when it comes to science.

      Originally as we all know it was to be an educational series and in many ways it has been, considering this is Science fiction we should have some elements of educational fact.

      I would point out that in World Enough And Time/The Doctor Falls did a very good job in explaining how black holes cause time distortion and this proves that science and reality can/should be part of Doctor Who.

    • ET71

      October 8th, 2018 - 6:36pm

      And don’t forget, we’re watching a show about an alien being that can rebuild DNA from the ground up to become a new form, man or woman, young or old, and walk, talk and interact with mortal Earth beings while travelling in a box that’s bigger on the insider and who fights other aliens and other impossible creatures and who has also reset the Universe a couple of times. So perhaps a bit of floating in space can be forgiven! 😉 (That said, we’re all assuming they’re actually in space-space… we might all find out they’re in some sort of containment field…)

    • Pats86

      October 8th, 2018 - 9:13pm

      For the record I counted 16 seconds of exposure to space so at the very least the humans should have passed out? But as ET17 has pointed out they may not be in space – space.

    • The Moffat Paradox

      October 9th, 2018 - 1:39am

      Might be in proximity to the Tardis and maybe either it or the sonic can generate a protective forcefield/life supporting bubble. As for literally crashing to earth a regenerated Gallifreyan has a lot of surplus energy that can enable them to perform feats they cant normally: like the 10th Doctor regrowing a severed hand.

    • the ergon

      October 9th, 2018 - 2:02am

      And according to other books and reviewers it has been argued it is more ‘Science- Fantasy’. The doctor who science books do try to provide answers to the questions, with regards to what is feasible to a show like Who and what are flights of fancy and supposition. And its great when they can include scientific facts for educational purposes without bogging it down in technobabble. A lot of the time we don,t get answers to the questions, its just too much of a big ask and so we the story which is riddled with plot holes aplenty. Anyway Perhaps the TARDIS came into play and anticipated the doctors fall( even with all the radiation energy explosions from the regeneration) after all it is sentient and I wouldn,t assume the time in space as ‘real time’ as it is they left it open. I was thinking atmospheric bubble with the TARDIS in close proximity and with the new team just floating in same position so yes could be something else. I hope there are some logical answers but this is Doctor Who so i don,t take it too seriously.

    • Mick C

      October 9th, 2018 - 3:38am

      C’mon Guys you are commenting about a person falling from about 100,000 feet and surviving without a scratch on a show about a 2000yo “Time Lord” that regenerates into virtually a new Person when they die, has a Machine that that is Bigger on the Inside and can literally go anywhere, anytime in the Universe and you are starting to sprout about realistic Science.
      The Star Trek Enterprise or a Star Wars Star Destroyer are the equiv of a Dugout Canoes compared to the TARDIS.
      Dr Who is the most unrealistic Fiction ever created by a massive Mile.
      .

    • THE ERGON

      October 9th, 2018 - 10:30am

      And you say it yourself Doctor who is ridiculous and pure fantasy and just two of the reasons i love this show. Its all well and good getting the experts in to explain the science, for example Doctor kit Pedlar, to help out the writers in the past but writers now can just look these facts up at the touch of a fingertip etc and advisers would be costly wheras a big budget Hollywood movie now just use them as part of the budget to facillitate actors and writers and can afford to adhere to the realms of ‘science fiction’ and what is scientifically possible.
      Doctor who is more whimsical and thats its appeal so i don,t always have to question why the doctor falls through the earths atmosphere and survives with a show like this. (although occasionally an explanation would be nice).

    • whovian.

      October 9th, 2018 - 10:34am

      After all these comments, I just have to ask, “Did you practice those lines in the mirror?”

    • the ergon

      October 9th, 2018 - 1:05pm

      Haha very good, no, but there does looks to be a lot of research going on somewhere whovian.

    • Pats86

      October 10th, 2018 - 9:39am

      It is better to do research than blindly watch and except, maybe it is just me that ponders such things scientific?

      I do not possess a degree in physics ( although I am no novice) but I know enough to be expecting some science in the show and understand where it is deviating from reasonable reality to extreme stupidity. How do you expect anyone to learn any real science with such weak storylines?

      They have done it before and done it well, so why not now?

    • the ergon

      October 10th, 2018 - 2:29pm

      I,m sure your quite a learned fellow pats 86 (and thats not to sound patronising or condascending) but people jumping aboard for the first time or general joe public tend to just watch it for the thrill ride that it is without much need to question the scientific facts. Its die hards who have been watching this show for some time that start to pick holes or want those logical answers (although there are those stories where I,ve just had to let it lie and come to my own conclusions). Its pretty much hit and miss when it comes to explanations but It does raise the bar when they do come up with an intelligent answer.
      Incidentally last weeks ending might not be what i thought, if the radio times review for next sundays episode is anything to go by.

    • Pats86

      October 10th, 2018 - 5:43pm

      the ergon, you make the point I’m trying to get across, when they give an explanation they do it really well and I find that satisfying even in the poor episodes (quite a lot with Moffats time as showrunner) and sometimes stretching it is fine, but in this instance from this episode it was a bit much, ridiculous even.

    • Anonymous

      October 13th, 2018 - 10:35am

      How about four to doomsday, when the doctor throws a cricket ball for momentum in space, he’s wearing a helmet but his body would have frozen, it just sci fi, hardly anything is realistic in most sci fi. just enjoy it for what is, great entertainment, escapism and don’t get bogged down with reality.

  • Button

    October 7th, 2018 - 9:28pm

    Impressed by what I have seen so far, but I need to see more to make an assumption. The pacing is already leaps and bounds better than Moffat’s. The villain was introduced and you were given a clear indication of the kind of villain they were and why they were on Earth. I have yet to make my mind up about the doctor though I am liking what I am seeing.

    For me the idea of a female Doctor is something that is going to take a little getting used to. I am impressed by what she has brought to the table so far and am happy that Female doctor who fans can relate more to the doctor now that he has taken a female form. The only thing that concerns me is weather we will see the Daleks.

    Chibnall has said that there will be no old monsters in the series though the Sontarans have all but been confirmed. I firmly believe that the Daleks will take centre stage either in the finale or the Christmas special. I understand the angle that Chibnall is going with introducing the Doctor to a new generation but The Daleks are the butter of the franchise and that fact needs to be known from point one. Another important part of being the Doctor is the actor or actresses chemistry with the daleks and it would be a terrible mistake if we did not see that in the new series.

    All in all like what I see so far, but I need to see a little more.

    Reply
  • prototype dalek

    October 7th, 2018 - 9:19pm

    Not really keen, thought it was going to be better. Also did seem like Doctor Who vs Predator nearly

    Reply
    • The Moffat Paradox

      October 8th, 2018 - 1:13am

      My thoughts exactly. If it were more like that I would have been inclined to give it 8-10/10 .
      This Stenza warrior Tzim-Sha also reminded me of the Jem’Hadar from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine “Half expected him to say'”as of this moment I am dead. I go into battle to reclaim my life because victory is life … “

  • Tim M

    October 7th, 2018 - 9:17pm

    Not overly keen on this episode. One of the weakest opening stories of any Doctor in my opinion. One thing that really spoilt my enjoyment was the overtly real life tone of the latter part of the episode. My enjoyment of Doctor Who is the escapism from reality. It’s what has helped me get through some tragedy in my own life. Leave the overtly real life stories to the soaps. Keep the human characters realistic but don’t push the real life agenda’s. I don’t want Doctor Who to be like that. It doesn’t feel like Doctor Who otherwise.

    Reply
  • 42ftw

    October 7th, 2018 - 9:14pm

    I felt I was watching an episode of torchwood didn’t feel like doctor who

    Reply
    • Lorraine

      October 7th, 2018 - 9:38pm

      Torchwood was a thousand times better than this

  • TARDISDWDALEK

    October 7th, 2018 - 9:02pm

    I’m gonna be honest but it was a little boring. I wasn’t for the whole female time lord/lady thing since missy – don’t get me wrong I loved michelle Gomez and her acting was amazing but it just didn’t sit right with me. But even though I don’t agree with the whole female regeneration thing (I am a female so that’s not the problem) it kinda went against the basics of doctor who for me. it would’ve been much better if it’d been the doctors grand-daughter or something so they’ve still got Jodie, a strong female role and the core is dw. Anyway, despite that I went into the episode with an open mind. I liked the start, wasn’t completely sold but kept watching. Unfortunately I started to find it boring, I laughed at the villain who sounded like a copyright of older episodes and a mash up between Venom and the Power Rangers. Some parts seemed too simplistic too – i know its meant to be for children but iwas hoping it might have that Sarah Jane feel that every age group can enjoy. From about half way i was really disappointed. Jodie not bad but i feel like her regeneration performance wasn’t as strong as others and some parts seemed long winded. I watched it to the end though and i hope that it will get better as it continues. Chibnall’s trying to get a new feel from the episodes anyway and i appreciate that – im just worried that they might forget what dr who was really about when it first started. Overall i wasn’t impressed. Better luck next time BBC

    Reply
  • techmki

    October 7th, 2018 - 9:01pm

    It feels like a really good refreshing start, which is what the show needed tbh. The quality of direction is vastly superior to what we have seen over the past recent years. I actually feel interested to see what happens next. It’s like someone has taken a pair of scissors and cut off seven years of loose ends!

    Reply
  • Blungering Hinklesburn

    October 7th, 2018 - 8:54pm

    Very good, I thought.

    Not as good as The Eleventh Hour. But IMO, The Eleventh Hour was the best episode of series 5. Everything that came after it that year simply wasn’t of the same quality. If it had been, series 5 would probably have been THE best series in the history of the show. But it wasn’t.

    Hopefully they’ll get into more of a groove this year; consistently good episodes, as opposed to consecutively “meh” episodes with a diamond thrown in here and there, which sadly I think was a big problem in the Moffat years.

    I can happily accept the loss of the diamonds if it means fewer of the “meh” episodes. I think that’s what the show needs right now, because the ratings last series were NOT good.

    Reply
    • The Werewolf

      October 8th, 2018 - 2:36pm

      This episode is far, far better than The Eleventh Hour. The Eleventh Hour was just awful right the way through, whilst The Woman Who Fell to Earth had a couple of meh moments in the middle, started strong, and ended very strong.

  • Anonymous

    October 7th, 2018 - 8:54pm

    Wow!

    Reply

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