Not sure what to call this. Doctor Who has been one long connected series. But the original was referred to as seasons and went from 1-26. The reboot Fox TV movie is just known as the TV movie. Then we had another reboot and they are now referred to as series, starting with series 1 and going to 13. But then Disney got involved and without any real reason behind it, we are back at season 1. Logistically we have 26 + 1 + 13 +1. So we are at the 41st season having concluded. Wait, Tennant had a non series 5 episode special season somewhere in there. Does that make us at the end of season 42? I asked the question, and that is the answer, so I guess yes.
Ian did a review when the Ncuti Gatwa season started (crap, I forgot the Tennant 3 episode non season Disney series, that makes us one higher, maybe.) We decided not to do episodic reviews for any show, not just Doctor Who. I’m going to jump in here and do a review for the entire Disney series. Errr, season. Ummm, how about just the stuff they did.
The Star Beast – Tennant is back! Wait. What? And Donna is back. But Donna can never know about the Doctor. Because she became pseudo hybrid Time Lord. I was bothered by the massive ramp up of the power of the Sonic Screwdriver in this episode. Able to create hard light shields. Able to create a functioning floating computer, Able to intercept a teleport in process. It was interesting and seeing Tennant back was fantastic. 7 stars
Wild Blue Yonder – This was odd and quirky in so many ways. Felt like two different stories at one point. And then there was the ginormous Doctor and Donna creatures that I still don’t know how to process. But I loved the slow burn of it. Gave me a sense of foreboding akin to Alien or the Thing. 8 stars
The Giggle – Easily the best of the Tennant return. Neil Patrick Harris was fantastic. His performance as the Celestial Toymaker alone sends this careening into 10 star territory. But I’m actually going to give it 8 stars because I can’t express enough how much I hate the Tennant happy ending with bigeneration. Bigeneration was cool. But Tennant already got a happy ending in a different universe with Rose.
The Church on Ruby Road – This was a fun romp that felt a lot like a remake of Labyrinth. Seeing Ncuti in full swing as the Doctor was great. Solid 8 for me.
Space Babies – Following on the heels of “Labyrinth part 2” we got a show that was reminiscent to me of Spy Kids. Only this time it was babies that are running things as though they are the adults in the room. This drops a bit for me to a 6 star.
The Devil’s Chord – When I heard about this, the big thing was “the Beatles” in Doctor Who. Which I feel is misleading. When we had Van Gogh in Doctor Who, it was the focal point of the episode. And that wasn’t the case here. But the Maestro is the focus. And it feels very Disney, without question. But the Maestro was fabulous. Rivaling the return of the Celestial Toymaker. This is what Doctor Who needs more of. Original stories that push the boundaries, not Daleks and Cybermen every season. Daleks and Cybermen once within a regeneration, sure. But let other beings shine in their villainy. I think 9 stars.
Boom – The Doctor has to stand on a landmine as there is an attempt to disarm it. Or simply find a way to bring an end to the war thereby disarming all landmines as a status effect. Interesting and different. I’m a fan. 8 stars.
73 Yards – When the Doctor and Ruby land, he suddenly disappears after they disturb a shrine of sorts. Ruby has to live out a lifetime without the Doctor as she tries to figure out what happened. A fascinating story that was really brought about by filming schedule conflicts keeping Ncuti away from the set. And another great example of good storytelling. 9 stars.
Dot and Bubble – A poke at our own society and how entranced humanity is with our tech. A wild story with a moment where I thought we were going to wind up with a TARDIS crew. Could have been 3 companions! But then there were 2. And then the potential other one was revealed to be a diva influencer type unwilling to look beyond the screen so to speak. 7 stars, but I think it would have been higher if we had gotten more companions out of it.
Rogue – A story that feels like it is only here to try and replace Jack Harkness. BBC ousted John Barrowman for a prank that was hard to imagine him “not” doing. His character has created a bit of a void in the show and this episode seemed like them trying to fix that. As an episode I would give it a 6 star rating, but as an attempt to replace Jack it merely reminds me of the decision there and knocks this down to a 2. Sorry Rogue, but I hope we don’t see you again.
The Legend of Ruby Sunday – Back to London to try and unravel why it snows around Ruby at times. The Time Window idea was pretty cool to see in action. And the revelation of an old 70’s era villain in Sutekh was great to see. Ruby parts I am a bit less wowed with, but Sutekh parts I am all in on. Having Mel back and part of UNIT is fun too. I think 8 stars is reasonable.
Empire of Death – As Sutekh takes control of, well everything, the universe itself begins to decay and die. Sutekh seeks to bring oblivion to all things. How do you fight against a God? Well to misquote Malcolm from Jurassic Park again “The Doctor, uh, finds a way.” This was a great cap to the season, giving us a season long story and ending even though it wasn’t season long. But it kinda was. 9 stars for a fabulous wrap up to this shortened Doctor Who season (unless you add in the Tennant specials, then you get 12 episodes!)
Overall I have to say Disney nailed it. They brought new fun and life to the series that I don’t think was in need of it, but nevertheless they did. I hope this Disney/BBC collaboration lasts, but even if it eventually spins out and reverts to BBC, it will have been a wild and exciting ride.
I’m still hoping that the mystery of Mrs. Flood turns into the Rani. Don’t get me started on Missy (Loved her, but think she should have been the Rani rather than a gender swap Master.)
Not sure what the math says about a final rating, but I’m gonna go with 8 stars. If you want to do the math and correct me, feel free to in a comment.
Cthulhuville 