Jodie Whittaker's finale as the Doctor was a sendoff which feels like it was from a show superior to the three series which preceded. I had very low expectations after 'Legend of the Sea Devils', but since this episode was not only a regeneration, but marked the 100th anniversary of the BBC, there was clearly a step up in writing and production to match the raised stakes.
It has the hallmarks of a Chibnall episode, it wraps up far too quickly, and there is a barrage of supporting characters. Plus, the decision for the Master to 'kill' the Doctor is a bit contrived. However, it all comes together to be a fantastic celebration of Doctor Who. The villains feel suitably villainous, the plots are imaginative,vwith stakes far better established than any other previous Chibnall episode.
Whittaker, Dhawan and Gill give stellar performances. The final scene between the Doctor and Yasmin is beautifully acted, carrying the weight of five years of television upon it (such a shame that these emotional scenes were not present in the previous series). Bradley Walsh also steals the show whenever he's on screen.
In a sense, this episode makes me angry. Angry because it shows how good Chibnall's run could have been had he given his tenure the care and attention this episode received. Sure, it succumbs to the many Chibnall-isms which have marred the previous series, but it shows that despite it he can create great television if he has the reason to.
Whittaker's regeneration scene is by far the best of the revival (bar Tennant's). It is beautifully shot, powerfully acted and a send off which feels suited for a far superior run. The choice to have the companions give the Doctor's eulogy, with the actress herself given only few poignant lines, is such a refreshing take on the regeneration.
I can count on one hand the number of Chibnall episodes I have enjoyed. The Power of the Doctor is a definite addition to this list.
It has the hallmarks of a Chibnall episode, it wraps up far too quickly, and there is a barrage of supporting characters. Plus, the decision for the Master to 'kill' the Doctor is a bit contrived. However, it all comes together to be a fantastic celebration of Doctor Who. The villains feel suitably villainous, the plots are imaginative,vwith stakes far better established than any other previous Chibnall episode.
Whittaker, Dhawan and Gill give stellar performances. The final scene between the Doctor and Yasmin is beautifully acted, carrying the weight of five years of television upon it (such a shame that these emotional scenes were not present in the previous series). Bradley Walsh also steals the show whenever he's on screen.
In a sense, this episode makes me angry. Angry because it shows how good Chibnall's run could have been had he given his tenure the care and attention this episode received. Sure, it succumbs to the many Chibnall-isms which have marred the previous series, but it shows that despite it he can create great television if he has the reason to.
Whittaker's regeneration scene is by far the best of the revival (bar Tennant's). It is beautifully shot, powerfully acted and a send off which feels suited for a far superior run. The choice to have the companions give the Doctor's eulogy, with the actress herself given only few poignant lines, is such a refreshing take on the regeneration.
I can count on one hand the number of Chibnall episodes I have enjoyed. The Power of the Doctor is a definite addition to this list.