23 reviews
The Doctor creates an immortal
A Very Mixed Bag
Perhaps the best way to enjoy NuWho is not to go in to an episode with any pre-conceptions as to the upcoming episode's merit ? The Girl Who Died certainly didn't look very enticing in the Next Time trailer . Some historical hokum involving camp Vikings which had "mid season filler" written all over it . Nothing special but nothing outstanding that'd be quickly forgotten before the season ends . That said it was co-written by Jamie Mathieson who wrote the two outstanding adventures from last year but this has to be weighed that his co-writer is Steven Moffat . Best not to let any prejudices enter your mind before seeing the episode
If nothing else this episode confirms my continuing frustration with the show . Peter Capaldi show the potential that he could be the greatest Doctor we've ever had and I'm including the classic series 1963-89 in to that equation so I'm not making that statement lightly . A genuinely alien presence and totally hypnotic when he discusses death . Unfortunately he's constantly undermined by behind the scenes obsession that he ahas to be "amusing" in some way as does the wider context of the programme . The story is chugging along happily enough , maybe not as seriously as we'd get in an adventure with William Hartnell but that isn't a criticism in anyway and can understand people loving the scene where the Doctor inspects his parade of Vikings and referring to them as "Lofty , Nog , ZZ Top" but this isn't enough and we then get a misjudged sequence involving the Benny Hill theme . All this "it seemed like a good idea at the time" is symptomatic of Moffat's tenure and despite all the positives of the episode - and it is enjoyable for the most part - it never reaches its full potential
If nothing else this episode confirms my continuing frustration with the show . Peter Capaldi show the potential that he could be the greatest Doctor we've ever had and I'm including the classic series 1963-89 in to that equation so I'm not making that statement lightly . A genuinely alien presence and totally hypnotic when he discusses death . Unfortunately he's constantly undermined by behind the scenes obsession that he ahas to be "amusing" in some way as does the wider context of the programme . The story is chugging along happily enough , maybe not as seriously as we'd get in an adventure with William Hartnell but that isn't a criticism in anyway and can understand people loving the scene where the Doctor inspects his parade of Vikings and referring to them as "Lofty , Nog , ZZ Top" but this isn't enough and we then get a misjudged sequence involving the Benny Hill theme . All this "it seemed like a good idea at the time" is symptomatic of Moffat's tenure and despite all the positives of the episode - and it is enjoyable for the most part - it never reaches its full potential
- Theo Robertson
- Oct 17, 2015
- Permalink
Ho Ho Odin
The main point of this story is to introduce the character of Ashildr (Maisie Williams) who was a big part of the Series 9 arc. That character is interesting and very well portrayed with Williams putting in a strong performance.
Most of this episode is comedic but there is also a darker more serious aspect. The humour is often funny but it does cross the line into parody in a way that stops the episode having credibility for me. The serious aspects are also mixed. Some things work well and are very interesting while other things are a bit over the top.
Peter Capaldi is so good that he makes rather silly ideas like understanding complex meanings in a baby's cry into quite touching and effective scenes. I still am not keen on those type of illogical ideas and the general silliness in this adventure but Capaldi's quality stops this from sinking to really low levels.
The explanation of the Doctor realising he has the face of someone he encountered in Pompeii and interpreting the reason why is unnecessary but Capaldi's acting again makes it work pretty well.
Jenna Coleman does well as Clara but the guest cast are not all convincing with the lead villain quite pantomime style.
The alien Mire soldiers are quite fun looking but their defeat and the whole resolution of the episode are weak and not thrilling or sensible in my opinion.
The aspect of the Doctor using alien tech to save Ashildr is very problematic for me, especially once the arc completes later in the series. Why do the Mire have tech that can give immortality which would be the envy of the universe? Wouldn't others have this same tech or attack the Mire to obtain it? Why do we later find Ashildr as the last survivor as if this tech was never repeated with anyone else? I think it is all an overly exaggerated idea (a common Moffatt era issue) and also unnecessary. It would be far better to give Ashildr a healing power of a less extreme kind which doesn't stretch the plot or the morality of the Doctor giving it to her.
Overall this is a bit of a mess, I think, but the fun and entertainment is ok.
My Rating: 6/10.
Series 9 Episode Ranking: 12th out of 14.
Most of this episode is comedic but there is also a darker more serious aspect. The humour is often funny but it does cross the line into parody in a way that stops the episode having credibility for me. The serious aspects are also mixed. Some things work well and are very interesting while other things are a bit over the top.
Peter Capaldi is so good that he makes rather silly ideas like understanding complex meanings in a baby's cry into quite touching and effective scenes. I still am not keen on those type of illogical ideas and the general silliness in this adventure but Capaldi's quality stops this from sinking to really low levels.
The explanation of the Doctor realising he has the face of someone he encountered in Pompeii and interpreting the reason why is unnecessary but Capaldi's acting again makes it work pretty well.
Jenna Coleman does well as Clara but the guest cast are not all convincing with the lead villain quite pantomime style.
The alien Mire soldiers are quite fun looking but their defeat and the whole resolution of the episode are weak and not thrilling or sensible in my opinion.
The aspect of the Doctor using alien tech to save Ashildr is very problematic for me, especially once the arc completes later in the series. Why do the Mire have tech that can give immortality which would be the envy of the universe? Wouldn't others have this same tech or attack the Mire to obtain it? Why do we later find Ashildr as the last survivor as if this tech was never repeated with anyone else? I think it is all an overly exaggerated idea (a common Moffatt era issue) and also unnecessary. It would be far better to give Ashildr a healing power of a less extreme kind which doesn't stretch the plot or the morality of the Doctor giving it to her.
Overall this is a bit of a mess, I think, but the fun and entertainment is ok.
My Rating: 6/10.
Series 9 Episode Ranking: 12th out of 14.
- A_Kind_Of_CineMagic
- Mar 22, 2019
- Permalink
Fire in the Water. This was excellent.
The Doctor rescues Clara who's cut adrift in Space. They land in a Viking village and discover the locals are being taken and harvested by the War race, The Mire. Clara, the familiar Ashildr and a group of locals are taken, but Clara finds a way of escaping along with Ashildr. They confront the leader of the Mire and Ashildr accidentally declares war. The pair are returned to the Village, and it's up to the Doctor to train the locals how to fight, a plan is hatched, but in the crossfire Ashildr is killed. The Doctor resurrects her using alien tech but in doing so makes her immortal.
There was a definite switch in tone, the first four episodes were very dark, almost bleak. The Girl who died was much lighter in tone, fair bit of comedy, the naming and training of the vikings, ZZ top, Heidi etc, the Baby talk once again.
Lots of questions are asked, mostly surrounding Maisie Williams's character Ashildr, does the Doctor know who she is? Is she the War Lord? Is she a future companion? What actually happened to her when she had the helmet on, was it just heart failure? Is she the hybrid Davros spoke of? She's key to the episode, and was very very good. Capaldi's previous appearance in Pompeii is also brought up.
I loved the settings, locations and costumes, the episode looked very good.
Two things that niggled, firstly Odin appearing in the sky, was that from the Teletubbies? and the place for The Benny Hill them tune is 3AM on ITV2.
It was a very good episode, it had some great moments, I thought the last 5 minutes in particular was excellent, I loved the dialogue between the Doctor and Clara, a great tie in to the Fires of Pompeii. I Loved that the Doctor was uneasy at what he'd done to Ashildr, his tidal wave mistake.
This two Part format is working really well, the characters are being allowed to develop.
9/10
There was a definite switch in tone, the first four episodes were very dark, almost bleak. The Girl who died was much lighter in tone, fair bit of comedy, the naming and training of the vikings, ZZ top, Heidi etc, the Baby talk once again.
Lots of questions are asked, mostly surrounding Maisie Williams's character Ashildr, does the Doctor know who she is? Is she the War Lord? Is she a future companion? What actually happened to her when she had the helmet on, was it just heart failure? Is she the hybrid Davros spoke of? She's key to the episode, and was very very good. Capaldi's previous appearance in Pompeii is also brought up.
I loved the settings, locations and costumes, the episode looked very good.
Two things that niggled, firstly Odin appearing in the sky, was that from the Teletubbies? and the place for The Benny Hill them tune is 3AM on ITV2.
It was a very good episode, it had some great moments, I thought the last 5 minutes in particular was excellent, I loved the dialogue between the Doctor and Clara, a great tie in to the Fires of Pompeii. I Loved that the Doctor was uneasy at what he'd done to Ashildr, his tidal wave mistake.
This two Part format is working really well, the characters are being allowed to develop.
9/10
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Oct 17, 2015
- Permalink
This review contains series spoilers
Vikings are awesome!!
I liked it. The previous episode was better but this one really develops the new doctor. I was never a fan of Capadi but this new season has changed my mind. They actually reference the Pompeii episode which before confused me. Now it makes sense.
Don't believe that bad reviews. Def a great episode... Plus, Arya Stark!!!!!!!! Maisie is fantastic and hope she is on future shows! Awesome, just Awesome!!! What would be cool is to see her as a future companion. Although i think she is too involved with Game of Thrones to be in every episode. I'm thinking More like Cap Jack, in every few shows.
Vikings is a genre that i haven't seen before in Doctor who and i think they nailed it. The Grittiness works.
Whovians will like this one, people looking to get into the show because Maisie might be disappointed. Watch at your own risk!
Don't believe that bad reviews. Def a great episode... Plus, Arya Stark!!!!!!!! Maisie is fantastic and hope she is on future shows! Awesome, just Awesome!!! What would be cool is to see her as a future companion. Although i think she is too involved with Game of Thrones to be in every episode. I'm thinking More like Cap Jack, in every few shows.
Vikings is a genre that i haven't seen before in Doctor who and i think they nailed it. The Grittiness works.
Whovians will like this one, people looking to get into the show because Maisie might be disappointed. Watch at your own risk!
Funny, dramatic, emotional and unique.
- ryanjmorris
- Oct 16, 2015
- Permalink
Good but not Great
- Equalizer16
- Oct 17, 2015
- Permalink
Utterly Fantastic!
- NineTenElevenTwelve
- Oct 19, 2015
- Permalink
The episode is what should have died
What a strong episode of Doctor Who!
- masonbingley2000
- Oct 16, 2015
- Permalink
I am an unpopular electric eel in a pool of catfish
- revans-58368
- Oct 17, 2015
- Permalink
Surprisingly Underrated
- tommyhawka
- Oct 16, 2015
- Permalink
Why???
Can not understand all this negative reviews about this episode.
The principal plot really sucks, but all the things that involved was really good executed, all the stuff about Ashildr, and her death was pretty good too, can actually happen, things like that. Ashildr can be a great character for the future, and this season is all surrounded with "hybrid" stuff. And the reason about his face, seriously, can you see a better way to resolve that?
And the funny moments was really exceptional, "I'm not a huger", the yo-yo moment!!!! that was genius!
Anyway a really good episode, i'm very excited about the future!
The principal plot really sucks, but all the things that involved was really good executed, all the stuff about Ashildr, and her death was pretty good too, can actually happen, things like that. Ashildr can be a great character for the future, and this season is all surrounded with "hybrid" stuff. And the reason about his face, seriously, can you see a better way to resolve that?
And the funny moments was really exceptional, "I'm not a huger", the yo-yo moment!!!! that was genius!
Anyway a really good episode, i'm very excited about the future!
- barnbohusk
- Oct 16, 2015
- Permalink
Two brilliant writers unite for a not quite as brilliant story.
- obrienjonah14
- Oct 16, 2015
- Permalink
The Pointless Child...
Generally I'm not a fan, of Maisie Williams and the things she's done. Insincere, without dimension, this episode and the lady mentioned. The start of a moronic arc, as useful as a guard dog without bark (and teeth). A terrible piece of seasonal casting, but they've built her throne and now she's everlasting (sadly). But remember, poor episodes always come in pairs, lookout.
My Hovercraft is Full of Eels
Doctor Who at its most terrible
It is rare that I give a 1 star review but certainly this episode of Doctor Who earned it. This is just a terrible, terrible episode. Horrible concept, terrible dialogue, awful costumes (why the hell did they give the Vikings horned helmets, I thought that idiocy stopped in the 1970's). A completely moronic plot save (electric eels come from South America).
I might not have minded so much if the comedy had been funny but it really wasn't. This was a completely stupid episode, writing at its very worst. I keep hoping there will be a good episode but it is going down hill faster than a toboggan.
I might not have minded so much if the comedy had been funny but it really wasn't. This was a completely stupid episode, writing at its very worst. I keep hoping there will be a good episode but it is going down hill faster than a toboggan.
- michaellaing71
- Oct 16, 2015
- Permalink
Icky Wicky Drecky
- blastcookie
- Oct 16, 2015
- Permalink
Worst episode of all time?
- TheMoreYouKnow
- Oct 16, 2015
- Permalink
Get better writers you idiots
This episode just sucked. I found myself cringing all the time. Nothing happened in it, too much stupid dialogue, goofy things, and general awfulness. I don't know what's happened to doctor who but it ain't good. Not at all. The enemies looked ridiculous, the acting was pitiful, and the whole thing with resurrection made no sense. It was boring, cringy, and generally just bad in every way. This series has been disappointing, and this episode just epitomises why.
Please help doctor who. I don't know who liked this episode, but whoever you are, open your eyes!! David tennanf and Christopher ecclestions episode were so much better.... So so so much better,,.
Please help doctor who. I don't know who liked this episode, but whoever you are, open your eyes!! David tennanf and Christopher ecclestions episode were so much better.... So so so much better,,.
- scott-lewin88
- Nov 18, 2015
- Permalink
The joke it was that died
I can only hope that this episode was an aberration. The Peter Capaldi / Jenna Coleman partnership has proved a quirky but absorbing deviation from the perpetually younger Doctor of previous incarnations. However, their on screen relationship does require some gravitas in terms of the plot and dialogue. With good writing, a bit of humour can add to the richness.
The set and costumes for this episode were more suited to Asterix the Gaul than anything even mildly serious. The screenplay seemed to be an attempt at the Douglas Adams style of humour, perfect for Zafod Beeblebrocks, who appears as the chief alien, but utterly unsuited to the other protagonists. Humour and tragedy can be combined to great effect in a good production but here they just cancelled each other out leaving me entirely unmoved. There was some good acting and characterisation but the plot was so ludicrous that it simply appeared out of place.
Doctor Who is important both to the BBC and the fans. Maintaining interest and production values is important to a long running series such as this. I wonder if this episode was intended as a gentle hint as to what might become of the BBC if they lose more funding? I can't believe that the makers of this sad offering could have expected it to be well received.
The set and costumes for this episode were more suited to Asterix the Gaul than anything even mildly serious. The screenplay seemed to be an attempt at the Douglas Adams style of humour, perfect for Zafod Beeblebrocks, who appears as the chief alien, but utterly unsuited to the other protagonists. Humour and tragedy can be combined to great effect in a good production but here they just cancelled each other out leaving me entirely unmoved. There was some good acting and characterisation but the plot was so ludicrous that it simply appeared out of place.
Doctor Who is important both to the BBC and the fans. Maintaining interest and production values is important to a long running series such as this. I wonder if this episode was intended as a gentle hint as to what might become of the BBC if they lose more funding? I can't believe that the makers of this sad offering could have expected it to be well received.
Hate when the writers dont get it right..