Doctor Who - FLATLINE Review

The Doctor faces an army of lethal Banksys in this imaginative script from Jamie Mathieson, which asks the simple but fiendish question: "What would happen if the TARDIS exterior became really small?" It's arguably the show's best in terms of special effects, with a disintegrating settee and marauding Bacon-esque figures among the highlights.  The tone is lean and dark, a good fit for Peter Capaldi's trapped Time Lord.

It's also a rare case of the series attempting to reflect modern life, returning to a council estate environment last seen properly during the days of Rose Tyler.  A community service team are the main characters, pilloried by guest star Christopher Fairbank (who
is underused).  There's a decent "replacement" companion in Joivan Wade, named "Rigsby" for some bizarre reason.  Capaldi and Coleman continue their strong partnership, and while critics of the Doctor's lack of involvement won't be pleased, they can't argue
that Coleman's performance doesn't compensate for a neutered title character.  Personally I love the balance - if you hate it don't worry, there'll be another one along in a minute.

As with last week the conclusion is hurried and you could claim the overall concept needed a bit more development before leaving the 2D page.  But this is another memorable three quarters of an hour and the latest in a string of interesting ideas that has set Series Eight apart from its predecessors.

 

Doctor Who - MUMMY ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Review

 
Strong production design, a reasonably natty concept and a scary monster combine in another quality instalment.  The Doctor once visited the Titanic in space for an unsatisfying Christmas episode, now the trick is refined for The Orient Express, which plays host to an Ancient Egyptian curse. The Mummy is rendered here as a classic horror movie creation and the idea of having a countdown to each death is an unusual and memorable one. 

New-to-Who writer Jamie Mathieson has created a thrilling story that ends up a bit repetitive and overconceptualized, but still keeps the audiences' minds ticking over.  Sadly the ending is rushed and there's a lack of overall explanation.  The twist in the tale is exciting and the transformation of a train carriage into a science lab is handled well, switching from mood lighting to stark brightness for the dissection of the threat.

With his foreboding features Peter Capaldi is right at home in this entry and though Jenna Coleman seems a bit of an add-on this week the two stars continue to share their surprising chemistry.  Of the guest cast, Frank Skinner is fine, though is better as a comedian than a slightly reserved actor.