BEST EPISODE EVER!? Boom Reaction and Review (Doctor Who Season 1)

[@dwfan91-]

Fish Fingers and Custard... Steven Moffat is Back. What did you think?

[@nodatastored684]

Now we know what happened to Susan ... It was a lot of Faction Pardadox continuity Human Re Gen Soldiers Corporate Funded Wars for test samples - Humans from Pods with Cybernetic implants -the face in the Ambulance being The Enemy from Faction Paradox Book of the Enemy It's a faction Paradox story in the Time War

[@mikihorvath6274]

I just watched it, and Jesus Christ, it was SO BRILLIANT! 10/10

[@leeci33]

Moffat knows how to get to the ❤❤ of things. This is Ncuti’s “Midnight”.

[@itsalwaysoniontime]

7.5/10 STEVEN IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mate I don’t even know how to put this into words I really liked this episode, best of the new era 100% and probably best episode since the doctor falls (in my opinion), oh my dilly. Firstly, the setting and backstory to the episode is incredible, the doctor landing in a minefield in a war zone has immediately gotten me excited. The set design is brilliant and the janky LED screen really doesn’t bother me. Secondly, restricting the doctor to a landmine was great, we get to see how this particular doctor acts under pressure and a great sense of tension throughout the whole episode. I really enjoyed the side plot with the girl and her dad, the ending was my least favourite part though, I found it a bit soppy but that didn’t stop my enjoyment of the episode. The meat tubes though.

[@nodatastored684]

PS... Breakdown the Images on the Toymakers Door.... No one else has

[@tom_4615]

Evil Moffat be like: “just this once, everybody dies 😈”

[@cam1e754]

11th doctor saying it instead of 9th just screaming Just this once, everybody dies

[@tom_4615]

@@cam1e754 it’s more 6th doctor coded “oh you’re going to die? Oh well lol”

[@DoctorWhoBookClub]

The Villengard Weapons planets were mentioned by the 9th Doctor as something he destroyed and replaced with banana groves in The Doctor Dances. The ruins were also visited by the 1st & 12th Doctors in Twice Upon a Time. The Skye Boat song, which Ncuti sings in this episode, was also played by both the 2nd Doctor and the Master on the recorder (the Master playing it in Power of the Doctor.)

[@dwfan91-]

Yep- as I mentioned, so so many references. It's like a Hall of Fame of Moffat Who all the while providing an exhilarating thrill-ride. Perfection

[@Redracer96]

In the skye song The president’s wife and the moon is a nice callback to capaldi’s era

[@hulaj__dusza]

That's a DEEP CUT, I appreciate it when that happens in Doctor Who

[@cipherfresh]

I’ve been a person affected by one of those situations that people always say “Thoughts and prayers” to after it happens instead of changing laws to prevent tragedies, so the repeated message of “Thoughts and prayers” but still allowing people to die because the company doesn’t care about human life hit me incredibly hard. I thought this episode was spectacular and it was Steven Moffat at top form and also at his most Steven Moffat. I’d been more excited about series 14 than the 60th anniversary since Ncuti was announced and I feel incredibly vindicated that Ncuti’s season has been amazing so far.

[@kadegetslaid634]

Were so back, THEY EVEN MENTIONED FISH FINGER'S AND CUSTARD FROM MY CHILDHOOD DOCTOR, instantly peak

[@senorgooba7360]

The 11th Doctor representation I was looking for in the 60th.

[@NC.Shorts1]

I saw on your bingo card that the 'classic who reference' hadn't been scored off, but I had noticed one in space babies, as well as the devil's chord. First the doctor namedrops the Rani while talking about his 'title' to Ruby in the tardis while in episode 2 he references the first episode of classic who where he was living in a scrap yard with his granddaughter.

[@sxsanyu]

seeing Varada Sethu’s character so soon was definitely intriguing, wondering if she is playing the next companion here which would be funny as the doctor is finally following through on them checking in every once and a while (on screen at least) - would also be good to finally break the never-ending cycle of modern earth companions

[@dwfan91-]

I KNEW IT WAS HER!! In my live reaction I called it out but thought I was seeing things! I'll post the segment in my follow up video- I love her.

[@lbricks7631]

Good eye, I completely missed that, but she would make a great companion.

[@sxsanyu]

@@dwfan91- hahaha i was gaslighting myself into thinking it wasn’t her because she’s announced for next year, makes sense why the preview this episode had was so secretive considering how much screen time she has in it. cant wait to watch the live reaction !!

[@dwfan91-]

@@sxsanyu Yeah I basically gaslit myself too LMAO

[@DalekCaanOfSkaro]

I had no idea it was her untill catching her name in the corner of my eye when the credits played. I then had to check if i was going mad... and i wasnt. I loved her character before i knew her significance, and now im so much more excited for her. She was amazing in that episode

[@DalekCaanOfSkaro]

We had the Paple Mainframe anglican marines from Time of Angels, Good man goes to war and Time of the Doctor. We had references to the Doctor stealing the moon and presidents wife from Hell Bent, we got Fish Custard references from Eleventh Hour. We got the weapon forges of Villengard call back from The Doctor Dances and Twice upon a Time. And there were probably more easter eggs

[@dwfan91-]

As I said, 'Boom' is not only a celebration of Steven Moffat's contributions to the show but also a celebration of the massive contribution HE IS to the show.

[@sxsanyu]

i missed moffat sm, ncutis dialogue was really ‘the doctor’ and ruby’s dialogue with him was so effortless (imo) - i can’t wait to rewatch this one 5x by next friday.

[@Pilcro]

My opinion: An absolutely thrilling episode from Steven Moffat. I can’t wait to see what his upcoming Christmas special is like. I didn’t like the title “Boom” before I watched it, but having watched it now, I think it’s perfect. That playful onomatopoeia compared with the heart-pounding story set in a horrific warzone is such sick, twisted irony, and it works so well. The episode manages to be thoroughly interesting and exciting throughout, despite being restricted to one location, taking after the RTD1 episode, Midnight. The concepts in this episode are well thought out and thought provoking. The inhuman capitalistic coorporation, Villengard, profiting off of a manufactured war, selling the machines to the Anglicans that kill them and ultimately almost lead to their destruction. The bodies of deceased soldiers being compressed into small cylinders. That concept is horrific and does an amazing job at painting a picture of the world the story is set in. Though I wasn't too invested in the love story between the two soldiers I have forgotten the names of, I still think that it was well written and interesting. And it was little a punch in the gut when one of them was killed. I felt bad for Splice who learns her dad is dead. However, she doesn't seem to be particularly affected by this. I think that may be one of two criticisms I have for the story. It is revealed that it is because of her faith that she isn't affected, but I don't quite buy that. But hey, we all experience grief differently. Despite this, I still think the character writing was brilliant. The Doctor, being put in this place of fear that he rarely experiences, is excellently portrayed by Ncuti. It gives the Doctor further depth. Moffat Certainly knows how to write the Doctor, Peter was the best after all ;p. Speaking of that, however, I have a feeling that Ncuti will become my favourite very very soon. I love his Doctor so much so far, I think Ncuti was the absolute perfect choice. It's such a shame to see racist NMDs complain relentlessy as they pretend he's a bad Doctor. The ending, I think, was the weakest part of the story. The day is saved through the power of a parents love. The idea of the system being taken over by a virus from a random dad feels quite deus ex machina. But it is a good message to the children watching, and it's a very Moffat ending, so it's quite nostalgic to me personally, so I can't bring myself to dislike it too much. I think even if that nostalgia wasn't there, it would take away too much from the rest of the story. But it does knock the episode down to a 9/10 from a 10. The stakes were high and fear inducing. Ruby being shot and almost killed was absolutely shocking and out of nowhere. The Doctor's fear and panic at this happening too was amazingly portrayed by Ncuti. The snowfall, again, was intriguing and when it stopped midair, I was on the edge of my seat. Felt like a little nod to Twice Upon a Time, when the snow is frozen in time. I loved the subtle references that Steven Moffat included in this episode. I'm going off of memory here, so I hope I get these right: - Upon learning of the apparent enemy living within the mud, the Doctor mentions meeting some "mud girls" before of course referring to the Morax from the 13th Doctor Episode, The Witch Finders. - There may be a very subtle nod to Under the lake too, I think. Though this may just be a similarly written line and I may be looking to deep into this and nerding out a bit. Ruby says, "he's really, actually dead", wheras the Doctor says "these people are literally, actually dead". - The Doctor Calms himself by recounting the story of the president's wife, a reference back to the Peter Capaldi era where the Doctor is says he "stole the moon and the president's wife" but it turns out "that was a lie put about by the Shabogans. It was the President's daughter. I didn't steal the moon, I lost it." - Of course, the reference to The Doctor's favourite food being fish fingers and custard is a reference to Matt Smith's tenure as the Doctor. - The villains of the episode, Villengard have been mentioned multiple times previously in Steven Moffat penned episodes of Doctor Who. The "Weapon Factories of Villengard" were first mentioned in The Empty Child back in 2015, after the Ninth Doctor has swapped Captain Jack's "squarness gun" out for a banana which he said had grown at the remains of the destroyed weapons factory of Villengard. The Weapon Factories were also visited post destruction by the Twelfth Doctor in Twice Upon a Time (2017) where he met with Rusty the Dalek. I hope, therefore, Steven Moffat comes back and writes a story about the destruction of the weapons factory. It's a shame that NMD review bombers exist just to rate every new Doctor Who episode 1 star, despite presumably not watching the flipping episode. Twitter (at least the side I'm on) is more accurate, which is a rarity these days. It seems to be either 10 stars or 1 star on IMDB. The 1 stars come in to try and bury the show, and the 10 stars come in to try and counterbalance and fight that. Overall, I would personally give this episode a 9/10. It's an absolute banger (pun intended). Summary: Banger of an Episode

[@lbricks7631]

Holy shit, God-tier episode. I loved how it's titled Boom in reference to the Doctor's fate if the landmine goes off and the Capatalistic Boom that started the non-war. Loved that the Doctor sings the Skye Boat Song to himself to keep calm, instantly reminded of him and Jamie sitting in the London Underground as they're captured by the Great Intelligence.

[@lbricks7631]

@@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914 Bro you literally copied pasted this answer except for the 4th-to-last episode. You commented this on the pinned coment lmao.

[@Dubble77D]

@@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914 I can understand that. Doesn't make it not cringe to do.

[@lbricks7631]

@@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914 Mate, love the fact that you're communicating, but don't use your age as an excuse... You whippersnapper's get so high and mighty.

[@lbricks7631]

Are you kidding me he deleted his response, now it looks like I'm talking to thin air.

[@Godwhyrhys]

Definitely the highlight of the season so far, moffat coming through with a banging script when he has time to ruminate on specific ideas he proves he really has something to say. The idea of soldiers fighting nothing and being executed by the algorithm to keep the war profiteering and numbers up is such a thorough cutting criticism in a few words and it makes you laugh, big up moffat 🤭

[@peterskrobola8753]

As someone who hasn’t been extraordinarily fond of the RTD2 era so far. They did in fact cook.

[@BulbasaurRepresent]

This episode could have been called Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

[@tawnymorgen4196]

I need to find the lyrics to the 2nd song the Doctor sings...tbh I wasn't paying attention until I heard " the MOON AND THE PRESIDENT'S WIFE" and I immediately regenerated

[@watermelonvolcano9999]

My expectations were very high. And I STILL got my socks blown off. Wow that was immaculate. It was actually just cinema ? Like the emotions it took me through and the tension. I feel like it takes one piece of what makes midnight a masterpiece (the one scene sort of thing) and puts a whole different spin on it. The visuals, the concept, the acting, the writing, the plot. Fucking perfection just omfg wow I am in awe

[@vskane]

Just finished watching your community reaction video. Went back to the Home Screen and there you are! The algorithm loves you my dude! Edge of my seat here. Let’s go.

[@JeremyDuncan]

Boom was the first time I felt a deep sense of relief about the future of the show. After the silly and magical tone of the first 3 starting with TCORR, it showed how dark the show is willing to go. I was worried when RTD said the episodes would be more conscious of the anxious teen audience. I thought he meant the show would tone down the darkness, but apparently not!!! Ncuti Gatwa was amazing, so was Millie. The whole cast was amazing. I loved it. As a christian fed up with the hypocritical and nationalistic state of American Gospel, I found the sentiment towards religion and military and "Thoughts and Prayers" fitting and the first properly done social commentary in a long time by Doctor Who. First 10/10 of RTD2.

[@c0ffinfl0p]

I literally just finished watching the episode but it's easily a top tenner. Literally left my jaw agape multiple times and i said "holy shit" probably twice. Beautifully shot, the performances were top tier, and i'm not even a moffat apologist.

[@ofskittlez]

Moffat is SO GOOD at writing individual episodes.

[@crackedjudgement4365]

this and wild blue yonder take me back to 2010, I was worried Moffat had changed his style too, but he brought amazing form to this episode that had me grinning from ear to ear. The corniness was on point too for a doctor who episode, not so much that it feels like a hop along song to learn the alphabet, just plenty enough fun without going dark and gloomy, even in the middle of a "war".

[@Ryysight]

Moffat understands what Doctor Who is, he delivers Doctor Who better than any other show runner, he proved that in this episode... I cannot believe how much I loved every second of it

[@CthUwU.99]

Opening started off strong. It's funny that they went into a crater after that because it seems fitting. Once he stepped on the LED roomba, I knew we were in trouble. No one knows what the mine is, or they don't seem to think it matters being within arms reach of the Dr. The little girl should have known that a mine was dangerous, but no let's just sit next to it rather than walking back to the camp or even a few meters away. Characters just didn't care what was going on around them. Time for a random phone call? I'm not doing anything dangerous, currently blinded, standing next to a landmine, nope. And they can't call when they need help? The whole episode could have been handled ahead of time if someone would have called to distract the ambulance. 3 separate people made it there REALLY FAST. What the hell? Zooming in on Ncuti's foot swaying while he talks about not being able to move was... a choice. Having a rudimentary AI become a master hacker doesn't make sense. Did he get stronger by passing through the Dr? Did the company get lax in security because business was so good? Maybe, but they didn't explain that, so it's up to fans to explain the stupid away. Production issues? They must have put these out of order because this being Ruby's first planet doesn't make a lot of sense after many months together (heck, she saw a planet in space babies). I wanted to love it. Heck, I wanted to like it. Boom 2/10, Devil's Chord 7/10, Space Babies 6/10, Church on Ruby Road 4/10 PS I know you didn't do it in this video, but in your last one you sounded like the people crying 'woke' when you talked about how Americans are ruining the show.

[@orenshepper2436]

Dude I have not seen anyone bring this up. There were so many things that I just felt were so stupid, like everyone in the episode seemed like a child that had no idea what anything really did or meant. The whole technology of the mine was incredibly stupid and it made no sense how he was able to stay on it for that long, especially after all the slight movements and stress he was under. I know Dr Who never really makes sense and usually I look past it, but there were too many things in this episode that would not have happened if people just had some sense. We are just supposed to pretend that one AI can take over what is described as the biggest weapons manufacture? A company that convinced an entire colony to fight itself with their own weapons? It's not even like it was an AI the Dr made, IT WAS ONE THE WEAPONS COMPANY PRODUCED. Overall the entire episode felt like there was a child safety lock on everything and things would just happen when ever they felt like writing it in.

[@patg7714]

finished the episode and IMMEDIATELY came here to just fangirl with you!!! This episode was SO GRIPPING there was no time to breathe! FULL REVIEW PLZ

[@A_Mini_A]

Oh I did not expect to be hit with such a good episode like this!!!! I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen because of how tense it was. Heck, I haven’t felt this tense watch DW since I first saw Children of Earth. I liked how the whole episode was about the Doctor trying to stay calm, then something would come along and throw him off. Ruby being shot really took me by surprise and I didn’t expect it to happen. I had no issue with the effects in this episode and I thought it looked very atmospheric. The fact that most of the episode took place in one area meant it felt secluded and, in a way, it kind of reminded me of Midnight. What really took me by surprise is that I shed a tear over it. I didn’t expect to cry over this, especially considering that we didn’t know most of them before the episode. If I am being honest, I was kind of worried coming into this week. I hadn’t enjoy Space Babies or The Devil’s Chord as much as I wanted too. I was afraid that I wasn’t going to enjoy this new era at all. But this has proven me wrong thank god! Though, every time they said Canto, I’d mishear it as Ianto, then I’d get excited for a second thinking he was back for some reason 😅

[@nathangeorge6563]

This episode was absolutely brilliant. It was suspenseful, it was intriguing and it was such a pallet cleanser. This episode alone has given me so much hope for what that comes next. Bravo ❤

[@bigfoot5064]

I loved it! That's the Moffat I love. All I'll say is that the tonal shift from the previous 2 episodes is insane

[@leejjjjjjj1]

great video! it’s honestly super impressive that you’ve made such a detailed & intellectually written video so soon after the episode was released ps, i really enjoyed the episode too :)

[@Enderman121_]

I was really worried that 15 was always gonna be out of his depth because in the church on ruby road he’s learning new science, space babies he’s scared and doesn’t know why and in devils chord he’s terrified cuz he’s fighting a god. however I think this was the best episode so far for rtd2. 15 takes complete control of the situation even wen he’s in danger and he only gets truly scared when ruby could get hurt. The scene where 15 says “do you get it” talking to the marine is for me his “Doctor moment” alongside the speech to the ai dad. Solid episode and while I do enjoy the camp and cheese I do love a tightly written Moffat script. 9/10 favourite 15 episode so far

[@shoopidly5249]

I'm American and I honestly wish they didn't drop it at midnight for you guys. I feel like it would be more authentic for the US to wait until the same time as the episode airs. It feels almost unceremonious to just dump the episodes on streaming. Aside from that, I loved almost everything about this episode. My only issues with it are: 1.) The characterization of the child seemed like they were having her act a lot younger than she looked which made me frustrated that she was so naive about her dad. 2.) The Doctor has been shown to be afraid of something in all three episodes so far, so I'm starting to feel like that isn't a unique circumstance anymore. Everything about the episode was so compelling. It felt reminiscent of Silence in the Library or Midnight with the tension and the bottle location. I was expecting two different companies of the marines to be going at each other and I never try to guess plots while watching, so I was proud I was close. Overall very satisfied and I think I'm gonna rewatch this episode quite a lot.

[@AnotherScifiGuy]

So good to have moffat back. A great idea to take a scene from a legendary story and make a whole episode out of it, with a lot of material added to make it work. A great script, maybe not quite S Tier for me, but certainly A tier. Keeping the Doctor stuck in one place for an episode could fail, but in the hands of moffat, it works so well. Good plot, great dialogue, plus Ncutie and Millie continue to put in great performances and have such a good dynamic together. The Disney money looks good here too, the alien planet looks fantastic and really helps sell the episode. Love the fact that the soldiers were fighting an enemy that wasn’t even there, there was no enemy. Feels just like the fandom sometimes, with people childishly fighting over trivial points. It’s almost like the story is making a point to the fans about that. We are all doctor who fans, why should we get into rage filled tantrums about with each other? Now debate and conversations are fun (you and I even have those as we don’t always agree on Doctor Who stuff, but we talk to each other in an adult and respectful manner, always enjoyable) but the toxic vitriol that comes from some fans (on both sides of the political spectrum, or maybe I should say from various sides of it) seem pointless and counterproductive. Makes you wonder how many of them are actual fans and how many just like to stir up trouble or get clicks. Appreciate you stopping by the live chat earlier, always good to see you dwfan91. Horns of Nimon did indeed make the list, it was number 29. Love Nimon, such silly fun.

[@dst9997]

Even though I knew she’d be fine in the end, the scene where Ruby gets shot had me shook and by that point the tension was already peaking and my mind had been blown by Varada and Susan Twist casually popping up, godDAM what an episode (and what a god-tier performance from Ncuti)

[@SeanORaigh]

Steven Moffat is so back, babes. This episode was so good. I did call the Kastarion twist coming a bit early, but it was still great. Good commentary, tense, good emotional beats. I don't do number ratings because my brain doesn't work like that but damn this is a banger.

[@tal1018]

i saw someone give it a 7/10 online before i watched it but when i watched it i was like oh my. this episode was a banger throughout. the acting, themes on war and the church, characters. and dont get me started on the direction. moffat writing is doubtlessly amazing, but the directing, wow. i wasnt expecting it. the camera focus, the dirty frame, wowowowow. moffat i love you.

[@scottbacon299]

When we finally get an episode that is this good it makes every episode in the season better because you have seen new aspects of the doctor and the companion. I am even more hyped for the rest of the season now and I just wish rtd and Steven Moffat should co-run the show because together they are absolutely amazing.

[@CrikeyItsDan]

I’m not the best at explaining exactly why I like or dislike a piece of media, I know what I like and dislike but can’t always explain exactly why, if that makes sense. So in that vein MOFF COOKED! Again no idea how to explain but this series so far hasn’t even felt like Who to me. This did, whatever it is that this episode does that the other two didn’t worked for me. Maybe it’s the more serious tone? And that cold open, man I was HOOKED before the intro even rolled. I’ve heard Moff say this and the Christmas Special might be his last and tbh as a fan base we can’t have that, petitions and/or friendly protests needed imo. Also, I wanna Ncuti his flowers. This FINALLY clicked for me and in this episode he felt like the Doctor to me for the first time.

[@ANDY123SON]

Genuine 10/10 episode for me. Steven Moffat was COOKING TODAY

[@j.b.c.a.]

THE MOFF COOKED!!

[@emily_boo_19]

I know my initial review was so-so despite my 9/10 but I have since done a rewatch and took it all in and I loved it, Steven Moffat is BACK, Doctor Who is BACK, it's back to it's highs again. I didn't realise Verada Sethu was in this episode but after watching her since I realised that she's quite good as Mundy and the character isn't given a lot of credit but I feel bad because she didn't get to have that romance. She did distract him though 💀 Ruby nearly dying and asking "who's my next of kin" the e m o t i o n. Ahhhhhhh. Even the ambulance didn't know- or, theory, it couldn't compute due to the apparent age of Ruby. The minute the Doctor steps on that landmine I just felt this overwhelming sense of something I couldn't place. On rewatch i realised this was his true breakthrough moment. As 15 we are finally seeing what sort of Doctor he truly is. And even though he feels like a completely new doctor, I saw all the other incarnations having the same situation and acting accordingly, and that shows phenomenonal talent. 73 Yards is looking to be the most interesting yet. It seems doctor lite, but I'm wondering if it's a situation like flatline where the Doctor was in the TARDIS but couldn't leave, giving Clara some time to flex her growing copycat Doctorness.

[@SweptDust5340]

Yeah i have got to say i really really liked the episode. 1 setting, and i was gripped the entire time. Perfectly executed. I cannot fathom what the budget is gonna look like in the finale because this looked gorgeous to me. No bit of the script is wasted! No character is introduced that isn’t essential to raising the stakes and the emotion. What a gift of an episode i’m so happy. If RTD is the chad I believe him to be, he’s gonna try to mog this episode with 73 yards and that makes me SO EXCITED

[@SweptDust5340]

I have to say as well the child acting was above average definitely better than past doctor who

[@aidandavies6164]

This episode went so hard ngl

[@stopmotionsteve9812]

Absolutely loved it. Moffat continues to prove he is the best writer of the show and you can tell he has been thinking this up for a while. So many themes woven into each other. While the messages could’ve been a bit more subtle I actually liked how angry he sounded. The Thoughts and Prayers line is so good and links to the messages rly well. Ncuti’s performance is incredible, I love how dark the episode is, I love the world building, I love the music, I love the hint at the series arc. Moffat is too good. The references to his previous era were great to see. Also fun fact, the line, “Snow isn’t snow until it falls” was originally in Twice Upon a Time but cut which Moffat said he regretted.

[@laurenkaitlyn6341]

I had faith in this episode. The episode was about faith. This episode restored my faith in the season. I was skeptical after those first two episodes. This was so good it outweighs the bad. I want them to keep every episode up to this standard

[@cartoongame5007]

Something interesting is the presence music is having this season, including the special and this episode, which makes me think Ruby being a musician is going to tie into a lot more later on this season than I expected.

[@TheRealMang0Man0fMystery]

I really liked Boom. I was surprised, it was one of the best bottle episodes Dr Who has ever made. Definitely not what I was expecting, but Steven Moffat cooked.

[@JohnMarston-rt5kr]

I’m starting to notice a pattern with this series, it feels like it’s making slight callbacks to series 1. For example in Space Babies it feels like The End of the World. And Boom kinda feeling like the Empty Child/The Doctor Dances, purely down to the ambulance going wrong which is similar.

[@theenderstar]

space babies being kinda eh and the devil's cord being alright made me a bit sceptical for the rest of the season, but holllyyy that was fucking peak, that next episode preview too ! I feel like a kid again watching doctor who for the first time, genuinely hyped for this new era

[@andre_moraph]

Big big fan of you and your work! Your enthousiasm for the show is really really refreshing. It's always a joy to hear you talk about this show we all love so much 💖💖

[@HorizonGD340]

100th doctor who fan 91 vid woop woop🤙 Anyways so boom is the best episode since the series 10 finale absolute bang bang episode. Ncuti's portrayal of the doctor is new and unique I couldn't imagine any of the scenes in this episode with any other incarnation except the fish fingers and custard mention. And the message Moffat is tryna tell us is ON POINT. Since the start of the episode we just assumed that the Kastarians were dead or had retreated and the reveal that the church were the only ones on the entire planet is amazing. It makes you think what actually happened for them to put all those mines and "fight" a war which was all for nothing. Even Ruby's fake out death was a message to us that all war and conflict is is just a miscommunication on both sides and all it causes is death and destruction. Not to mention another jab at capitalism with the hospitals istg Moffat couldn't resist🤣. So thats my rant over cheers👍

[@dwfan91-]

big one hundo!

[@ChrisKeziahHyde]

This was probably the best RTD2 episode for me. I loved Star Beast (despite the flaws), I loved WBY, I liked The Giggle, Church on Ruby Road was good, Space Babies was a bit of a fall for me and Devil's Cord was great in places but lacking in others. But my word, Boom was something else. Such a unique idea with amazing VFX and a quality cast. The idea of the Doctor being out of action but still present in the story was perfect. At times I felt it was like watching a classic Who ep (I could definitely see T Baker or even McCoy doing an episode like this). I also think this is the best Ncuti performance yet even though he's been pretty solid throughout his run so far. Millie was great and I felt more of her character come through in this one. Interesting to see if Mundy will have a reference in the future as the actor was cast as the next companion. Tharries also had similar thoughts. I genuinely didn't think it was going to be as good as it was but I'm glad it blew up my expectations (no pun intended). Loved the Susan Twist appearance. Bring on 73 Yards!

[@ManiBatchelor]

OH MY DAYS. He's done it guys, and it's bloody beautiful, I knew the moff wasn't going to let me down. I did think prior to this episode, I wonder how whole episode is going to play out with just literally a donny on a landmine. But MAN did he whip up something incredible, I knew literally 1 second in that this was going to be a masterpiece. I do not remember the last time I was this emotionally invested into doctor who, fucking hell was I stressed. Absolutely brilliant, the doctor was crying all over the place, I was nearly crying all over the place, absolutely gripping stuff. Thank you Mr Moffat I love you so much man. and somehow next week looks EVEN BETTER. I am HYPED!!! We should also be getting a doctor cry counter, poor guy.

[@DeadedGamers]

Hardest, beefiest, juiciest cook of the season far, will they cook harder? Maybe with 73 Yards? Great episode all around the Moff is truly back 😎

[@tom_4615]

I have no words, it was just beautiful. Like my god… this is exactly what I want from my doctor who content 10/10 I love it

[@Mazz3D]

Great episode, it was just fantastic. Moffat is amazing.

[@andrealiee]

wow, oh my god, where do i start. i still havent rewatched space babies or the devils chord, but i have already watched boom three times... i think that says exactly what it should. we have gotten so many tastes of ncuti's range and personality with the doctor so far, but oh does BOOM take it to another level. the fact that he does not move throughout the most of the episode, relying on one of the hardest / most impressive methods of acting: facial expressions. everything from his voice, delivery of lines, each movement on his face. he absolutely OUTSELLS it, like you said, its a performance of a lifetime. it says a lot that our first black male doctor is as vulnerable as he is. the characterization is something one wouldn't expect, but it is so necessary. vulnerability is the most important thing every person should have, and to have the doctor display so much of it in an incarnation is necessary. a young, black man, who is eccentric and emotional and loving and energetic!! it is rare to see portrayed on television, and in such a positive way. he does this while also being THE DOCTOR. there isn't a shadow or part of my brain at ALL that sees him as just another person or an actor. he IS the doctor, and he is so much more. it's a great example to set especially for children! I can't find anything bad about the episode. there is one line that irked me, but was necessary regarding the context in full, and the doctors frustration. "Faith. The magic word that keeps you never having to think for yourself." For an alien who holds on to hope until the end of their breath, this had a sharp sting, but of course that was its intended effect. with the context of organized religion and the church militarizing, it's perfectly understandable to say it. i just was a bit shocked later, when confronted by Mundy, where he says just because he has faith doesnt mean he has to like it. One of my all time favorite Doctor Who quotes comes from Demons of the Punjab (big shocker) where 13 says "Something I believe in my faith: Love, in all its forms, is the most powerful weapon we have. Because love is a form of hope and, like hope, love abides in the face of everything. You both found love with each other. You believed in it, you fought for it, and you waited for it. And now, you're committing to it. Which makes you, right now, the two strongest people on this planet. Maybe in this universe." kinda long but i wanted to include the whole thing. (HOW GOOD is demons of the punjab guys?!) The Doctor obviously does not have an organized religion or belief as far as we know, but this quote always stuck with me because it fits in the context of who they are as a character. they don't believe in a higher power, they don't have an organized religious belief, but they have faith in love and its power to change others. compassion. how love affects us and our actions towards one another. Love between couples, between friends, between family. Between a father and a daughter. I'm sure there are plenty of people who think the ending may be a cop out or too easy to be considered good, but damn i dont know, i really liked it! a fathers love so ingrained into himself that the AI version of him saves the day for his daughter. that is so powerful. at the end of the day, 15's quote on faith gets its own spin by the end, with a succint and gorgeous: "what survives of us is love." 10/10 for me. can't wait to rewatch this countlessly. cant believe i blabbed so much about that i forgot to mention that in ruby's scan she was like 3000+ years old! what was that about? i would assume they scan based on biology and not birthdate year, so 👀❓️ imma need to hear some theories

[@aesthetrick2424]

Ncuti Gatwa was the mvp in BOOM. 15 goes through so much in 40 minutes it's unreal. From his command of the screen to the portrayal of pure dread and trying to stay calm was so enticing to watch! MOFFAT COOKED! Especially with the scene where Ruby is shot, it's just one thing after another keeping you on your toes. It's also soooo Moffat to write a war that has an army fighting against the weapons and equipment the payed for. Cheif's kiss. MY GOAT

[@adamsmithington7478]

That Christmas special is gonna cook. This episode is 10/10. How the hell do you make a good episode when the doctor doesn't even move. Steven moffat is the goat. I hope the Christmas special is like the Christmas carol episode or last Christmas. Both of them are top tier

[@unnamedweirdo3804]

Is it just me or has this season genuinely been getting progressively better since the Christmas special

[@dwfan91-]

I just thought the same thing! It's like every episode gets better and better

[@kordei-7839]

It’s like season 3 where the first two episodes weren’t perfect but it’s still a much loved season because the rest of the season is really good. I liked 1 & 2 though

[@jumbojaba1235]

@@kordei-7839 I don’t know about that I thought season 3 was good, then got worse with the Dalek 2 parter 42 and Lazarus experiment then got better again

[@steveandjeanniefrith236]

Its just you.

[@unnamedweirdo3804]

@@steveandjeanniefrith236 And at least 18 other people

[@CrusadinSlayin]

what I love about this episode is, you could show anyone this episode outta order, and STILL be amazed and watch it, sure you won't get some of the context from the main story, but you'll understand MOST of the concepts from Steven Moffat's work! its such a good episode.

[@blockydude2253]

They Michelin starred it bro the cooking was real. It was brilliant. Easily Ncuti Gatwa’s best performance by far. The emotional rollercoaster was wild and so were the references. The creepy ai combined the doctor dances with the idiot’s lantern and irl theme of AI. It thought the romance was kinda random but then BOOM he gets blown up. There was some other great themes and references in there far too many to mention it was just brilliant the suspense was so high but there wasn’t too many things happening because it was all contained in one crater. My favourite so far. Also references to the doctors daughter (but maybe not the clone)????

[@regaltoast]

I loved, loved, loved this episode! After re-watching the two episodes from last week and now "Boom" I just feel so much better about this season! To anyone that said they were going to give up on the show after last week, watch "Boom" AND re-watch last weeks episodes. Maybe not all in a row, maybe space them out, but still give them a re-watch. The amount of episodes of Doctor Who that I end up liking after re-watches is ridiculous! This one though? Loved it from the start. Backstory for the world, sets up the serious stakes, and makes you care about different characters all before the opening credits? That makes for a fantastic episode!

[@galaxymutant]

I was watching with my mum and she had a eureka moment realising the thing Moffat took was the doctors ability to help lol very good episode 9/10

[@Jkchavesz]

Im a new doctor who fan, this is my first time watching the show and im loving it so far

[@dwfan91-]

Hope you continue to enjoy!

[@jamielavender236]

I was expecting the scope to be way bigger than the sort of bottle episode-esque feel of Boom, but man was it so good, Ncuti was firing on all cylinders, every panicked line delivery just felt so real, and the themes of capitalism with the ambulances and the land mine reminded me of the themes in Oxygen, aswell as smile, but I think the way it was presented here was excellent, I liked the last two episodes but this one has blown them out of the water in my opinion. And the next time teaser has me so excited for the next episode and the rest of the season. 9/10

[@dwfan91-]

Definitely handled a lot better than Oxygen. Smile did it well in my opinion

[@jamielavender236]

@@dwfan91- yeah I agree, I also loved the message about faith and the nuance of the doctors views on it, It felt close to my own opinion, also btw, I love your videos man, without fail your channel is the first place I go the moment an episode or news about doctor who comes out :)

[@dwfan91-]

@@jamielavender236 Thank you so much that is so kind of you to say:)

[@azizuladnan2957]

I... have... just I guess, just tiny problem with it. I don't know why... It's a great episode, great premise, and the resolution is sweet. My problem is... the Doctor's behaviour after having that near death experience... he went to Ruby, and just like "why aren't you there to witness all of this?" Like he didn't just go to her, and hug her, and ask if she's alright. And then something about want to write the story using drum beat, that just threw me off... I'm sorry for the criticism... I guess it just doesn't make sense for me with just that part... I'm sorry for rambling...

[@jlbwho7913]

Such an incredible episode the moff has done it again. Was also fun watching him on the in vision commentary His era is also my favourite (of the modern era). There's a reason his stories dominated the 60th anniversary poll. Ncuti stole the show with that acting like damn he can do emotions well. I loved the first 2 episodes but this is on a whole new level

[@MrTheHawk]

The reaction we’ve ALL BEEN waiting for 🔥🔥🔥

[@utopic777]

I'm not a chibnall hater. but to me this episode was better than every single of his era's episodes except war of the sontarans and power of the doctor. i love the ideea that the doctor just can't move and has to stay calm. i'm really hoping varada sethu's companion is mundy as it would be really fun to have a companion thats not from modern earth. loved the return of the anglican marines, havent seen them since the thin fat gay married anglican marines ( RIP to my guy fat gay married anglican marine). hell bent reference, clara reference, fish fingers and custard reference. solid 9.5/10. not the biggest fan of the evil system idea, however i am an oxygen enjoyer so i can appreciate it. 10/10 ncuti acting, didn't feel like millie got a lot to do but i really didn't expect her to get shot.

[@zayamsbury]

loved the episode! seen it twice now. i love how the story compressed every moffat line/trope/narrative trick/character/quip into what is essentially a real-time episode. has doctor who ever done real-time before? i also love how, inevitably, haters will be all "but it's' just a moffat re-tread!" oh my lord that's the game he was playing! my only quibble is that so much of the episode is shot in close-up. that set was so gorgeous i wanted to see more of it! and i think the challenge for the doctor of being stuck in one place would have played harder if we saw medium and long shots more often. the more action-oriented moments -- ruby shot, on the ground -- were hard to parse because the spatial relationships weren't always established. the intent behind the close-ups was no doubt to focus on the performances and recapitulate the closed-in feeling of the story. still, when you have so many close-ups that you have to zoom in on the eyes just to raise the tension, you may be going a bit overboard. still, loved the ep! the social commentary was spot-on and so well-considered. pitched just right for doctor who. stoked for next week!

[@doubleluckydub.7782]

Now and then I'm reciting "whatzapeveribodi"

[@xzempty_8387]

An absolutely amazing episode.

[@Snuzzled]

My jaw was on the floor at multiple points in this episode. Great one, and we needed it!

[@jeremy355]

This is the best episode so far this season, and I really like the Devil's Chord. For me this has everything I love about Doctor Who. It's an instant classic.

[@metodej91]

Its very much a moffat episode, but I was happy that it hasnt copied any of his older episodes, since we all know he tends to reuse ideas. If anything, it mostly felt like a Moffats Midnight. Small episode driven by the writing and performences. Speaking of, this was best acting from Ncuti and Millie so far, the Doctors yell when Ruby got shot was such a strong moment. I also loved that even thought they have the biggest budget in history of the show, they still choose to make entire episode in one place with few actors, the budget is serving the show and not the other way around. I probably still enjoyed Devil's chord more, simply becouse its more my taste (I love my doctor who goofy, you know how it is), but I cannot deny this was absolutely brilliant episode. The boys are cooking and I cannot wait for episode four, Im sure it will be another certified banger.

[@booradley8895]

Hadn't copied any other episode? Did you not watch it?

[@annas.1155]

Haven’t been able to watch the new season due to finals and working two jobs but every time you upload I’m comforted that at least one other person thinks about this god-foresaken tv show as much as I do

[@duckgamer9449]

I loved this ep and I loved the unleashed. Its so nice to see rtd and the moff talking about their understanding of the doctor

[@GrimmsWolf]

This is the best episode of Dr. Who in ages! I was absolutely blown away by how good this episode was! My literal only criticism of this episode is I wish they had found another way to start the fail-safe countdown, rather than it being just a normal thing the landmine does. IMO it doesn't make sense for it to check and see if there's a viable target before it goes off if it will just explode anyway later on. For a "smart landmine" it doesn't seem to distinguish between friend or foe, so it isn't checking to see if a friendly unit has just stepped on it. Also, the landmine itself doesn't seem to explode when it goes off as we see the same landmine vaporize the guy from the cold open, then rearm very quickly to be ready in time for The Doctor to step on it. Why not go ahead and fire the energy pulse or whatever every time something touches it? Maybe there could have been a line of dialogue where Mundy or The Doctor explains that once the sensors get to a certain percentage (two fingers gap instead of 4?) a fail-safe timer activates? Idk, something about it just seemed off in an otherwise STELLAR episode.

[@DigitalWorldArchive]

The moment the doctor stepped on the landmine, I wondered if the episode would work in that single space, 40 minutes, no movement, and I'm so happy it was great. I really didn't even feel the passage of time as I was so immersed in everything. The only part that I felt was strange was Splice's character, as I felt she was just not there most of the time and really felt detached from everything. However, the ending made me understand more about her. I got the idea that it wasn't that she didn't understand what was happening, but rather that she already knew and had already moved, and that the real point was that everyone still needed to catch up with her. I don't think it's what was intended for the character from the very start, but seeing it like that made me accept basically the only part of the episode that I didn't like. Something I don't think will really matter, but I found it interesting when the Doctor was saying why him being blown up quantumly would be a bad idea. He mentioned that he was a timelord and, therefore, actually higher-dimensional. I recall some extended media also describing the timelords like that, and I wonder if it's put there as a point for the 4-wall breaks. In recent years, there's been a lot of use of higher dimensions as a metaphor for reality and fiction in multiple media, having higher-dimensional entities often seeing the lower worlds as a comic book, a TV show, and so on. Using that as a reason for why the Doctor could do the fourth-wall breaks could be interesting; I don't think that will be the case, but it could be a way of explaining that.

[@RottenMilk313]

Absolute madman and goat posting an hour after the episode drops

[@davetothethird]

While it had some issues, the episode was fairly solid overall . Gatwa’s performance continues to impress and he has elevated every script he’s been given so far.

[@zachpreachuk576]

Absolutely bonkers. Was planning to have a beer while I watched but I couldn’t even take my focus away even for a second to take a sip 💀 Moffat cooked like he was on the Masterchef finale. Easy 10 imo. Amazing allegory - fully agree that though it’s very in your face, the intensity points to how grave the real life issue is - it’s pushing into absurdist satire beautifully. An all-timer

[@SmeggingGallifreyan]

Just want to preface this by saying, I'm a big fan of the channel and love your attitude towards the show, its very refreshing and much appreciated. This episode was a solid 9.4/10 for me. Missing out on the 0.1 due to a single line "now you want proof, faith gyall." I've seen people run with it, loving it and quoting it as their favourite part and if so? More power to you! However it just seemed to be out of character to me, a bit of Moffat's bias seeping through to the script, into the Doctor's character. Granted, the Doctor has always stated he is not a man of faith but has always respected others (even though he has called out peoples practise of it if it's wrong.) but that line felt condescending beyond what I myself have seen from the character. And hey, it may just be a new trait for this incarnation, and i myself may be taking it too seriously. I will admit i do have an insecurity based on people with the belief that "religious belief = intellectual inferiority" and thats what it feels like in this episode. But yeah, thats about it. Banger episode otherwise. Love the season so far, love the Doctor and Ruby dynamic and can't wait to see the mystery box open. Also, upon watching this episode, as soon as the opening credits came on, I was hit with the feeling of "is fun again" (I loved the previous seasons, its just theres a certain glee to this one).

[@reallysmallbird]

In my opinion, this episode was an absolute banger (if you’ll pardon the pun)! Easily a 9/10 for me. I loved nearly everything. The stakes were high, the drama was there, and the character beats were pretty impactful. Plus, the setting was really imaginative and just beautifully gruesome. The fact that it was a total character drama, set in one location for the whole time, was really cool. Gave me “Midnight” vibes. I didn’t know if Ncuti and Millie could carry that kind of story, just because I hadn’t really warmed up to them yet, but I was absolutely blown away by how well they did. Ncuti really felt like The Doctor in this episode, and that made me happy, because I really want to see him grow into his own and blow us all away. The political commentary was pretty overt, but somehow still ended up feeling subtler than the stuff in Space Babies... Maybe that’s just because they didn’t really have any clunky points of dialogue. I like when Doctor Who does political commentary (especially about anti-war type stuff, since that’s such a big part of the Doctor’s character), but I hate how often it ends up feeling clunky and ham-fisted. I like clever, subtle messaging that doesn’t distract from the fiction you came here to watch. The resolution of the episode did feel like a little bit of an ass-pull. Like, just from a realism point of view? Nah, man. Some random AI should not be able to hack into an disable the entire Villengard algorithm. They would have safeguards against that. But, realistic or not, I have to admit I did still I like it, just because of how emogional it was, and how uplifting of a message it is, saying that even an AI reconstruction of a father’s love is enough to defeat the big bad. Overall? By far my favorite episode of the season so far. This was probably the one I was most hyped for going into, but having watched it, I’m now actually really excited to see where the season goes moving forward! Doctor Who is back, baby.

[@murraymint8599]

Right so first of all I’m the same as you, absolutely stunned by this episode but first I would like to share my thoughts on the two that came before it. Space Babies: the title is very strange especially for a season opener but then again technically Church on Ruby road is the new episode 1 so it’s not as strange as I thought. For me at least his big “exposition dump” actually felt quite natural to me I dunno why but it just did maybe it was Ncuti’s Delivery I dunno but it just worked for me. My thoughts change however when we first see the Bogeyman, I understand it’s explained later on in the episode that it’s so scary cos off its roar but when we first see the bogeyman he doesn’t roar immediately so we could’ve had the doctor be really intrigued and not scared at all but when getting face to face with it it roars and he immediately panics, this could add more confusion as to why the doctor is so scared. The whole mouth thing with the babies was a bit uncanny sometimes but by the end I kinda got used to it. But that scene with the snow and the memory changing was just fantastic beautifully directed and the soundtrack made it even more eerie and mysterious which is just getting me more and more excited for the rest of the season. My final thing to say on Space Babies is that the Doctor seemed to say the name of the episode way too many times for my liking. All in all I had a fun time with this one but it didn’t leave any lasting impression on me, a solid 5/10. The Devils Chord: first I wanna say it was a big step up from space babies the premise is fantastic, Ruby playing her theme on the piano really brought a smile to my face and all the hype made it was one of the episodes I was most excited for. The cold opening set things up nicely and Maestro playing the theme gave me and my dad a giggle, speaking of the giggle that moment genially gave me goosebumps and after that the silent scene was really well shot. Sometimes though, I thought Maestros performance was too goofy and I was really looking for something more serious from them, and the finale song was just very jarring not cos it’s a musical in Doctor Who but just because it wasn’t the type of song I was expecting. Over all it was definitely better than space babies but there are still some problems that could’ve been fixed so for me this episode is a 7.5/10. Boom: wow! What an amazing episode, I might not have that much to say about it as I’ve just finished watching it and my main thought is “Wow!” I really don’t have many bad thoughts on this episode apart from at some points it felt a bit to explainy and I didn’t really understand why the Doctor, Ruby, Mundy and Splice all suddenly became really good friends after only meeting like 30 minutes previously. Also did anyone else notice that Ambulance said that Ruby was 3082 years old or did I misunderstand something? But putting that aside I would give this episode a 9/10. Even though some of my criticisms might seem harsh to some people I dunno but I am really enjoying the season so far and I’m looking forward to what’s to come next with 73 Yards, I just hope it doesn’t become a theme of the Doctor getting scared all the time because when that happens on occasion it really works and shows that they are really in danger but when you do this non stop it can really water down this effect. My last bit of complaint I have is that there is not enough conflict between the Doctor and Ruby I feel like they work really well together but that is what’s lacking in my opinion. But that’s me done I don’t really know any other way to end this other than saying, bring on 73 Yards!

[@Road_to_Dawn]

Fantastic episode. When I first watched it, I couldn’t decide if I like it more or less than The Devil’s Chord (I freaking loved that episode too) but now I’m thinking Boom is in the lead. Each episode better than the last so far. And I don’t know anything about 73 Yards at all beyond what we saw in the next time trailer, but I’m so excited for it! Amazing vibe from it already. Anyway, I looked up the cast on IMDB after watching and my mind was blown when I saw that Mundy was played by Varada Sethu! I’m so confused about that! Like, is this character going to be the next companion? Or will the next companion be her ancestor since they might not want to make someone from the future a companion? I have a shot-in-the-dark prediction (probably not gonna happen) that Ruby is going to regenerate into the next companion, so maybe Ruby bases her regenerated appearance on Varada Sethu’s character in this episode? I need to know!

[@duckgamer9449]

Tbh idk what Moffat was cooking with the body smelting, thing looked like a 🔦

[@dwfan91-]

flesh, that shone a light

[@duckgamer9449]

@@dwfan91- thoughts and prayers 🙏 xx

[@markfernkopf5133]

Best episode I've seen in a very long time! As for the airtime, I have to quit doordashing early on Friday evenings to get home by 6 to watch it, to make sure I can avoid spoilers, which sucks, losing out on income. I absolutely love that we no longer have to avoid the Internet entirely for 7 or 8 hours to avoid spoilers anymore, but honestly the 60th anniversary airtimes worked better, we got the episodes around lunchtime, right after waking up , just started work a little later is all, but that wasn't so bad , and it was much much better for our U.K. brethren. But it is what it is, and Doctor Who is amazing and it makes me happy all the same! :)

[@benjamin._.mcalister1698]

Absolute BANGER episode, genuinely crazy. I cannot remember the last time Doctor Who had me on the edge of my seat. The writing was goddamn fantastic, the pacing, world building and callbacks were all perfect, the messaging wasn’t too on the nose but was still poignant, this contends with some of the best episodes in New Who. Literally the only critique is that that kid was so unbelievably stupid. I might like Devil’s Chord just as much for the music and overall creativity, but this is LEAGUES above Space Babies. 9/10 Unfortunately I can’t help but feel like this would have been a PERFECT second episode after Space Babies, THEN have the time jump into Devil’s Chord. Would have meant we still had light hearted fun first, but then it would hook audiences in with something more serious and gripping. Also would have established The Doctor’s bravery and dynamic with Ruby way more naturally, this was the PERFECT trail by fire to bond Ruby and The Doctor. Also, 6 months of travelling with The Doctor and no new planets?? It really is a RTD series, The Doctor must have only taken her to space stations, contemporary earth and the past once.

[@aidandavies6164]

I had what I thought were probably unreasonably high hopes for this episode, but my man moffat comes in here and out does them anyway. I was glued to my telly screen for the entire episode, when it ended I just could do nothing else but watch it again. It is 3am now and I'm still in too much awe to sleep. Incredible episode ong.

[@quantummuffin1895]

Given that I've been watching Series 12 most of today (yay half 3am doctor who watching, curse you Disney), I am so thankful to have Murray Gold back. I could not take another one of those ambient stings for a death (case to mind being Suki's death in Praxeus). Overall a strong showing from Moffat as hoped after the previous two weeks general disappointment. Tilting between a 7 or an 8/10. Main quibble is of course the child, who as one of 5 alive characters has less personality than the AI, and the apparent brain of a pigeon. I think if she was a year or two younger it wouldn't be so jarring, but the characterisation is just so odd. Does she not know about the holograms and caskets? Why does she recognise what the landmine is yet 5 seconds later not care about it? Why does she completely ignore everyone panicking? I'm just going to run with the explanation that she's autistic, which serves as an additional reason for Vater to have brought her along. And then just to be a pedant, that casket clearly does not weigh 6.7 kilos when Ruby is holding it. And secondly, if we go by the June/July comment from last week then they've been together for 6 months since December 2023, yet this is her first alien planet? But other than that, very impressed with Ncuti this week. No other Doctor would have approached the situation with the same attitude. It is kind of unfortunate knowing that this will likely be a stylistic outlier of the season with Russell writing most of the rest. I've always preferred Moffat's era anyway, but I wholeheartedly prefer Moffat's harder science fiction here to Russell's fantasy direction, which is very much evident when contrasting this to episode 2. But 73 Yards does look very interesting so I shall hold out hope for Russell to match or exceed this (praying for no child actors).

[@faceofbob]

You nailed this reaction perfectly! I almost left this series after the first two episodes, ready to touch grass, but this dark episode helped me to appreciate the almost too silly, campy start to the season. The 3rd episode would’ve missed its mark if not for the previous installments. Now I have to undo my cancellation of Disney+ before I get cut off mid episode 6. 😅

[@drakeconsumerofsoulsandche4303]

The doctor saying "I met mud people, lovely ladies" I a reference to the episode witchhunters

[@reverse7503]

now im kinda wondering if the snow that happens around ruby has anything to do with that heartfelt message at the end about everything melting away like snow

[@incineakechi5197]

Only just watched the episode and got the notification for this minutes after. I gotta say I loved it though the Dr figuring out there was no war seemed like a bit of a jump. I could totally believe it being invisible or mud aliens

[@dwfan91-]

Yeah that is true, BUT the Doctor had already been to this planet before in the past so that's why he knew

[@stark_harshly]

Some excellent writing and performances. Great character stuff. But I did think the resolution wasn't as strong. The firewall was a problem, but then it wasn't? Then why bring it up? But this will definitely be one that gets many revisits.

[@sinom]

I had some issues with the episode. In general I liked the episode and loved a lot of the ideas in it. But the child actress wasn't great. And sometimes the tone switches didn't really fit? Usually I don't mind sudden changes in tone but here idk it was a bit weird. Though my biggest issue might actually have been the visuals in this episode. I'm not sure why but a lot of shots just look like people on a stage. It looks flat and doesn't really look like a battlefield. And doctor who has done convincing battlefields before with a much smaller budget. Also I thought the ending was a bit underwhelming with another "we solved capitalism by somehow ending an entire interstellar company in a few seconds". That's the second time this happend under moffat and the third time this same resolution happened in new who. I liked it a lot more than space babies and generally more than the devils cord. I know I complained a lot but it's still an 8/10 or so in general. Also yes that next time trailer looked like it will be amazing

[@platonymous]

Agreed with everything you said. Yeah that child actor literally had one expression throughout the entire episode.

[@EasternStandardTim]

I feel like I didn’t really get the fish fingers and custard thing while Matt smith was there, but man, now he’s been gone for so long, that line had me crying real quick

[@nathangeorge6563]

The acting was amazing, the villain was excellent especially with the creepy old lady ambulance, the story was disturbing yet fascinating. It truly was a brilliant episode, probably my favourite one so far ❤

[@senorgooba7360]

Now that I've slept I'll give my thoughts on the episode. I originally was going to wait until Saturday evening to watch the ep but was too excited so watched it at midnight and it did not disappoint at all! I'm really quite happy with this one. At times I felt that I was watching the 12/Clara dynamic but with 15/Ruby. Considering how Moffat writes the doctor as the same character regardless of the actor that makes sense, and it was fun and a bit nostalgic to see his characterisation of the Doctor in this episode again. I only started watching in 2008 and I was 6, so never got the whole "Moffat was better under RTD" thing. After watching this, I understand why everyone wanted him as showrunner back in the mid/late 2000s. Damn I love Moffat. The teaser for 73 yards looks creepy. Im guessing the gimmick is that the woman following Ruby is always 73 yards away from her. Considering Ive had nightmares where this exact thing has happened, i think next weeks ep will be a scary one. Loving the tonal contrast this Series is showing so far!

[@matty_mls]

This is probably recency bias but this genuinely be one of my favourite dr who episodes already, the grand moff did in fact cook.