Doctor Who Boom Review | Season One Reaction

In this video, I take a look at Boom and revisit what's been happening over the past week in Doctor Who land. Will this Steven Moffat episode be a hit or a miss? Find out as we go Beyond The Sofa.
🌀 Subscribe to Beyond The Sofa for more intriguing Doctor Who analyses: / @beyondthesofa
🕰️ Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:30 - Mixed Reactions to the Opening Episodes
1:04 - Recap of Space Babies and The Devil's Call
2:05 - Importance of Opening and Closing Episodes
3:08 - Critique of The Devil's Cord Ending
4:18 - Experiment with iPlayer Release
5:26 - Discussion on Viewing Figures and Audience Share
7:15 - Transition to Boom Episode Review
7:36 - Boom Episode Opening Scene
8:18 - Character Development and Performances
9:25 - Timeline Inconsistencies and Ruby's First Alien Planet
10:08 - Dialogue and Writing Quality
11:04 - Immersive Viewing Experience
11:22 - Ruby's Heroic Moment
12:19 - Introduction of New Companion Monday
12:32 - Themes of War and Capitalism
13:22 - Critique of the Episode's Ending
👁️ Follow my Doctor Who Art on Instagram for more galactic insights: / stevesdoctorwhodigitalart
📸 Check out my Photography Instagram for a glimpse into my visual world: / steve_mellor
🐦 Stay updated with my thoughts on Twitter: / sp_mellor
#DoctorWho #DoctorWhoFandom #doctorwhobbc

[@macy1066]

I'm not sure how you only have 412 subsribers. This was an easy subscribe. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

That's ever so kind of you, thank you. The truth is, I've only been going since last November and haven't been posting regularly, or I would probably have a lot more subs by now. Consistency is key but you also have to maintain a good work/life balance.

[@chanceneck8072]

I beg that he's gonna grow now. This was insanely informative and professional, it's unfortunate that most people don't care about Doctor Who anymore nowadays. They're gonna run and support Nerdrotic more and more, even though this video was totally on a production level like Nerdrotic. 😅 Only that Nerdrotic ONLY says the negative stuff... 🙈

[@chanceneck8072]

​@@BeyondTheSofaI can relate. My PC broke in late 2022 and I haven't uploaded since. It's been repaired since last August. But I've done some more editing today and work more on my channel a lot more soon. VERY soon....

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Sorry, I’ve only just seen this, but I’m really thrilled you found this professional and informative. There’s still plenty to talk about with Doctor Who, not least the Big Finish run. There are still videos to be made about the classic era (which is really my era), but I do think it helps to have some sort of experience behind the scenes, because it helps put things in context. As for Nerdrotic… I think I have slightly better production values 😜

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Keep at it. It’s quite fun really.

[@xaiyab6892]

Found your video while searching YT for Boom reaction videos and I'm glad that I clicked yours. I enjoyed your assessment of the episodes so far in this series. Liked and subscribed. Looking forward to seeing more of your content.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I'm thrilled you enjoyed the video. Thank you ever so much for checking it out and I look forward to sharing more stuff in the future :)

[@rupertbath2748]

What struck me about why this worked is, Moffat gets Doctor Who and this could have been a 12th and Clara episode esp. when Ruby defies orders and hand him the urn the urn and his his response I could hear Capaldi saying that so it felt like the same character. BBC must agree otherwise Moffat wouldn't get the Christmas special which if done well will be runner up to Gavin & Stacey.

[@chanceneck8072]

I couldn't agree more. Steven Moffat, sadly, was the last person in charge, who "GETS Doctor Who"... Most people in charge, especially nowadays, don't care about continuity or consistent character, clever writing, etc...

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I agree, he really does just get the show. He makes some smart choices as well, which are often missed until years later when someone realises what happened.

[@RickReasonnz]

I know a lot of people moan about Moffat at times, but when he's on, there's just no better Doctor Who writer. His characterisations just bloody WORK in ways that other writers just don't get.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I think he's a good writer and we're lucky to have him.

[@icarusmcduck9309]

Excellent video as per usual, however I'd have to say I disagree with a few of your points. Specifically when you mention that the episode doesn't have anything to say about specific current problems, I think it's worth diving a bit more into the concept of the algorithm here. This war isn't just being powered by business men in suites, it's being powered by an algorithm. I'd go so far as to say that this episode isn't making an anti-war statement; rather it's assuming an anti-war perspective as the foundation for an anti-algorithm sentiment, it's saying "okay so we all agree that war is bad, so let's make the war in this episode propelled by an algorithm." At the end of the day, there is no need for the suits anymore, I noticed how they mentioned that they'd need a bishop's clearance to alter the ambulances but there don't seem to be any bishops, well, anywhere. I took this all as a commentary on soulless algorithms which have been blindly designed to run the infinite profit growth machine and eliminate all slack, all waste from the system, to the point where even the goals and agendas of the individuals who run the companies have been outclassed by the machine. I also liked that the Doctor didn't personally fix the problem, even if the way in which it was fixed was a little hokey. At least, I didn't mind it. It still felt satisfactorily like he set the wheels in motion which led to the day being saved, I also think it's missing the point a bit to compare the fidelity of the AI of the dad and that of the Villengard algorithm- the point isn't that the dad's AI is strong enough to get through a firewall, it's that the Doctor appealed to whatever was left in that code that ***wasn't*** AI or at least not just AI, he appealed not to the machine to be superior but to the human within. Again circling back to the previous point on the algorithms, this is a statement on the problem. It's telling us that the way to resist becoming subservient to a soulless algorithm is by embracing our humanity and our love and our emotions. Absolutely can be said that this is "yet another power of love ending from Moffat" and that's certainly true, it's a well he returns to all too often, but here it worked for me and I felt this all culminated in a coherent, meaningful, and passionate theme and message. These are just my two cents however, and it's always fascinating to hear how others have interpreted these things. Like I said, great video as always and much love!

[@icarusmcduck9309]

Also just wanted to stick this in somewhere, my favourite Doctor by far is 12 and there was the line "I can't think unless I have someone to talk to and you're the only person I can talk to." I read this as a reference to Heaven Sent and it made me sob. All the references in this episode were phenomenal, even if it did feel like Moffat being self-congratulatory.

[@BeingFrank811]

I agree with you! Thanks!

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I didn't think it said as much about AI as some are reading into it. The AI is a decision, not a problem in itself. The AI is acting exactly the way the corporation wants it to work. If anything, the father's use as a corruption inside the corporate machine was actually a very positive message about how AI can be used for good.

[@paularc1899]

Very intelligent review and balanced! Im impressed! :)

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Thank you very much. It's difficult to try and be balanced sometimes.

[@dougsims4242]

Great channel just subscribed. I agree with every word you spoke. Well thought out spot on views

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Welcome aboard! And, thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Jackson-ub1uv]

I think it’s good to sometimes have the Doctor be unable to solve things on his own, because it shows that he’s not so above humanity that they have nothing to contribute, and also gives other characters the chance to show their worth.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

"Unable to solve things on his own," yes, I agree. Unable to solve things and then something else comes along and solves it for him, that's what I'm not on-board with. Arguably, you could have done a similar thing slightly differently and removed the Deus Ex problem.

[@Jackson-ub1uv]

@@BeyondTheSofa At the very least, I can accept it because it was the _Doctor_ who inspired someone to save their child, and the only way to save that child was to rebel against the Villengard system. It required the Doctor's understanding of the strength of human emotion and his knowledge of AI in order to appeal to Vater's remaining consciousness; Ruby was almost dead, and Mundy was convinced that the hologram was nothing more than an emotionless husk of the real person, not realising that enough of a person's personality is retained that it can become sentient.

[@professorakiba434]

I don't even think pure viewing figures of tele even reflect the reality of viewership anymore when there are a number of ways to get your entertainment these days.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Well, as I argued in the video, those stats may be completely irrelevant. Viewing figures still have a place but the 7 and 28 day figures also have a lot more sway now, since the way we watch television has changed dramatically.

[@jumbojaba1235]

I liked this episode in contrast to the devils chord, I would personally rate them the same, giving them both a solid 8 out of 10 the former being quite fantastical and this one being quite sci fi was rlly cool, also I liked the way they beat maestro better than the way they solved this episode, the grand Moff is a lil notorious for his swift resolutions

[@BeyondTheSofa]

You know, 8/10 might be right for both of them. I think this was just ahead of Devil's Chord, though. I did like the music battle in TDC, but I would have liked to see then link it back to the whole devil at the crossroads idea.

[@akshaytrayner1960]

Great review I thought it was tense

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Thank you. Yes, it was tense :)

[@LOTLore]

I not exaggerating when I say; this is the single most I have enjoyed watching an episode of Doctor who since Capaldi ( I.e since Moffat last ran the show!) Absolutely spectacular sci fi premise with the PERFECT way to do a commentary on war, religion, and capitalism. Great review! I look forward to seeing you talk about the rest of the season.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Yes, actually I agree. This really was something special.

[@owenmcghee1666]

This is BRILLTASTIC as a review. I'm getting used to quality from you.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Thank you so much, that's ever so kind of you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@juli859]

Great commentary!

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Thank you ever so much, that's very kind of you to say :)

[@Arcadi4.44]

Boom was very good. But ut doesnt forgivethe first two Ncuti episodes

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I mean, it doesn't and if you didn't like those episodes then... Well, that's part of the problem of opening with Space Babies, as I said in the video. Having seen the overnights now, there is every chance that the opening episodes have hurt potential viewership. I'm interested to see more when the 7+ comes out for week one and (of course) for Boom too.

[@jamesbaxter1667]

The role of Munday may have gotten the actress the new companion role for season 2/series 15

[@BeyondTheSofa]

It may very well have done, but they have hinted that there could be a connection in the main storyline.

[@oathy03]

It's so nice seeing a truly balanced breakdown. I feel 100% the same, Space Babies was a risk, Devils Cord I enjoyed a lot more Boom it felt like 15 minutes which I always find I feel when its a good Dr Who Episode the acting blew so many negative comments about the pairing out the water for me. I love the Chemistry between them, I love the energy which I think has been lacking in recent years. One thing does niggle me a bit why the doctor hasn't twigged about the same person showing up time after time or is he hiding it ? The snow falling almost feels like they are in some type of globe.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Thank you for your lovely comment. I do try to be balanced. It's not always easy. Boom did seem short, didn't it. It really rushed along but I didn't feel it was too rushed. I am really enjoying Ncuti and Millie and they do have amazing energy. It looks like next week might be Doctor lite, so it could be interesting to see how Millie takes centre stage. I agree about the globe. Ironically, I put a globe in my art piece for TCORR, something that seems more prescient with each week. As for the Susan Twist thing, I hope there's a reason he hasn't cottoned on.

[@polgarauk5606]

Up until this episode the Doctor hasn't actually seen Susan Twist. In Space Babies he had his back to the screen when she appeared and in Devil's Chord when she was facing forward he had his back to her and when he faced towards her she had her back to him. CORR he was in the doorway she was at the bar with her back to him and WBY he was in a tree and ahe was in the house. HTH

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I actually hadn't clocked that. I thought he saw her in Devil's chord, but you're right, and he didn't see her in 73 Yards either, of course.

[@alexanderwiles2003]

i hope the this all being a tv show theory is true and at the end they will point out inconsistencies like the timeline being a bit off as being part of that

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I’m sure there are a couple of ways they could handle that. I’m happy to wait and see what’s coming 😊

[@BeingFrank811]

Even though it can be clichéd, stereotypical, and poorly executed at times, unless you are a parent yourself, and even then, there is no greater power or love in the universe than a true parent's feelings for their child(ren). I can but that the Doctor did not anticipate the father doing that, even though he already went through that with Craig and the Cybermen.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I mean, I thought it was a nice sentiment. I just don't buy into it being able to overcome the power of an AI, because surely people have loved their kids before and been in similar situations? Sometimes things can take you out of the narrative and this was just one of those things for me.

[@BeingFrank811]

@BeyondTheSofa Fair enough. I understand what you mean because it can be clichéd and stereotypical enough to take you out of the narrative. Personally, for me, it didn't take away because I saw it as the unforeseen consequence of the Doctor's action.

[@rupertbath2748]

Never heard of Inside Number 9 but will check it out now.

[@stevkyt2374]

You've got 8 series to catch up on then. Currently series 9 will be the last.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I adore it, it's a portmanteau series with 2 of the League of Gentlemen in. A new situation every week. Sometimes horror, sometimes comedy, sometimes a straight drama or a thriller. Always interesting and always under 30 minutes per episode. It's really a treat.

[@chanceneck8072]

I hated all the holograms. I mean, it seems to have been the algorithm, Idk. But it was programmed to say some of the most random shit, programmed to give exposition to the audience for every situation. I don't know how else to describe it, it just seemed very unrealistic to me. I also hated the way they talked. It all sounded unnatural. Even the computer voice in The Girl Who Waited sounded more natural.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

The hologram stuff was possibly some of the weak points of the episode but even that seemed to be tied into the themes of family that we've been seeing throughout the last few episodes. I think the holograms were meant to be jarring. I'll have to watch it again because I didn't think that there was a lot of exposition given by the holograms. But I do get what you mean when you say it was unrealistic. To me, some of that unrealism was the point as they were th entry point for the audience to understand how that culture dealt with death.

[@chanceneck8072]

@@BeyondTheSofa That's a good point actually. I mean, I will HAVE to watch all the episodes again. This early, I'm only able to get most parts of it from reaction videos. Not the greatest way to build a nuanced opinion, I know. But I don't have any subscriptions, I barely have internet. 😅🤭 But I wanna watch these episodes eventually when they're on free tv. Just have to wait. German dub on free tv. Didn't wanna do that for series 12 or 13. But I kinda regret that. I caught glimpses of an episode when I visited my father. Coincidences 1 and 2, that it was just the time AND the channel, when Doctor Who was running. And it was some episode on a ship, with some Sea Devils, I think. With Doctor 13. And I was so surprised with the dub. Everyone felt like an actual character and the delivery sounded natural. I need to clarify for that, that I HATED all those Northern accents/dialects from that era. Watching it again in the German dub COULD help me to appreciate it a bit more...

[@chanceneck8072]

"Vater" is German for "father".... Moffat's not that creative with names, huh? 🤔😅🤭

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Possibly, or it could be that a society so wrapped up in the Church would start to adopt religiously significant names 🤷

[@Ciofey]

Doctor snaps fingers, tardis materializes around doctor and friends, crisis averted, cut to credits.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

He doesn't have a Stattenheim remote control.

[@Ciofey]

@@BeyondTheSofa Nice knowledge! I had no idea. I would have thought the most advanced civilization in the universe would have made a pychic car with psychic remote parking. ;) The doctor could also not leave the tardis and take the tardis to the person in need without running across a minefield. Or go back in time and catch the falling person before they step on the mine. His future self could even have come back in time to tell him what the best solution is to any problem, like when he jumped about freeing himself from the Pandorica. If you think about it just a little, there really isn't many situations the doctor cannot survive or solve almost instantly. :)

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Except they couldn't. Everything you have mentioned has already been dealt with in the show's rather long history. He can't loop back to where he already was, he can not cross his own timestream because it would cause a paradox. If he saved the guy from falling he wouldn't have herd the guy fall to go back and save him.

[@Ciofey]

@@BeyondTheSofa Except when the plot decrees multiple doctors can meet, no problem. So we end up with a decision based on what the plot dictates, not any established rules or logic. But it's show, not a documentary, and the Blinovitch Limitation Effect can go fcuk itself, as long as the audience is having fun. Enjoy it any way you want. Or not.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Only to a certain extent. The crossing is always represented as something that shouldn't happen and something that it takes enormous power and risk to do, so not something that can happen every week.

[@beachcomberbob3496]

I hate people telling me I'm not a 'real Dr.Who fan'. I've been with the show since 1963 (yes, I'm that old) through thick and thin. I used to sit down with my daughters on a Saturday night, eager for a new story. I would not let impressionable young children watch this latest filth. This is not family entertainment, and I'm annoyed that we UK taxpayers are footing the bill for it.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Okay, firstly you will be glad to know that I didn't actually call any one person "not a doctor who fan." Rather, the comment was framed specifically for those people who do. I've had a lot of problems in the past talking to other fans who see any decent about an episode as some sort of dog whistle for the worst kinds of bigotry. I've never been in that camp, but it is important that they understand that there is criticism of the show coming from people who, in an ideal world, they would want to count among the fans. There needs to be a sea change in the fandom and that means you need to bring those people along with you from where they are right now to a place of better understanding. Honestly, I understand your frustration. I don't share it, but I do understand it. I don't think that there has been anything in the narrative of the show that would make this unfit for a family audience. How a parent deals with that might be different, depending on their own beliefs. I do think there have been a few lines that have been a problem and I have called them out in the past. But, I understand that this show can end up with people feeling frustrated and there is a much larger debate around the future of the licence fee that is slowly happening. I mean, last year, the BBC lost around 3 million fee payers. It seems clear that the current system is not sustainable in the long run. But, those are much bigger topics than I have time to elaborate on.

[@neillynch6245]

Cannon is dead on this show You cant have faith in gods HES MET GODS !! And the doctor crying for 25 mins straight ? Hows that him keeping in control of his emotions ? Pure n utter rubbish writing and them breaking the 4th wall Again (3rd ep in a row) just ruins any emersion.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

- Cannon is a type of gun. - Canon isn't dead on the show - He has met Gods, but of all the gods he's met, why would he put any faith in them? - He wasn't crying for 25 mins straight, hyperbole will get you nowhere - I actually didn't notice a fourth wall break in Boom, but given that seems to be a 'thing' in this series, it's clearly a plot point. But other than that... Um... Sure 🤷

[@neillynch6245]

@@BeyondTheSofa1st spelling errors ? Really? if you don't like comments turn them off 2nd There was a whole season of the doctor trusting the god of light. 3rd how can breaking the 4th wall be a plot point? 4th hyperbole? Ok he wasn't crying for 25 mins straight but picking up again on a word and missing the whole point?

[@BeyondTheSofa]

- I love comments. Not keen on misrepresentation - You mean the White Guardian? Look what happened. Why would he put any faith in a Gods again? - By using it as a point in a plot, it's that simple. One would have to wait to see if/how that plays out. But it wouldn't be the first time it's used as a plot point. In Pirandello's "Sei personaggi in cerca d'autore" ("Six Characters in Search of an Author"), breaking of the fourth wall is central to the plot as it drives the narrative forward. - Again, I'm not convinced there is actually a fourth wall break in Boom at all. Where is it? - Your whole point is based on the premise that he was crying for 25 minutes straight. That's not picking up on a single word, it was the bedrock for your argument. Your follow-up ("Hows that him keeping in control of his emotions?") is only relevant if your premise ("crying for 25 minutes straight") is true, which it isn't.