Dot And Bubble Doctor Who Review | 2024 Series 1 Reaction

Dot And Bubble is an episode of Doctor Who that has caused a stir online. I explore the episode in this video, including my initial reaction to it and everything that happened. Was this a classic retelling of an even more classic tale or did this episode fail to deliver its promise? Certainly, some of the early reviewers have seemed a bit crabby, but what will the fans think?
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🕰️ Timestamps:
00:04 Introduction and Episode Comparison
00:24 Trailer Insights and Social Commentary
01:00 Spoiler Warning and Content Overview
01:22 Personal Achievements and Artwork Recognition
02:09 Reaction to "73 Yards" Episode
02:31 Audience Reception and Viewing Figures
03:15 Critique on Fan Understanding
04:00 Episode Ratings and Audience Share
05:03 Initial Thoughts on "Dot and Bubble"
06:12 Plot and Character Analysis: Lindy
07:20 Social Commentary and Story Setting
07:42 Lindy’s Encounter with the Doctor and Ruby
08:10 Disorientation and Story Flaws
09:07 Elevator Scene and Bubble Mechanics
10:15 Introduction of Ricky and Social Media Influence
11:15 Narrative Issues and Character Dynamics
11:39 The Dot’s Role and Teenager Stereotypes
12:22 Comparison to Macra Terra
12:44 Acting Performance Praise
13:07 Character of Ricky September
14:22 Narrative Betrayal and Bigotry
16:08 Comparison to Previous Doctor Who Eras
16:51 Overall Thoughts on "Dot and Bubble"
17:17 Reflection on the Season and Episode Ranking
18:03 Final Thoughts and Future Episodes Preview
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[@ZanderMoone]

Again. Another banging review. I like how you give healthy criticisms about the writing, but your overall enjoyment shines through. I think it’s different yet refreshing how you recap the previous episode and certain events surrounding it each review. Something I don’t think I’ve seen before.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Thank you, that’s really kind of you. I don’t think you can talk about episodes in a vacuum, because so much is going on around them. Also, there are things I don’t think about on the first watching of an episode, and that’s when I write my review, so sometimes I feel I need to “correct the record” somewhat, and acknowledge things that I may have missed the first time around. I’m thrilled you like the reviews. Thank you for watching 😊

[@LOTLore]

I loved this episodes sci fi premise, and as you said it was already doing good commentary about social media and rich society, but then that ending! WOW. That’s the type of jaw dropping, heartbreaking moments that are going to eat at the doctor at night. The ones he couldn’t save, despite his best efforts. Genius.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I think this might get some awards. It deserves it.

[@NankitaBR]

The ones he couldn't save *because they couldn't accept being saved by him.* That's the biggest gut punch, because if he was one of his previous selves, they probably would have accepted his offer

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Yep, absolutely.

[@moreclaat2428]

I found myself not wanting him to help Lindy in those final moments which I think was the point, but I found there was a disconnect, maybe because us as the audience knew she had betrayed Ricky and it was unclear if the doctor could see through her lie towards the end. I think it would’ve been really powerful if he had realised what she had done (and who she really was) and then STILL extended that olive branch despite his disapproval, really amping up his undying moral urge to help. The audience may find the doctor making a different choice than they would have, but maybe that’s who this new doctor is, someone who would help when we would have given up on this person. And made that slap in the face at the end sting a whole lot more. Still really liked the ending, Ncuti killed it and two doctor light episodes in a row has me really wanting the duo back together.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Yes, I agree, Lindy letting Ricky die did make it feel like there was something left unresolved and perhaps that was what pulled me away towards the end of the episode. But, Ncuti definitely pulled me back in. Perhaps someone discovering what she had done and that being something that alienated her from her 'tribe' could have been nice... But there wasn't the time for that. I do like your idea about the Doctor still extending an olive branch regardless. I'm looking forward to next week precisely because there should be more Doctor in Doctor Who. It will be good to see the two of them in action again.

[@ChristyAbbey]

@@BeyondTheSofa He always offers the olive branch. Even "no second chances" 10th Doctor

[@jakejancook]

I really didn't mind the ending at all. In fact I think this ending shows a lot of potential for this doctor. If they can apply this emotional depth to other topics too this doctor could be incredible I did think they could've had a few more hints to the racism throughout the episode, maybe the doctor saying nobody wants his advice or something early on The overall episode was great but I do wish we learned where the monsters came from, and I don't know that we ever learned why the AI system was killing everyone? I also still feel a little like we know more about Lindy's character than we do Ruby, and I also don't really understand why they wrote Lindy betraying Ricky I did like the depth of this episode. Feels like it's a subtle call back to Don't Blink

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Oh, I think the end of this cements Ncuti in the roll in an emotional way we hadn't quite had until now. I felt every moment of his frustration when he was on screen. It was extraordinary. I kind of think they should have gone the other way with the racism. I like the ambiguity because I like the idea of the switch at the end, the moment where the audience realises what the whole thing has been about all along. I did think we were told where the monsters came from in some respects, the Dot made them (or the intelligence behind it) specifically to kill the inhabitants of Finetime. Of course, that doesn't really explain what happened on the home world.

[@cyansays13]

I’d recommend a rewatch and look simply at The Doctor vs Ruby’s introductions screens to Lindy. Ruby’s screen comes in normally and Lindy merely questions how Ruby was able to contact her. The Doctor’s screen has a big warning surrounding it. There are dozens of these types of nuances in the episode.

[@cyansays13]

@@BeyondTheSofaI had presumed that the Homeworld also used dots and it was the same result.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I think that's the intention. It is a little ambiguous.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

It does, but then, when the Doctor comes on, it's the first time we see anyone other than one of her friends come on screen, so how would an audience member know that it's different. That's one of the things I keep trying to say to people, there is a lot of ambiguity within certain actions. I suspect to draw people in before the bigger reveal at the end, so you can go back and see the results of that. Some people seem to be suggesting we all should have seen that as the episode is played out and I'm not sure that's being fair to people.

[@NoFormalTraining]

I think with regards to Lindy not being able to walk without the sat nav like guidance does make some sense given how we're shown it working initially. She's not paying any attention at all to her surroundings when walking around her home, but thanks to the directions she gets she navigates around her rooms with the greatest of ease - all while only looking at the images projected on her bubble. She simply has no idea how to even use her peripheral vision. It even navigates her around a dead body with her not paying any attention to it, because she never saw it. She even shows at work that she's not willing to drop the bubble to look around her office to physically look at her own co-workers and talk to them face to face. So her bumping into things because she's habitually only looking forward and not even thinking to look around makes sense - Especially given she doesn't want to see any more of the horror of one of her friends being eaten alive. Walking into the same lamppost a couple of times, not so much. On a side note, I got wondering just how romance or other physical relationships work in this world. Given hugging and holding hands seemed almost totally an alien concept to them, or at least needed permission first, and that no one seems to do anything in person with other people, how does someone fall in love and have kids of their own? Obviously not relevant to this episode but something to muse over some other time. Was this place setup as some sort of population control? Send the "kids" off to this odd "party town" where they do two whole hours of work a day, then party the rest of the time, with some sort of social conditioning that limits all kinds of physical relationships? I've seen a comment somewhere trying to link these space racists to the space babies, but, with the space babies we had a multi-ethnic group of toddlers. I doubt the... people... of Finetime would like that.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Walking is a motor function. We basically don't 'think' about it. Suddenly being able to see wouldn't suddenly mean she can't put one foot in front of another. I mean, she veers off to her right twice. Creatures with the tiniest of brains know how to avoid things. The lamp post scene worked for me because she specifically wasn't paying attention. In the desk scene, she was.

[@NoFormalTraining]

@@BeyondTheSofa We don't think about it because we are so used to it. We do so much of it by force of habit but we still rely on our sight to judge distances, especially in unfamiliar places. Lindy and co have the basic walking motor functions down just fine, she doesn't know how to pay attention to her surroundings because she's never had to - she even refuses to do that just to see how her friends are doing. The bubbles sat nav did all the navigation for her via the arrows and instructions so she could always have more precious bubble time. Take those away from her, she knew how to walk but not how to navigate, which explains the table bumping because she had no idea how to allow for obstacles like that. She's never had to. The lamppost on the other hand was right in front of her, which thinking about it now, suggests her level of awareness of her surroundings was even poorer since she wasn't paying attention to things right in front her either.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

That's not true, I'm afraid. We don't think about it because of a function of the brain. Walking is a fundamental motor function that, once learned, becomes largely automatic and is controlled by the lower brain and spinal cord, rather than the higher brain functions. We may rely on sight to judge where we are, but not the direction of travel, as happens with the desks. The lamp post, I don't have a problem with because that is something that happens regardless of motor skills. That's her not paying attention to her surroundings. But, the desk, she has to purposefully not walk forwards to make that happen.

[@NoFormalTraining]

But we did learn to do these things, by constant repetition we learned how to walk around and avoid obstacles by making some level of judgement on some level, be it higher brain function or lower brain function. You still use your own judgment decide what you are going to do, turn left or right, take the stairs or use the lift, move to avoid that obstacle now, or wait till you're a bit closer to it. Lindy never did learn to do any of this. She can walk perfectly fine. She has that motor skill down, but has no spatial awareness, or common sense for that matter, to judge the distance needed to move around the desk properly, or avoid other obstacles, simply because she never learned to do so. She had the bubble to do all that for her, like when it guided her around the dead body on the ground that she never saw because the bubble was up.

[@pandaphil]

Gotta admit I went in expecting something different, and several times I thought I had the plot figured out, only to have the plot take a left turn. As for 73, It took a second viewing to work it all out. And I've no doubt the series finale will clear up any other confusion. I guess I'm just different. I don't need to have every little thing explained.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I do wonder, actually, whether the viewing figures will reflect the fact but it doesn’t look like the most exciting episode of Doctor Who. I think if people have missed this one, they’re really missing out.

[@debshaw680]

Great review. I need a rewatch myself. Thanks for your review!

[@BeyondTheSofa]

It is worth a rewatch, mostly because you pick up on stuff you missed before.

[@russelleldon510]

Loving your reviews ! Great stuff

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Thank you ever so much. I’m glad you like them 😊

[@AuroraButterflyx]

I love this episode. Lindy, I hated from start to end so I never had a moment where I was cheering her on. She was unfortunately brought up as a sheltered spoilt brat, so it makes sense the way she acted. Seems like Ricky is the only real sane person in Finetime. Overall I think the story was good and I didn't feel like it was rushed. I give it an 8 and my 3rd favourite episode of the series. Also, how did the rest of the people get to the end, did I miss that bit? And why did the slugs eat the rest of their home world? (unless my hypothesis is that they were also annoyed with the rest of their society). Also as you mentioned about 73 yards, Ruby mentioned that she remember seeing a Susan's face in a different time, which suggest she remember at least some parts of 73 yards (as that the only time apart from Boom where she would see the face), which I glad about and hoping it does play a bigger role in the finale.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I'm glad you enjoyed the episode and that it ranks highly for you. It's always interesting to see how different characters resonate with viewers. Lindy’s upbringing as a sheltered, spoiled brat does make her actions understandable, even if she wasn’t the most likable character. Regarding how the rest of the people got to the end, it wasn't explicitly shown, so you didn't miss anything. It seems like the focus was more on the main characters’ journey and challenges. I also appreciate your thoughts on "73 Yards." Ruby's memory of seeing Susan's face does hint at a connection and it's exciting to think about how this might play a bigger role in the finale. I’m looking forward to seeing how these threads tie together too. :)

[@nayazgill7733]

Well to the point of her not being able to walk without instructions i think is a metaphor for how reliant we are on technology. For example how its hard for us to navigate a city without an app telling us where to go, or form our own opinions without being told what to think. Its taking that concept to an extreme to make a point. As for the racism aspect, i genuinely loved that twist at the end where you as an audience member realize whats going on with the doctor, and Ncuti's reaction was amazing like its palpable that it hits the doctor like a ton of bricks that having this body will now impact how he is perceived.

[@purplecelery7380]

Great analysis (I also appreciate your commentary around the viewing figures too. That's concerning it's not doing great on the BBC. Could it be because more and more Brits are watching it via Disney+ ?). Onto the episode, I enjoyed how Lindy was set up as a character that you felt exasperated/amused by, and there was the expectation that she (like nearly all other main characters in shows like this) would grow and change by the end. Then bang - she betrays Ricky, and you know that there's truly no redemption for her. Loved how RTD subverted those expectations.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

FYI, we don't get it on Disney+ over here, just on iPlayer. Yes, I liked that as well :) Sorry it's taken so long to respond by the way :)

[@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914]

I think now the grumpy Who fans who dislike this season will say : Why did he react like this at the end. They would have needed Ncuti to sya : "It'S because i'm black, right?" (And he thinks: ANY other regeneration almost, and they'd be saved! But they judge me now. Feels like the Night of the Doctor, when Cass reacts with abhorence towards McGann.) And then the dumbos would have understood that ending. Betcha many won't have understood and would have needed Ncuti to spit out those horrendous words which his emotions clearly demonstrated!!!!

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I think I’m probably going to get some comments about Ncuti crying. That seems to be a Moti amongst people who don’t like the series so far. I think some people are going to suggest this is an attack on white people as well, because that seems to be a similar vain that they mine. If anything, I think this was a lot better than previous arrows and it gets the politics right. It’s not saying to any particular group “look what you’ve done“, if anything, the people of Finetime could easily be one of us given the wrong start in life.

[@charg1nmalaz0r51]

@@BeyondTheSofa I think when it comes to this type of racial commentary people get a bit sick of it because its as if the showrunners live in a completely different decade. The repetitive tropes they keep using when it comes to race at this point are dated and over played. Even in the context of anonymous social media in the grand scheme of things people do not talk or act this way in 2024. I hardly see the point of the commentary tbh. The only ones who seem to think people still act and behave this way are the media lol.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I think you could be right there. I'm sure there will be instances of some people acting like this, because if you look hard enough you can find it anywhere. I think this was a different take on the racism angle, however. I'm sure a lot of people will look at this and conclude that it's just about white supremacists reacting to a black person, but I think (intended or not), what you actually have here is an indictment of any in-group's reaction to the out-group and how that can lead to people doing some quite cruel things... For example, allowing Ricky to die. I mean, we happen to be in an election cycle at the moment and there will be some MPs who have worked tirelessly for their constituents who will lose their jobs (possibly to be replaced by worse candidates) because they're with the wrong party, or they're the wrong faction of the wrong party. That cruelty can come from any camp, and we often ignore it when it comes from the camps we most associate ourselves with. Yet, we'll always make assumptions that our actions are the morally virtuous ones, and so those people who agree with us must also be morally virtuous. That's exacerbated by the bubbles we find ourselves in, which perhaps only allow a distorted view of the world through. Yes, Dot And Bubble is doing this all through the lens of race, but it can have a bigger meaning in the wider context of the narrative.

[@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914]

@@BeyondTheSofa exactly !!! ANY kind of group! In french we call this "communautarisme". Onjly for those within YOUR closeted community!!

[@kbg12ila]

Honestly looking at this season as a whole now, we cant see it completely yet, but so far, its really quite a strong season in my opinion. I think it fits nicely in the first 10 seasons and i dont think it would even be at the botton. Definitely better than series 6, 7, and 8 for me. I love how risky and experimental this season has been. I dont think a single episode has veen "safe doctor who" which we started to see a lot of during Capaldi's run. And I really like it, because even though it can lead to some duds, it leads to some of the best episodes in the the shows history. This is what Russel has done really right as the showrunner so far.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

You may be right. I didn’t think we were going to get this level of storytelling throughout the run and it’s nice to see that show doing something that is new but at the same time aligns with what the show has always been.

[@quangobaud]

There's a term for game characters (usually playable characters) not being able to navigate around furniture and/or glitching/no-clipping through objects/walls. So, that clip of Lindy not being able to navigate was hilaroous to me. 🤓 She's a lot like an NPC with fixed dialogue & behaviour. (i'm only watching clips & reviews so my perspective of what is happening in episodes is severely limited)

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Yes, it was a bit like she was glitching, and she is a bit like an NPC, but that doesn't last long.

[@KaijudoMaster11]

I play chess online... they have these arrows to help people figure out there next move... some people can't lay good chess with out using those arrows, so I understood the arrow bit and it made me laugh a lot, I liked it... Remember people also use arrows and foot prints to teach others to dance, and some feel they can't dance with out them... For Lindsey, she's never walked without those arrows, so it was messy for her. 😂😂

[@BeyondTheSofa]

We've all seen arrows being used to teach people dance moves or help with chess strategies, and they can be helpful in those contexts. But here's the thing: learning to dance or play chess involves higher brain functions, while walking is different. Once we learn to walk, we don't consciously think about it anymore. It's like putting one foot in front of the other and just moving forward without giving it a second thought. Walking is a basic motor function that becomes automatic after we've practiced it enough. Our muscle memory and coordination take over, and it's controlled by parts of our brain like the motor cortex and cerebellum, not the higher brain functions we use for more complex tasks. That's why the whole arrow thing for Lindsey in "Dot and Bubble" feels off. Unlike dancing or playing chess, which need a lot of conscious thought and decision-making, walking is something our bodies do on autopilot once we've got it down. Dancing, incidentally, does largely become "motor learning" over time, much like playing the guitar is. The idea that she would need arrows to walk is unrealistic and simplifies her experience too much.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Metaphor or not, the initial stumbling into desks was sloppy. Walking is a fundamental motor function that, once learned, becomes largely automatic and is controlled by the lower brain and spinal cord, rather than the higher brain functions. This process is known as "motor learning," and it involves the development of muscle memory and coordination through repeated practice. Essentially, after the initial learning phase, walking is managed by the motor cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia, which coordinate movement without requiring conscious thought. So, there's nothing that should stop her being able to at least walk forward the way she always has. I agree about the twist at the end. What I've seen a lot of people saying is that you should have seen it coming. I'm not sure that is the case and I think the ending was more powerful for not knowing. You get a real sense that this will have an effect on the Doctor in the future.

[@KaijudoMaster11]

@BeyondTheSofa Yeah, I see your point 100%, but we don't know how long she's been using that bubble to show her where or how to walk. Also, She was scared and under stress... so not having her walking trainer and disorintated, scared, could make her mess up. They only did the bit a few times before she met Ricky September, so I think they did it just long enough for a laugh. Maybe it would have been bad if, by the end of the ep, she's still walking sideways 🤣🤣

[@KaijudoMaster11]

@BeyondTheSofa I also spend time in VR....for some; when you first get in VR it can be disorintating when you take the headset off, or if someone is spun around with their eyes closed.. it takes a bit to recenter yourself into walking right. In the episode, you can tell she lives in that bubble. The only time it's off is when she's sleeping 🤣.... so her reality is that bubble of sliding pictutrs, up until she meets the Doctor and Ruby. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I enjoyed the bit 😂 🌐

[@mikihorvath6274]

I loved this episode. I know, it wasn’t the best, but it felt so good to see in Russel’s meta commentary on Social Media. I also know that it is a cliche, and Doctor Who always does that, but this was so well delivered. On my opinion at least. Also, Callie Cooke was brilliant in this unlikeable role, also Ncuti and Millie at the ending are both absolutely amazing. It’s a 9/10 for me. The thing that bothered me was Ricky September’s quite undeveloped character. By the way, your reviews are so detailed and superb, I can see all of the effort that is put into them. Great work! 🙂

[@BeyondTheSofa]

It was a good episode, and I may have been a little harsh on it at times. Callie Cooke was incredible and I'm hoping we'll see her in something else sooner rather than later. Yes, Ricky was somewhat underdeveloped. I suppose that could have been why I felt the character didn't deserve the level of knowledge he had. Thank you ever so much for the kind words about the reviews. I'm really glad you like them.

[@akshaytrayner1960]

Great review

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Thank you

[@WastedPo]

Some people seem to take issue with Lindy not being able to walk without the arrows, or walking into light poles. I simply accepted it as an exaggeration for satirical purposes. (I feel like the episode really highlighted this when both Ruby and the Doctor balked at the fact that Lindy couldn't walk without the arrows.) It would be like having a quibble with that Eccleston episode with the last human who had had a million plastic surgeries to preserve her youth and only existed as a stretched out face.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

To me, it is just unrealistic. I liked the lamp post thing because it is something that people will do when not paying attention. The problem I have is with the stumbling into desks. After all, even the creatures with the smallest brains know how to avoid things. Walking is a fundamental motor function that, once learned, becomes largely automatic and is controlled by the lower brain and spinal cord, rather than the higher brain functions. This process is known as "motor learning," and it involves the development of muscle memory and coordination through repeated practice. Essentially, after the initial learning phase, walking is managed by the motor cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia, which coordinate movement without requiring conscious thought.

[@bexrex97]

They would of grown up outside of the bubble right? If they were rich kids sent there and so she'd be able to walk if a little wobbly

[@BeyondTheSofa]

That's what I was wondering. Even so, walking is a motor function. We basically don't 'think' about it.

[@bexrex97]

@@BeyondTheSofa I think this new era for me is just a little too in your face, I'd admire the message more if it had some subtlety or even variation of (and less clunky writing at points) as I think it's playing into the hate brigade too easily. I know Doctor who isnt suddenly woke at trying to show progressive values, but it doesnt quite land for me, which is a shame as I grew up on it as a formative part of my childhood

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I do get what you're saying. There are certainly elements of this which veer too far into the camp at times.

[@rupertbath2748]

I was frustrated that we were never told why the slug things were eating them, which after 73 Yards is RTD doing another mystery box thing again. Other than that I thought was the best story RTD has done since coming back.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I thought we were, the dot created the slugs to eat the kids because it didn’t like the kids. That’s why they’re eating them in alphabetical order.

[@RickReasonnz]

I don't see the monsters as a mystery box and more of window dressing to complement the story he wanted to tell. The monsters weren't important, what was is the commentary on privilege.

[@Problembeing]

​​@@DWaDDLJgreat. More arbitrary 'all white people are racist' guff meanwhile, Gatwa calling white people "gammon" gets a free pass.

[@AuroraButterflyx]

The reason was the system created these slugs as they were fend up with all the annoying little kids running around in finetime. Not sure why they ate rest of the society tho? Unless it did something with the rest of the population that they two were fend up with the humans

[@akshaytrayner1960]

I enjoyed but ncuit gates speech at the end amazing

[@BeyondTheSofa]

It was brilliant, wasn't it :)

[@oathy03]

Firstly that artwork is AMAZING, God I miss it. My condition is now at the shaking stage and I truly miss drawing well deserved and glad the official channel let others see it. This actually ties in with something that happened on X last week a rather famous person had a total meltdown when I suggested instead of National service Community service needs the investment, We always have people via social services and you can see the genuine shock when you actually thank them. Since Dad died they just do little jobs but one person did brilliant work and you could see that's the 1st time they had been thanked, I spoke about this on X and the person replied OMG they are Criminals. So the ending of this episode made me think of that straight away. I do feel Space babies was a mistake to launch on, but when you add into the mix under Chibnall the Ratings were being hammered. This was without streaming first I suspect RTD knows he needs to rebuild, Actually surprised by this episode I really thought it was going to be a stinker. Its such a shame the clash with Sex Ed because his acting at the end was up there with all the Top Doctor performances, The Chemistry between them is magical. He's Nailed the social media snobbery when someone who cant reply with a proper answer highlights the person only has 30 followers etc. I think quite a few of them will feel a bit uneasy watching this and FINALLY Susan Twist both of them are putting it together about her!!!!! We are getting there!!!!! :D

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Yes, you know there are so many moments I only start thinking about again once the video is processing. That Susan Twist thing was one of them. I didn’t mind that this was a Doctor-lite episode, I think it worked very well because of it, but that scene at the end was phenomenal. Thanks for the kind words about my art and I’m sorry to hear you can no longer draw. I think you have some good points about community service.

[@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914]

I am subbed to tons of channels about Who, and you're the first to review / react to the episode. The ending saves it all for me. But I enjoyed a couple parts. The evil character? I think she is Misses Flood (looks like a younger Flood). AND The last danger scene felt like a Colin Baker episode to me. (Sil, crossed with the vervoids) (as for other reviewers: doh there was one 2 hours ago but the title wasn't clear. Their loss)

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I do try and get these out quickly. I finish an episode around one, I’ve already scripted the first bit (before the review), so then I write the review. Then recording and editing takes little while. I think I finished at 5 o’clock this morning. But, I think that’s important in order to get a reaction out, but a reaction which is a bit more thought through than just staring to scream and making noises when things happen. The thumbnails are actually the longest process. I think the whole thing takes me around 4 to 5 hours per thumbnail, but then I’ve got a piece of art at the end of it which I’m putting on Twitter.

[@icemachine79]

Classic Doctor Who did ghost stories and the supernatural. The Stones of Blood, Horror of Fang Rock, Planet of the Spiders, Black Orchid, The Daemons, Ghost Light, Battlefield, State of Decay, The Awakening, Pyramids of Mars, The Talons of Weng-Chiang, Image of the Fendahl, and The Monster of Peladon, to name a few. But they all had underlying sci-fi premises to explain the supernatural, and the Doctor was never taken in by the supernatural concepts himself.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Sure, but so what?

[@icemachine79]

@@BeyondTheSofa So it's a bit jarring when the same character who said "nothing to the rational mind is inexplicable; only unexplained" and tore into Miss Hawthorne for misunderstanding the nature of Azal is suddenly okay with magic fairies and ghosts.

[@icemachine79]

​@@BeyondTheSofa I'm not saying it's objectively bad. I really like Ncuti's Doctor otherwise. I just don't like the woo-woo stuff because it undermines one of the fundamental things about Doctor Who that attracted me to it in the first place.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

The Celestial Toymaker was in 1966. He has no sci-fi explanation other than he is some sort of being with power. You mentioned The Fendahl, but that is an ancient and malevolent life form with mystical origins and an almost supernatural quality. The Mara has no science-based explanation. Neither does Fenric or Gods of Ragnarok. Doctor Who doesn't always explain the science behind entities or their place in the universe. The Toymaker as the centre of creatures like the Goblins and Maestro fits the pre-existing rules that the Toymaker existed with in the ‘60s.

[@icemachine79]

@@BeyondTheSofa That's not really true, about the Toymaker, and I didn't include "The Celestial Toymaker" on the list precisely because it always had a rational explanation within the show's narrative. The Toymaker operated in an alternate universe (or "world" as the First Doctor put it) with his willpower being the only physical law, just like the situation with Omega in the antimatter universe in "The Three Doctors." Also, while it wasn't part of the show per se, a story written for the aborted 23rd season of Doctor Who was supposed to explain this background in further detail, with the Toymaker existing in an ever-decreasing bubble of their own universe where the physical laws were completely different from our own. The Fendahl was a powerful alien. No magic was involved. The Mara was explained as an entity that dwelled inside the psyche and fed on negative emotions. Nothing magical about it. In fact, the writer of "Kinda" and "Snakedance" Christ Bailey was using allegorical elements of non-magical Buddhism just like Barry Letts had often done, especially in the latter half of Jon Pertwee's era. Fenric and the "Gods" of Ragnarok were both explained as entities that existed before our universe did, not magical forces. Fenric was empowered by human evil and the "Gods" of Ragnarok operated in their own pocket universe feeding on ingenuity and entertainment. Again, these are rational explanations with no magic necessary. As I said before, this one aspect introduced in "73 Yards" is just not my cup of tea. Invoking magic with no clear universal rules or rational explanations (even theoretical or unconfirmed-within-the-narrative ones) is a little too Harry Potter for my tastes. That difference is why I enjoyed "Wild Blue Yonder" and "The Giggle" despite the surface-level fantastical elements. Both had explanations for events that were rational and did not invoke magic.

[@RickReasonnz]

Certainly a Black Mirror-Lite, but an interesting tale of social media "bubbles" and the inevitable classist/racist traps that some people fail to escape from. A wonderful twist in that RTD does exactly what we don't expect; we're SO conditioned to seeing a flawed character improves themselves, but ohhh not with Lindy! Nope, she embraces the vile selfishness of her upbringing and with her other kin, collapse in to their exclusive "bubble". A twist that is brought about that there is no twist! One thing about Ricky September: I see this as a discussion on classism, and to that, Ricky could represent some one born of privilege and yet tries to improve himself by "reading books" and "spending time outside of the bubble." To whit, not all those born of privilege will succumb to the pressures of their peer group. Sadly, because he is that much different, he does not survive his encounter with the selfish privilege class, ie Lindy. I quite liked the character.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I agree with many of your points, particularly regarding the interesting twist with Lindy and the portrayal of social media "bubbles." I think, your interpretation of Ricky September as a commentary on classism is spot on, especially concerning his end and how such efforts are not always rewarded, especially when confronting deeply entrenched systems of privilege and selfishness. I think I would have warmed to his character more in a different setting, where there was The Doctor around, so he could be a little more like the companion of the week.

[@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914]

Did you know that many BlackMirror plots are pilfered Philip K D*ck novel and short story ideas? Never watched full episodes, but example the one with people on drugs having intimate relations is directly from Blade Runner's novel. They literally pick drugs and disconect to either sex lives or a religious experience where they become the "jesus " of their world. And in the "Perky Pat" storis people are using a psychedelic drug to experience collectively men in the Dude puppet mind and the women in Perky Pat's mind. The PKD Barbie equivalent and a criticism of K D*ck of the consumerism and hippy collectivism ideas of Berkeley. He saw the communism ideas wreck havoc and those things we see in this episode are really communism tell on tohers and folow the rules but betray everyone, as in the novel "1984" too. I don't know in black mirror if all the PKD influences are directly cited as being what inspired their central points and themes (many quoted by script writers)

[@RickReasonnz]

@@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914 PDK remains one of the most referenced sci-fi authors, and in my mind, one of the best. Stories like those in Black Mirror and others owe their existence to Dick and other writers like him, whether they admit it or not.

[@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914]

@@RickReasonnz indeed! -Teal'c

[@RickReasonnz]

@@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914 You have no idea how often I use that "Indeed" in RL :P

[@avmavm777]

I’ve been reflecting on my own feelings of the ending reveal. I never noticed that they were all white until the reveal. The reactions I’ve seen of other fans were similarly shocked at the ending. Maybe I was in my own white bubble while watching it by not noticing this. Dr Who episodes are normally full of diversity and I never noticed it wasn’t there this time…

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I wouldn't feel bad about that. Several people have pointed out at this point: pretending Doctor Who has been as diverse as it now is in the past is very misleading. We still consume media that has all/mostly white (or all black in some instances) cast. We don't think twice about it. I do know, the industry at the moment is making massive steps to put more diverse casts in front of the lens. But, this is largely an obsession with the industry and not something that most audiences are screaming out for. Now, I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but I do think it is irresponsible for program makers (yes, I'm looking at RTD here) to suggest that not noticing a lack of diversity is a fundamental problem with the audience, especially when it's entirely possible for those same decisions to be made for other aesthetic reasons. Don't be fooled. You were meant to be shocked at the ending. It's why it was written how it was.

[@avmavm777]

For me Lindy’s betrayal of Ricky fitted well and distracted from what was about to happen. I saw her as a cowardly, childish person. I wondered if she was going to be found out. The big reveal at the end was a shock. Then it all came together. Of course she betrayed Ricky. She’s a product of a white supremacist colony. She was in two bubbles. Loved it

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I did comment on your other message :)

[@tmarasenior5618]

I loved the whole episode. I've watched it twice now and as a black disabled woman I felt angry, shocked and felt sick at how The Doctor was treated.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I think most of us felt angry, shocked and sick about his treatment as well. I was right there when he had that moment at the end. Very powerful stuff.

[@tmarasenior5618]

@@BeyondTheSofa When I first watched it it didn't seem obvious, I kept thinking, maybe it's because he's just an outsider but when that ending happened what happened before made sense, I nearly cried with him, wasn't expecting that at all. Then again, I'll cry at anything lol.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Thank you for saying that because I've seen so many people have a go at others because they handn’t seen it, with some even ignoring that there was any ambiguity at all. Unfortunately, I think that takes a lot away from the overall impact of the episode.

[@tmarasenior5618]

@@BeyondTheSofa I think that was deliberate, if you think about it, things like racism and other forms of discrimination sometimes you may not want to see it's their or you would like to think people are being treated the way they are being treated for a different reason all together rather then the person suffering discrimination. Even the person who is being discriminated against may not see it straight away. You have that direct discrimination don't you that is very obvious and then the indirect which was through out the episode and then it became direct in the end because Lindy saw the Doctor in person if that makes sense. I've seen a few reviews now from people including people of colour who didn't see it either.

[@kimyoonmisurnamefirst7061]

The reason Ricky September is there is on two counts: 1. A WHITE proxy for the doctor. Which is really obvious. Because she wouldn't have followed the doctor otherwise. 2. To give wider background on their home world and show that he knows the history, etc and thus he's a more decent person. But the fact he READS is what seals his fate. Lindy at that point has so much scorn for the fact he reads and knows the history and has been reading books, that's when she turns on him. She clearly doesn't read at all. If you rewatch the episode, which this episode begs you to do, you realize she didn't turn on him at that moment she told his real name. She turned on him way back when he admits he logs off, etc and reads. She only wants him around after that because he's helping her, which is maximum selfishness and great character building. With the UK and US calling for bans on books, particularly of the history, it's poignant.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Yes, I think you're probably right about the moment she turns on him. I think my problem with Ricky is his being too competent. I would have liked to see him be more adept than those in the bubbles, but not to the point that he knows everything. Some people have suggested that he also shows microaggressions to the Doctor. Perhaps showing him taken down by his own hubris could have worked, but J realise there wasn't the space in the episode to do that.

[@kimyoonmisurnamefirst7061]

@@BeyondTheSofa I'd like to think he read some of the banned books, but that might be me. How he got his competence was from reading those books and going outside and doing other things. i.e. That touching grass builds a sort of intelligence the others lack. But fair enough that he got brought down by his own hubris in thinking he knew how the world worked and he didn't realize how shallow it was online.

[@susannahstiles2403]

But reading doesn't make him a good person nor does helping her make him a white proxy for the Doctor. He is also racist towards the Doctor and has helped enable everyone to keep in their bubbles by providing vapid entertainment. He sees himself as less like the Doctor than he is Lindy. He was able to see the danger of the slugs but not the danger of the bigoted people around him who were not only unable to tolerate someone who looked different and was from somewhere different from them, but also someone who behaved different. He didn't see his end coming. He is aware of some things because he has stepped out of the bubble most of the time, but not everything. He isn't aware of how wrong Finetime is. He might be meant to be a proxy for us.

[@kimyoonmisurnamefirst7061]

@@susannahstiles2403 He wasn't dismissive of the Doctor, so I don't see him being exactly racist. When he heard, "The passcodes bit," he was polite to explain that he already knew so he was a bit impatient trying to wait for the Doctor to explain. Thus the slight eye roll. The Doctor complimented him, and he was humble. He said, "Well." Instead of something like an eye roll, "Of course I am." As for being a white proxy for the doctor, I think it's broken down this way: 1. He guided Lindy to safety. 2. He grabbed her hand which happens multiple times with the Doctor. 3. He reassures her, "Well both get out of here." 4. He tells her I know what I'm doing. 5. He gives background on how and why which is something the Doctor does over and over. 6. He knows technology better than the protagonist. These are all patterns the doctor has done since the old series. Over and over. This makes him a white proxy for the doctor, because the Doctor would not have been able to do those things without Lindy sniping him and saying, "You're going to contaminate me." The question was the PoV of Lindy and when did she entirely want to let him go. I'd argue it's when he starts talking about books, and logging offline. Does this make him a better person? I didn't argue that. But I did say him knowing the history of the planet, actually breaking the bubble is where the writing seals his fate. Because if Ricky had made it through, he'd likely have informed the others, and *might* have some basic survival skills from reading said books. Thus, script wise, he serves those functions. He has to die because he knows too much. And Lindy has to turn on him. And Lindy is too oblivious and in her bubble so-to-speak to be able to type the numbers herself. it enhances her character to have a halfway foil--which is the doctor AND Ricky. Ricky, therefore is a proxy for the doctor, because she would "rather die" than even be near him because screen to screen contact is "tolerable". Making her smart enough to type in numbers is a step too far when she can't even bother to work 2 hours out of the day.

[@robinsparkies]

I’m really not understanding how race was not obvious to you (kind of a general you because you’re not alone). Lindy kept saying “you” to the doctor when describing why they will absolutely never go with him… she was never talking to Ruby. The leader using the word *contaminated*… and especially when her disgust about Ruby being in the same room with him earlier on.. watch again & I hope you see all the microagressions. It’s important as a human being to understand what that means and are. Side note: Other KZbin presenters are pointing out an episode where 13 was not listened to for being a woman as well.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I think the question people should be asking is; "why it was so obvious to you?" I'm not talking about those final moments, of course, but rather about the microaggressions. The same microaggressions initially aimed at Ruby as well and similar microaggressions pointed at Gothic Paul. The contaminated line seems like it was meant to be ambiguous and, in fact, there were many double entendres throughout the episode. Watch this episode again and tell me that it couldn't just as easily have been about facial hair or age... Because it could have been. Now, I'm not trying to say that it was. We KNOW it's about race, of course. But if you are seeing that before it's actually revealed on screen and you're assuming that this was about race then that is something you are bringing to the episode and not something the narrative is specifically saying. That's what I mean about the ambiguity. Regarding "The Witchfinders." I understand what people are saying but I think this is a particularly bad comparison. The episode arguably lacks the narrative heft or meaningful consequences that make such instances impactful. It didn't matter that the Doctor was a woman in that instance. I could guarantee that had the Doctor been a man at that point, the dismissal would have played out in practically the same way. In fact, we can see that played out in countless stories across the show's history. Look at the number of times 3 was dismissed by bureaucratic figures such as in "The Green Death" or "The Day of the Daleks," faced scepticism and dismissal not because of who he was, but because of his unorthodox methods and the extraordinary nature of his knowledge. And that's true of "The Witchfinders" as well. In "The Witchfinders," the dismissal does not contribute to significant character development for the Doctor. In contrast, when the 3rd Doctor was dismissed, it often led to critical plot developments and deeper explorations of his character. What the episode also fails to mention is that, whilst the majority of those accused of witchcraft were women, of course) a good 20-30% were men. So, put the 10th Doctor in the same situation and it's entirely possible that he would have been accused of witchcraft as well. While "The Witchfinders" attempts to address gender discrimination, it does so in an ultimately inconsequential manner. The historical context provides an easy but shallow setup for the Doctor's dismissal, lacking the narrative weight and long-term impact.

[@ChristyAbbey]

NGL, there was casual racism throughout the ep. (I'm a person of two worlds, as I get all the white privilege without actually being white, so I'm hyper-aware.) I was, however mostly putting it down to RTD as a white guy not understanding how it would come across. So I learned a lesson, too, 'cause he understood. Whoo-boy. Two weeks in a row where he's playing around withe the concepts of storytelling and expectation of relationship to a protagonist. Just wow. And yeah, Ricky was supposed to be like the Doctor, with the juxtaposition of her quick trust in him because he's a known white guy. But she does betray the Doctor stand-in as prelude to betraying the Doctor themself. Team slug!

[@BeyondTheSofa]

There was casual racism, but I feel it was almost meant to be ambiguous enough so that you could put it down to other things. It's what makes the final reveal so powerful. I didn't think of the scene as betraying the stand-in as a prelude to betraying the Doctor. I think you're right about that. It's just not the best foreshadowing that could be done. I much preferred the parts that you can go back over, now understanding the subtext and see again in a different light.

[@oathy03]

When you rewatch the episode. I think the inane chatter is meant to zone you out to actually make you understand why the DOTS turned like they did. The 2nd viewing it hits you like a brick just how repulsive most of these people are and the jibes she was giving the Doctor within the Bubble was full blown racism when they met. It's actually one of the darkest episodes in a very long time but also raises the Susan Twist Character they are clearly a deeply unlikeable planet so is this setting up whoever Susan twist turns out to be the same? It really is one of those episodes when you rewatch and get past all the OMG stuff The main character has no redeeming qualities at all she could see the Doctor really wanting to help and just nothing. That tiered level of writing from RTD this is 100% an episode you have to watch a few times to process.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I think you’re probably right. I’m sure seeing it again will be a different experience because you’ll see it through the lens of what you now know. Suddenly, you can’t I see that.

[@jibroniuk3604]

Excellent review. This could have been an excellent episode with a few changes. The Doctors reaction to the final rejection was overacting. That should have come from the companion. However it is the Doctor who is screaming and shouting so emotionally and with complete lack of understanding. Dr Who is a Time Lord, 1000 years old, the smartest guy in the room, and he must have known how self-centred and elitist the people he was trying to save really are? Once again, no explanation or rationale why the dot was killing off all the people. Evil AI? Was the AI “enslaved” or bad programming? Who developed the bugs???? Another Dr Who lite episode. Shows total lack of respect for the audience.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I see what you're saying but the Doctor has always been the person to believe the best in people, and that even in the worst people can change. After all, look at how he treats the Master. He always gives people the chance to be better than they have been. The explanation was in the show. The AI learned to hate the population. It grew the bugs and used them to kill off the people in alphabetical order. As for "total lack of respect for the audience," I don't agree. For a Doctor-lite episode, he was in this a lot. I'd rather we had this episode than something like "Can You Hear Me?"

[@AuthorRavenWest]

As a stand-alone show, I suppose it works, but as a Doctor Who it absolutely fails. If I have to read explainations to understand what's going on, it is no longer entertaining. The "old" Doctor would have some idea, if not a great deal of curiosity about the origin of the giant slugs, who were they, where did they come from... but there is nothing at all about them! The homeword scene being wiped out... who, when why? I was waiting for some Who explaination, but there wasn't any. Sorry to say I totally missed the racist plot - all the residents being white, rejecting the Doctor because he "wasn't one of us" and exactly where were they all going in that boat? No-slug survivor island? All the great episodes and the great Doctors before Jodi were respectful to all characters, even the villians... this series continues to fall flat. Baby killing, baby abandoment, losing friends and family and being totally alone because of some unknown old lady says something we, as the audiance, have to figure out, just feels so sad... and with the Doctor crying in every episode, something very few times occurred in the classic Doctors, I no longer can enjoy this show nearly as much as I once did.

[@marshsundeen]

The numbers you are speaking of is the UK on it. You do not have BBC numbers.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

The UK is the BBC. It’s not in any other service over here.

[@jibroniuk3604]

73 yards - This is a “ghost story” within a science-fiction series. The problem was the complete lack of exposition to explain major plot holes. This is poor writing and story telling. I can think of least 4 major issues that needed to explained. Without basic exposition the whole episode becomes nonsense and incomplete. Fail.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Claiming that the episode had a "complete lack of exposition" overlooks the intentional ambiguity. That's not a plot hole. That a ghost story exists within a science fiction series is no reason for that ambiguity to not exist. Declaring the writing poor based on a preference for more explicit exposition dismisses the stylistic choices made by the writers. Many acclaimed science fiction writers, such as Philip K. Dick in "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" and Arthur C. Clarke in "2001: A Space Odyssey," have used similar techniques, leaving certain aspects of their worlds and stories unexplained. Good storytelling doesn’t always spell out every detail; sometimes, it's about what’s left unsaid.

[@jibroniuk3604]

I like your measured and articulate feedback. This is a good debate between two like minded fans. Thanks in advance. I agree with your points, but I think that the balance was inappropriate and some basic exposition was missed. When this happens the writer creates a plot hole. When you add time travel into the mix of “ghost story” then you need to give the reader or viewer the correct context. Is this a “dream” or “time loop”? A writer should seek to create confusion. What is see in fans reaction is unnecessary confusion.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I don't think any exposition was missed at all. The great thing about 73 Yards is that people can decide for themselves how it plays out in-universe. I know some people don't like that, but that is their preference, it doesn't make the storytelling bad. Writers create ambiguous confusion all the time.

[@robtymec2045]

"Jodie being a woman didn't have heft"?! Um .... she gets massively screwed over constantly in Witchfinders simply because of her gender!

[@BeyondTheSofa]

I wrote this on another comment, but its worth repeating: Regarding "The Witchfinders." I understand what people are saying but I think this is a particularly bad comparison. The episode arguably lacks the narrative heft or meaningful consequences that make such instances impactful. It didn't matter that the Doctor was a woman in that instance. I could guarantee that had the Doctor been a man at that point, the dismissal would have played out in practically the same way. In fact, we can see that played out in countless stories across the show's history. Look at the number of times 3 was dismissed by bureaucratic figures such as in "The Green Death" or "The Day of the Daleks," faced scepticism and dismissal not because of who he was, but because of his unorthodox methods and the extraordinary nature of his knowledge. And that's true of "The Witchfinders" as well. In "The Witchfinders," the dismissal does not contribute to significant character development for the Doctor. In contrast, when the 3rd Doctor was dismissed, it often led to critical plot developments and deeper explorations of his character. What the episode also fails to mention is that, whilst the majority of those accused of witchcraft were women, of course) a good 20-30% were men. So, put the 10th Doctor in the same situation and it's entirely possible that he would have been accused of witchcraft as well. While "The Witchfinders" attempts to address gender discrimination, it does so in an ultimately inconsequential manner. The historical context provides an easy but shallow setup for the Doctor's dismissal, lacking the narrative weight and long-term impact.

[@robtymec2045]

@@BeyondTheSofa A nice dissertation. But there some holes in what you're saying: Here's a few: Yes, there were a few men that were persecuted for witchcraft but a lot more women (around 70% more) were tortured and killed. So it's still a gender issue that puts 13 in trouble. Just because there's a bit of a chance that a man might also suffer the same fate doesn't invalidate the fact that 13 gets persecuted for being a woman. "13 getting dismissed for being a woman doesn't lead to significant character development for the Doctor." Throughout the story, she fights against being dismissed for being a woman and, ultimately, compels King James to grow to the point where he's seeking her forgiveness at the end of the episode. Even though she's a woman. A gender he has been openly declaring as being inferior. I'd say that's some character development. Whereas Three just name-dropped Tubby Rowlands and got the obstructive minister to roll over for him right away. Chin from Axos doesn't even really change from his interaction with Three. Nor does the minister in Sea Devils. So I'm not entirely sure where you were trying to go with this point. 13 leads other characters to becoming better people even though they discriminate against her. Which, to me, shows character development in both her and the people she influences (she finds a way to reach them - that's growth, in my book). I don't really see Three doing the same. That's just a few things that didn't really "jibe" for me in your response. I do appreciate, however, how polite you are in this debate. I'm trying to do the same.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

You are correct that the persecution of women as witches historically far outnumbered that of men. However, the critical point here is about narrative execution and its impact. The episode "The Witchfinders" uses this historical context to create conflict, but it doesn't effectively leverage this to create meaningful character development or lasting impact. And, the point still stands, anyone talking the way The Doctor was in "The Witchfinders" would have been accused of witchcraft, regardless of gender, especially with King James there. Just because a majority of people accused were women does not negate that it's the specific actions that were touted as witchcraft at the time. While it's true that King James seeks the Doctor's forgiveness at the end, this moment has no effect on the Doctor's character or long-term narrative arc. Moreso, it's a necessity of the plot instead of an actual change of character. You've left out that "The Witchfinders" starts with The Doctor finding a woman in charge of the 'trial' and that the same woman accepts The Doctor's authority initially, so she's not seen as 'lesser' because she's a woman. Similarly, King James doesn't treat Becka as 'lesser,' it's only used in very pointed moments when the script wants to make a point. It's not consistent at all. Every point of contact we have with the idea of "women are lesser" is through that sort of exposition and not actually illustrated in the narrative. So, you see, it has no narrative heft. The 13th Doctor's experience does not fundamentally change her approach or worldview. I think you're missing the point here. I'm talking about the Doctor's growth and you're trying to make it about the tertiary characters. Well, sorry, but they don't matter to the grander narrative. 13 Changing people's minds doesn't show any character development on her part. That's the point. There aren't obstacles she needs to overcome other than The 3rd Doctor did, indeed, often get his way by name-dropping or showcasing his intelligence, but his interactions with authority figures were more than just a means to an end. These encounters often highlighted his disdain for red tape and his willingness to challenge the status quo, which are critical aspects of his character. Furthermore, the 3rd Doctor's ability to influence others wasn't always immediate or straightforward, but it showcased his persistence and moral conviction. The transformation of other characters, such as King James in "The Witchfinders," is notable, but it lacks the same depth and resonance because it feels rushed and lacks long-term consequences. When comparing the 13th Doctor's experiences to those of the 3rd Doctor, it's important to note that each Doctor's era reflects different narrative styles and societal contexts. The 3rd Doctor's era often dealt with themes of authority, rebellion, and scientific inquiry, which allowed for more nuanced character development through his conflicts with bureaucratic figures. The 13th Doctor's era, while attempting to address contemporary issues like gender discrimination, often falls short in terms of integrating these themes into the Doctor's overall character arc in a meaningful way.

[@robtymec2045]

@@BeyondTheSofa the sounds like an issue of semantics. I have a different idea of what constitutes narrative heft than you do. So I'll just leave it at that.

[@darkthirty7855]

How can Doctor Who win with reviewers like you? If it's too, "on the nose" you wail and whine, and if it's too nuanced, it's "weak writing." Yes, yes, it's racism. Look at POC doing reviews. For goodness sake, man. Look at what you're criticising and why. No doctor has been black before now. You need to think from another perspective if you're going to catch up with RTD and 15. Try to keep up on the race thing, bud.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Firstly, do not put words into my mouth! Secondly, I've been largely positive about this series and this episode so I don't know where the “How can Doctor Who win” comment comes from. It has won with me. Thirdly, as an ex-jobbing writer of 10 years, some of which was in film, when I critique a show I am talking about the writing and the narrative or the visual storytelling. Its a subject I know a lot about. If I were to treat this differently because Ncuti is black, that would be doing a disservice to everybody watching. Nothing should get a free pas. In fact, insisting something should because of the race of the lead (which has nothing to do with any of my criticisms) is a form of bigotry in itself. This is a headline show from the biggest media organisation in the UK, it needs to be treated as such. And, I have listened to POC doing reviews. Some align with what I've been saying. There's been a really good Twitter thread from one who has suggested this is a terrible way to highlight racism. Now, I've not commented on that because it’s not my place to, but it’s also demonstrably incorrect to assume all POC think the same way about it.

[@darkthirty7855]

@@BeyondTheSofa The Doctor has literally never been the object of racism and white supremacism before. Yes, literally. So, why not recognize this? This story could not have been told the same way without that fact. That is the point. Also, you're putting words in my mouth, to be honest. I thought you were being way to passive about the fact that the episode was openly and visibly about racism/colonization/cognitive dissonance and the role social media plays in amplifying racism. There was no question it was about racism, ever.

[@BeyondTheSofa]

Yes, The Doctor has never been the object of racism before... And? That doesn't mean you critique the story any differently. This story was originally envisaged for Matt Smith's Doctor. Would it have the same impact? No. But, it is not true to say that this story could not have been told. It would be totally dishonest to suggest that there is no ambivalence built into the narrative. There is and that should be acknowledged.

[@susannahstiles2403]

The Doctor as a character has been an object of racism. The Daleks are racist. But the actor playing the Doctor hasn't been before. The bigotry is somewhat like when the Doctor was a woman but possibly worse. There was a very serious writing problem there, but some people just hated that Doctor before they even saw any of the episodes. I think Doctor Who has dealt with racism better and worse before. But you know more about writing than I do. I think the main problem was the writer tried to do too much at once. I agree that Matt Smith could have been in the episode, but with some slight differences. There wouldn't have been that Voodoo comment. I agree it would have had less of an impact, but I think that would be partly due to changes in society recently. Some people seem to forget that the Doctor is an alien who just looks human just as some people seem to forget that the Doctor is very old but just looks young. Isn't it enough that he's from somewhere else and not the same race? Does his skin color have to matter too?

[@darkthirty7855]

@@susannahstiles2403 Did you really just ask if, in an episode essentially about white supremacists, it matters that the Doctor is black?!?! Does your reaction to Ncuti's Doctor matter if you promote the homophobic Hillsong Church on your channel, Susannah?

[@Richard-se1de]

It was just crap 💩