Reaction, Doctor Who, 8x09, Flatline, Gallifrey Gals Get Wibbly Wobbly! S8Ep9

[@EForrest88]

Clara works much better with 12 than she did with 11 - mostly because we get more than 6 episodes (& 2 specials) to explore the relationship between them, plus Clara gets to be a real character rather than a living maguffin now. Series 9 is the best overall of the Capaldi era, but there are some real stand-out episodes in S8 & S10 - including this one.

[@darthsimian2196]

I loved series 8. The Doctor struggling with his question “Am I a good man?” Combined with Clara’s addiction to adventure and the lengths they both go to because of it is a great bubbling unspoken conflict.

[@swanchamp5136]

The Dream Lord is another example of the Doctor hating himself

[@TwoMenandaCanoe]

Re: Clara, I think the Clara - Doctor (Capaldi) relationship is the best. So good together!

[@firefly24601]

For me, theirs is second only to 10-Donna.

[@mattgarrett2583]

Donna all the way. Clara WAS great in my mind. It's how this season ends and the next one begins that is the problem with me.. she goes from saying all those beautiful things about Danny, to just wanting to see something cool. None of it meant a darn thing to her and it shows.. shes like one of those girls that posts about how her man is the most important thing in her life, the only love she will ever have, then they break up and a week later she is posting the same thing about another dude, and then that repeats 6 times every year.. She just says things she doesn't mean but claims she means them and feels them, then her actions show she doesn't... And that is why even on the rewatches, I can't stand her, because I know it is coming

[@dutchman8887]

@@mattgarrett2583 huh? i'll try to avoid spoilers but just incase SPOILER WARNING her actions in series 9 are massively directly related to her relationship with danny. honestly just sounds like u had a bad experience and are projecting in the wrong place.

[@dearls921]

This speech at the end was the first time for me that I was like, oh yeah, he’s definitely the doctor. It’s been amazing acting so far, but I swear he takes it to another level from here on

[@ryanratchford2530]

i feel like this is where Clara's character really finds her footing as a wannabe Doctor which is the most original & engaging part about her character in my opinion (and is explored in such great ways in the futures)

[@DisgruntledHippo]

The effects are so terrifying in this episode I love it.

[@IDidntSetAHandle]

Great discussion of a great episode. I think Twelve is just tired, and that sometimes comes off as mean. He doesn't have time to be nice, he doesn't have time to be diplomatic, he says what he thinks and does what he does and he's too exhausted to pretend be sorry about it. A lot of his arc I think involves finding a way to enjoy being The Doctor again.

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

He's definitely not 'fake' or up for any pretense. I love that about him -- what you see if what you get! (Still, despite the rough edges, it has to be said, he's also very open in his softness too)

[@MatthewStephensAU]

When The Doctor says: "You're like me." it's his most damning insult.

[@Skeezer66]

I know it was probably cut for time/copyright, but I loved the scene where Clara is talking to Danny while trapped in the hanging chair. Topped only by the Doctor's fingers running away with the TARDIS!

[@ajivins1]

Don't know if it's been mentioned but the idea of 2D creatures invading the 3D Universe was an idea in a 70's Doctor Who book put forward as an idea. The book was a favourite with us oldies, Moffat being one.

[@Mark_E_M]

13:58 - 14:25 was the moment that I truly learned to appreciate Capaldi's version of The Doctor!

[@lilacmist04]

Great reactions ladies! I've always loved Clara and I love Capaldi! Most people I know loved Clara too, so I was surprised to find out that fandom either loved her or hated her. I liked her with Matt Smith, but I love the complex and evolving relationship she has with Peter Capaldi. I found their interactions and how they affect one another to be unique in Doctor Who.

[@Tantalus010]

This was my favorite episode of this series...possibly my favorite Capaldi episode of his entire run. I liked the premise (even though 4D aliens would've been way scarier and way more powerful than 2D aliens), I loved the ending and the Doctor's speech, and I liked how much fun Clara was having being the Doctor.

[@deadpolymers3416]

This is probably my favorite anonymous monster of the week episode. Such a good concept for a bad guy, and a very well done episode.

[@bmyattuk]

And this isn't even the best speech of Capaldi's tenure.

[@ftumschk]

Hard to believe, but very true!

[@jeckjeck3119]

So true!

[@ElvesofZion]

A) Great reaction, loving the analysis B) Camo is super cute C) Katrina's hair and make up are on point!

[@andylikesstuffchannel]

Paula looks wowzer with her long hair 😍😍😍😍😍

[@JustJames83]

Local knowledge does a good job here. I am the man who stops the monsters is a line used in every Doctor compilation video on KZbin

[@josefschiltz2192]

The 'Thing' scene, where the Doctor is manhandling the TARDIS off the rail tracks - which Peter Capaldi, having been an attendee at Glasgow School of Art and being into Surrealism, would appreciate - has echoes in one of Dora Maar's more familiar photomontages, the 'Shell Hand' of 1934, in which a female hand appears to be extruding from a shell, resting on sand beneath an ominously stormy sky.

[@shallendor]

I can't wait to see Paula's reaction when she finds out who the "Mysterious Lady" is! I'd love to see a D&D game with some of the incarnations of The Doctor! I expect Capaldi to say "Get Off my Lawn"!

[@mjm3091]

These episodes remind me that even if I love Her, I still wish it was someone else.

[@mattgarrett2583]

All the great episodes are comming. Final 2 of this season, amazing. Next season has some brilliant ones, even an entire episode with just Peter Capaldi, no one else, and it is such an amazing episode... and the Christmas episode for next season makes me fucking cry. Can't wait to see those!!

[@geoffmason7215]

loved the cryptic clue at the end (know what it means now) but Paula's face was great

[@tayloredwards7441]

This is such an important episode in Clara’s arc. Jenna Coleman is so brilliant as Clara. It’s the most marvelous idea they’ve ever had for a companion, “what if the companion wanted to be the Doctor?”

[@kwanarchive]

I think, of all of the Doctor's speeches, Capaldi is the only one who has made me cry.

[@thebpphantom]

Flatline was one of the best episodes of the season. Glad to see you two enjoy it.

[@ryanratchford2530]

just heard of the new doctor who news today. Won't say in case Paula sees this but should be interesting to see where things go.

[@deadpolymers3416]

Good and bad news... I like the one, but hate the other...

[@Skeezer66]

@@deadpolymers3416 Hmm, can I guess which is which? LOL!! No, that's an obvious one.

[@ryanratchford2530]

@@deadpolymers3416 feel like the one is really restrained by the other you know? Shame.

[@spiderfingers86]

The Doctor gets trapped inside his own Tardis and Clara must assume command in his stead

[@UgandanPrinc3]

Jamie Mathieson for showrunner

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

YESSS, PLEASE! (He's still my fave writer of the new series)

[@MichaelJohnson-kq7qg]

This is the whole arc of the Doctor since the revival and up until the end of 12 - the question of recovery from being a bad man to good. And in Flatline, the Doctor gets to see 'the Doctor's from an outside perspective. Clara makes an excellent Doctor... But 'goodness' has nothing to do with it.

[@tenmark7055]

Good creepy fun! I think this where Capaldi finally accepts the mantle of the Doctor. Tugging on his coat, expressing his intentions to the world. I am the Doctor and I stop the monsters!. It no longer matters if he is a good man or a bad man (or good Dalek), this is who is he is and this is what he does.

[@firefly24601]

I'll say my opinion on Series 8 was mixed, the first time I watched it. Took me longer to warm up to Capaldi than most new Doctors, and the Clara-Danny thing I didn't understand for a while. After a few runs through the series, I can see that Series 8 Doctor is the most overtly "mean" Doctor in a while, especially after a super-affable Matt Smith. I think I let my emotional guard down with 11, and 12 is truly scathing in his critiques so it hit me as very mean-spirited. I also realized that the Clara-Danny relationship is so uncomfortable because it's meant to be non-fairy-tale. While Rory and Amy were together against possible odds, Clara and Danny are more realistic; two people who are SO attracted to each other but may not be "good" for each other. Just like many other dating relationships in the world. This series grows on me every time I see it. (Except the Moon Egg episode. That one will NEVER grow on me.) :D

[@dustinherk8124]

the moon episode doesnt need to grow on you. it just needs to grow on its own...and stupidly hatch again, and lay an egg thats the exact same mass as itself, before hatching

[@Rik77]

Agree with everything you said. Except I do like the moon one. The premise is ridiculous, but for me what makes the episode is the doctor and Clara's break down in communication and her meltdown. Such a good exploration of their relationship and flaws.

[@DarkLordoftheMeme]

Nice that they set a story about killer graffiti in Bristol - I.e. the hometown of Banksy.

[@brianadkins3880]

Not necessarily a top ten fan favorite episode but it is a fun "monster(s) of the week" episode. Capaldi's line about being The Doctor and zapping the Boneless was cool. :-) Oh,and the jerk in this one reminded me of the selfish guy who lived at the end of "The Voyage of the Damned."

[@christianwise637]

The Doctor's comment about the "wrong people surviving" definitely called to mind Mr. Copper's similar line from that episode

[@swanchamp5136]

Was thinking the same thing about Me Copper as well about being some kind of monster if you could pick lives and who dies

[@cargo71]

I can call it now... Ladies and Gentlemen, Doctor Clara! I know she got a lot of hatred, but I really liked her wanting to be the Doctor instead of being just a companion. And I thing she accomplished it.

[@eddhardy1054]

I genuinely think this is one of the Top 5 episodes of New Who. An absolute classic. 😊😊😊

[@francisbartoszewski2284]

This episode right here is the best of Capaldi's run imo.

[@lordadjuster9239]

Christopher Fairbank is a great actor.

[@firefly24601]

He does a REALLY great job with every role he gets.

[@barkingmonkee]

The casual venom he imbues his lines with in this ep is just delicious

[@jasonusher3824]

Good reaction, I love the whole concept of this episode, also Clara did a fantastic job being the Doctor, and than that Capaldi I’m the one who stops the monsters speech is so freaking great, it literally gives me chills every time I watch it (which is the same as so many of Capaldis speech’s) Also I was like you Katrina with everytime I watch Capaldi’s Episodes over my love for his Doctor grows more and more, and I’ve watched the show so many times that he is now Light Years ahead of my second favorite Doctor(Tennant) Also Series 8 is my 4th favorite series with 7 in 3rd, 4 in 2nd and 9 in 1st

[@TwoMenandaCanoe]

Have really been looking forward to this reaction. Love this episode.

[@SuRoFo]

It was great seeing Capaldi pull off the Doctor's patented "monsters fear me" speech.

[@firefly24601]

"Mummy" is where I finally could see Capaldi as The Doctor, and this episode cemented it. He's juuuust a shade below Tennant for me, but not by a lot.

[@Richard_Jones]

...and weren't they both written by Jamie Mathieson? Top work.

[@willparks3429]

Are you my mummy?

[@dmmoctober]

Capaldi actualised the expression, “My Doctor” for me.

[@holdenb.huffman4042]

This is the episode when Capaldi started to grow on me. And then later he became my favorite Doctor.

[@andrewfontana3136]

I've never once felt that the Doctor didn't care for any one, whether he says so or not you know he notices and feels every death that happens around him. Clara was a great 'doctor' without the care factor.

[@simonbeaird7436]

This is one of my favorite Capaldi episodes. The 2D aliens, the shrinking TARDIS (including Doctor 'Thing') and the speech by the Doctor at the end. This is when Calpaldi became the Doctor for me.

[@lolBadPanda]

Not only that but they had to make a smaller and smaller set door for the tardis and that set is huge

[@justarandomveryintelligent8934]

Ah yes riggsy played by joivan wade. Hes a good actor. Which reminds me. He plays cyborg in doom patrol. Cyborg as in justice league cyborg. I know paula doesnt go for comic book based stuff normally (though i dont get why if shes doing anime and sci fi lol) but doom patrol is an absolutel masterclass in character work and i would recommend it for after you catch up on doctor who and need something to fill the gap.

[@willparks3429]

I watched doom patrol did not catch that

[@mjm3091]

I love flatline - picking such modern concept of science into a good science fiction story. On the other note - they just announced that are finally changing the showrunner in new series, I wonder who will it be after Chibs, and if they will be able to pick up the series. Cause we really need a new start at this point.

[@christianwise637]

Two great episodes of Doctor Who in a row? What is this, 2011? After his strikingly confident debut with the previous episode, Jamie Mathieson provides yet another gem with "Flatline", one of the cleverest and most creative episodes of the Moffat era. Much like with the Foretold from last episode, the Boneless are yet another fantastic monster concept, and brought to life by some very creative and disturbing special effects. On top of that, the fact that you can't really communicate with them and understand their motivations add an extra level of creepiness and horror to them as a species. However, the general concept of the dimensionally bizarre monsters also makes for some highly effective comedy amidst all the tension and horror thanks to the shrunken TARDIS. The moment where the Doctor passes Clara a sledgehammer, making it look like she's pulling it out of her handbag like Mary Poppins was a genius moment of physical comedy, as was the Doctor's Addams Family moment on the train tracks. In much the same way that the lack of explanation given to the Boneless adds to their horror, the fact we never find out exactly why the TARDIS is shrinking only makes things even funnier, and creates a great Monty Python-esque feel of absurdism to the scenes. However, "Flatline" is also great for providing some excellent character work for our two leads. Admittedly most of the guest cast are just there to be monster fodder, but much like last episode we still get plenty of great interactions between our leads and the supporting cast. Clara's demonstrated a lot of great Doctor-ish tendencies over the course of series 8, so it's great to see that aspect of her character take the focus, and her interactions with her pseudo-companion Rigsy are loads of fun to watch, largely thanks to the great chemistry between Jenna Coleman and Jovian Wade. Mathieson's two episodes in many respects represent a major turning point in Clara's arc, as the previous episode saw her finally understand what the responsibility of being the Doctor was, and this one sees her fully take on said responsibility, and enjoy it just a little bit too much. The ending of "Mummy on the Orient Express" might have seemed to a positive one, but Clara's snap decision to stay with the Doctor and lie to Danny about it was actively comparable to an addiction, and the implications of that are already starting to set in here, as both Mathieson's script and the performances of Coleman and Capaldi in the final scene suggest that perhaps these two aren't good for each other, and that there may be serious consequences for them continuing to stay together... Also, while he doesn't get much to do this week, Capaldi absolutely nails the monologue that he gives to the Boneless before he defeats them. And if Paula liked that monologue, just wait - you ain't seen nothing yet!

[@johna5635]

16:41 Wow - I thought you were going to go "full Des'ree" for a moment there! ("He's gotta be cruel, he's gotta be blunt...")

[@syahmioziar5290]

For me, i have 2 companion relationship that i love best in Doctor Who. 1st is Doctor and Clara for romance and 2nd is Doctor and Donna or Jack for pure friendship. What i like regarding the romance is the subtlety of it. They don't shove it straight in our face but gave it bit by bit. It's why i love watching asian drama. I think anyone can guess my point for Donna/Jack.

[@Evasion381]

'you were a exceptional Doctor clara, goodness had nothing to do with it' what a line

[@Muckylittleme]

Paula is getting better looking with maturity, nice talent to have.

[@mconnaghan]

Another quality 9-year adoption cat video!

[@deadpolymers3416]

Paula: Are there a lot of people who don't think this series? Capaldi wasn't a popular Doctor in his first season, and a lot of fans didn't like this season/series. But that says a lot about how amazing the rest of his run was, because by the time he finished, most fans rank him near the top.

[@mattgarrett2583]

I loved him from the dinosaur in london episode. "Who frowned me this face?!" "These are attack eyebrows! They're cross! They probably want to succeed from my face and start their own nation!" The reason he wasn't popular was honestly the fangirls/boys, they liked having the young quirky doctors. The hot nerds. And when the show went back to an older man (the first time a lot of current fans had to deal with an old doctor) they hated it. Don't even get started on 14, the hate thrown her way before the first episode was unreal (I only watched her first season, I didn't like the writing but still liked her as the doctor)

[@colintate]

I'm always somewhat surprised by people who didn't in general enjoy this season/Capaldi. I thought they both were stellar. I've been watching since very late Pertwee - and Capaldi is deffo my Doctor - straight out of the gate.

[@jonathang3087]

@@colintate I never disliked season 8, but I have enjoyed loads more on rewatch after watching the rest of Capaldi's run, because having seen just how good a doctor he actually was by the end, you appreciate that he was putting in those performances from the start. I think its because I loved the Matt Smith era (and I really loved the whole "of the doctor" anniversary build up etc), so it took a while to adjust - felt a bit flat at the start after all that big stuff. Overall I think Capaldi is the doctor I admire the most, although Smith will forever be the one I had the most fun with; the one that really made me a fan of the show.

[@jeckjeck3119]

Fantastic episode. This is THE doctor moment for me.

[@whobp8]

Ironically, this is an episode that doesn't fall flat at all. Really fun, a different concept, well acted and executed. Rigsy is played by Joivan Wade, who would go on to play Cyborg on Doom Patrol, arguably one of the few shows that can equal Doctor Who in sheer nuttiness (in a good way) 😃

[@SWTobito0702]

Ah Flatline, the episode that made me believe that Capaldi truly had the role down. That little speech in the end. The man that stops the monsters. It took me some time to get used to Capaldi's demeanour but this episode was the one that had me hooked on him as the Doctor.

[@darynvoss7883]

The Goodness had nothing to do with it line is a paraphrase of an old Mae West line.

[@ianpark1805]

As mentioned below Christopher Fairbank is a great actor. In this under an hour episode he makes you truly despise his character. Of course he probably came to the notice of British viewers as Scouse arsonist, jailbird and lovable low life Moxy in ‘Auf Weidersehn, Pet’ a series well worth checking out where even the heroes are several shades of grey. Of course US viewers will need subtitles on as the characters have a variety of thick English accents. Check out Tim Spall’s brilliant Barry delivered in fabulous unreconstructed Brummie!

[@ianpark1805]

…and Rigsby does exist, but is quite another kettle of fish. Cat lover though…

[@bananasaregood8655]

The music at the beginning of you’re reactions reminds me of the powerpuff girls music haha

[@agoodday9247]

I just need Doctor Who right now, I need anything other that what today's news was 🥺

[@zeke8921]

I love that you can see both Paula and Kat getting gradually sucked into that man that stops the monsters monologue. I can’t recall seeing anything that’s given that reaction before and it’s probably one of the seasons weaker stories

[@Jamienomore]

First Class Reactions to a very good Episode. If you ever do an unexpected not planned Video Reaction. How about a Lazytown Episode called Haunted Castle. To paraphrase the Doctor in Robot of Sherwood, 'There is no such thing as Damsons in a dress. There are no Pretty Castles. There is no wearing pink wigs and no getting up singing and dancing when you are supposed to.' If you ever watched Lazytown you will understand it.

[@seanred7681]

One of the better episodes of the season.

[@skimbskamb]

HOLY SHIT I JUST REALIZED THAT RIGSY IS FCKING CYBORG WHAT THE HELL

[@somthingbrutal]

capaldi replaced tom baker as my favourite and he was my dovtor from all the way back to 1974

[@spiderfingers86]

They're 2 dimensional who need to be more formed in 3 dimensions

[@robvanriot]

Never sweat over someone's your favourite Doctor or not. They're all great in their own way. I couldn't give you a top to bottom run down of my own. I have a feeling I'd put Pertwee at the bottom, but I might put Smith or Capaldi at the top depending on what day it is.

[@Dannydarko27]

If the doctor makes a good dalek then what is clara🤔

[@ftumschk]

This isn't angst anymore, it's darkness (Paula) ... [Doctor Who] is fantastical and silly and amazing (Katrina) Great observations, gals!

[@cklambo]

Local knowledge

[@omerdemir8518]

Sweet girl Clara Oswald

[@AirPokemonNaruto22]

One of the better episodes from Series 8. I still think this series was a rough start for Capaldi though. On rewatches, I've had more appreciation for Capaldi's Doctor, but the series is sill not good. Capaldi is probably my third favorite Doctor, I still think Matt Smith and David Tennant are a tad better.

[@dutchman8887]

the more i see series 8 the more i think it might be the best the show has to offer... maybe just 1 or 2 stronger episodes away compared to series 9...for character things it is easy the best but i think series 9 has stronger episodes overall although series 8 is still top 3 just for pure episode quality

[@FortoFight]

Series 8 has a bunch of stinkers in my opinion but honestly this episode is just a diamond in the rough.

[@dutchman8887]

this is a very good episode but wouldnt put it in my top 5 of this great series. not even the best mathieson episode!

[@deadpolymers3416]

Agreed. Of the Capaldi years, 8 is the weakest imho. This episode however is great.

[@somedudeontwitterstalkedme3829]

I believe, you two may have caused a breakdown.