Took Them Long Enough… (Rogue Review)

[@NEWMAN0067]

New writers that immediately jump in, lay down and prove the fact that they get what a basic doctor who episode is just amazing. Please please please come back to write again!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I really hope they do

[@srgdawgface1518]

Doctor who benefits from having new writers all the time, it could pave the way for a new show runner like moffat was a new writer for dr who in 2005 and curse of fatal death. We need new showrunners for the future so every 6 years we can check in to see a new showrunner with new different ideas, that way doctor who can stay fresh and never get stale.

[@rhocat362]

You must be joking. It was grotesquely bad.

[@StupidEdits]

This episode had an (extended) family of blood feel to it's villains

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I had the same thought, though not in a negative way

[@StupidEdits]

@@Joe_Brennan_ I wasn't being negative 😂, they might be my favourite villains of the season

[@michelleschaefer683]

Especially when the Doctor goes all dark saying 600 years is plenty time to suffer? I loved that!

[@B-MC]

I want them to be a regular thing (on occasion, kind of like the paternoster gang but for villains)

[@danthomassolo]

I agree. It’s almost like The Family of Blood if they were bird-brained morons (see what I did there?)

[@EmTom44]

This is what’s annoying about it only being an 8 episode season. A couple more episodes like this dotted in between the out-of-format episodes would really allow the series to breathe and only strengthen 15 and ruby’s chemistry more and allow the unconventional episodes to stand out

[@rhocat362]

What chemistry? I cancelled my Disney subscription. So saddened

[@toasterroast7678]

@@rhocat362hahahaha

[@willschrueder9107]

honestly if you swap the devils chord with rogue the whole season feels more natural.

[@samgonzalez8662]

While “Rogue” doesn’t jump into my Top Who Episodes, it’s proper Doctor Who fun and definitely one I see myself revisiting mostly because it feels like classic RTD-era flavor from start to finish. It’s wild that it feels so fresh when it’s really just going back to formula, but it just speaks to the strength of that formula. When you’re not trying to break the mould with the plot, you really get to focus on fun characters and interesting dynamics. “Rogue” also does some interesting light exploration into cosplay and role play, and the differences between what the Doctor/Companions do, what Rogue does, and what the Chuldur do: the Doctor is about living and having fun, Rogue is about survival, and the Chuldur are about consuming in feverish hunger. “Rogue” is absolutely a worthy addition to the canon

[@stanley5745]

I so relate to being distracted by the hologram Doctor faces, the first time I was purely focusing on trying to recognise all of them, then after the episode I had to go back to confirm that I wasn't imagining Richard E Grant, and THEN a third time to actually listen to the dialogue.

[@danthomassolo]

I really thought I was misrecognising Richard E Grant. I was like “nah, CAN’T be!”

[@TheUnihorn]

I’m not really a Doctor having romances fan, but I realised that was a losing opinion a while ago and if it’s going to happen I thought that the chemistry between him and Rogue was incredible and would love to see Rogue as a character who comes in for a couple episodes every so often.

[@juicebox_ryan3185]

Im with you there. I prefer the doctor being asexual and aromantic too. Way i see it is the doctors ancient hes way beyond caring about that aspect of life.

[@nikogarcia201]

@@juicebox_ryan3185The doctor use to have a wife and a granddaughter. And are you forgetting Rose and River Song whose affection he explicitly return. Sorry but he ain’t an ace based on the show.

[@juicebox_ryan3185]

@@nikogarcia201 never said i forgot them. Just wasnt a fan of those characters you listed and episodes with them.

[@CeceSaysHi_950]

I really liked the character choices that were made for Roge because it felt very inline with the doctor’s type (mainly thinking of river). They are able to look after the doctor and act more as an equal like when Roge says run or River corrects the doctor on flying the TARDIS, also the doctor being more vulnerable with there past in a more emotional way instead of just stating what happened is very inline with 10’s relationship with rose. OH and they all have R names. I could probably think of more if I look more into it.

[@The-Busy-Beeeee]

I absolutely love your brain this is FANTASTIC

[@DeepFreeze172]

It's alright, its no Space Babies though.

[@DeepFreeze172]

My legal team wants me to clarify that this is a joke

[@Joe_Brennan_]

The fun thing about Doctor Who fans is that every episode is someone’s favourite so there was a good chance you weren’t joking

[@djdee6386]

@@Joe_Brennan_in one of the official DW channel shorts one of the people they interview said Space Babies was their favorite.

[@ennayanne]

I've seen loads of people who think space babies is the best one

[@DeepFreeze172]

@@ennayanne that's unfortunate

[@loumachugh9641]

i also loved how they made it a reference to bridgerton but immediately displayed the classism accurately in a way that bridgerton never does

[@domlo66]

I know what you mean about it feeling like normal Doctor Who again. By this point I'm so attuned to what an RTD/Moffat/Chibnall script sounds like that it's refreshing to go into an episode without that baggage. It felt like being a kid again - that's not to say it was necessarily an amazing episode - but there was a real sense of possibility.

[@The-Busy-Beeeee]

Oh no it absolutely is an amazing episode it's pretty up there in terms of it just feeling fun again, it feeling like doctor who again

[@doge2themoon373]

@@The-Busy-Beeeeeexactly this is what doctor who is!

[@baconandhex]

They threw too much into the episode to point where it was satirical. It really wasn’t a great episode. It was like chibnals type of episode, great idea but off balance and bloated to point of losing time for a great story to develop.

[@nathanielk7415]

IT'S GAY TIME BABY A PRIDE MONTH WIN

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I did enjoy the episode but I think the Doctor’s new “it’s gay time” catchphrase needs a bit of work

[@nathanielk7415]

@@Joe_Brennan_ oh also i was fooled by bird ruby as well despite clocking onto the foreshadowing. they threw me off by giving her the bird sound effect

[@nettieb7604]

I also really REALLY love this episode as an exploration of 15’s impulsiveness? Like on one hand we have him meeting, flirting and falling a little bit in love with Rogue in less that 45 mins. 15 is so cheeky and warm and just invites this handsome guy on the TARDIS like it’s the most natural thing in the world. His life moves fast and he’s following his heart - it’s lovely! But then on the other hand it’s the Doctor who all but dooms that new relationship (not to mention almost his own best friend) before it’s even started. He doesn’t stop to think or even make sure what he’s seeing is true - he just jumps straight to ‘revenge’ and pays the sad, tragic price. I just love that if fifteen wasn’t so impulsive maybe he wouldn’t have let himself open up and make room for rogue - but also if he’d taken some time to think maybe he’d have seen through Ruby’s ruse and gotten to have his ‘happily ever after’ (at least for now)

[@ShadowKestrel]

if/when something tragic but non-death happens to ruby I will immediately shout "WELL THAT'S ALRIGHT THEN" at my screen probably after i spend a few minutes sobbing tbf, but still

[@pinecubes]

i love your insight on doctor who :) its so refreshing to see someone just ramble out real full thoughts about it rather than nitpicking and complaining about every little thing

[@juicyjames2074]

I actually love the romance in this episode. The satire of Bridgeton rhetoric and drama, the big fun "scandalous" scene that the doctor and rogue created that turned into something personally genuine to the doctor, and despite his nodded return, the beautiful Casablanca's act Rogue made. This is more than just a lovely dovey cheesy romance with some basic tragedy, it's more intricate than that.

[@baconandhex]

It was rushed to ad nauseam. Tried to have the impact of when 10 lost rose, but it didn’t.

[@spacepenguins8939]

@@baconandhexI don’t think it was trying for 10/rose. I think it was more 10/astrid Since both are 1 episode characters (for now) and both are characters the doctor wanted to travel with. It’s sad but I don’t think it was trying to be 10/rose- at least not yet

[@hopekeeley2122]

I need rouge back asap. Just in one episode the chemistry was off the charts

[@Joe_Brennan_]

It’s so exciting to have Rogue something the show will inevitably return to

[@rhocat362]

Rouge ? You want more of the colour red?

[@hopekeeley2122]

@@rhocat362 damn thanks for catching that!

[@RedCaio]

Really? Rogue was rather boring to me. He never emotes or gives off any charisma. Total lack of chemistry with the Doctor sadly. I like the episode otherwise tho

[@danthomassolo]

Their chemistry was el fuego! 🔥

[@MrRjhyt]

I suspect the shorter runs will cause problems for larger story arc, making them harder to disguise.

[@marvelousmrdave3291]

Such a simple refreshing fun episode . It felt verry nostalgic, loved it

[@Joe_Brennan_]

It does feel very nostalgic you’re right

[@michaelgriffiths7937]

The two goats 12 & 9 placed together in the hologram was amazing

[@PapaLuge]

Perfect release timing honestly given the month 😂

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Finally a good reason for having it so late in the year

[@suzygirl1843]

@@Joe_Brennan_ Ncuti Gatwa + Jonathan Groff is what got me to watch this series. never been a Who fan but this Bridgerton call back was enough for me

[@ennayanne]

​@@suzygirl1843Great, now you have 40 seasons to catch up on

[@RavenThom]

@@Joe_Brennan_ So, pleasing 3.2 % of the population is a good thing?

[@RavenThom]

@@suzygirl1843 never heard of bridgerton so, another strike on this episode

[@richardd9938]

I thought showing no TARDIS Arrival Scene was absolutely crucial for the timing and pacing of this episode

[@ProdCritic]

Excellent analysis, I love that they’re experimenting but subversion of the format won’t land without establishing expectations. Now, let’s just hope Jonathan Groff becomes a regular! Considering his unique level of talent we could have another Lucy Saxon level performance 👍

[@DotDotDott]

I have no clue why this episode wasn't earlier on. Like swap this with devils cord, and I feel like the season would have followed so much better Also, the Richard E Grant cameo fully confirms that the argument of "you can't reference EU material because the general audience won't get it" is stupid.

[@RavenThom]

, not only do I "not get" this Grant Dr, but to focus an episode on a tv show only on netflix is just Dumb! the kiss? didn't Bill kiss? b/t/w, I'm proud that I'm straight. , just as gays are proud (oops cant use the f word)

[@toyloliSpare]

In fairness. Adding John Hurt was actually the first time they said "Oh there could be other doctors all over the place". Do chibal wasnt the first to do it. Just the most flagrant.

[@alistairetheblu]

Look up The Morbius Doctors.

[@toyloliSpare]

@@alistairetheblu No, I know about the morbius doctors (watched the story back in the 80s) but I don't count them because there are no stories. They were literally just the heads of the producer, writer etc in a bubble with the idea that "Maybe there were doctors before hartnel!" In the case of Hurt and Grant, they actually played the doctor in extended media. The only other potential doctors I would accept is Rowan Atkinson, but them that would completely eff up all cannons ever ^.^

[@toyloliSpare]

@@alistairetheblu Additionally if you want to poke knits, at the end of War Games there was an extra face shown for the doctor for a split second, and they showed extra faces during trial of a timelord too. But again, Grant has actually played the Doctor which I think is a different story. The other scenes before Hurts had mostly been written off by the community and misunderstood or not cannon Until Hurt. And now that Grant is in the picture those faces may all become cannon. Or maybe not.

[@the_amazing_crappo]

RTD did it first with Meta-Crisis.

[@toyloliSpare]

@@the_amazing_crappo I'll grant that (pun intented)

[@kieranwilson7273]

I do feel that in the Doctors moment of impluse, pushing upon darkness, believing he had lost Ruby to the bird people was a perfect opportunity to lean a bit more into the ‘Wrath of the Timelord’, to give this season a moment that reminds us of why the Doctor is such a force to be reckoned with, and the last person in the universe to be crossed like we have seen so perfectly before. Something I feel is lacking in this season is the doctors ‘presence’ in a lot of the episodes, while still very good, I would love to see more centre stage moments where we are shown that he is the person in the room we should be listening to, that we should respect and fear his demonstrations of wisdom and intelligence all at the same time as he exhibits his ‘cocky confidence’ In ultimately having the upper hand.

[@kathrynpalmer5871]

I love that they brought Indira back (she was Susie in Torchwood)

[@60wattmoon]

Something that really took me out of this episode is that when the Doctor thinks Ruby is dead, THAT'S the point where he gets all angry and decides he wants the Chuldur to suffer. Not the MINIMUM seven people they mercilessly killed before her? Those people are just part of a silly little mystery, but now the Doctor cares about them being murderers? It honestly makes his indignation at their crimes come across as fickle and trivial. I really dislike Doctor Who's approach to NPC death sometimes, and this episode exemplifies that issue.

[@markpettis2896]

But the doctor did mourn the death of the Duchess when he found her body and that is the only body he found

[@mossmage1]

i also couldnt pay attention to what ncuti was saying when the heads were rotating coz richard e grant and i was trying to spot paul mcgann

[@נמרוגשבני]

Finally, Joe's review is out!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I’ve kept the people waiting long enough!

[@WinniemaeHooray]

I was thinking the same thing! As soon as I watched the episode, I was like WHERE'S JOE! LOL! I love hearing his take on the episodes! 🫶

[@nairrdlairrd]

It’s funny that some people clocked the “battle mode” line as foreshadowing because I just thought it was a bit of Moffat-style comedy😅 (honestly I loved it as a simple joke, when it came back it was just like “oh that’s cool”)

[@Progressunlikely]

Love she got an Upgrade/Matrix moment

[@normak7041]

Honestly i thought that ruby did actually die for a second there, She's already died twice this season. It was the lack of snow that made me question it

[@lovejohandmade]

Loved this episode but having Geoff, Bridgerton and fun bird-alien villains was practically going to guarantee that for me. Ncuti was phenomenal in this one. Such sparkling dialogue between Rogue and him, I really hope he returns!

[@lcflngn]

Yessss, warm blanket, lovely all over. Fave ep yet.

[@bainhastie6050]

I definitely agree we need more episodes, but I don’t think Disney is very interested in that :(

[@ChristyAbbey]

Am I the only person who rather liked Dimensions in Time? I can't be. Anyway, happy Pride! (now if I could only find a girl who looks like a cross between Gatwa and Groff and Gibson...)

[@TheBeastBoss04]

Good to see that you are enjoying this season almost as much as I am

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Glad I’m not alone!

[@ljx9450]

Felt like this episode is definetly hiding a lot in plain sight, as on a second watch, I feel like the romance is a complete lie on the side of Rogue. He recognises the Doctor is into him, which is apparent almost immediately, and he just runs with it. I feel like, like a lot of other theories, his "boss" is the same as the Meeps as you can see his whole character shifts when Tennant's face appears. I mean, showing your past faces is not a good way to prove you are not a SHAPESHIFTER ffs. Before that moment I think Rogue is perhaps a little enamoured with him, and a little charmed, but after that precise moment he goes all lovey dovey (which I loved, and I really hope that there's a shred of truth to it all) and about 4 or 5 lines later he literally says "I'm in love". It's only after Tennant's face turns up he starts flirting and properly lets his walls down. I think Rogue is coming back and I think there's going to be a betrayal.

[@The-Busy-Beeeee]

We are in for a wild ride if this theory is correct

[@RavenThom]

I suspect we'll discover that Rogue n ncuti are having an affair

[@Progressunlikely]

Could also be why he so confidently sacrificed himself. He already called an Uber. ;)

[@Road_to_Dawn]

We definitely need more new writers for the show, and this episode proved why. I do think we should pull it back to where the showrunner writes like 2 or 3 episodes a season, and then the rest is filled by other writers (especially provided, of course, we get more than just 8 episodes + Christmas per year). I know Mike Flanagan has said that it’d be a dream come true for him to write an episode, and I personally hope that Maxine Alderton comes back for more. Plus, we need to have faith in a potential new showrunner that isn’t RTD, Moffat, or Chibnall, and having that potential new showrunner write some episodes is the best way to judge if they can do it.

[@baconandhex]

Not if they are wanting to pump their episodes with fanfic pulp, like in this episode. Chibnal took a beating for exactly this and he had way less to work with.

[@djdee6386]

I feel like this should’ve been a two parter. IMO the pacing seeing strange and the romance was a bit underdeveloped, and a two parter might’ve fixed that. I feel like Rogue as an equal to the Doctor was a great idea, that unfortunately was not expanded enough. Still, I can’t call this episode bad, just weaker overall, especially after the last 3 amazing episodes.

[@djdee6386]

It also might’ve been cool to have him be a temporary companion, like how Mickey or Martha tagged along for single adventures in RTD 1. that way we can build him up as a romantic interest, and make his death hit much harder.

[@kelvinbrooks3785]

​@@djdee6386think we already have a temporary companion in Ruby, they've barely spent any time together in 6 episodes, he's been missing for practically 2 entire shows, the series feels very disjointed and now only the 2 finale episodes left, I feel like they are going to have tried for a big ending to the series but may miss the mark as I'm personally having trouble being invested in the doctor, I feel like Ruby is more developed and prominent than he is at this point.

[@robo3007]

I think the last run of four good episodes was probably series 10's Thin Ice - Knock Knock - Oxygen - Extremis

[@glitch84-]

Oooh another fan of knock knock!!! I'm usually the only one praising it!

[@jadedflames]

Happy birthday, Lucas! Good episode. I liked it a lot. I think this would be a good “show an episode to someone to tell them what Doctor Who is like” episode. Like a lot of people used to use Blink.

[@JulieAiken]

I've been a fan of Jonathan Groff since he was 15 years old; working with him in community theatre, I recognized his extraordinary talent even then. He always delivers and delights. I agree with everything you said in your review -- it's been a strong season and I'm thrilled, but it's wonderful to have a good old fashioned episode like Rogue. I, too, wish the seasons were longer, and hope there is more Whoniverse material coming -- a U.N.I.T. spin-off, please! Thanks, and see you for the 2 part finale! Apparently there's always a twist in the end.

[@RavenThom]

Good "old fashion" ?? 9 and Jack were not lovers, Bill had a female Lover Yaz was attracted sexually to the Dr, Not 1 other person in all the other had gay tendencies

[@JulieAiken]

@@RavenThom I didn't say anything about romance or sexuality. Or 9 and Jack. I'm not sure how your comment relates to mine at all, unless you think same sex relationships are a new thing? Or flirtation and romance are not a part of Doctor Who -- I mean, how many husbands did River Song have? (Just 1, because they were all the Doctor, but still...) Even so, I didn't mention anything like this -- no romance, no sex, no relationships mentioned in my comment.

[@lcflngn]

Loved this complex review, subbed for sure. “Bird dimension” lol. We do need Jonathon Groff back, looking forward to that. Yes, more eps would be way way better!

[@legofreak86]

I’ve loved this season wholeheartedly so far, yes the first or maybe first two episodes were a bit bumpy but the sheer sense of invention and experimentation with the format, with the character, the range of new threats and the themes and topics they’ve explored beneath the Sci Fi fantasy hook have been wonderful. It’s the freshest for me the series has felt since Capaldi and Bill and the most inventive and fun since Moffat’s debut season. That said I feel like the episode order needs a restructure: 1. Space Babies- Classic Jumping on point. 2. Boom- Ruby and The Doctor learn to trust each other, big moment for them right out of the gate. 3. Dot and Bubble- Doctor lite, makes a direct reference to Boom. 4. Devil’s Chord- Feels like a midseason finale, big baddie sets up the season threat. 5. Rogue- With the stakes established we go back to fun and follows on from the doctor’s conversation with Ruby about his granddaughter, (I lost everyone). 6. 73 Yards: Reintroduces Kate and Unit before the finale double, touches on Susan Twist and Ruby’s mystery and also a really unpredictable and suspenseful episode to put right before the two part finale. Feels a bit more organic in this order IMO.

[@SimeonZoom]

This episode was amazing. Had me jumping up and down, shouting “NOW KISS!”

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I’m so relieved that they did

[@charliehamilton8107]

Please, please, please let us have a longer series with more episodes written by other writers.

[@lewischerry3552]

The birds with human teeth reminded me of chicken run, but I don’t mean that badly I thought they looked both silly but great

[@nickl2854]

I love Doctor who! What a good thing that exists. Episodes have been dropping during my first time in the uk and it has been greatly adding to the experience.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

What wonderful timing!

[@cfsfilms5091]

I stand by previous comments about this being the weirdest and most creative season and my really enjoying not knowing what to expect, but I want to add on that it being so weird and constantly trying different styles of story also made it genuinely exciting to get a relatively standard Doctor Who adventure! I dunno if it would stand out this much in any other season, but it feels like a highlight here even though (in my opinion) basically all of the other episodes are great. Really like this one, the villains are a fun twisted concept I could see them doing more with, Rogue is a great character I really hope comes back at some point, and it's nice to see the Doctor and Ruby just having *fun* for most of it, because we haven't had an episode I would describe as 'fun' since Devil's Chord. It can't all be landmines, surreal horror, and space racists or you'd wonder why anyone would keep doing this. My only complaint is that I wish the finale was like, at least two episodes away, preferably four. Loving this season but it's definitely too short.

[@guy3854]

I agree with you. I just wish there were more standard format episodes. If every episode becomes experimental, none of them will be. Thats what i think anyway

[@kittenannebunteman1047]

Couple of thoughts - 1. Could have Richard E Grant been the Great Intelligence that entered his timeline... maybe there is some residue and mingling? 2.With this episode I felt some strong feels to Family of Blood as well as The Empty Child. 3. If the doctor is going to have a romance, I much prefer and in and out type character like River Song or a 1 off attraction than the normal companion like Rose. Part of me really hopes that Rogue comes back but in and out like River Song, over the seasons and over multiple doctors... 4. I was expecting it to be Rose, and I was certain the earrings are what was going saved her - because battle mode was mentioned in the beginning and that seemed like a setup line to me. 5. Earlier I mentioned the The empty Child - And Rogue and The Doctor - were like Jack and the Doctor but flipped (The Doctor seemed more flirtier more Jack like where as Rogue seemed more damaged and broken and withdrawn just the way the Doctor was in the First season of New who.) And it was also the Doctor was off flirting with the offworlder (like Rose did)... 6. To the "floating heads" I was so happy to see Jo Martin with everyone going on how Ncuti is the first black doctor. This shows that Jo Martin is also there as a black doctor. 7. I really feel this season was shown out of the intended order - like perhaps this episode was switched with the Beatles? I am completely loving this season - I wish it was more than 8 episodes.... I really think Ncuti is going to be my favourite doctor of the reboot.... Tom Baker is my Doctor, but Ncuti is going to make me have 2 favourites.

[@thenamelessdragon]

I think so too! When Ruby is desperate to convince the Dr that she is herself, why would she only mention Space Babies? You'd be dredging up every single anomaly you can think of in that situation, not just leaving it at one

[@angelm.bouchard3722]

The season is too short; I can't believe that it's almost over, it justed started. If the season wasn't so short, this episode could have been a two parter and the romance could have been extened a little. I enjoyed it, but I felt it was a little too rushed.

[@Horltum]

My main issue with this episode is that we're back on a Doctor romance plot, which is probably more of a personal preference. Rogue does work much better as a love interest than Rose or Clara.

[@atlas1919]

Rogue was great, both the episode and the character, but I really wish it had been a two-parter. (although of course the season length wouldn't allow for that) The romance between Rogue and The Doctor felt rather rushed to me, where if it had an extra episode for them to get to know each other it would work a little better, instead of them being in love with each other after maybe two hours of knowing each other. I also think the shapeshifter aliens, while they worked very well in the episode, could have used a little more time to be a threat. (Maybe a bit of mystery/horror) Overall, I think what we got was great, but I feel like this story deserved a little more time to breathe.

[@baconandhex]

Yeah, there wasn't enough time to even develop an emotional reaction.

[@HomeNF420]

the final 6 episodes of season 3 and 4 are all top tier episodes. The short length of each episode and of this season is by far my biggest issue. Also would love to see Maxine Alderton write an episode in Ncutis era, she wrote easily the best episode of Jodies era.

[@fantasticoproduction]

I've been really enjoying the season! It's no season 4 or 5, and I wonder if that's in part to missing the middle filler, or maybe the middle 2 parter. Or maybe those series were just way too good :D Loving the videos!

[@guygrist4436]

The Shalka Doctor being included is such a cheeky move I’m all here for it. I love scream of the Shalka.

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

SAME!

[@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914]

Did you notice Rogue's bir ship is an hommage to the "Lost cities of gold" anime with Esteban, Zia, Tao "Le Grand Condor" from "Les Mysterieuses Citees D'or"

[@musenightingale]

This is the first time I've ever been this excited about a romance involving the Doctor. The chemistry is just off the charts! And I love to see him as the pursuer for once.

[@tristan9506]

Seen the heads scene a few times now, and I still just get distracted imagining the doctor desperately trying to maintain composure to impress hot man/save his own life while a face all evidence could easily suggest he doesn’t remember being floats around in front of him.

[@christianwise637]

It's not quite my favourite episode from this season - "Boom" still holds the top spot in my opinion - but I really liked this one. The episode offers a great demonstration of why we desperately need new blood in this show's writing staff, Kate Herron and Briony Redman's script feels so fresh and unique, yet still very familiar and in-line with what we expect with this show. I love the interactions between the Doctor and Rogue, I expected a good deal of sexual tension between the two characters, but I was pleasantly surprised to have them go ahead with them having a full-blown romantic fling; you really get a good grasp on their strong connection, Ncuti Gatwa and Jonathan Groff's chemistry is so delightful, and it really makes me hope the latter will return at some point. Outside of the main pairing, the central story was a little bit boilerplate standard Who fluff, but it was definitely well executed. The villains are suitably goofy and fun, the prosthetics are really well-designed and their performances, particularly Indira Varma, were really enjoyable. And as is expected with the majority of these period pieces, the costumes and production design are just beautifully ornate, while the use of classical variations of Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga pop songs was just delightful. I'll probably need to give it another go to see how it really ranks within the rest of the series, but "Rogue" was a real breath of fresh air after FOUR YEARS of scripts written or co-written by one of the showrunners, and it leaves me hopeful that Herron and Redman will be coming back to the show in the future

[@tomw4014]

Really enjoyed this review, I definitely agree that it’s a shame we don’t have more “filler” episodes, I don’t know if there is an episode this series that I’d just put on during a rainy day when I just wanna watch some comfort DW, every episode has some level of importance, I’ve loved every ep for sure and the series as a whole because I’ve enjoyed the experimentation but I sometimes just wanna chill out and watch an “easy” ep :)

[@bigspongeyfan1]

The only bit I would disagree with you on here is I would say that Space Babies is similarly meat and potatoes Dr Who. It’s quite a classic episode structurally. It just has a bombastic element that makes people think it’s a more left field episode than it is. Whereas The Devil’s Chord is Doctor Who does pure spectacle (i.e. the Web Planet) which is something Dr Who barely ever does because of budget constraints. Obviously still strange to only get 2 out of 6 so far be ‘normal’ episodes. But similarly to late stage Moffat, I do think this is one of those things we get hung up on at the time and we worry about the casual viewer (who I can’t help but agree might be a bit lost by the approach), and then in a few years time we look back at it like series 9 and go wow this is Doctor Who taking big swings and it feels like it’s written for me.

[@ftumschk]

_"I would say that Space Babies is similarly meat and potatoes Dr Who"_ - Totally agree. What's more, Space Babies is a meat and potatoes story that has a genuine, if whimsical, Sci-Fi core (babies piloting a space station). In contrast, Rogue struck me as a romantic period drama with aliens thrown in almost as an afterthought.

[@jotarodio4750]

The cold open like made me squeal it was just so dcotor who. I really wish ruby was a little more present but the scenes we got were so fun.

[@EllieThomasMusic]

Honestly, love these reviews. I can put it on like a podcast... oohhh you should just upload the audio to spotify that'd be awesome.

[@Lulu-bf1vz]

Ooh I just LOVED this episode! The classic Doctor Who format with the fresh-feeling queer storytelling. For me this is emblematic of the direction Doctor Who should go in. Classic and innovative at the same time!

[@Joe_Brennan_]

I absolutely agree

[@RavenThom]

sure, since 3.2 % of britain is gay, lets give them the show that was meant for kiddies

[@bradugar]

I knew Ruby was fine because of Kate Steward in the Zygon 2 Parter from Series 9, also in the trailer we saw Ruby hit someone with a book.

[@nairrdlairrd]

Loved this episode, great to finally see a standard episode of Doctor Who (absolutely should have been swapped with The Devil’s Chord). I’m a huge Jonathan Groff fan so I loved his character and I hope he comes back, my only drawback was that it felt weird that the Doctor was the pursuer in the relationship. I’ve noticed they’ve been making this Doctor much more modern and mainstream to make him relatable to new audiences, but I did feel like it was out of character for him to be pursuing someone romantically right from the start based initially on looks. I did love their chemistry as it developed, but just strange for me to see the Doctor as the romantic aggressor when, as you pointed it, historically they’re usually not thinking about romance and stumble into it or have it thrust upon them

[@AdderMoray]

Space Babies was *preeeeeetty* Doctor Who.

[@jonwashburn7999]

Attack of the Bird People!

[@amyahlquist3436]

What I find interesting is everyone was so mad about two guys kissing when they couldn’t look at the bigger picture…. They are not even the same species 😂

[@InfiniteProductions123]

Its funny that they all forget about captain jack harkness and rory, the doctor has kissed them BOTH. and yet they all yell about rouge and the doctor kissing?

[@RavenThom]

@@InfiniteProductions123 if you can't see the difference, then you ARE GAY

[@adric4573]

it's like vastra and Jenny. surely the difference in species and approximately 6 million year age gap is more of an issue with those two

[@lorbaborb]

my main (possibly only?) gripe with this episode is that it made me feel slightly weird as a cosplayer. its not a big deal and could easily be changed by switching out a couple lines but it felt like a strange choice for a show with such a huge cosplaying community. other than that i loved it :3

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

Yeah, definitely more LARPing than cosplay, tbf.

[@Uloncl]

such an incredible episode loved it, im sure theres people talking about how the doctor reacted to rubys "death" with the damn them to eternal hell kinda stuff, i guess its not written by rtd so not necessarily going to be a deep philosophical reaction like rtd has built for the character, personally it makes sense its an appropriate reaction and its not a big deal. (havnt finished the video idk if u talked about it EDIT u did cool ye same)

[@foxesofautumn]

I’ve freaking loved the last four episodes. I think end of season 3 was the last time I felt it was this strong. Rogue was a fantastic addition and I really bought the romance, which is almost impossible in such a short timeframe. It did remind me a bit of The Girl in the Fireplace but less tragic. My only complaint is the season is too short and that’s a nice place to be, especially with a show I’ve loved for so long.

[@aleccino]

This was absolutely my favourite episode of the season for all the reasons you outlined. I've enjoyed the season for the most part, but this was the perfect enjoyable, silly romp, and it was actually well-written! Loved Rogue, loved the silliness of the enemy, and the humour/jokes all landed I laughed out loud multiple times. I was getting Girl in the Fireplace and Family of Blood vibes from this episode, and I'm SO here for the romance!!!

[@danthomassolo]

On the subject of the smaller number of episodes this series, I agree that I miss the longer runs, but on the flip side, couldn’t you argue that it leads to greater quality overall? Like there’s less chance for filler - not filler in terms of things that don’t push the season arc forward, but rather the kind of filler where they had only 12 good episode ideas and 1 stinker because they had a 13 episode order and had to go with an underwritten, underdeveloped one to fulfil their contract. I do agree though that I feel a bit bereft that we’re getting into the groove of things and we’ve only got two episodes left 😢

[@ennayanne]

for me, this entire season has been strong. I thought the devil's chord was great and it only kept getting better from there. Space Babies is the weakest, but it's still a good episode of doctor who

[@shahanisalcedo9884]

Subscribing because I can tell you know what you're talking about, unlike majority of "who" KZbinrs who just wanna add sensationalism to their reviews. Are you on Tumblr?

[@danthomassolo]

Loved this one. I don’t have as much to say about it as some of the others, but I think that’s a good thing. It’s like “I like it - solid episode - no notes!” The only thing I found to criticise was that Indira Varma’s bird costume really looked like a costume around the chest in some scenes. It looked kind of baggy, like maybe it was too big and was bunching up. I was also distracted by the Richard E Grant face and totally missed all the dialogue as a result, but I had fun in the moment thinking “WTF! Shalka is canon now?!”

[@greghawkins59]

The fact they didn't include rowan Atkinson and the other curse of fatal death doctors is disgusting

[@veggiet2009]

I respectfully disagree, I think you're viewing this backwards, because this is "season 1" of a new era. If 2004 was the birth of "new who" than this is the birth of "new new who" and what we've seen so far is the standard and this episode is a step backwards to the "new who" format.

[@thatqwertydude2901]

I really loved 73 yards and rogue has been my second favourite but 73 yards didn't even have the doctor in it and in none of the episodes the doctor did something really clever and saved the day which as someone who has watched newwho a couple of times, that's what I came for now these new episodes they're good but not doctor who however this episode *tried* to do a doctor who episode but. They didn't succeed yes aliens are a problem the doctor comes and saves the day with a couple of side plots the core plot points were there but the smaller things such as the doctor doubt something immensely big brain and on the whole we haven't seen much of the tardis so it feels like a cold large empty *thing* and this is one of the first episodes where the doctor was in the goddamn episodes but y'know that's just my opinion

[@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914]

The Toymaker played with the timeline ! So he let Richard E Grant as the Great intelligence take over the War Doctor after the 8th regenerated (Or didnt do the war) And thus this alternate timeline has been canonized!!!! Great intelligence in the timeline, takes over the doctor and becomes the shalka doctor in that other timeline from which the floating head comes !

[@lenwaterman9578]

John Hurt's 'War Doctor' was shown with the other heads! I don't know why Richard E. Grant was shown!

[@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914]

@@lenwaterman9578 Grant was the Shalka Doctor,m before Eccleston existed they did a story with Grant as the 9th. So this is now Canonized by Russell as real, and part of a PARALLEL universe!

[@the_amazing_crappo]

@@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914 I know that actual 9th was there but I didn't see this as anything other than unnecessary shade being thrown at Eccleston, who is extremely critical and vocal about RTD and his cohorts.

[@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914]

you must be right ... @@the_amazing_crappo i prefer the thought of canonizing. Don't forget this is a callback to family of blood, with the dorctor being dark in his desire for punishment. So in that episode they had shown MCGANN as the previous canonized doctor officially, and here Grant as such. This is probably a link. My wonder was why no Dr. Who (Peter Cushing) !!

[@evelynstarshine8561]

I loved this episode, I don't understand the portal not letting her be taken out of but allowing a swap? but i loved the episode. the last couple have also been great but this one was uncomplicated. which is great

[@elliec2943]

The birds were ridiculous they looked like the came straight from Sesame Street

[@Benlovescheese]

They need more different writers

[@finnley1506]

I also personally can’t remember a run of 4 episodes in a row being so strong, but I think this also sort of links to the point that there’s only 8 episodes in the season? With the old format you could kind of get away with a few episodes being a bit rubbish, there were often enough winners in a season to balance it out. In a season as short as this it’s more important to make sure that each episode is an engaging banger, and I miss having episodes with the formula we know and love. With less episodes, theres less opportunity for ‘average doctor who’ to be entertaining enough for the audience. Granted, I loved Rogue and I’ve enjoyed watching Doctor Who more than I have in a long while

[@gavinhenderson7250]

I liked the story. LOVED the chemistry between Gatwa and Groff, jesus christ the tension was off the charts. I'll be honest whilst I've enjoyed conventional Doctor Who before this one isn’t up there with the likes of The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit. But I think that's got something to do with the fact that I don't love the time period or setting.

[@nairrdlairrd]

I think in the future they should bring back these writers, bring back Jamie Mathieson and/or Toby Whithouse, and at least one totally new writer per season. We need a higher percentage of episodes not written by RTD😅

[@davidstankiewicz2049]

It was exceptionally good and balanced. How rare is it for the Dr meet someone, like River and Rouge, who are his equal. No wonder it developed.

[@snowywhitequeen]

fun & thoughtful review!

[@yourneighbourtodoro]

I quite liked this episode. I think it should have maybe switched places with "The Devil's Chord?" That could have maybe fixed a lot of people's issues with the season's pacing and the dynamic between Ruby and the Doctor. My biggest complaint about the episode is one that I have for a lot of DW, and that's the fact that the Chuldur are built up to be a world-ending threat, when we reeeally don't need every episode to raise the stakes to that height. The Chuldur were killing people and wearing their bodies for entertainment. That's messed up and evil enough without Rogue being like, "If they get out they'll destroy the world!" My brother in Who, just put them in prison. You don't need another dimension for this one lol.

[@daliasaravia1443]

Joe-try-not-to-mention-Chibnall-in-your-reviews challenge

[@the_amazing_crappo]

I think his head would explode like in Scanners.

[@Joe_Brennan_]

Very normal to look at what we have now in the context of what we had before imo

[@tommarsdon5644]

I really liked this episode, despite the fact that I don't like when the doctor gets involved with romance. Well, at least it's not with a companion.

[@seaurchin68]

Great episode, classic Dr Who.

[@BirdPeopleArentReal]

While I understand the want for the season to start off normal before going into the new stuff, I have the opposite view. I loved Doctor Who for so long, but the newer seasons just couldn’t grab me the same and I wasn’t able to make it past Jodie Whittaker’s first season. I didn’t even watch the specials with David Tenant, despite him being one of my favorite doctors, for fear that they would mess him up too. I started off this season just watching spoiler reviews, and the praise for Boom finally got me to actually watch the episode. It was decent, so I watched 73 yards before reviews came out, and it felt like my passion for the show came back. It felt new and exciting, and you could feel the quality of the writing behind every decision. I think it was smart to start with that, as the show was able to show off the writing skills and all the new ways they could go with the episodes, so that when we do get the classic DW episodes, they still feel fresh and invigorating. I don’t know if I would be as hyped for the season (or even watched it) if it slowly built to the new stuff, rather than kinda starting out with it, just like with the Netflix life action ATLA, where the quality only became really good the last few episodes. Now, I’m excited to get back to basic again because my faith in the writing has been restored.

[@scix8794]

This is the worst story of RTD2 so far. I have no clue whose idea it was to have a story be so overstuffed and directionless when it could have been so much better. I'm not a fan of the doctor being romanctically interested and so that whole plotline was never really going to be my jam. Unfortunately, the romance is just too fast and so I can't even appreciate it on a story telling levelling despite really liking Rogue as a character. Even aside from this the villains are just there to fill space and are just so aggresively mediocre. Even the handful of impactful moments don't hit hard because the time we have had with this Doctor-Companion relationship is just not enough for such moments to hit. What a waste of a really cool premise. Overall a very mediocre story

[@curvingfyre6810]

I don't really agree that we've had that many major "format subversions". Devil's chord was standard fare with a more dangerous enemy. Space babies was a very standard setup, location, monster, stakes, methods, resolution. Dot and bubble wasn't default format, but it was classic doctor lite format, as was 73 yards. Boom was the closest to a novel format, and it was basically the same as a standard monster episode, except it was done in a single location, and the monster wasn't mobile. All of these excelled in ways that are new and fresh, but they didn't do it by being something "other" than doctor who. And, face it, we all know that this new "show" isn't a magical fresh slate. It's a showrunner we already know, with canon that hasn't been reversed or changed. It's a new season of the same show in every way that matters, so yes, what subversion there was *does* hit hard.

[@CamMcGinn1981]

I have problems with Emily attempting to wear Ruby and Ruby's escape. When they show the attempt, you hear a scream, the electricity and the lights flash. When Ruby escapes, none of them happen.... they don't match up. What caused the scream, electricity and lighting? There should have been something to explain why they still happen if Ruby actually got out of it. I've loved this series. I didn't love (still liked it) 73 yards, especially without the opening credits, for which I can see no reason to omit them, except because it doesn't occur in normal canon. But, I've never been a fan of Sci-fi that goes into a pocket universe (I don't particularly like Stat Trek TNG's episode The Inner Light, for example). The Devil's Chord, Boom, Dot and Bubble, and now Rogue have all been absolutely brilliant. None of them have felt like anything was being rammed down our throats and everything fit the characters that we saw. I was hoping that Susan Twist was going to be a total red herring, but that is not going to happen and I'm interested to see how they marry all of her appearances up.

[@undying_artv2]

Wait grant played the doctor before Christopher in a cartoon episode