As you all know by now, I’ve been a very vocal proponent for a female Doctor for years. I also quit following the show when they weirdly and abruptly rewrote Clara and jettisoned The Impossible Girl. Capaldi was great in the few episodes I did watch the past three years. That said, in the end he was collateral damage for what I feel had become Moffat’s over indulgence in four-episode overly convoluted arcs where there is a universe-ending paradox.
Last night’s episode was no different except that in place of the universe-ending paradox, there was an unnecessarily long and pointless series of discussions about remembering who you are. All wrapped in some silly and non-threatening glass people commune. Still not sure why the first Doctor was there. All he did was say things to remind people that women and seniors aren’t openly discriminated against anymore. He added absolutely nothing to the story.
Having the soldier be who he was (no spoiler) was weirdly placed fan service, as was - of course - Clara’s return. Can’t have a Who episode without Clara. My long time favorite companion now fully rewritten into a character I can hardly stand.
Having the episode center around the 1914 Armistice could have been done so much better in the hands of a different writer. A huge opportunity missed. The last ten minutes were all I enjoyed. I thought the shot of the ring falling off was a nicely done call back to the nearly identical shot of 11’s bow tie falling to the ground. A firm indicator that the previous Doctor is over.
Regarding Jodie as 13: Love Love Love what little we got to see. I’m happy she seems to instantly have her wits about her and digs who she is. Her smile made me smile (literally). We’ve had a TARDIS out of control upon firey regeneration before, but this one had a more serious tone. Hats off to Jodie for the excellent intro. Loved her instant embrace of herself and the seriousness that followed a few seconds later. Even with only the one line, it was so wonderful to hear her voice as the Doctor. I’m beyond excited for her run to start.