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Doctor Who Series 13 Ep 1 The Halloween Apocalypse
Published: 09th November 2021.
Sharing my musings on the latest series of Doctor Who slightly belated comments on the first episode
Greetings everyone,
Today, we'll journey through the timey-wimey world of Doctor Who, exploring the first episode of the 13th series, the Flux series, titled "The Halloween Apocalypse". This episode stands as a highlight amidst showrunner Chris Chibnall's era, although some might argue its comparative brilliance.
Series 13 boasts a consistent storyline spread across six gripping episodes, suggesting a recurrence of fan-favorite foes. Despite Chibnall's initial promise of introducing fresh elements, he appears to have retraced his steps, leaning on the legacy of classic enemies.
The episodes commence with the Doctor and Yaz ensnared in a visually unimpressive CGI deathtrap – a presentation that lacks the necessary impact due to its poor dialogue and faulty physics. However, setting aside these transgressions, their daring escape does imprint a sense of control and imminence on the Doctor's character, reminiscent of the series' past time-traveling escapades.
As the plot unfolds, we find ourselves in 1800's Liverpool, laying the groundwork for unlikely secrets and pivotal future plotpoints. We are introduced to Dan – brought to life by John Bishop, whose kind-hearted character treads a dim line between appealing and overly sentimental.
Throughout the episode, vital characters appear in a disjointed, haphazard fashion, seemingly setting the stage for subsequent parts in the series. But rather than a well-oiled cog in a larger narrative machinery, the episode stumbles awkwardly, chucking away critical explanatory segments, which lends the narrative a clunky, inconsistent feeling.
Furthermore, later in the episode, the audience encounters Vinder, who is positioned in an upper space station and acts as our guide to an unprecedented cosmic catastrophe, the Flux. Simultaneously, the Doctor's pursuit to rescue Dan intersects with her quest for answers about the enigmatic division, subtly entangling storylines.
Regrettably, the episode heavily integrates the divisive "Timeless Child" arc, arguably weakening the overall reception. Another noteworthy character, Claire, makes her debut, presenting a charming presence – often overshadowing other characters on-screen.
Nods to notable adversaries include a punishing encounter with a Weeping Angel and a violent visit from a character named Swarm who introduces himself as a cosmic terror from the universe's dawn. He exudes menace but lacks complexity, reducing him to a cursory antagonistic role.
Intriguing events further unfold with the introduction of an Arctic-dwelling couple turned tragic casualties of Swarm’s wrath, the unveiling of Swarm's sister, the advent of Sontarans, and the broad revelation of the universe-threatening Flux.
The strained relationship between the Doctor and Yaz begins to bloom, after spending what seems like an eternity side by side post-Ryan and Graham's exit. However, even in its budding stages, their interaction feels stilted and unformed. The same applies to John Bishop's character, the dialogue for each character sounding interchangeable, eliminating the individuality of their voices.
Doctor Who has always served as family entertainment rather than purely a children’s show. In this context, the infantile quality imbued in the recent iterations feels out of place. While the latest episode may not discourage audiences from hiding behind their sofa in fear, it fails to capture the enthralling essence of the original Doctor Who series.
Minor successes include glossing over the controversial "Timeless Child" arc and employing impressive visuals capable of standing alongside other popular series. On the whole, the episode, although filled with numerous shiny objects and stray fragments of information, lacks a convincing narrative substance.
Time will tell if this hap-hazardous scattering of subplot seeds will germinate into a coherent plot resolution, offering a clearer vision of the grand scheme. As it stands, "The Halloween Apocalypse" was an average episode, filled with chaotic storytelling laced with an undercurrent of unanswered questions.
It remains to be seen if this series can find its footing and prove to be more than a sprawling car crash of inexplicit plotlines. In the world of Doctor Who, time will always tell. Peace out.
Today, we'll journey through the timey-wimey world of Doctor Who, exploring the first episode of the 13th series, the Flux series, titled "The Halloween Apocalypse". This episode stands as a highlight amidst showrunner Chris Chibnall's era, although some might argue its comparative brilliance.
Series 13 boasts a consistent storyline spread across six gripping episodes, suggesting a recurrence of fan-favorite foes. Despite Chibnall's initial promise of introducing fresh elements, he appears to have retraced his steps, leaning on the legacy of classic enemies.
The episodes commence with the Doctor and Yaz ensnared in a visually unimpressive CGI deathtrap – a presentation that lacks the necessary impact due to its poor dialogue and faulty physics. However, setting aside these transgressions, their daring escape does imprint a sense of control and imminence on the Doctor's character, reminiscent of the series' past time-traveling escapades.
As the plot unfolds, we find ourselves in 1800's Liverpool, laying the groundwork for unlikely secrets and pivotal future plotpoints. We are introduced to Dan – brought to life by John Bishop, whose kind-hearted character treads a dim line between appealing and overly sentimental.
Throughout the episode, vital characters appear in a disjointed, haphazard fashion, seemingly setting the stage for subsequent parts in the series. But rather than a well-oiled cog in a larger narrative machinery, the episode stumbles awkwardly, chucking away critical explanatory segments, which lends the narrative a clunky, inconsistent feeling.
Furthermore, later in the episode, the audience encounters Vinder, who is positioned in an upper space station and acts as our guide to an unprecedented cosmic catastrophe, the Flux. Simultaneously, the Doctor's pursuit to rescue Dan intersects with her quest for answers about the enigmatic division, subtly entangling storylines.
Regrettably, the episode heavily integrates the divisive "Timeless Child" arc, arguably weakening the overall reception. Another noteworthy character, Claire, makes her debut, presenting a charming presence – often overshadowing other characters on-screen.
Nods to notable adversaries include a punishing encounter with a Weeping Angel and a violent visit from a character named Swarm who introduces himself as a cosmic terror from the universe's dawn. He exudes menace but lacks complexity, reducing him to a cursory antagonistic role.
Intriguing events further unfold with the introduction of an Arctic-dwelling couple turned tragic casualties of Swarm’s wrath, the unveiling of Swarm's sister, the advent of Sontarans, and the broad revelation of the universe-threatening Flux.
The strained relationship between the Doctor and Yaz begins to bloom, after spending what seems like an eternity side by side post-Ryan and Graham's exit. However, even in its budding stages, their interaction feels stilted and unformed. The same applies to John Bishop's character, the dialogue for each character sounding interchangeable, eliminating the individuality of their voices.
Doctor Who has always served as family entertainment rather than purely a children’s show. In this context, the infantile quality imbued in the recent iterations feels out of place. While the latest episode may not discourage audiences from hiding behind their sofa in fear, it fails to capture the enthralling essence of the original Doctor Who series.
Minor successes include glossing over the controversial "Timeless Child" arc and employing impressive visuals capable of standing alongside other popular series. On the whole, the episode, although filled with numerous shiny objects and stray fragments of information, lacks a convincing narrative substance.
Time will tell if this hap-hazardous scattering of subplot seeds will germinate into a coherent plot resolution, offering a clearer vision of the grand scheme. As it stands, "The Halloween Apocalypse" was an average episode, filled with chaotic storytelling laced with an undercurrent of unanswered questions.
It remains to be seen if this series can find its footing and prove to be more than a sprawling car crash of inexplicit plotlines. In the world of Doctor Who, time will always tell. Peace out.
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