While this video is viewable, it has been demonized and its visibility is lowered due to the BBC's abuse of RUclips's Content ID System. Because of this, all comments, "likes" and shares would be greatly appreciated to try and appease RUclips's algorithms!
So does this mean that the notification don't get sent out or is it just my phone that didn't bother to ignore me (inconsistent notifications have applied to random videos regardless of how well or bad they've done).
Hello, Mr TARDIS. This might sound like an odd request and I know you must be a busy man, but if you get the time, could you give your opinion on Tom Baker's Key to Time season? And how about a MasterCember?
Yeah Dan Starkey has been involved with all three eras aand has played three different characters, but Nick Briggs, dude has voiced at least one alien per series of new who. Both pretty impressive
Briggs doesn't actually play them, he just voices them. However, I do believe that some of the dudes who wear the monster costumes (eg. Cybermen, Judoon, etc) have been with the show since the RTD era. Although, Dan Starkey is the first immediately recognisable face that the audience would recognise
Love your reviews. You putting your general very positive vibes and intelligent commentary out into the world makes the world bit better. Also, as someone who writes - your reviews are dope and your perspectives are spot on for me. Can’t wait for next one please! (Annoyed by algorithm). Peace Test 👊🏽
Can not believe how RUclips is screwing you over, I’ve never seen someone else have such problems. It’s such a shame because you’re reviews are the absolute best.
I like Dan. Just instantly. I don’t know if it’s down to the charisma of the actor or the writing or both but I just really like him. He’s like Graham, I love the way he reacts to all the weird stuff.
I loved this episode, definitely one of Chris Chibnall's best. Loved Karvanista as a new alien (the first time since the Moffat era I've loved a new alien), loved the Weeping Angel scene which felt like a bit of a return to form for them following The Angels Take Manhattan, loved Vinder and can't wait to see more of him, and absolutely loving the Doctor's subplot with the Division. Flux is shaping up to be really good
Great review, ta. The scattered mysterious perilous events worked for me, they made me curious about where each character would end up. But I know my tolerance for Chibnall's tendency towards chaos is higher than yours! I do think he seems more comfortable writing in this longer format. This series seems promising so far, imo. Farewell, and R.I.P., Julie Ankerson. Here's to the people who've made it work.
Very much agree with the whole 7th Doctor comparison, I noticed that and loved it because I have always said that the 13th Doctor should of gotten the 7th Doctor treatment; revealing the character we've seen is a mask the Doctor is wearing. Jodie Whitaker is absolutely mesmerising when she has an edge! We all know about the "sometimes this team structure isn't flat..." moment but I always liked moments where she's taunting Ashad or when she delivers such dark line readings like "say that to my face." to the Dalek in Resolution or when she says "And has it calmed all the rage?" in the Master's face. It's those moments I love seeing, wear the mask slips ever so slightly and you see who she is beneath it, hiding because she wants to be the happy-go-luck woman she projects. But yeah gotta say, the whole episode was enjoyable for me even though it gave me the same feeling Spyfall Part 1 did, but after seeing War of the Sontarans, I'm pretty onboard with the season and am invested in how it all ties up. Honestly, Chibnall should of started with this! I know it builds off things established in the last 2 seasons also but this is more along the lines of what I wanted/expected from Chibnall when he was annouce as showrunner. It would be lovely if he can stick the landing because as some people have said this Flux season has been made irrelevant by the RTD news, it does seem to be building good momentum and if this era does a capadli era where the final season sort of retroactively soften the reception of his 3 seasons, then maybe the rest of the fandom won't look back on this era with as must destain as they have living through it. In short... I'm into it.
I remember screaming "wtf is going on?!" after being thrown subplots after subplots. But instead of being frustrated, I was actually really excited about it. I love the chaotic nature of the episode. Though yeah, it's a bit concerning that these gajillion supporting characters subplots might not be properly explained later, especially if each episodes have its own guest character too. I actually like Vinder's last quip in the end. It's a nice setup, explaining the problematic nature of his mission (probably forced?)-particularly if we put that this series is going to have six episodes _only_ . Maybe I'm a bit biased though, his recording scene reminds me a lot to Wolf 359, my favourite sci-fi audio drama ever.
Joseph Williamson's involvement baffles me. But remember Williamson was a real person and an eccentric. The tunnels he had built are mysterious and many don't know the purpose of them.
Commenting for the algorithm but great review! Personally really enjoyed this episode and has made me the most excited to see more of the show since Series 11. Now with War of the Sontarans, I have high hopes for this series being one helluva banger!
War of the Sontarans was less cluttered and I preferred it out of the two (but if you want to maintain the cliffhanger suspense then don't watch the Next Time clip). 17:06 If you're referring to after the Angel takes her, maybe there was something in the house designed to repel Weeping Angels as getting into your house would probably do f*** all to escape them (given how they're able to open Bulkhead doors in Flesh and Stone).
I think Dan is supposed to be the emotional heart of this episode. Its core. Karvanista was endearing too and Vinder was likeable enough. The fact that the Lupari care about humanity is heartwarming.
The end montage type scene did work. The writing for this is stronger than the other seasons, dealing with Jodie's Doctor. Certain things were camp, that worked and didn't. The throwbacks, for example with the hitting the Tardis with the hammer, was nice. Eccleston popped into mind automatically. Dan is a great character. Very wholesome and caring. I really dig the character. He'll work well. Yaz isn't as, so far, annoying as she's been in the past and has come to realize more, that the doctor is the ultimate secret keeper in a way. Yaz is really attached to the Doctor so it will be interesting when the Doctor regenerates, to see how she deals with it and the new Doctor. It's great seeing the Weeping Angels, but it was frustrating on how in that scene, where the woman was trying to get into her house, that she just didn't close the door. It was ridiculous. The tension was really good, but it's one of those scenes that has you yelling at the screen for the character not to be stupid. Especially when they know what they're dealing with. The Sontarans, were a bit campy, but the design works. Karvanista, was great. He really brought something to this. It was a red herring moment with him, but then you realize he's doing good. The villain designs seem not generic, but almost like a stylized Star Trek design. It's a take it or leave it for me with them at this moment. Apparently, this is an age old nemesis. We'll have to wait and see. I really want the Master to come into play and work alongside the Doctor for a brief moment, because the Master usually is the most Dangerous at times and to have someone that could be even more so, is exciting and to have the Doctor and Master team, would be nice. This version of the Doctor still seems pushed in the over excitement moments. I feel that Jodie doesn't handle that naturally, as oppose to when Tom Baker would do it. Most likely because Tom Baker is eccentric in real life or even when David or Matt would do it, it felt natural with them and the bits that are written for those scenes with Jodie, just doesn't feel right. All in all, it was a really good start and I am looking forward to the rest. I wonder what Jodie's Doctor would be like, under Davies run. It's odd, because you know the regeneration is coming and you don't know what type of injury will take place for it to happen. I didn't take to this Doctor right away, but I did warm up just a bit, but not completely. Still, I have this slight sadness for when that regeneration comes. This one feels even more dangerous. Final note. The Sontarans being overjoyed in the midst of an apocalypse, is hilarious.
Never thought how the Doctor's obsession with the Division would've distracted her from the Flux. Wonder if it was deliberate by Chibnal. Either way, proper hyped for this story.
Honestly if you think about the debut episode of each season as having the main job of making you want to watch the rest of the series, this completely succeeded.
It was a cracking episode and I completely agree that Calvinista (no idea how to spell it) was the secret weapon to making it work. If it's a review though, maybe review it instead of giving "what I'd do..." script notes. It trades hard on the film theory idea of the viewer prefering to be confused for 15 minutes rather than being bored for five. We are almost overwhelmed by plot threads until Calvinista starts talking and we can start to put some parts into context to figure the episode out and learn to just file away others. It's all of Chibnall's strengths on show.
Not necessarily pertinent to this episode, but relevant to the bigger point: when I watched War of the Sontarans, I was having my tea - a nice bit of beef stew. Lovely stuff! As such, I was frequently looking down to make sure I'd got everything on my fork. In the course of this action, I missed certain visual cues which were, thankfully, highlighted by the dialogue. If it hadn't been, I would have been a bit lost, frankly. I certainly don't imagine I'm the only one to have been distracted in this manner. Also, our autistic teenage son wanted his tea halfway through. Could it be Chris Chibnall is allowing for non-attentive viewers? We don't, and indeed can't, all have the luxury of 100% concentration. This is why I watch it a second time a few hours later. Just something to consider.
I really loved this episode. While yea it is a bit sloppy on occasion and some things are just kind of there for the sake of. It's fun. It definately feels like everyone is in their element here. Chibnall writing for a longer serialised story which is what he's most well known for doing. Jodie Whittaker getting work with a slightly darker performance in places and dip into that more dramatic side of The Doctor we got to see in The Haunting of Villa Diodati. Mandip Gill and John Bishop giving excellent performances. Bishop especially took me by surprise as I'm only superficially familiar with his comedy work. Him giving a genuinely heart felt performance was very enjoyable. Segun Akinola really feels like he's found his stride now with the show and has been given a little bit more freedom to experiment and do more weird and fun things. The visuals were also amazing with that first establishing shot of modern Liverpool going into The Museum of Liverpool being absolutely amazing. Then following that up with a shot of Dan standing in the window over looking The Liver Building. Beautiful stuff. The tension in that last 10-15 minutes was palpable and really hyped you up for the next episode. On it's own merits I'd give this episode a solid 7/10. But I shall come back and judge it in the whole context when the series has concluded.
Its interesting that Chibnall's casting of someone in her 30s as a 19 year old actually works wonders because it makes the passage of time in the gaps between adventures very apparent. There's potential for at least 20 years of lost tales now.
I liked this instalment. I thought the pre-titles was really terrible (I get it was meant to be a campy almost comic-book action setpiece but it didn't quite work to me) but I thought the rest of the episode was great. I really liked Karvanister but I'm not quite sold on the costuming (frustratingly Who just can't really depict anthropomorphic creatures very well visually, ever since Survival...) but he's a good performance and character.
The first two episodes of Flux have been fantastic. I'm wondering why the anti-Chibnall Brigade are still watching the show if they hate it so much. Why don't they find something else to do with their lives? Instead they're inflicting misery on us on a weekly basis. Let the rest of us enjoy the series in peace.
That was a great review Mr TARDIS. Really sucks that it got so screwed over by RUclips nonsense. Like, you'd think they woudn't stabotage their creators every single day and offer no explanation or assistance, but hey that's YT for ya. Great review. like I said before. Keep up the good work :D
I liked the episode a lot because of Chris Chibnalls overcomplicated plot I feel like the episodic storytelling similar to classic who is suited for him. I'm excited to see this structure and the cinematography with the Weeping Angel in modern Liverpool was creepy.
Pretty right on the money with this one. An enjoyable if messy opener that feels like a first draft with place-holder dialogue instead of lines with actual wit most of the time. An example would be that prisoner escape scene with the cliched exchange between En Sentac and Swarm that tells us things about the characters in such an insipid way. “Handing off your post … to a child.” “The kid will do fine.” This interplay from these characters is not only lame, but actively goes against what the exchange is trying to tell us: that En Sentac believes in her replace. By using the same patronising descriptor, En Sentac combats Swarms condescension with … more condescension, turning a heartening moment into a joke. Like, there are ways to show the naivety of a character than having their senior’s uncharacteristically look down on them, too. We don’t even know if En Sentac hand picked her or not. Knowing would’ve helped explain her seeming lack of faith. Instead we get nothing and waste a whole scene on characters we’ve just met and die almost immediately. Yes, it does it job of establishing our villain but it limits itself by under-utilising these two. This is a microcosm of the wider issue with the ep imo: scenes that I’m okay with on paper but are fumbled in the execution.
Really enjoyed this episode on its own, and as of episode 2, I already feel that it's 'set-up' nature is paying off. Can't wait to see where it goes next
This so far has been really promising and ambitious stuff! I love Karvanista! Chibs has brought his A GAME this time. I don't understand ALL of the third episode, but I'm loving it! The world building and Space Opera elements are excellent! And Swarm and Azure rock!
At 6:45, I thought the instructions from the older guard to the younger did an excellent job *of* showing us right off the bat that the older guard was experienced and was showing the younger one the ropes. I find it ironic that you complain about that *not* being spelled out, and within ten or fifteen seconds you're complaining that too *much* is being spelled out!
I *love* the fact that Binder takes the time to appreciate the beauty of his surroundings, and to point out to the ones who stuck him out there that their punishment isn't breaking him. It helps establish his character in a way dry information wouldn't.
I liked the episode. I agree that we cannot really judge it until the end of the series. I am an American, and have seen every new Who episode. I did find some of the Liverpudlian speech, a little hard to follow, but do like Dan. I am excited to have Doctor Who again.
I think the woman that was in the scene with the weeping angels is Clara Oswald of the phrase that she said to the doctor and Yaz with the word I am taking the long way home
Well, I disagree on most of your points, but I write this comment to support your vid anyway, because I like and respect your work. And I'm sure you'll come around at some point.
Comment for the sake of commenting. JK, I actually really enjoyed this episode which was surprising as I really don’t like the Chibnall era but I’m happy that, from the looks of it, it will end on a high note
It was admittedly a bit messy, but after Episode 2 I'm much happier with how it's going. In Episode 1, the Sontarans felt out of place but Episode 2 made their inclusion in Episode 1 make sense due to their invasion strategy, although I do wish it was shown to us in Episode 1 rather than told to us in Episode 2. I also think that the Mole Man stuff has found a nice place with Episode 2. If he continues on as this character who gets a brief appearance every episode as a mystery, then I love that. I do hope it pays off whatever they're going for.
I felt like this episode was a lot of setup with not much immediate payoff, which is to be expected for an episode one of a six parter. Though with the amount of plot threads and characters that get set up, and some of whom get killed off very quickly, did feel a bit like Resurrection of the Daleks. I enjoyed watching it though, and War of the Sontarans yesterday was utterly brilliant, best Sontaran story maybe since even The Time Warrior
I Adored this episode. I've gone back to season 11 and 12 and enjoyed both more than previously, series 11 faired really well and season 12 is brilliant if not for the god awful orphan 55. This only built my excitement more and i loved it. Yaz and 13 are brilliant and I love their dynamic. Weeping angels look great and am excited for more of them. The swarm was superb and carvonista was great too. Loved Dan and just had a rollicking good time with it. Looked great sounded fantastic and jodie and madip are fast favourites for me.
Wouldn't Paul Kasey be the first actor to appear in all three eras (as Judoon and other monsters) aside from Nicholas Briggs providing voices for monsters?
The fact that there was a containment field, some loud noises happened, and there was no longer a containment field, and the guards looked panicked, makes it BLINDINGLY obvious that something went wrong with it. It's like how in Haunting of Villa Diodati, the Doctor explains how the Cyberman used lightning to power himself. That's a staple part of the Frankenstein story so anyone would know that, and even if you didn't you can tell that's what happened because the lighting of the episode becomes brighter and the lights on the Cyberman itself get brighter. There's no need for the dialogue because the visual cues are perfectly able to tell the audience everything they need. It's patronising to the audience, and in-universe it seems patronising to the other characters in the scene.
Came here from the RUclips hiccup video, only to realise I was one of the people who actually got to watch it lol 😅 but I'll give it an extra view anyway, for whatever that's worth.
Because your video has been screwed over I’ve paid for Patreon so you can at least make some money also I can get reviews early as I do love your videos
Brilliant stuff, loved Episodes 1 & 2 of Series 13,and. am massively looking forward to the rest of the run - the return of Cliffhangers like it's Series 9 all over again!
I find myself mostly agreeing with you. The globe-hopping and numerous characters does have me a little weary, but I do enjoy the human characters as they show up. I'm willing to forgive elements like Claire because she's obviously going to be important later, and I genuinely enjoyed Diane and her relationship with Dan. Our TARDIS team, the old and new villains, and Karvanista are definitely the MVPs. My biggest problem is Vinder and the fact that it feels like the script is treating him like an opening kill victim despite the fact that he's going to be a continuous presence in this season. I definitely enjoyed this one, and War of the Sontarans has done a great deal to justify my faith in the quality of this series.
My biggest gripe with The Halloween Apocalypse, is that it shows how much better Season the Jodie seasons could have been. The actual cast are really entertaining, and when the writing is good, its so good But Chibnall needs someone in the chair alongside him, helping steer towards the good and away from the bad
Dr. Who is a very successful series, so perhaps the problem isn't with the show. It seems like you are expecting the show to be something less absurd and more accessible, but that expectation is not conducive to the ethic of the show, which is absurdist by nature. Dr. Who involves some of the same actors and people who worked on Broadchurch simply because they were/are both primarily filmed and produced in the UK.
What a shitshow this has been from RUclips. Commenting for the algorithm, and let's hope RUclips can get its shit together for War of the Sontarans next week!
You ought to give media, in general, more benefit of the doubt. If you go in with specific expectations and demand that the showrunner bend to your will (I have done this in the past too) you will be doomed to your own biases reviewing something. You just saying that you can't relate emotionally to someone because you don't know them means your empathy is broken. You can't use Broadchurch, a story-driven drama against Dr Who, a multi-modal socio-political satire. This is a new Doctor, a new cast, a new iteration of the show. It doesn't do well to criticise something for what it ought to be, but for what it's trying to be. RTD does camp melodrama. Steven Moffat does dark antihero story. Chibnall does mind-bending political, philosophical and social commentary. Just like the classic series. And if Doctor Who ought to be anything, this formula and content are more on track than the majority of the revival series. You can fact check most of the current eras trivia and find it to be happily accurate, with the writers sneakily finding the right places in historical circumstances to slip the Doctor and companions in. Only 2005-2017 can be called a continuing protagonist's journey drama with romance being at the core which is totally vacant in classic who. Series 11 and 12 and 13 have elements for sure, but the focus is on the educational and the historical, the Doctor is back to being an elemental figure of the show instead of another random victim of it. Dr Who is a plot-driven series intended for a broad audience. These guys know that the people loving it are loving it, because they're not giving into the insane pressure from fans. I regret being one of those fans, because now I know what its like to do the work and have people overlook the symbolism and craft because they haven't got an open mind while watching a show that relies primarily on a sense of total renewal.
Declaring the sontarans as pointless to the plot is incorrect. It moves the plot forward because it introduces the fact that there are villains coming to take advantage of the flux.
Ya, I couldn't get through it to be honest. I kept feeling like I was watching a series of tropes that came from nowhere and led nowhere. Yaz/Dan scene was the best one ... when we started jumping around with no resolution or cohesion I just had to stop. I KNOW it's part 1 of 6, but when there's no time spent growing anything in the moment and everything is just flashed at you i lose interest. such bad writing. ps i bet this got buried because they need to blame the toxic shmos for the show's lack of total sucess. When we diehards still don't love it ... we're all they have left. well, maybe you are. I look forward to the RTD2 era.
For me, The Halloween Apocalypse (narratively) was just a mess: there’s a lot of jumping about the place, little time to breath, and (while I like Yaz questioning The Doctor) I feel it’s a little too late for me to be invested in her character/dynamic with Whitaker’s Doctor. Swarm is shaping up to be Chibnall’s best original monster for his era (though, that comes from War of the Sontarans) and I’m curious to see how things develop. The exposition dumps are still frustrating for me, I wish the sonic was not as relied on as it is, and (due to the jumping about the place) I felt it did a disservice to both Dan and Vinder, here’s hoping they get more time to introduce themselves in the upcoming stories.
![DID IT SUCK? | Doctor Who Flux #1 [HALLOWEEN APOCALYPSE REVIEW]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LeL53-tuvso/mqdefault.jpg)
While this video is viewable, it has been demonized and its visibility is lowered due to the BBC's abuse of RUclips's Content ID System. Because of this, all comments, "likes" and shares would be greatly appreciated to try and appease RUclips's algorithms!
So does this mean that the notification don't get sent out or is it just my phone that didn't bother to ignore me (inconsistent notifications have applied to random videos regardless of how well or bad they've done).
I would love a target novelisation of spyfall and arachnids in the UK
Hello, Mr TARDIS. This might sound like an odd request and I know you must be a busy man, but if you get the time, could you give your opinion on Tom Baker's Key to Time season? And how about a MasterCember?
Sure Mr T! 😁👍
Demonized?
I wonder if Karvenista’s condescending tone with Dan is intended to be a gag about how humans talk to dogs?
Yeah Dan Starkey has been involved with all three eras aand has played three different characters, but Nick Briggs, dude has voiced at least one alien per series of new who. Both pretty impressive
Plus all of Briggs's big finish stuff. Voicing. Writing. Producing. Directing. He's a busy guy!
Briggs doesn't actually play them, he just voices them. However, I do believe that some of the dudes who wear the monster costumes (eg. Cybermen, Judoon, etc) have been with the show since the RTD era.
Although, Dan Starkey is the first immediately recognisable face that the audience would recognise
Love your reviews. You putting your general very positive vibes and intelligent commentary out into the world makes the world bit better.
Also, as someone who writes - your reviews are dope and your perspectives are spot on for me.
Can’t wait for next one please! (Annoyed by algorithm).
Peace
Test 👊🏽
Can not believe how RUclips is screwing you over, I’ve never seen someone else have such problems. It’s such a shame because you’re reviews are the absolute best.
How long has Mr. Tardis been a shill?
I like Dan. Just instantly. I don’t know if it’s down to the charisma of the actor or the writing or both but I just really like him. He’s like Graham, I love the way he reacts to all the weird stuff.
I loved this episode, definitely one of Chris Chibnall's best. Loved Karvanista as a new alien (the first time since the Moffat era I've loved a new alien), loved the Weeping Angel scene which felt like a bit of a return to form for them following The Angels Take Manhattan, loved Vinder and can't wait to see more of him, and absolutely loving the Doctor's subplot with the Division.
Flux is shaping up to be really good
Great review, ta. The scattered mysterious perilous events worked for me, they made me curious about where each character would end up. But I know my tolerance for Chibnall's tendency towards chaos is higher than yours! I do think he seems more comfortable writing in this longer format. This series seems promising so far, imo.
Farewell, and R.I.P., Julie Ankerson. Here's to the people who've made it work.
Very much agree with the whole 7th Doctor comparison, I noticed that and loved it because I have always said that the 13th Doctor should of gotten the 7th Doctor treatment; revealing the character we've seen is a mask the Doctor is wearing. Jodie Whitaker is absolutely mesmerising when she has an edge! We all know about the "sometimes this team structure isn't flat..." moment but I always liked moments where she's taunting Ashad or when she delivers such dark line readings like "say that to my face." to the Dalek in Resolution or when she says "And has it calmed all the rage?" in the Master's face. It's those moments I love seeing, wear the mask slips ever so slightly and you see who she is beneath it, hiding because she wants to be the happy-go-luck woman she projects.
But yeah gotta say, the whole episode was enjoyable for me even though it gave me the same feeling Spyfall Part 1 did, but after seeing War of the Sontarans, I'm pretty onboard with the season and am invested in how it all ties up. Honestly, Chibnall should of started with this! I know it builds off things established in the last 2 seasons also but this is more along the lines of what I wanted/expected from Chibnall when he was annouce as showrunner. It would be lovely if he can stick the landing because as some people have said this Flux season has been made irrelevant by the RTD news, it does seem to be building good momentum and if this era does a capadli era where the final season sort of retroactively soften the reception of his 3 seasons, then maybe the rest of the fandom won't look back on this era with as must destain as they have living through it.
In short... I'm into it.
I remember screaming "wtf is going on?!" after being thrown subplots after subplots. But instead of being frustrated, I was actually really excited about it. I love the chaotic nature of the episode. Though yeah, it's a bit concerning that these gajillion supporting characters subplots might not be properly explained later, especially if each episodes have its own guest character too.
I actually like Vinder's last quip in the end. It's a nice setup, explaining the problematic nature of his mission (probably forced?)-particularly if we put that this series is going to have six episodes _only_ . Maybe I'm a bit biased though, his recording scene reminds me a lot to Wolf 359, my favourite sci-fi audio drama ever.
Joseph Williamson's involvement baffles me. But remember Williamson was a real person and an eccentric. The tunnels he had built are mysterious and many don't know the purpose of them.
Commenting for the algorithm but great review! Personally really enjoyed this episode and has made me the most excited to see more of the show since Series 11. Now with War of the Sontarans, I have high hopes for this series being one helluva banger!
War of the Sontarans was less cluttered and I preferred it out of the two (but if you want to maintain the cliffhanger suspense then don't watch the Next Time clip).
17:06 If you're referring to after the Angel takes her, maybe there was something in the house designed to repel Weeping Angels as getting into your house would probably do f*** all to escape them (given how they're able to open Bulkhead doors in Flesh and Stone).
She could just want to get home to be safe. Maybe she knows she can't do anything, but she views her home as a safe haven so instinctively goes there.
I think Dan is supposed to be the emotional heart of this episode. Its core. Karvanista was endearing too and Vinder was likeable enough. The fact that the Lupari care about humanity is heartwarming.
The end montage type scene did work. The writing for this is stronger than the other seasons, dealing with Jodie's Doctor. Certain things were camp, that worked and didn't. The throwbacks, for example with the hitting the Tardis with the hammer, was nice. Eccleston popped into mind automatically. Dan is a great character. Very wholesome and caring. I really dig the character. He'll work well. Yaz isn't as, so far, annoying as she's been in the past and has come to realize more, that the doctor is the ultimate secret keeper in a way. Yaz is really attached to the Doctor so it will be interesting when the Doctor regenerates, to see how she deals with it and the new Doctor. It's great seeing the Weeping Angels, but it was frustrating on how in that scene, where the woman was trying to get into her house, that she just didn't close the door. It was ridiculous. The tension was really good, but it's one of those scenes that has you yelling at the screen for the character not to be stupid. Especially when they know what they're dealing with. The Sontarans, were a bit campy, but the design works. Karvanista, was great. He really brought something to this. It was a red herring moment with him, but then you realize he's doing good. The villain designs seem not generic, but almost like a stylized Star Trek design. It's a take it or leave it for me with them at this moment. Apparently, this is an age old nemesis. We'll have to wait and see. I really want the Master to come into play and work alongside the Doctor for a brief moment, because the Master usually is the most Dangerous at times and to have someone that could be even more so, is exciting and to have the Doctor and Master team, would be nice. This version of the Doctor still seems pushed in the over excitement moments. I feel that Jodie doesn't handle that naturally, as oppose to when Tom Baker would do it. Most likely because Tom Baker is eccentric in real life or even when David or Matt would do it, it felt natural with them and the bits that are written for those scenes with Jodie, just doesn't feel right. All in all, it was a really good start and I am looking forward to the rest. I wonder what Jodie's Doctor would be like, under Davies run. It's odd, because you know the regeneration is coming and you don't know what type of injury will take place for it to happen. I didn't take to this Doctor right away, but I did warm up just a bit, but not completely. Still, I have this slight sadness for when that regeneration comes. This one feels even more dangerous. Final note. The Sontarans being overjoyed in the midst of an apocalypse, is hilarious.
Never thought how the Doctor's obsession with the Division would've distracted her from the Flux. Wonder if it was deliberate by Chibnal. Either way, proper hyped for this story.
Honestly if you think about the debut episode of each season as having the main job of making you want to watch the rest of the series, this completely succeeded.
R.I.P. Julie Ankerson - you contributed so much and I never knew. Thanks for explaining that Mr. Tardis.
It was a cracking episode and I completely agree that Calvinista (no idea how to spell it) was the secret weapon to making it work. If it's a review though, maybe review it instead of giving "what I'd do..." script notes. It trades hard on the film theory idea of the viewer prefering to be confused for 15 minutes rather than being bored for five. We are almost overwhelmed by plot threads until Calvinista starts talking and we can start to put some parts into context to figure the episode out and learn to just file away others. It's all of Chibnall's strengths on show.
It is A Great Start To Series 13
Not necessarily pertinent to this episode, but relevant to the bigger point: when I watched War of the Sontarans, I was having my tea - a nice bit of beef stew. Lovely stuff! As such, I was frequently looking down to make sure I'd got everything on my fork. In the course of this action, I missed certain visual cues which were, thankfully, highlighted by the dialogue. If it hadn't been, I would have been a bit lost, frankly. I certainly don't imagine I'm the only one to have been distracted in this manner. Also, our autistic teenage son wanted his tea halfway through. Could it be Chris Chibnall is allowing for non-attentive viewers? We don't, and indeed can't, all have the luxury of 100% concentration. This is why I watch it a second time a few hours later. Just something to consider.
I really loved this episode. While yea it is a bit sloppy on occasion and some things are just kind of there for the sake of. It's fun. It definately feels like everyone is in their element here. Chibnall writing for a longer serialised story which is what he's most well known for doing. Jodie Whittaker getting work with a slightly darker performance in places and dip into that more dramatic side of The Doctor we got to see in The Haunting of Villa Diodati. Mandip Gill and John Bishop giving excellent performances. Bishop especially took me by surprise as I'm only superficially familiar with his comedy work. Him giving a genuinely heart felt performance was very enjoyable.
Segun Akinola really feels like he's found his stride now with the show and has been given a little bit more freedom to experiment and do more weird and fun things. The visuals were also amazing with that first establishing shot of modern Liverpool going into The Museum of Liverpool being absolutely amazing. Then following that up with a shot of Dan standing in the window over looking The Liver Building. Beautiful stuff. The tension in that last 10-15 minutes was palpable and really hyped you up for the next episode.
On it's own merits I'd give this episode a solid 7/10. But I shall come back and judge it in the whole context when the series has concluded.
Its interesting that Chibnall's casting of someone in her 30s as a 19 year old actually works wonders because it makes the passage of time in the gaps between adventures very apparent. There's potential for at least 20 years of lost tales now.
This story certainly started off with a bang. That’s about as much I can say about it because I have no idea what was happening in this.
I liked this instalment. I thought the pre-titles was really terrible (I get it was meant to be a campy almost comic-book action setpiece but it didn't quite work to me) but I thought the rest of the episode was great.
I really liked Karvanister but I'm not quite sold on the costuming (frustratingly Who just can't really depict anthropomorphic creatures very well visually, ever since Survival...) but he's a good performance and character.
14:59 Best line in the review!
Great review! I was happy to see Doctors and Yas relationship develop in this way, I really enjoying the episode itself
The first two episodes of Flux have been fantastic. I'm wondering why the anti-Chibnall Brigade are still watching the show if they hate it so much. Why don't they find something else to do with their lives? Instead they're inflicting misery on us on a weekly basis. Let the rest of us enjoy the series in peace.
Didn't The Angels take Manhattan have angel scenes in a hotel?
That was a great review Mr TARDIS. Really sucks that it got so screwed over by RUclips nonsense. Like, you'd think they woudn't stabotage their creators every single day and offer no explanation or assistance, but hey that's YT for ya. Great review. like I said before. Keep up the good work :D
I liked the episode a lot because of Chris Chibnalls overcomplicated plot I feel like the episodic storytelling similar to classic who is suited for him. I'm excited to see this structure and the cinematography with the Weeping Angel in modern Liverpool was creepy.
Pretty right on the money with this one.
An enjoyable if messy opener that feels like a first draft with place-holder dialogue instead of lines with actual wit most of the time.
An example would be that prisoner escape scene with the cliched exchange between En Sentac and Swarm that tells us things about the characters in such an insipid way.
“Handing off your post … to a child.”
“The kid will do fine.”
This interplay from these characters is not only lame, but actively goes against what the exchange is trying to tell us: that En Sentac believes in her replace. By using the same patronising descriptor, En Sentac combats Swarms condescension with … more condescension, turning a heartening moment into a joke.
Like, there are ways to show the naivety of a character than having their senior’s uncharacteristically look down on them, too. We don’t even know if En Sentac hand picked her or not. Knowing would’ve helped explain her seeming lack of faith. Instead we get nothing and waste a whole scene on characters we’ve just met and die almost immediately. Yes, it does it job of establishing our villain but it limits itself by under-utilising these two.
This is a microcosm of the wider issue with the ep imo: scenes that I’m okay with on paper but are fumbled in the execution.
Is one of the cliffhangers going to be a dramatic Jodey zoom in like In trial?
*Sontaran voice* “For the Algorithm!!!!”
Haven't been this excited for Doctor Who in a long time.
The swarm is shaping up to be a pretty interesting villain
Really enjoyed this episode on its own, and as of episode 2, I already feel that it's 'set-up' nature is paying off.
Can't wait to see where it goes next
This so far has been really promising and ambitious stuff! I love Karvanista! Chibs has brought his A GAME this time. I don't understand ALL of the third episode, but I'm loving it! The world building and Space Opera elements are excellent! And Swarm and Azure rock!
At 6:45, I thought the instructions from the older guard to the younger did an excellent job *of* showing us right off the bat that the older guard was experienced and was showing the younger one the ropes. I find it ironic that you complain about that *not* being spelled out, and within ten or fifteen seconds you're complaining that too *much* is being spelled out!
Damn the algorithm. Great review as always :)
I *love* the fact that Binder takes the time to appreciate the beauty of his surroundings, and to point out to the ones who stuck him out there that their punishment isn't breaking him. It helps establish his character in a way dry information wouldn't.
s/Binder/Vinder Darn autocorrect!
Halloween Apocalypse still felt like it had more Halloween than the 1978 fiom
Love your reviews always
I would love to have a target novelisation of Flux
I think there should have been more Halloween decorations dot around for set dressing. Did a better job then the Christmas decorations in resolution.
I liked the episode. I agree that we cannot really judge it until the end of the series. I am an American, and have seen every new Who episode. I did find some of the Liverpudlian speech, a little hard to follow, but do like Dan. I am excited to have Doctor Who again.
I loved this episode, probably because I was able to watch it live for the first time! :D
Great review, MrTardis!
I think the woman that was in the scene with the weeping angels is Clara Oswald of the phrase that she said to the doctor and Yaz with the word I am taking the long way home
Aside from the single call-back to Series 9, there's literally nothing that indicates it's Clara nor is it actually possible at all.
Well, I disagree on most of your points, but I write this comment to support your vid anyway, because I like and respect your work. And I'm sure you'll come around at some point.
Great stuff as always Mr tardis!
This feels like Key to Time with a much bigger budget and I love it. Swarm even gives me the Trickster/Black Guardian vibes.
It wasn't Dan's laptop!
Finally!!!! Just turned up in my recommended….
Comment for the sake of commenting.
JK, I actually really enjoyed this episode which was surprising as I really don’t like the Chibnall era but I’m happy that, from the looks of it, it will end on a high note
Brilliant review
It was admittedly a bit messy, but after Episode 2 I'm much happier with how it's going.
In Episode 1, the Sontarans felt out of place but Episode 2 made their inclusion in Episode 1 make sense due to their invasion strategy, although I do wish it was shown to us in Episode 1 rather than told to us in Episode 2.
I also think that the Mole Man stuff has found a nice place with Episode 2. If he continues on as this character who gets a brief appearance every episode as a mystery, then I love that. I do hope it pays off whatever they're going for.
I absolutely loved The Halloween Apocalypse. This is the most excited I've been about the show for around ten years.
I was watching chapter one with my girlfriend and her family and she had to explain how the weeping angels work to them, only briefly though
The flashy laptop might have just been a script/prop wobble. Emphasis on "might."
I felt like this episode was a lot of setup with not much immediate payoff, which is to be expected for an episode one of a six parter. Though with the amount of plot threads and characters that get set up, and some of whom get killed off very quickly, did feel a bit like Resurrection of the Daleks. I enjoyed watching it though, and War of the Sontarans yesterday was utterly brilliant, best Sontaran story maybe since even The Time Warrior
Very cool, I really enjoyed this episode, perhaps the best of the Chibnell era, certainly a strong episode in general.
Loved this episode
15:36 I think Tegan falls into this category as well.
Loved the beginning of the story. Started off with a bang! 😄
I Adored this episode. I've gone back to season 11 and 12 and enjoyed both more than previously, series 11 faired really well and season 12 is brilliant if not for the god awful orphan 55. This only built my excitement more and i loved it. Yaz and 13 are brilliant and I love their dynamic. Weeping angels look great and am excited for more of them. The swarm was superb and carvonista was great too. Loved Dan and just had a rollicking good time with it. Looked great sounded fantastic and jodie and madip are fast favourites for me.
Wouldn't Paul Kasey be the first actor to appear in all three eras (as Judoon and other monsters) aside from Nicholas Briggs providing voices for monsters?
I like the bits of dialogue telling us what's going on. Like sorry, but you did not know that was a containment field malfunction. No you didn't.
The fact that there was a containment field, some loud noises happened, and there was no longer a containment field, and the guards looked panicked, makes it BLINDINGLY obvious that something went wrong with it.
It's like how in Haunting of Villa Diodati, the Doctor explains how the Cyberman used lightning to power himself. That's a staple part of the Frankenstein story so anyone would know that, and even if you didn't you can tell that's what happened because the lighting of the episode becomes brighter and the lights on the Cyberman itself get brighter.
There's no need for the dialogue because the visual cues are perfectly able to tell the audience everything they need. It's patronising to the audience, and in-universe it seems patronising to the other characters in the scene.
@@tTaseric well I appreciated the dialogue so there was a need for it *for some people*
I was told to come back and leave a comment.
This is that comment
Great review broke it down really well.
Came here from the RUclips hiccup video, only to realise I was one of the people who actually got to watch it lol 😅 but I'll give it an extra view anyway, for whatever that's worth.
Because your video has been screwed over I’ve paid for Patreon so you can at least make some money also I can get reviews early as I do love your videos
I've been looking forward to this! I really want to hear your thoughts on the start of the Flux. :)
Dear Mr TARDIS could you please review The Key to Time Season sometime?
evil dans a comin for you
Brilliant stuff, loved Episodes 1 & 2 of Series 13,and. am massively looking forward to the rest of the run - the return of Cliffhangers like it's Series 9 all over again!
I find myself mostly agreeing with you. The globe-hopping and numerous characters does have me a little weary, but I do enjoy the human characters as they show up. I'm willing to forgive elements like Claire because she's obviously going to be important later, and I genuinely enjoyed Diane and her relationship with Dan. Our TARDIS team, the old and new villains, and Karvanista are definitely the MVPs. My biggest problem is Vinder and the fact that it feels like the script is treating him like an opening kill victim despite the fact that he's going to be a continuous presence in this season.
I definitely enjoyed this one, and War of the Sontarans has done a great deal to justify my faith in the quality of this series.
I just watched episode 2,as I wait for peoples videos to come in might as well listen to this :)
My biggest gripe with The Halloween Apocalypse, is that it shows how much better Season the Jodie seasons could have been. The actual cast are really entertaining, and when the writing is good, its so good
But Chibnall needs someone in the chair alongside him, helping steer towards the good and away from the bad
Dr. Who is a very successful series, so perhaps the problem isn't with the show. It seems like you are expecting the show to be something less absurd and more accessible, but that expectation is not conducive to the ethic of the show, which is absurdist by nature. Dr. Who involves some of the same actors and people who worked on Broadchurch simply because they were/are both primarily filmed and produced in the UK.
6:16 Flux, not Swarm, they're not one in the same.
RUclips really looking at quality content and just going "no thank you" -_-
It’s fucking amazing.
What a shitshow this has been from RUclips. Commenting for the algorithm, and let's hope RUclips can get its shit together for War of the Sontarans next week!
I enjoyed the review more than the actual episode. Going to stick to watching RUclips reviews rather than the actual show from now on
Random comment so YT doesn't bury this
For the algorithm
I typed words!
oi youtube, BEHAVE!!!
This is a helpful comment.
just got it in recommended
You ought to give media, in general, more benefit of the doubt. If you go in with specific expectations and demand that the showrunner bend to your will (I have done this in the past too) you will be doomed to your own biases reviewing something. You just saying that you can't relate emotionally to someone because you don't know them means your empathy is broken. You can't use Broadchurch, a story-driven drama against Dr Who, a multi-modal socio-political satire.
This is a new Doctor, a new cast, a new iteration of the show. It doesn't do well to criticise something for what it ought to be, but for what it's trying to be.
RTD does camp melodrama. Steven Moffat does dark antihero story. Chibnall does mind-bending political, philosophical and social commentary. Just like the classic series.
And if Doctor Who ought to be anything, this formula and content are more on track than the majority of the revival series. You can fact check most of the current eras trivia and find it to be happily accurate, with the writers sneakily finding the right places in historical circumstances to slip the Doctor and companions in.
Only 2005-2017 can be called a continuing protagonist's journey drama with romance being at the core which is totally vacant in classic who. Series 11 and 12 and 13 have elements for sure, but the focus is on the educational and the historical, the Doctor is back to being an elemental figure of the show instead of another random victim of it.
Dr Who is a plot-driven series intended for a broad audience. These guys know that the people loving it are loving it, because they're not giving into the insane pressure from fans. I regret being one of those fans, because now I know what its like to do the work and have people overlook the symbolism and craft because they haven't got an open mind while watching a show that relies primarily on a sense of total renewal.
It's for fucking kids and families I don't know what you guys expect.
Declaring the sontarans as pointless to the plot is incorrect. It moves the plot forward because it introduces the fact that there are villains coming to take advantage of the flux.
What I don't understand is how people still celebrate Halloween when the daleks were on earth. You'd expect world panic
Commenting (Albeit a bit late) for the Algorithm. 👍
*Comment to appease the algorithm*
video survival comment
comment for the algorithm
Ya, I couldn't get through it to be honest. I kept feeling like I was watching a series of tropes that came from nowhere and led nowhere. Yaz/Dan scene was the best one ... when we started jumping around with no resolution or cohesion I just had to stop. I KNOW it's part 1 of 6, but when there's no time spent growing anything in the moment and everything is just flashed at you i lose interest. such bad writing. ps i bet this got buried because they need to blame the toxic shmos for the show's lack of total sucess. When we diehards still don't love it ... we're all they have left. well, maybe you are. I look forward to the RTD2 era.
Comment for the algorithm
Generic Comment to support Mr. TARDIS!
For me, The Halloween Apocalypse (narratively) was just a mess: there’s a lot of jumping about the place, little time to breath, and (while I like Yaz questioning The Doctor) I feel it’s a little too late for me to be invested in her character/dynamic with Whitaker’s Doctor. Swarm is shaping up to be Chibnall’s best original monster for his era (though, that comes from War of the Sontarans) and I’m curious to see how things develop. The exposition dumps are still frustrating for me, I wish the sonic was not as relied on as it is, and (due to the jumping about the place) I felt it did a disservice to both Dan and Vinder, here’s hoping they get more time to introduce themselves in the upcoming stories.
Classic Doctor Who was a bit serialised The episode were like about 20 minutes and he died at the end of every episode