Manuel Sacha I think Capaldi was able to shine through several imperfect (to use a kind word) story lines. Particularly, I agree with Joe M that while early in this season, where the writers seemed to be experimenting with a character conflicted and confused (from babbling to a stranger about his eyebrows to "Am I a good man?" to "I am not a hero"), here they write the role of "the man who stops the monsters" and "protector of this plane". He still keeps some darker angles than previous incarnations, but this is a defining moment for the character and Capaldi plays it brilliantly.
Manuel Sacha I disagree with your perception very much. The only thing I can appreciate of your interpretation of their roles is that you feel very strongly about it. I e
... So it seems that I MUST PLAY MINE! The man that stops the monsters. I'm sending you back to your own dimension. Who knows? Some of you may even survive the trip. And if you do, remember this: You are not welcome here. THIS PLANE IS PROTECTED. I AM THE DOCTOR AND I NAME YOU THE BONELESS! The moment when Capaldi totally takes control over the character. One of the most amazing moments of his era.
It’s nice to see someone react to The Doctor’s “The Man Who Stops the Monsters” moment as excitedly as I did. Most reactions people don’t get as excited and cheery and I loved your reaction! Flatline and Listen are my two favorites from S8 so glad you enjoyed.
I just love how "critical" Moffat's writing is of the Doctor. Idk, there are a lot of characters questioning the Doctor through his run - way more than during the RTD era - and Twelve is just the epithome of it all. I just love how Twelve and Eleven are such different Doctors and also so different from the previous. While Ten and Nine, they're mehhhh... kinda the same, with variations defined by the actors.
@@MARYWTHER I don't agree at all with that last sentence. 9 was defined by his guilt and self-hatred and the sense of moral responsibility that stemmed from that. 10 on the other hand turned to his companions and a sense of whimsy in order to try to overcome the memories he was haunted by. It was more introspective guilt, while 9's was castigating. 9 is like a trauma sufferer immediately after nuking a war zone full of civilians to end it (he thinks). 10 is someone who has entered therapy and is trying and often failing to deal with his issues. 11 buried himself in a childish exterior in order to build a new, fresh life approach, which also explained his more serious and proactive sides. 12 wants to keep people at a distance to protect them and to keep a close watch on himself. Until this episode, when being forced to rely on Clara reminds him that he is a good guy because he stops monsters, and other people can choose to help him to do so.
Wow, this was such a brilliant episode! Peter Capaldi nailed it spectacularly, in his take on the Doctor in this!!!! It was also shot incredibly well, big up to the production team too.
I adore this episode and this reaction, glad you liked it! Also, “fuck off dude” had me dying xD Also also, the same guy wrote this and Mummy on the Orient Express and he really impressed me with his episodes.
Dan Brown, you may wish to take your vitriol to another reaction channel. there are tons of place for Doctor Who fans to go complain about things, this is not the channel. Sit back and enjoy the ride, you can always get the box set of old series and watch those until it passes. For the record, people said the same thing about Matt.
Ivis, I think you need some perspective if you think my comment was vitriolic. Everyone has an opinion and this is a comments section. I don't mind the Doctor being a woman per say, it is the fact that the Doctor is Woman purely because of political correctness that has me not watching. Anyway, I decided not to fund BBC progressive propaganda for a while now and no longer have a TV :D No regrets either.
I just love the FX for the boneless. I'd love to see them return in a good story, hell even a weird cartoon 2D version with the Doctor in their realm?!
Who's to say they aren't already in their realm? I mean, they're 2D. They could have an infinite number of 2D universes in 3D space and could be right alongside us without us ever even knowing. Maybe all the Doctor did was flatten them back down and disable their 3D technology.
"I tried to talk, I want you to remember that. I tried to reach out, I tried to understand. But I think you understand us perfectly, and I think you just don't CARE! And I don't know whether you're here to invade, infiltrate, or just replace us. I don't suppose it really matters now, you are MONSTERS! THAT is the role you seem determined to play, so it seems that I must play mine! The man that stops the monsters! I'm sending you back to your own dimension. Who knows? Some of you may even survive the trip! And if you do, remember this: You are not welcome here! This plane is protected! I am The Doctor, and I name you: THE BONELESS!" And thus, anyone who still had doubts that Capaldi was The Doctor had those doubts washed away.
Doctor Who time!! This was the first "perfect" episode of the season for me. Twelve really comes into his own in these last few eps. Can't wait to see how you like them :)
Don't worry Sesska. We haven't seen much sun here in the UK over the last week so is nice to see some even recorded. Teehee Brilliant reaction as always!
Doctor Who and Sarah Jane on the same day! The queen is treating us well. What a wonderful start to my week off work. This is one of season eights best episodes, I think this is when Clara realised just how hard it is being The Doctor.
I agree on Danny. It’s not like I dislike him, but I feel he’s underwritten, and that the relationship he has with Clara is too rushed and unearned. I just don’t buy what they tried to do with it. It’s manufactured. Had it been an established relationship, even an ex who had come back in to her life, it could have worked. Their initial awkwardness could have come from him having left her to go in to the military and come back changed by the experience, and her trying to adapt to the man he’d become, and the struggles couples go through in those circumstances. I think that would have worked better and been more credible.
It even could've worked better had they actually written him as a "rebound." I mean, basically that's what he is anyway, and she treats him pretty much like a rebound. The problem comes in, as you say, when they try to manufacture it as some sort of love thing. They tried to make Danny into Clara's "anchor" on Earth, and while I see what they were going for (especially with what comes later with Clara's story), it's executed poorly. There are just too few scenes of them together for us to buy it. In the end, Clara comes off as someone who is bad at relationships, and that's fine because there are people like that in the world. Even Danny's initial awkwardness is okay because lots of men are like that, and they're so rare on TV (if they are portrayed, they're usually shown as hapless/hopeless...whereas they actually had Danny as a regular shy guy...pretty rare). But the relationship itself is so underwritten that when the shoe finally drops, the emotion they want us to feel is artificial.
caomhan84 Yeah. They never earned it. If that had been Amy and Rory in those last two episodes it would have had some punch because of their history, but this was too rushed.
When these shows aired, I assumed without really thinking about it that there were a lot of moments between Clara and Danny that happened outside the show. More than a rational thing, it was the way my mind was coping with the contradiction that they were so much into each other, while the writing showed no reason for them to be so close. You described it better with "rushed and unearned"
I think the Doctor apologising to the bad guys immediately before stopping them with absolutely no effort is probably the best summation of the entire character.
Great episode and reaction. Hope you dont mind me posting this here but another couple of good reactors with small channels have recently started reacting on series 1 , 7th Hour Films and Silver Soul.
This one was a belter - up there with the best, packed full of great ideas, well executed effects and wonderful imagery. The Doctors little jig after he moves the Tardis off the railway lines with his hand is a joy every time. I really enjoyed (and in terms of her character development, it made sense) to see Clara 'walking in the Doctors shoes' as you perfectly put it!
To me this episode woke the doctor up. I love how Capaldi delivered his speech with such conviction. Almost re-remembering who he is, what he is about. Also the bit before when talks to himself about Clara being good AND a fine doctor, I think that too is the doctor reminding himself that you can be both! I love how the series so far has been about real identity vs perceived identity. I'm really glad your enjoying the series so far, Capaldi is by far my favourite doctor.
I think that moment when 12th steps out and said “the man that stops the monsters” , every doubt about Capaldi being the doctor was erased and I realized that I love him as The Doctor.
Capaldi's 12 Doctor finally accepts his role, the Protector. Unlike Smith, whose Doctor knew what kind of a man he was from the beginning. Capaldi's was a slow building into it. We also have Clara becoming more than a Macguffin, the impossible girl. RTD used the companions as a metaphors for relationships (Rose as the love that leaves for a better partner, Martha is the love you should have treated better, Donna is the platonic pal, Astrid is the tragic love lost, The thief tragic love denied.) Moffat used the companions from the teacher/student relationship. How the doctors brightens their highlights but also darkens their shadows. But the Doctor also Benifits from the relationship, the companions are a voice of morality and perspective that the Time Lords lost because of their isolation and longevity.
This is one of my favorites. Jenna Coleman really shines in this episode. Clara being the Doctor was a lot of fun. I really enjoy the 12/Clara dynamic. She's my favorite companion. I also loved the monsters in this episode. The episode was really creepy at times.
"You are monsters; that is the role you seem determined to play. So I must play mine...the man that stops the monsters." If you thought that speech alone made him as a Doctor, wait till Series 9.
12:15 the Doctor Dances, I was eating fish finger and custard, I took 11's going hard. I like Capaldi right off, I quoted his speech about fear being a superpower and my niece still says it to this day.....this is where 12 hooked me. 11 is my Doctor, but Capaldi is all that and a bag of chips.
Peter delivers some fantastic speeches, some lighter, some kinder, but all apt. Eagerly awaiting the reaction to the season finalé. I predict floods of tears, and comments about waterproof make-up.
Robin Hislop There's one scene in particular that had me bawling, but I can't figure out a way to say which one without spoiling things in the episode.
Seska, I agree with ya regarding Danny. He has so much potential and I think they blew it. He could've been an excellent addition. I just felt like the relationship was kinda forced because peter capaldi said he didn't want a Dr companion relationship thing. This is one of my favorite episodes of the season. I originally didn't like capaldi and I thought series 8 was dreadful but by his first christmas episode, he became my doctor. His next 2 seasons are better however looking back at series 8, I guess it wasnt that bad after all.
we try not to give opinions on future episodes that she has not seen as of yet, not that you are a bad person, it just becomes a slippery slope when we open the door, so we try not to.
lvis11tj7 well thank you for being a moderator of my comments. I gave no opinion of future episodes and said he became my Dr by christmas and that I thought his next 2 seasons were better but thanks for stopping by
god I can't wait for you to get to season 9. His speech in this episode just reminded me of all his other ones in the next season and ik ur just gonna love him, like genuinely love him in season 9
This is also one of my favorite episodes in series 8, even on a rewatch I still find the monsters rather creepy! I also love that Clara gets a chance to essentially be the Doctor. In the episodes up until this point, 12 really does try to figure out what kind of a person he is. In Time Heist, he's called out on his "professional detachment", and in Mummy on the Orient Express he talks to Clara about bad choices and having to make them anyways. And it does make Clara question him because he's so focused on everyone's survival no matter the cost, but in this episode she has to adopt the same approach which I think just generates more understanding between them. I'm interested to see what you think about the last few episodes of the series! I'm already super excited for your reactions to series 9 :)
Glad you enjoyed this one, its one of my top 3 of 12's entire run, it had an inventive new monster, the scenario with the Tardis was alot of fun & it was interesting to see Clara become more like the Doctor.
I'd been waiting for you to get to this one. Flatline's one of my favorite eps of the season, Capaldi's time, and the entire series. Reminds me a lot of the gothic horror of the Hinchcliffe era of the Fourth Doctor (minus the gothic).
This episode and the previous episode are the first two episodes of this season I truly loved. I was already totally sold on Capaldi but this is the point where is all clicked into place.
Catching up on your reactions, because I've had way too much to do the past few weeks... But yeah, really glad you liked this episode. I love Clara getting to be the Doctor, I think the mini-TARDIS in the handbag idea is really fun, and I love that line you pointed out, with how she was an exceptional Doctor, but goodness had nothing to do with it. And oh boy do people have opinions on this series, as usual with Doctor Who. I think I understand your feelings about Danny and Clara's relationship here, and I do think that the communication thing is a... very valid concern. I do like that the lying isn't really shown to be a good thing though? Like, it's clearly supposed to be a flaw, and I kind of "like" that, even if I don't like *like* it. If that makes any sense.
GREAT Reactions. I loved them. I thought you would have got it near the end of Listen, but Danny and Clara Love each other. As you saw at the end of Mummy On The Orient Express, she lied to the Doctor and said Danny didn't mind her travelling with the Doctor. She is Addicted to the excitement and danger. Danny knows.
This is such a good episode. I'd say in many ways it's similar to a 12th Doctor version of Midnight, many of the traditional tropes are averted while others are played straight. The characters are interesting and written very human. The enemy is very mysterious but genuinely terrifying. The only thing I'd have changed is that I'd have left it unclear as to whether the boneless are attacking or just trying to communicate, at least until a sequel with them if that's ever done
Edit: I especially love the deconstruction of the role of the Doctor in both. Midnight it was the Doctor trying to be the Doctor, but failing (as well as someone else stepping up in David Troughton's character). This one has the Doctor coaching Clara through his role in the event. Both are essentially an unorthodox base under siege setup and the aliens are very enigmatic in a similar way to many Troughton monsters. The episodes are basically a 10th and 12th Doctor version version of a 2nd Doctor story, which was one of the best eras of the show IMO
This episode terrified me, i swear. Love the idea of 2D monsters and that for once, their intentions weren't just misunderstood. Love me some good old menace.
Basically the inhabitants of Flatland (2D) are kidnapping Spacelanders (3D) to experient on. "Flatland" and "Spaceland" are the names of the biaxial and triaxial dimension worlds in the geometric novel "Flatland" by Edwin A. Abbot.]
Alot of exceptional and telling quotes in this episode :) and it pays off episode 1 of this series "I've made alot of mistakes and its time I did something about it" loved the reaction as always lovely.
Another scary episode, Jess. don't worry.. we will.... Jess: 1:04 How terrifying! I love it! Dang it... she does not get scared easily, doesn't she? XD And here I am commenting about this, cause I get scared easily XD, but not this episode of course, this episode is awesome! P.S. can someone put a scene where the Doctor said 'the circular pi, which is the edible pie', I was looking for the scene...
This is one of the favourite episodes from this season. "Is she gonna carry him around, in her purse?" LOL! I agree about the guy - he was awful. Was it wrong of me to want him to get killed? LOL! Totally funny that you made the comment in the Mummy episode and this episode followed up on that! I like your comment about opinions! Yes, it makes total sense! (You know what I mean!)
12345 6789 Sometimes they miss a bit. Especially in the Beast below. The Doctor snapping at Amy for no reason near the end doesn’t feel earned yet because we don’t know enough about Matt’s Doctor.
I don't think the difference in hair length of Clara in episodes either side of "Mummy" has ever been explained away. Perhaps Clara and he Dr took six months off between Mummy and Flatline?
I'm loving the comments about how this was the episode that Capaldi really became The Doctor. :-) I remember how - before Flatline was transmitted - the forums were full of people complaining how much it was becoming The Clara Show with the Doctor as companion. And then Moffat totally trolled them by trapping the Doctor in a tiny TARDIS so Clara had to take the lead. I spent the entire episode chuckling to myself about how ballistic the forums would go! And trapping Capaldi's Doctor in something so adorably cute. Hilarious! It would be one of my favourite episodes were it not for a gripe I have about Science Fiction shows in general - they hardly ever do 2d universes, and when they do they don't explore the science. :-( I know - Doctor Who is not a science exploration show, it's all hand-waving timey-wimey oh-just-sonic-it, but it would have been nice for us 2D fans. (Incidentally, if you're curious the must-reads for 2d universes are Flatland by Edwin Abbott Abbott, because it was the first and for the social commentary more than the maths, and The Planiverse by A. K. Dewdney, which takes a sensible stab at the maths, physics, engineering etc of a 2d world.)
I wasn't sold on Peter Capaldi until this ep. When the Tardis was restored and the Doctor began his speech something clicked. The Twelfth Doctor roared and I realised he is going to be my Doctor. DANNY PINK SUUUCKS
To me that's really the episode where 12th becomes "complete" as The Doctor. I feel he was still searching himself in the previous one and now it just clicked in his mind who he is.
Just saying, Matt Smith was on 'Desert Island Discs' today. It's a BBC Radio show that's run since the Big Bang. Google it, you may be able to find it. A famous person is cast to a hypothetical desert island for which they must select records etc they cannot do without. Everyone has done it from politicians to actors, sportsmen etc...
They moved like scribbles. Basically from an old Cartoon Network show called Foster's home for imaginary friends. Where scribbles are imaginations from infants. These imaginary creatures are dangerous even in that world, in chaos for learning to much.
My ranking of the 9 Series 8 Episodes Jess has watched: 9. Time Heist 8. Kill the Moon 7. Robot of Sherwood 6. Into the Dalek 5. The Caretaker 4. Deep Breath 3. Listen 2. Flatline 1. Mummy on the Orient Express
To me, this season is so awesome. Seeing your reaction to he lady at the end....well, I can’t wait for seeing your reaction to the finale. But from the orient express, each episode gets better and builds up. And Danny...well it is going to be great!
Hey Sesskasays I see people giving you shit on Twitter for not enough Doctor Who. Ignore them most of us appreciate all the time and effort you put into every reaction not just Doctor Who.
Your line about how Clara was understanding the Doctor last episode and being him this one (plus the idea that two episodes ago she was copying him) makes me think, this is what the entity from Midnight was doing, and does that mean that it was one of the Boneless? Is the Doctor building Clara up this way in order to fight them at their own game?
A lot of people, me included, feel this is the first truly great episode of 12s run. Capaldi starts to really find his feet, and his Doctor develops consistently from here. The next one is generally thought of as a bit of a dud, but I really hope you love the final two. With a bit of luck they'll join up some of the themes you've identified and spoken about.
The anti-Clara folks and the anti-female doctor folks often point to this episode as 'one of the worst' and 'agenda pushing'. It's still one of my favorites for this season
Not one of my favorite S8 episodes. But the Flatline aliens were terrifying. At that point in the series, Doctor Who hadn't made me felt that scared since the Weeping Angel two-parter in S5. I also loved the Doctor's speech. There have been moments in previous episodes that Capaldi felt like the Doctor. But it wasn't until that moment he fully became the Doctor to me.
You are monsters! That is the role you seem determined to play! So it seems that I must play MINE! The man that stops the monsters! Yes yes yes yes yes yes this moment he seized it and rushed forward! My favorite Capaldi speech until the next season. He became the Doctor and embraced it.
I have so much to say about Danny. But can't, well not for a few weeks till the finale. It's a very British thing they have going on. He knows Clara is with the Doctor. She knows he knows just Clara hasn't told him what is going on. He does really care for her and just wants to know she will be safe. No matter what they get up too. A cool little hint to the finale look in the background when Missy appeared. It should look familiar :)
That speech. Moment where Capaldi won me over completely, and I'd already liked him before hand.
instaBlaster.
"I'm... I'm the Doctor"
"Don't. you. dare" makes me chuckle every time
Doctor of what?
Of lies
This is why I love Capaldi
even though I was a Capaldi fan from his beginning, that "I am the Doctor, the one who stops the monsters" line was really fantastic
This is when he became THE DOCTOR. They found their footing and never looked back! Peter Capaldi soars in the role from this moment on!
Manuel Sacha I think Capaldi was able to shine through several imperfect (to use a kind word) story lines. Particularly, I agree with Joe M that while early in this season, where the writers seemed to be experimenting with a character conflicted and confused (from babbling to a stranger about his eyebrows to "Am I a good man?" to "I am not a hero"), here they write the role of "the man who stops the monsters" and "protector of this plane". He still keeps some darker angles than previous incarnations, but this is a defining moment for the character and Capaldi plays it brilliantly.
Manuel Sacha I disagree with your perception very much. The only thing I can appreciate of your interpretation of their roles is that you feel very strongly about it. I e
"You where an exceptional Doctor Clara....Goodness had nothing to do with it " ONE OF MY FAV DW Quotes ever
George Alexander Says a lot about the choices he’s had to make in his life.
I actually have trouble understanding it.. does he mean like morally good? That she wasn't a morally good doctor?
@shogun harlem but what did he actually mean for the specific situation that happened in Flatline?
@shogun harlem ahh ok i think i get it now :) thanks
@shogun harlem yeah 😊 i love the 12th doctor too 🥰
... So it seems that I MUST PLAY MINE!
The man that stops the monsters. I'm sending you back to your own dimension. Who knows? Some of you may even survive the trip. And if you do, remember this:
You are not welcome here.
THIS PLANE IS PROTECTED.
I AM THE DOCTOR AND I NAME YOU THE BONELESS!
The moment when Capaldi totally takes control over the character. One of the most amazing moments of his era.
The first of the great Capaldi speeches. He just keeps getting better after this.
It’s nice to see someone react to The Doctor’s “The Man Who Stops the Monsters” moment as excitedly as I did. Most reactions people don’t get as excited and cheery and I loved your reaction! Flatline and Listen are my two favorites from S8 so glad you enjoyed.
Caleb Johnson It's awesome and done with such feeling! ! It's 12s "hello Stonehenge" moment!
"The man that stops the monsters!"
God, I love that line.
'Goodness had nothing to do with it.' The Doctor subtly telling Clara that she was a great doctor and that is also the problem.
I just love how "critical" Moffat's writing is of the Doctor. Idk, there are a lot of characters questioning the Doctor through his run - way more than during the RTD era - and Twelve is just the epithome of it all. I just love how Twelve and Eleven are such different Doctors and also so different from the previous. While Ten and Nine, they're mehhhh... kinda the same, with variations defined by the actors.
@@MARYWTHER I don't agree at all with that last sentence. 9 was defined by his guilt and self-hatred and the sense of moral responsibility that stemmed from that. 10 on the other hand turned to his companions and a sense of whimsy in order to try to overcome the memories he was haunted by. It was more introspective guilt, while 9's was castigating.
9 is like a trauma sufferer immediately after nuking a war zone full of civilians to end it (he thinks).
10 is someone who has entered therapy and is trying and often failing to deal with his issues.
11 buried himself in a childish exterior in order to build a new, fresh life approach, which also explained his more serious and proactive sides.
12 wants to keep people at a distance to protect them and to keep a close watch on himself. Until this episode, when being forced to rely on Clara reminds him that he is a good guy because he stops monsters, and other people can choose to help him to do so.
I think Sesska just fell in love with 12
Probably the most original and experimental episode we’ve had in a while it’s a lot like Big Finish
I'd add Midnight to that list. In many ways Flatline and Midnight are very comparable
I thought that too. And Peter's gonna be so good on BF . And I think he said he wants to do it.
Deebee Daydreamer yes he does but he probably won’t until Whittaker has finished up give her time to shine
I find this episode is very underated.
Wow, this was such a brilliant episode! Peter Capaldi nailed it spectacularly, in his take on the Doctor in this!!!!
It was also shot incredibly well, big up to the production team too.
I adore this episode and this reaction, glad you liked it!
Also, “fuck off dude” had me dying xD
Also also, the same guy wrote this and Mummy on the Orient Express and he really impressed me with his episodes.
Liam Duke which makes it very sad that he won't be writing for 13 :-(
Jamie Mathieson was a clear choice for the showrunner. As to why they chose Chibnall, I have no idea.
Not really, 13 is just accelerating the demise of Doctor Who.
Dan Brown, you may wish to take your vitriol to another reaction channel. there are tons of place for Doctor Who fans to go complain about things, this is not the channel. Sit back and enjoy the ride, you can always get the box set of old series and watch those until it passes. For the record, people said the same thing about Matt.
Ivis, I think you need some perspective if you think my comment was vitriolic.
Everyone has an opinion and this is a comments section.
I don't mind the Doctor being a woman per say, it is the fact that the Doctor is Woman purely because of political correctness that has me not watching.
Anyway, I decided not to fund BBC progressive propaganda for a while now and no longer have a TV :D
No regrets either.
I just love the FX for the boneless. I'd love to see them return in a good story, hell even a weird cartoon 2D version with the Doctor in their realm?!
Who's to say they aren't already in their realm? I mean, they're 2D. They could have an infinite number of 2D universes in 3D space and could be right alongside us without us ever even knowing. Maybe all the Doctor did was flatten them back down and disable their 3D technology.
They really creeped me out looking at them and that's a rare for me when reacting to a monster, so very well done Dr Who.
@@1funkyflyguy that’s the same with me
"I tried to talk, I want you to remember that. I tried to reach out, I tried to understand. But I think you understand us perfectly, and I think you just don't CARE! And I don't know whether you're here to invade, infiltrate, or just replace us. I don't suppose it really matters now, you are MONSTERS! THAT is the role you seem determined to play, so it seems that I must play mine! The man that stops the monsters!
I'm sending you back to your own dimension. Who knows? Some of you may even survive the trip! And if you do, remember this: You are not welcome here! This plane is protected! I am The Doctor, and I name you: THE BONELESS!"
And thus, anyone who still had doubts that Capaldi was The Doctor had those doubts washed away.
When the Doctor confronts the ‘boneless’ that’s when he truly becomes THE Doctor.
Doctor Who time!! This was the first "perfect" episode of the season for me. Twelve really comes into his own in these last few eps. Can't wait to see how you like them :)
Ricardo Colmenares Fantastic episode, but IMO Listen was a masterpiece.
Don't worry Sesska. We haven't seen much sun here in the UK over the last week so is nice to see some even recorded. Teehee
Brilliant reaction as always!
Doctor Who and Sarah Jane on the same day! The queen is treating us well. What a wonderful start to my week off work. This is one of season eights best episodes, I think this is when Clara realised just how hard it is being The Doctor.
I agree on Danny. It’s not like I dislike him, but I feel he’s underwritten, and that the relationship he has with Clara is too rushed and unearned. I just don’t buy what they tried to do with it. It’s manufactured. Had it been an established relationship, even an ex who had come back in to her life, it could have worked. Their initial awkwardness could have come from him having left her to go in to the military and come back changed by the experience, and her trying to adapt to the man he’d become, and the struggles couples go through in those circumstances. I think that would have worked better and been more credible.
It even could've worked better had they actually written him as a "rebound." I mean, basically that's what he is anyway, and she treats him pretty much like a rebound. The problem comes in, as you say, when they try to manufacture it as some sort of love thing. They tried to make Danny into Clara's "anchor" on Earth, and while I see what they were going for (especially with what comes later with Clara's story), it's executed poorly. There are just too few scenes of them together for us to buy it. In the end, Clara comes off as someone who is bad at relationships, and that's fine because there are people like that in the world. Even Danny's initial awkwardness is okay because lots of men are like that, and they're so rare on TV (if they are portrayed, they're usually shown as hapless/hopeless...whereas they actually had Danny as a regular shy guy...pretty rare). But the relationship itself is so underwritten that when the shoe finally drops, the emotion they want us to feel is artificial.
caomhan84 Yeah. They never earned it. If that had been Amy and Rory in those last two episodes it would have had some punch because of their history, but this was too rushed.
When these shows aired, I assumed without really thinking about it that there were a lot of moments between Clara and Danny that happened outside the show. More than a rational thing, it was the way my mind was coping with the contradiction that they were so much into each other, while the writing showed no reason for them to be so close. You described it better with "rushed and unearned"
Epic speeches are always a win
Perhaps my favorite episode of series 8.
I think the Doctor apologising to the bad guys immediately before stopping them with absolutely no effort is probably the best summation of the entire character.
Great episode and reaction. Hope you dont mind me posting this here but another couple of good reactors with small channels have recently started reacting on series 1 , 7th Hour Films and Silver Soul.
This was when Capaldi became the Doctor, and it was amazing to watch.
Great reaction Jess. This was my favorite episode of the season. Capaldi's epicness just gets more and more... well, um... epic from here!
This one was a belter - up there with the best, packed full of great ideas, well executed effects and wonderful imagery. The Doctors little jig after he moves the Tardis off the railway lines with his hand is a joy every time. I really enjoyed (and in terms of her character development, it made sense) to see Clara 'walking in the Doctors shoes' as you perfectly put it!
To me this episode woke the doctor up. I love how Capaldi delivered his speech with such conviction. Almost re-remembering who he is, what he is about. Also the bit before when talks to himself about Clara being good AND a fine doctor, I think that too is the doctor reminding himself that you can be both! I love how the series so far has been about real identity vs perceived identity. I'm really glad your enjoying the series so far, Capaldi is by far my favourite doctor.
I think that moment when 12th steps out and said “the man that stops the monsters” , every doubt about Capaldi being the doctor was erased and I realized that I love him as The Doctor.
Capaldi's 12 Doctor finally accepts his role, the Protector. Unlike Smith, whose Doctor knew what kind of a man he was from the beginning. Capaldi's was a slow building into it. We also have Clara becoming more than a Macguffin, the impossible girl.
RTD used the companions as a metaphors for relationships (Rose as the love that leaves for a better partner, Martha is the love you should have treated better, Donna is the platonic pal, Astrid is the tragic love lost, The thief tragic love denied.) Moffat used the companions from the teacher/student relationship. How the doctors brightens their highlights but also darkens their shadows. But the Doctor also Benifits from the relationship, the companions are a voice of morality and perspective that the Time Lords lost because of their isolation and longevity.
This is one of my favorites. Jenna Coleman really shines in this episode. Clara being the Doctor was a lot of fun. I really enjoy the 12/Clara dynamic. She's my favorite companion. I also loved the monsters in this episode. The episode was really creepy at times.
"You are monsters; that is the role you seem determined to play. So I must play mine...the man that stops the monsters."
If you thought that speech alone made him as a Doctor, wait till Series 9.
There is a moment in this when Peter made his mark with me, I wonder if it was "universal"? Thank you for this upload. time to watch....
12:15 the Doctor Dances, I was eating fish finger and custard, I took 11's going hard. I like Capaldi right off, I quoted his speech about fear being a superpower and my niece still says it to this day.....this is where 12 hooked me. 11 is my Doctor, but Capaldi is all that and a bag of chips.
14:49, The Doctor lets you know he means business. This episode should have been earlier in the season
Peter delivers some fantastic speeches, some lighter, some kinder, but all apt. Eagerly awaiting the reaction to the season finalé. I predict floods of tears, and comments about waterproof make-up.
Robin Hislop There's one scene in particular that had me bawling, but I can't figure out a way to say which one without spoiling things in the episode.
With me it was the scene when he enters Rusty's mind in Into The Dalek
This was the episode I really fell in love with Capaldi. I liked him before that but this made him my favorite.
Seska, I agree with ya regarding Danny. He has so much potential and I think they blew it. He could've been an excellent addition. I just felt like the relationship was kinda forced because peter capaldi said he didn't want a Dr companion relationship thing. This is one of my favorite episodes of the season. I originally didn't like capaldi and I thought series 8 was dreadful but by his first christmas episode, he became my doctor. His next 2 seasons are better however looking back at series 8, I guess it wasnt that bad after all.
we try not to give opinions on future episodes that she has not seen as of yet, not that you are a bad person, it just becomes a slippery slope when we open the door, so we try not to.
lvis11tj7 well thank you for being a moderator of my comments. I gave no opinion of future episodes and said he became my Dr by christmas and that I thought his next 2 seasons were better but thanks for stopping by
Those were the days
I even got an haircut
Twelfth Doctor Lol
This Capaldi's speech always gives me the chills 💙
god I can't wait for you to get to season 9. His speech in this episode just reminded me of all his other ones in the next season and ik ur just gonna love him, like genuinely love him in season 9
Great episode! Great reactions! Loved Doctor Thing from the Adams Family! Loved the epic speech from the Man who stops the Monsters!
Continuity error, after the doctor moves tardis off the track, his hair is suddenly shorter, then back to normal when he drops of the survivors.
This is also one of my favorite episodes in series 8, even on a rewatch I still find the monsters rather creepy! I also love that Clara gets a chance to essentially be the Doctor. In the episodes up until this point, 12 really does try to figure out what kind of a person he is. In Time Heist, he's called out on his "professional detachment", and in Mummy on the Orient Express he talks to Clara about bad choices and having to make them anyways. And it does make Clara question him because he's so focused on everyone's survival no matter the cost, but in this episode she has to adopt the same approach which I think just generates more understanding between them. I'm interested to see what you think about the last few episodes of the series! I'm already super excited for your reactions to series 9 :)
I don't remember where it shows up, but somewhere in the tunnels is some graffit that says "Bad Wolf". Just a fun reference to look out for.
"It's like a hand, it's a hand IT'S A HAAAAND, Oh my god it's a fucking hand!!"
I loved this episode so much and the Doctor's speech at the end
Glad you enjoyed this one, its one of my top 3 of 12's entire run, it had an inventive new monster, the scenario with the Tardis was alot of fun & it was interesting to see Clara become more like the Doctor.
I'd been waiting for you to get to this one. Flatline's one of my favorite eps of the season, Capaldi's time, and the entire series. Reminds me a lot of the gothic horror of the Hinchcliffe era of the Fourth Doctor (minus the gothic).
Missy has such an evil laugh in that episode's clip. I've re-watched your reaction just to that part about a dozen times. Love it.
This episode and the previous episode are the first two episodes of this season I truly loved. I was already totally sold on Capaldi but this is the point where is all clicked into place.
Catching up on your reactions, because I've had way too much to do the past few weeks... But yeah, really glad you liked this episode. I love Clara getting to be the Doctor, I think the mini-TARDIS in the handbag idea is really fun, and I love that line you pointed out, with how she was an exceptional Doctor, but goodness had nothing to do with it. And oh boy do people have opinions on this series, as usual with Doctor Who. I think I understand your feelings about Danny and Clara's relationship here, and I do think that the communication thing is a... very valid concern. I do like that the lying isn't really shown to be a good thing though? Like, it's clearly supposed to be a flaw, and I kind of "like" that, even if I don't like *like* it. If that makes any sense.
I always liked Rigsy! Great actor, wished we could have seen more of that character!......
On rewatch this is probably my favourite episode of the 12th doctor.
GREAT Reactions. I loved them. I thought you would have got it near the end of Listen, but Danny and Clara Love each other. As you saw at the end of Mummy On The Orient Express, she lied to the Doctor and said Danny didn't mind her travelling with the Doctor. She is Addicted to the excitement and danger. Danny knows.
This is the episode that made me fall in love with the Twelfth.
This episode is actually great.
This was all filmed by my house, within 500 yards.
The same place as the part the master is talking to tenant on the phone in the Martha ending.
This is such a good episode. I'd say in many ways it's similar to a 12th Doctor version of Midnight, many of the traditional tropes are averted while others are played straight. The characters are interesting and written very human. The enemy is very mysterious but genuinely terrifying.
The only thing I'd have changed is that I'd have left it unclear as to whether the boneless are attacking or just trying to communicate, at least until a sequel with them if that's ever done
Edit: I especially love the deconstruction of the role of the Doctor in both. Midnight it was the Doctor trying to be the Doctor, but failing (as well as someone else stepping up in David Troughton's character). This one has the Doctor coaching Clara through his role in the event.
Both are essentially an unorthodox base under siege setup and the aliens are very enigmatic in a similar way to many Troughton monsters. The episodes are basically a 10th and 12th Doctor version version of a 2nd Doctor story, which was one of the best eras of the show IMO
This episode terrified me, i swear. Love the idea of 2D monsters and that for once, their intentions weren't just misunderstood. Love me some good old menace.
Basically the inhabitants of Flatland (2D) are kidnapping Spacelanders (3D) to experient on.
"Flatland" and "Spaceland" are the names of the biaxial and triaxial dimension worlds in the geometric novel "Flatland" by Edwin A. Abbot.]
Alot of exceptional and telling quotes in this episode :) and it pays off episode 1 of this series "I've made alot of mistakes and its time I did something about it" loved the reaction as always lovely.
Another scary episode, Jess. don't worry.. we will....
Jess: 1:04 How terrifying! I love it!
Dang it... she does not get scared easily, doesn't she? XD
And here I am commenting about this, cause I get scared easily XD, but not this episode of course, this episode is awesome!
P.S. can someone put a scene where the Doctor said 'the circular pi, which is the edible pie', I was looking for the scene...
This is one of the favourite episodes from this season. "Is she gonna carry him around, in her purse?" LOL! I agree about the guy - he was awful. Was it wrong of me to want him to get killed? LOL! Totally funny that you made the comment in the Mummy episode and this episode followed up on that! I like your comment about opinions! Yes, it makes total sense! (You know what I mean!)
"Oh my God! -- it was cool looking though" perfectly sums up "Flatline."
I think Mummy and Flatline should have been earlier in the series
It wouldn’t have made sense. The writers place episodes in places for a reason and for the story.
In the overarching story, they're in the right place. But I do wish these two (best two of the season) episodes had been a bit earlier
12345 6789 Sometimes they miss a bit. Especially in the Beast below. The Doctor snapping at Amy for no reason near the end doesn’t feel earned yet because we don’t know enough about Matt’s Doctor.
I don't think the difference in hair length of Clara in episodes either side of "Mummy" has ever been explained away. Perhaps Clara and he Dr took six months off between Mummy and Flatline?
Robert Payne The show never states whether the episodes happened within days. Could very well have been months.
This is probably my second favorite Capaldi episode. The first being one of the many two parters from the next season.
so glad you enjoyed this episode I feel it often doesn't get the love it deserves cant wait to see your reaction to how danny and clara develop
This episode is one of my favourites of the season as this episode in my opinion confirmed that Peter Capaldi's doctor would be amazing.
I'm loving the comments about how this was the episode that Capaldi really became The Doctor. :-)
I remember how - before Flatline was transmitted - the forums were full of people complaining how much it was becoming The Clara Show with the Doctor as companion. And then Moffat totally trolled them by trapping the Doctor in a tiny TARDIS so Clara had to take the lead. I spent the entire episode chuckling to myself about how ballistic the forums would go! And trapping Capaldi's Doctor in something so adorably cute. Hilarious!
It would be one of my favourite episodes were it not for a gripe I have about Science Fiction shows in general - they hardly ever do 2d universes, and when they do they don't explore the science. :-( I know - Doctor Who is not a science exploration show, it's all hand-waving timey-wimey oh-just-sonic-it, but it would have been nice for us 2D fans.
(Incidentally, if you're curious the must-reads for 2d universes are Flatland by Edwin Abbott Abbott, because it was the first and for the social commentary more than the maths, and The Planiverse by A. K. Dewdney, which takes a sensible stab at the maths, physics, engineering etc of a 2d world.)
Your Reaction videos are the Best! They are better than Mystery Science Theater!
Feel free to add a K-9 robot if you'd like :D
11:13 "Fuck off, dude!"
I wasn't sold on Peter Capaldi until this ep. When the Tardis was restored and the Doctor began his speech something clicked. The Twelfth Doctor roared and I realised he is going to be my Doctor.
DANNY PINK SUUUCKS
Peter Capaldi's monologues are epic, almost Matt Smith epic. :)
If you're talking about Peter's monologues, I can also think of one or two that are better than Matt's.
To me that's really the episode where 12th becomes "complete" as The Doctor. I feel he was still searching himself in the previous one and now it just clicked in his mind who he is.
Just saying, Matt Smith was on 'Desert Island Discs' today. It's a BBC Radio show that's run since the Big Bang. Google it, you may be able to find it. A famous person is cast to a hypothetical desert island for which they must select records etc they cannot do without. Everyone has done it from politicians to actors, sportsmen etc...
Love your reactions
Goodness had nothing to do with it...
**Chills**
They moved like scribbles.
Basically from an old Cartoon Network show called Foster's home for imaginary friends.
Where scribbles are imaginations from infants. These imaginary creatures are dangerous even in that world, in chaos for learning to much.
My ranking of the 9 Series 8 Episodes Jess has watched:
9. Time Heist
8. Kill the Moon
7. Robot of Sherwood
6. Into the Dalek
5. The Caretaker
4. Deep Breath
3. Listen
2. Flatline
1. Mummy on the Orient Express
To me, this season is so awesome. Seeing your reaction to he lady at the end....well, I can’t wait for seeing your reaction to the finale. But from the orient express, each episode gets better and builds up. And Danny...well it is going to be great!
I love how we see Clara become just like the Doctor in this episode!
Peter Capaldi is different class here, he just IS The Doctor 🔥
loved your reaction to 12’s epic speech
Listen made me like capaldi but this episode completed him for me
I just can't wait for you to see the final 2 episodes of this season!😁😁
Clara, my Clara. I have chosen well. + the laugh 😍
If it weren´t for "Listen", this would probably be my favourite episode of series 8......
Hey Sesskasays I see people giving you shit on Twitter for not enough Doctor Who. Ignore them most of us appreciate all the time and effort you put into every reaction not just Doctor Who.
Your line about how Clara was understanding the Doctor last episode and being him this one (plus the idea that two episodes ago she was copying him) makes me think, this is what the entity from Midnight was doing, and does that mean that it was one of the Boneless? Is the Doctor building Clara up this way in order to fight them at their own game?
A lot of people, me included, feel this is the first truly great episode of 12s run. Capaldi starts to really find his feet, and his Doctor develops consistently from here. The next one is generally thought of as a bit of a dud, but I really hope you love the final two. With a bit of luck they'll join up some of the themes you've identified and spoken about.
The anti-Clara folks and the anti-female doctor folks often point to this episode as 'one of the worst' and 'agenda pushing'. It's still one of my favorites for this season
Favourite reaction yet. I laughed so hard. Loved it. Haha. FANTASTIC!!! Don't mind Danny. He's alright. He fits in in other words.
Not one of my favorite S8 episodes. But the Flatline aliens were terrifying. At that point in the series, Doctor Who hadn't made me felt that scared since the Weeping Angel two-parter in S5. I also loved the Doctor's speech. There have been moments in previous episodes that Capaldi felt like the Doctor. But it wasn't until that moment he fully became the Doctor to me.
You are monsters! That is the role you seem determined to play! So it seems that I must play MINE! The man that stops the monsters!
Yes yes yes yes yes yes this moment he seized it and rushed forward! My favorite Capaldi speech until the next season. He became the Doctor and embraced it.
This was the first Capaldi episode I really liked.
I can’t wait for your reaction for the final few episodes
I love this episode. It is nice to get an enemy that's just mean sometimes.
I have so much to say about Danny. But can't, well not for a few weeks till the finale. It's a very British thing they have going on. He knows Clara is with the Doctor. She knows he knows just Clara hasn't told him what is going on. He does really care for her and just wants to know she will be safe. No matter what they get up too. A cool little hint to the finale look in the background when Missy appeared. It should look familiar :)
I really am in the minority of liking the next episode. Hopefully for that reason you'll like it too
If I'm being honest, the next episode is pretty terrible but the last two of the season are amazing.
Pickled Pudding No one likes the next one lol
I've yet to see anyone who thinks the next episode is good, at best people say it's average lol
MrAzmatMahmood NO SPOILERS
MrAzmatMahmood You say that you're not giving spoilers, but you've literally just given spoilers. Best to delete your comment entirely.
"No spoilers in case she reads the comments"...you literally filled that comment with spoilers
It’s worth saying that this is my personal favourite episode. I have so much love for it!
Is it me, or the TARDIS at its minimum looks exactly like the Pandorica?