Hmm.
That's not my review of this week's episode, just an overall vocalisation of the series so far.
It seems that, pretty much every episode has been a rehash or a riff of previous series. Tonight's was very much in keeping with RTD's 'School Reunion'. Only without the reunion. And that's probably where my problem lies. I enjoy Capaldi as the Doctor. He's gruff (if a little too mean-spirited at times) but he IS given some great lines. And Danny Pink is a very welcome addition to the cast- even if he hasn't made companion yet.
But it doesn't really excuse the reuse and retooling of previous stories. Tonight's villain was weak, no real threat at all it feels like. They didn't even interrupt parent/teacher evening, which would have at least put some innocents in mild peril to make the stakes a bit higher. The one child we got to know at all, Courtney, was never in any danger- and got a quick spin in the Tardis to boot!
And there was yet further reference to Eleven's relationship with Clara when Twelve mistakes a bow-tie bedecked teacher for Clara's new beau. And frankly I don't see any point in making as much of it as the story did. A knowing smirk? Yeah sure, but a two minute argument over it? Please.
Another thing that caught my attention was a line by the Doctor to the aforementioned Courtney; "Haven't you got shoplifting to go to?".
I couldn't decide if that was racial stereotyping (I can imagine viewer complaints coming from the American audience, considering recent real world events), or generalising young people as ASBO collecting misfits. Time will tell if Social Media sites like Tumblr make something more of it..
The Doctor's dislike of soldiers is very tiring. Danny's a MATHS TEACHER. GET OVER IT. Being a soldier doesn't necessarily define your entire life after you leave the service. I have a neighbour who is now a paramedic, and very dedicated to saving lives. That's what good soldiers- heck good people- try to do. Harming people is (for the greater majority of armed forces personnel) the LAST OPTION TAKEN. And it kinda pi*ses me off that the Doctor (a former soldier himself) doesn't see that.
So yes, some great lines. Some interesting ideas, and a great Doctor. But I can't help but feel weary of the bull that is seeping into a show that used to rise above such nonsense more.
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