The Reality War

I like Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor. He is far more emotionally vulnerable than other doctors, and has been a unique addition to the Doctor saga.

He makes me smile, and has left a positive mark on the TARDIS.

This episode didn't quite reach the heights I'd like after last week's set up episode, but I'm still pretty satisfied. Overall, I think season 2 has been an improvement on season 1, but I still think Russell T Davies has been remixing stories from his Eccleston/Tennant Era. 8 episodes a season feels a little short.

Who knows what happens now to our favourite mad man in a box, but I'm keen to see it.

I think it wrapped up all the mystery well. It was intense, gripping and really left a good impression. Overall, I thought this episode was brilliant as far as this new era goes, but will never live up to the 2010-2017 days. Miles better than season 1 finale.

Even with the longer run time, there was still a pacing issue. Everything felt a bit all over the place, with all these scenes just bombarding you all at once. It did feel a bit like a "ok, we need to solve all these mysteries and loose ends, let's spend loads of the episode doing that: kind of vibe, and at times you could see issues with plot twists. There was one where I just thought "oh, well duh" I did like the run time being extended, but I wish Belinda knew it was a Wish World sooner. Loved the acting, decent finale. 8/10.

Throwing so much into one episode, parts of this one felt like exposition dump in order to make sense of how we got here. I wasn't satisfied with how some aspects were handled, but there was not a lack of effort to elicit a reaction.

I'm curious if this was as it was planned or if real life circumstances changed to force some loose ends to be tied up. This reminded me of "Rise of Skywalker", bringing together the components of a recent era into a single story while not shying away from older mythology or nostalgic triggers.

While filled with ups and downs, far from how I hoped this season had wrapped, it was memorable nonetheless.

This episode is very confusing. Down to the ending but it still manages to be pretty enjoyable. Sure Omega and the Rani weren't in it for too long but It still managed to make an impact on me. Not sure I really get some of it and in the end it left me wondering where exactly is the doctor who timeline anymore? And I know they are planning a spin off or something to release here soon but OMG I need to know what happens with the doctor next. That regeneration... This series disappoints me time and time again since disney took it over especially the season 1 finale. But I still keep watching it for gem episodes. And there are some pretty good ones I just wish they would stop doing GODS. Every other episode is a god and its getting kind of annoying. Can't you be more creative RTD?

Ncuti Gatwa's second season draws to a conclusion. Curiously every review I did took several days to be posted. So this time I decided to wait a few days to write one.

There was much speculation for weeks before the finale. Much to do with Disney's continued involvement with the show hanging up in the air. There was talk of extensive reshoots and a different contrived ending.

With the Doctor plummeting, he is rescued by a magical doorway. The Time Hotel.

Meanwhile the Rani continues her plans to free Omega under her watch.

That still leaves the mystery of Poppy which the Doctor and Belinda have to deal with.

It was all straightforward until the last twenty minutes or so.

The highlight was Mrs Flood's Two Rani's gag which riffed the beloved comedy duo, The Two Ronnies.

It then went on about Poppy but it did not stay there. Leading to a surprise return and then a shock reveal at the end.

The Reality War became messy at the end. How much was due to RTD dealing with circumstances will be revealed in later years.

You can guarantee one think with Doctor Who. It is always guaranteed to be bonkers at some point.