The Haunting of Villa Diodati

This was an interesting episode, which reminded me of the early series and episodes written by Stephen Moffat (when Russel T Davis was at the helm.) The episode concentrated on storytelling, not lecturing to the audience. We are nearing the end of series 12, and it is now obvious where the weakest link is - the writing. This episode was not written by Chris Chibnal, which speaks volumes. Two decent episodes out of eight, is not a good basis for a successful series.

This episode had me gripped from the very first minute. Entertaining from beginning to end, a perfect way to lead into the epic finale.

I know a lot of these episodes get bombed with low scores before the episode is even out but no way this is a 7.1. By far Jodies best epsiode and the only few times she has felt like the Doctor.

A good story as well and in what should of been an over stuffed episode actually moved smoothly

This series may have had about 5 "love and monsters" but this episode was actually alright - but let's be clear - it still wasn't absolutely brilliant.

But let's look on the bright side while we can. The first half was sort of creepy and reminded me a bit of 'The God Complex' going all the way back to series 6. But not fears, 'ghosts'.

And then we have the finale build up for the next half of the episode which I won't bother spoiling for you.

It definitely isn't my favourite story arc, but at least there is one, and at least I'm kind of half looking forward to the finale despite the amount of terrible episodes throughout this series.

My highest rating since Twice upon a Time: 7/10.

The Doctor and companions land at a specific point in time, the creation of Frankenstein, however the house is under threat from a strange force.

I did like the tone, the lighting finally was terrific, and I liked the story. We've been in need of a strong ghost story for some time, it didn't seem to make perfect sense initially, and I am pleased, it wasn't formulaic, but complex like say Ghostlight. The last fifteen minutes holding the best sequences.

What seemed to hold this back initially, I thought there were too many characters, with too much going on, sadly another nightmare for poor Ryan though, badly served once again.

So The TARDIS translation circuits work in Italian, but not French? Come on writers that's a Schoolboy error.

Does anybody do period drama better than The BBC? No chance, stunning production values, opulent sets, lavish costumes, the visuals were the biggest strength.

Fingers last week, hands this week, arms next week? That was a good scene though.

Overall, a solid 7/10, good science fiction, excellent production values, poor use of the companions, but a good link to the two part finale.