A few random thoughts about next week’s random episode
1 This is a weird one and make no mistake. And we don’t just mean it’s surreal. It’s weirdly structured as well, with a weird tone. A meandering plot that reflects the subject matter. It’s certainly got an intriguing mystery at its heart
2 There are moments like the more extreme episodes of The Prisoner
3 The monster is magnificent…
4 …Although there is one dodgy creature costume as well – unless it was supposed to be dodgy?
5 It’s an in-joke and continuity reference-spotters paradise. One remark alluding to a notorious Tom Baker story will make long-term fans smirk
6 There is a very unexpected final scene. And it’s not a cliffhanger
7 Some of the direction is breathtaking, creating an unsettling and spooky atmosphere. Lots of dolly zooms (think Jaws ) and a couple of The Shining moments, plus a great chase scene near the end
8 Not entirely convinced by the major guest star. He seems acting in a different show
9 Another character with companion potential appears
10 There’s a startling Star Trek moment
11 It starts with a voiceover
12 Although it’s pretty much standalone, there are consequences
13 Dwalls
14 Someone has a right hissy fit
15 Is there a Rubik’s cube agenda gong on?
16 The Doctor admits to a previously unrevealed cheesy talent
17 “You’re doing it in your pants”
18 Somebody is fired. First as a joke, then for real
19 Rory keeps getting shown the exit
20 HD viewers need not adjust their sets. It’s supposed to look like that occasionally…
21 It gets quite emotional, but more “Big Bang” emotional than “The Girl Who Waited” emotional
22 The Doctor and somebody unexpected have a Leonardo DiCaprio/Claire Danes moment
