Doctor Who Series 8 (2014)
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Doctor Who Series 8 Review
The eighth season of Doctor Who is one of the best seasons in the history of the show and such a refreshing take on the entire world and its characters.
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“You look at me and you can’t see me.
Have you any idea what that’s like?
I’m not on the phone, I’m right here,
standing in front of you. Please, just,
just see me“
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Yes, this season is a game-changer for the show as it gives us the 12th and the best ever Doctor while also giving us quality writing and supporting characters. Clara Oswald was weak before, I am not going to lie. But here she became much better and is actually one of the best companions the Doctor has ever had. She is very likable and endearing, but also at times dangerous, so clever and even acts as the Doctor herself and challenges him at times which is something all of the other companions never did.
I also really like Danny Pink and the romance between the two is very sweet and their relationship brought a lot of interesting conflict to the show. Of course Peter Capaldi is the highlight here as he’s such a terrific Doctor. He is energetic, fun and quite funny at times while also being competent in action scenes and his performance truly is terrific, especially in the emotional scenes. The same goes for Jenna Coleman who excelled as well.
Deep Breath is simply phenomenal. Although the plot at first is weak, this is all about that final act which is truly heartbreaking and emotionally rewarding. Clara’s struggle is human and the Doctor is vulnerable and as human as he has never been before. That’s why the episode is truly heartfelt. The dialogue between the two is great and touching.
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Into the Dalek is a pretty solid episode for the Daleks’ standards which are low in my opinion. But having a good Dalek for once brought a refreshing take on the famous monsters. Robot of Sherwood is entirely forgettable and a wasted opportunity for a fun Robin Hood tale.
Listen is very atmospheric as one of the scariest episodes of Doctor Who ever. It also features intricate storytelling and wonderful character moments leading to a deservedly praised entry of this season. Time Heist has an interesting concept, but the execution left a lot to be desired.
The Caretaker is simply wonderful and incredibly charming as a rare Earth-based storyline that really works. The relationship between Clara and Danny Pink really kicks into high gear here, the school scenes are quite sweet and I loved the conflict that arose between the three. Really well done.
Kill the Moon and Mummy on the Orient Express are pretty much the same when it comes to their strengths (interesting settings and a great atmosphere) and weaknesses (overall weak execution and not great storytelling).
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Flatline is also flawed, but solid and particularly memorable for letting Clara be the Doctor for one mission. That was a lot of fun to witness. In the Forest of the Night is also a solid episode that is ridiculous in terms of storytelling, but pretty good in terms of character moments and those kids are endearing and they stole the show here.
Dark Water is better and more intriguing than Death in Heaven which is still a pretty good conclusion to this fun story which is emotional again in the central relationship, but also very entertaining in its action scenes. Missy truly is phenomenal as this new, female version of the Master. She is so pleasantly campy and outlandish that she fits the role perfectly. Michelle Gomez is excellent here.
So in the end, this eighth season is one of the best so far with a refreshing new take on the show with more emotional and thoughtful approach and better characterization. Peter Capaldi is a great new Doctor and Jenna Coleman as Clara is also wonderful.
Worst Episodes: Robot of Sherwood and Time Heist.
Best Episodes: Deep Breath and Listen.
