“If someone … pointed out a child to you, and told you that that child would … destroy millions of lives, could you then kill that child?”
Series Nine premiered on September 19th with “The Magician’s Apprentice.” Title is a bit of a disconnect, and the phrase is said once during the episode. Nevertheless, this episode is part of a two-parter. Much of the episode – to classic Moffat writing – focuses on the search of the Doctor. Once the Doctor is found by Clara and Missy, we learn that he is ashamed. For what is the Doctor ashamed about though?
The episode sets up for the series, in that it will focus heavily on the Daleks and their creator Davros. The episode also hints at Clara Oswald’s departure from the series, as there have been rumours for quite some time now that Coleman quit the show. Jenna Coleman has decided to leave the Doctor Who family to play Queen Victoria in ITV’s drama Victoria.
Speaking of shame, it is a shame that I am developing a love-hate relationship with Doctor Who now. I will always watch Doctor Who but I’m wary that it will become a task, and not something of entertainment. I feel that, with the involvement from BBC America and increase in budget, the episodes aren’t leaving me satisfied. It is nothing on Peter Capaldi as twelve, he is wonderful and fully entertaining. However, it’s more so Steven Moffat’s writing that appears to be looping. Another “Last Day of the Doctor” storyline? Can a doctor really have multiple last days? Ten had one, Eleven had one, Twelve now has one…
Therefore the episode is alright for me. It isn’t the best of episodes, but isn’t the worst of episodes. I’m trying not to be too negative here, soooo
Three parts of this episode that are worth highlighting:
- Return of Davros is an interesting arc as we haven’t seen him for ages
- Twelve showing up with an electric guitar on a military tank during the middle ages is just one for the books
- Michelle Gomez plays Missy so well, I can’t help but enjoy her take on the Master’s role