Well, here we are, part one of the two part finale is here! Prior to it's release, this episode had set up a lot and had a lot of anticipation surrounding it, but did this episode answer any of our questions? and did it live up to the hype? Well, let's find out...
We'll start off with the obvious, the Cybermen are back! Not only did this episode continue the story of Ashad from last week, we were reacquainted to the Cybus Cybermen (first seen way back in 2006 - that makes me feel old) and introduced to a brand new warrior class of Cybermen. The new warrior Cybermen looked amazing! Their look seemed to combine the 'Invasion' design and the 'Nightmare In Silver' design, while incorporating its own elements (including spikes!). These look beautiful and they definitely stole every scene they were in - especially the beautiful shot of all the Cybermen marching through the ship.
But i'm jumping ahead! Let's go back to the very beginning of the episode and that absolutely stunning transition into the opening titles. A small but gorgeous detail. For us old school fans, it was lovely to see the aftermath of the Cyber Wars, a war that's been referenced all throughout the history of the show (most notably 'Revenge Of The Cybermen') and it was great to see how the feared the Cybermen are and how much of a threat they are to the universe. Something which was conveyed well through speech as opposed to a massive CGI battle. Also, the reference to Cybermen being allergic to gold was such a surprise, I loved it!
Ashad is such a wonderful villain so brilliantly played by Patrick O'Kane. While we did see him last week and were terrified by him, this week we learned more about his intentions and his desire to hunt down the last remaining humans. There was real fear whenever he was on screen and the confrontation between him and the Doctor was another standout moment.
Team TARDIS were separated quite early on this episode, this really allowed Graham and Yaz to act by themselves and show their initiative and what they've learned from the Doc. The Doctor and Ryan also worked well as a duo and it is making me long for 13 to have one companion for Series 13. It does make me worry however for the fates of our gang as we're left in the dark as to Graham and Yaz's fates at the end of the episode.
This episode also featured many cutaways to a sub-story taking place in Ireland following a policeman through his life and apparent immortality. If i'm honest I didn't know where this was going and when the episode ended I was no closer to knowing how this factors into the main story. It was very interesting however and I am intrigued as to how this all links into 'The Timeless Children'.
The cliffhanger of Gallifrey being on the other side of the portal was incredibly unexpected and raises SO. MANY. QUESTIONS. and with only one episode left, those answers had better be on their way! Also, the Master is back! Sacha Dhawan has proved to be a true embodiment of the Master and it's such a joy to see him back on screen. Let's hope he has a much bigger part in the finale.
I didn't really have any complaints with this episode, it was an epic space opera that perfectly reintroduced the Cybermen and set up a great deal for next week's finale. Did it live up to the hype? Perhaps not entirely but it acts as the perfect setup for the finale. Where will this story go, I couldn't possibly tell you. There are so many threads that have to be resolved and how do the Cybermen factor into it? Either way i'm really exicted for it, in a way that I haven't been for Doctor Who in quite some time.
9/10
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