This episode wasn’t bad but it wasn’t my favorite either. It was a passable (and slightly heavy handed) political allegory about humans inability to see “aliens” complexly and how we tend to lump factions of people together to represent the whole. Science fiction never shies away from hot button issues, and in fact we could argue that science fiction is largely always aware of and makes use of those issues but, while well done, it’s not exactly my cup of tea. Also, there is a definite lack of narrative tension since I know that the Doctor’s plane is not going to explode (and even if it does, the Doctor will save everyone), that Clara will be rescued, and the day will be saved. So it was a perfectly fine episode but it’s not one that strikes me as memorable.
LIKED
–The Doctor wears question mark underpants
–Jenna did a really nice job playing cold and calculating once she was revealed to be a Zygon
–It’s always nice to see Kate Stewart
–Harry Sullivan reference!!
DISLIKED
–This episode wasn’t as snappy as the past few weeks have been.
–I don’t know why the writers are so fascinated with Osgood. Yes, she represents the fandom and she’s quirky but I don’t necessarily find her all that compelling.