The Impossible Astronaut is a very good episode (has a 9.0 on IMDb, higher than TMA's 8.7) but I think The Magician's Apprentice is a straight up 10 out of 10. It's just so much fun, the stakes are huge, and the cliffhanger is absolutely insane.
It's quite frankly my favourite Missy line, second favourite right after. "This is going to be our last conversation, and I am the one whose going to have to live with that!"
Ricardo Colmenares That line reminded me of the Star Trek: Voyager episode when the female Q compared Captain Janeway to a puppy! 😂 Missy is easily one of the most interesting versions of the Master ever.
I have no idea what part of this reaction I loved the most. From the Missy reveal to the guitar scene to Your face at that Davros reveal at the beginning, it's why you are the best! You have so many epic moments in this reaction. And I must admit, I am super super cruel for enjoying the fact I remembered snakes were involved.
I never got the hate either. I used to tell people "You guys realize Peter Capaldi used to be in a rock band, right? This is what he wanted his Doctor to be like, so just go with it."
People hate the guitar bit, but I see it as growth for Twelve and also a sign of a "midlife crisis". Also, Capaldi loves playing his guitar that he wanted to bring it into it.
I'm with Jess - I love the guitar. This is the season Peter C really makes the role his own, and the guitar is part of that (and the shades). He is after all a good guitarist, and was the lead in a punk band in the 70s. Plus, most doctors have some little prop to help define them - 2 had the recorder, 3 the vintage car, 5 the cricket gear, even 11's bow tie. 12's guitar just seems such a natural fit for him, partly because Peter's a good guitarist.
The Doctor and Davros dialogue scenes are the highlights of this two parter, and any story with them to be honest, and in a messed up sense in the Big Finish story "Davros", Davros says The Doctor is the closest thing he's had to a friend.
It's scenes like these that really confirms my opinion that, even if some disagree, Davros is the true greatest match and opposite for the Doctor, rather than the Master
This is also what I think lends the second half of this story so much depth and is one of the finest stories of the show. The way it all plays out with Davros, I think there is an element of truth to what he goes on to say. And it makes him all the more a fascinating and complex villain.
Also, a bit of interesting characterisation for Missy, with how terrified she is being back on Skaro. If you remember back to the TV movie, the Master was tried and executed on Skaro and turned into the death worm/glue/slime/snake thingy. So yeah, that would leave some issues.
Also consider that the Jacobi Master fought in the Time War, everything that the War Doctor went through, save for the 'using the moment trauma', the War Master endured as well
Yes, a I noticed that as well. A great bit of characters history she worked in there. The Master actually fled a the battle when an important objective was gained by the Daleks. It filled him with dread.
thesimpsons17 I might be biased because 12 is my favorite Doctor, and I love Peter Capaldi with all my heart, I have so much respect for that man and for all the cast this series got. I feel like he is more relatable, and this series really explores him as THE DOCTOR and his relationship with Clara. I loved every minute of series 9. Also, Rachel Talalay.
I absolutely adore this series, this opener is incredible. Capaldi really establishes his Doctor at this point, the guitar scene had my mouth gaped on a first watch, I love it. And there's so much going on too! Missy, UNIT, Davros & Daleks, on Skaro, references to lots of key places in the Whoniverse too.
It was kind of lovely watching how big her fear of snakes is. The actor for Colony Sarff was GODAWFUL though! I always hated how his mouth is almost laughing for basically everything he says.....
Not only is Peter good at guitar he is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art. He sometimes likes to doodle Doctor Who pics on autographs and merchandise. Check out the Doctor Who fan show where he draws some of the Classic Doctors. Welcome to season 9 and The Rock Doc!!! Do you like his new look? Considering he started off very prim and clean cut, this is the look of the 12th Doctor fans have come to love.
Twelve's "when do I not see you" gets me every time. Especially after his "you'll never looked any different to me" from Last Christmas special. Ahhh these two.
the dialog between Missy and Oswin on the square reminds me the S0203 School reunion episode lines: MICKEY: So what's the deal with the tin dog? SARAH: The Doctor likes travelling with an entourage. Sometimes they're humans, sometimes they're aliens, and sometimes they're tin dogs. What about you? Where do you fit in the picture? MICKEY: Me? I'm their Man in Havana. I'm the technical support. I'm... Oh, my God. I'm the tin dog.
You have a phobia about snakes? I'd never be able to tell. Love your reaction to this episode. Your euphoria at seeing Missy, your excitement about the Doctor's guitar playing and your freaking out about the snakes. Great stuff!
The next classic you should watch: Genesis of the Daleks, with the 4th Doctor. The first appearance of Darvros, and the origins of the Daleks. And some say, the first shot in the Time War.
I dunno, I'd rather she had another Dalek story before immediately jumping from 'The Daleks' to 'Genesis of the Daleks', especially since the stories don't quite mesh continuity-wise in some regards. I'd say, if not going through moreso in order, at least doing 'The Dalek Invasion of Earth' before 'Genesis of the Daleks'
MyAbridged NI can understand your thoughts, but she's actually watched the first Dalek story, The Genesis of the Dalek civil war, the use of weapons from different ages, weird biological weapons, Davoros origins and Sara Jane Smith are all elements here!
Yes, it'll take her, if you include an extra week per season for her round up, and leave out the missing episodes, 12 years. If she starts early next year, she should get to Genesis early 2024 :-)
So many great moments in this episode, but one that always stands out to me is the actual fear in Missy's voice, going "No, no, no!" when she realizes that they're on Skaro. The Master as a character has always been arrogant enough to think that he can handle just about anything, but here she's *instantly* terrified, and it's so out of character for her, you really grasp the seriousness of the situation.
12:12 I heartily recommend "Genesis of the Daleks". It explains what you need to know about Davros and the Daleks and is, undoubtedly, one of the great Doctor Who stories
If I'm being honest, other than introducing Davros, Genesis is not *THAT* good of a story. It's not even the best Dalek story (Power of the Daleks, however...)
@Spectrum Storms I can't agree with too much of that, but fair enough. While "Power of the Daleks" is a fine story, Jess would have great difficulty watching it
Oh yes, good - someone else who doesn't think that Genesis is the best thing ever. I coudn't agree more - Power is really good, and is such a pity it was lost. Genesis is good, and has great dialog as well as a stelar performance by Wisher - but it's about two episodes too long - and the ending should have been edited to finish the same way they did the record (can't really call it an 'audiobook') - the TV version just sort of peters out
9:28 I laughed really hard at you screaming at the snake but I didn't understand a word of what said 😂😂😂 Lots of love I love your reaction videos ❤❤❤❤❤
This is the episode that really established Missy as being so great to me. Her whole chat with Clara was so perfect. I won't lie, I'm pretty vocal about how much I hated the Simm Master we got during RTD's run, so this scene just so perfectly illustrates how The Master should be, after all the silly rantings and ravings and goofy antics that crossed the line from slightly camp but delightful evil into ridiculous cartoonish supervillainy, it felt so good to see The Master back on form. I could never see the RTD Master as The Master, not too dissimilar to how I felt about the Eric Roberts Master. The two of them are too silly and over the top and just... laughable. But Missy, she fits in all too well next to Roger Delgado, Anthony Ainley, Geoffrey Beevers, Derek Jacobi, Peter Pratt, Alex Macqueen and James Dreyfus, all of whom in my eyes made great Masters
Missy was perfect this episode. Made me want a whole Missy spin-off, where she goes on adventures accidentally saving the day and with a reluctant companion that she never admits is just that, her companion. (Hmm, now that I wrote that all down, that's not massively different than what the show already IS lol.)
I never really liked Simm's version of the Master. I always thought he was way too hammy/over the top. When Missy first came onscreen, I hated her (mostly because I hated the series 8 finale, which I now really like) but after The Magician's Apprentice she was awesome. Thanks for reading and God bless!
I actually like Simms Master at his quiet moments, when he was having a one on one with The Doctor. And I really enjoyed his first story arc. The only issue I had with him was the cannibal version. That had more to do with the script issues than his acting. I think too many writers try to think evil is best portrayed by insanity...and RDT went a little too "Joker" Even Eric Roberts Master, if you looked at him through the lens of a disoriented regenerated Master had moments of pure villainy. But Michelle Gomez really brought back the Masters cunning and ruthlessness.
What's really awesome is that since Seeskasays actually watched the classic episode "The Daleks" during Doctor Who December, for the first time (that I can recall), she instantly recognizes the callbacks to the Classic Series with the reveal of Skaro, including that great little moment where she even recognizes the distinctive shape of the doors!
It would be nice if you watched the prequels to this episode (Series 9 Prologue and The Doctor's Meditation). The last one explains the Doctor and Bors' story.
The bit where the fourth Doctor was talking about a totally evil child, came from a classic episode where the Timelords send him to prevent the creation of the Daleks. I believe the story arc is called "Genesis Of The Daleks", if you want the details.
The Doctors arriving in an arena in middle-age on a tank while playing an excellent solo on an electric guitar while wearing sunglasses. Your argument is invalid...😂🔥🎸🤘⚡
The bow and arrow in the beginning goes back to the classic Tom Baker episode Genesis of the Daleks. Basically the two races (who look human) were at war with each other so long, their technology actually devolved. They started with futuristic lasers and were using mustard gas, barbed wire, and old rifles by the time the Doctor got there. Great episode. Davros had a few things to say to Sarah Jane in the Tennant episode as well (she starred in the original one).
My favorite bit in the start of the episode is the songs the Doctor plays for Clara and Missy. When Missy walks in he plays the chorus of “Mickey” (obviously), but for Clara? He plays “Pretty Woman” by Van Halen.
I’m glad you like the guitar thing he has going on now. I knew u’d like it cuz of those guitars u collect in the background. 11 thing is bow ties and 12 is guitars which is what you love so I’m glad you like it!
I’ve been waiting so long for you to finally get to season 9 and it’s wonderful! I knew you would love it and have the best reaction of everything. You’ll love everything that comes next. Enjoy!
one of my favorite scenes in all of Dr Who was when Tennent ran into the tardis from the Daleks and slammed the door closed, then he beat his head against it while hearing a montage of daleks saying "exterminate" I think that was the one time that he almost lost his shit. You could just feel all of the 900 years of torment he's gone through them and their never ending pursuit.
Although had an account for ages, have only recently started Youtubing - came here because I enjoyed all your (and others') Sherlock reactions but they are oldish so felt a comment there might not be relevant after all this time. I watched the original Dr Who as a child and was pleased to see your reactions to the modern versions, especially the Moffatised ones! You add another level of enjoyment to these programmes by your open and honest reactions - ty
Friends and I were planning to watch 9x01 the evening it first aired. We also decided to get together earlier in the day and watch Classic Who and, as luck would have it, I proposed watching Genesis of the Daleks (without foreknowledge of the premise of Magician's Apprentice, and friends who had largely not seen much of Classic). It all worked out very, *very* well... :)
Fun fact, Peter Capaldi used to be in a band called the Dream Boys with Craig Ferguson. That’s actually him playing the electric guitar in this episode.
One of your best reactions! I am sure you have heard this before but a quick visit to "the genesis of the Daleks" with the 4th doctor might just answer some of your questions! One of my favs from classic Who!
Actually -I think this was a more extreme reaction. One snake was bad. The Mathilda Bagshot attack was really bad. This is a person made up of a pile of intertwined snakes. It nearly gave me nightmares and I don't have a phobia.
Fun fact Peter Capaldi was in a Punk Rock Band called The Dreamboys where he was the lead guitarist and singer....Along with his good friend Craig Ferguson
The best part is that this actually *was* Peter Capaldi playing the guitar, not some double. :D He used to be a guitarist in a band, and he got to bring that element to his Doctor. Starting now, Peter will flesh 12 out with a lot of personal quirks, making him, in my opinion, the Doctor who feels the most like a real person.
Things you may not have realized or known in this episode: 1. The Dalek City seen here is a CGI recreation of the Dalek city model used in the 1963 original Dalek story "The Daleks".2. The Blue Dalek was supposed to be a "Daleks" Dalek but for this story the designers decided to add blue midriffs to the three 1960's style Daleks seen here that were not actually in evidence if one looks at color photos of the real 1960's Daleks. 3. The "Special Weapons Dalek" makes another appearance in this story. One SWD was last seen in New Who as an inmate of the Dalek Asylum in "Asylum of the Daleks". before that The Special weapons Dalek made one and only appearance in Classic Who in the final Dalek story "Remembrance of the Daleks" (1988). We also see a standard 60's Dalek, a black domed model from "Evil of the Daleks", and a 70's-80's gray soldier Dalek in the background of some scenes. Needless to say this is the first time we've seen the Red Supreme Dalek since the 10th Doctor's era.
You caught on to the Missy thing waaaay before I did, go you! Missy is cray-cray, but she's Chaotic Neutral instead of being 'good' or 'evil'. Spike and Jayne Cobb are also Chaotic Neutral, and while we don't like everything they do, they're a *lot* of fun to watch. I'm right there with you loving Capaldi. We didn't know that we needed to see the Doctor playing electric guitar and riding on a tank, but apparently you needed it in your life just at much as I did! Also, your minute-long freakout at 9:28 was a thing of beauty. I'd forgotten about the snakes, and how much you don't like them, so it was a hell of a thing!
I loved this episode too but I fucking hate snakes too. I know what you mean Jess. The opening scene with Davros though that was chilling. I love the guitar too. Best thing about Twelve I recon. Missy being back too that was awesome. Can’t wait for the next reaction. So glad you’re at season 9 ☺️
I swear, the opening scene of this episode has to be one of the best in all of Doctor Who history, both in terms of an opening, and just a scene in general. It was so well shot, so well paced, the twist was crazy, it harkens back very well to other episodes in the past, it's just amazing.
Hi, if you want to know the story behind Davros and the creation of the Daleks, watch 'Genesis of the Daleks'. It's a Tom Baker (4th Doctor story) with Sarah Jane Smith :-) I have watched the classic series and the new series of DW and the 9th series is brilliant. Peter really comes into his own and the episodes are stunning. I hope you enjoy as much as I did :-) Btw I love the guitar!!! Best intro ever :-D
As you watched the Hartnell story 'The Daleks' back in December, the shape of the door in the 'space ship' should have immediately identified it as Dalek technology. Once outside the city the architecture again matches that original serial. The Dalek that you noted 'it's blue' is the original design (more or less) in the original colour scheme (that we didn't see at the time as the show was in black and white). There was a lot of fan service (or nods to the continuity, depending on how you view it) in this episode. The Daleks themselves include various models from both the classic and modern series--even the Special Weapons Dalek makes a reappearance having originally appeared in the 7th Doctor story 'Remembrance of the Daleks' and having been briefly seen in 'Asylum of the Daleks'. As many others have said, the 4th Doctor clip is from Genesis of the Daleks which, without giving too many spoilers, also explored the idea of destroying the Daleks at an earlier stage of their existence (this isn't much of a spoiler as the idea is raised in the first minutes of the opening part of the serial).
A really good DVD set to get would be the Davros collection, it contains all his Classic Doctor who stories as well as all his Big Finish audios up to that point, including the I, Davros mini series.
Peter Capaldi was in a punk rock band called the Dreamboys in the 80's. (I'm sure someone else has mentioned it, but I didn't see it in more recent comments)
