One thing I’ve realized as I’ve reflected more on Moffat’s era is that 11 is The Doctor at their most godlike, really buying into the universe’s idea of who they are rather than the truth-they’re not a god, they’re just someone who has the opportunity and the desire to do good. This story directly leads into 12’s far more cold and ruthless persona in season 8, and then 12’s story over his tenure is about being humbled, and once again finding their identity not as a god, but as The Doctor. 11 and 12 together represent one of the most fascinating explorations of the different sides of the Doctor, the value of simple kindness, and the danger of ego-particularly when one’s reputation becomes far less nuanced than their actual existence, as we saw in, say, The Wedding of River Song
My main problem with Season 8 is that the Doctor was almost sociopathic and Peter Capaldi just didn't have the charm and charisma to balance that out during the lighter moments. He excelled in the dark moments but when he needed to do something to remind you that he's the Doctor, not the Valeyard, he struggled to pull off what Matt Smith, David Tennant, John Hurt and Christopher Ecclestone made look effortless. Heck, even Colin Baker had his bombastic attitude and sarcastic sense of humour to add some charm to his Doctor. Ironically, I think Peter Capaldi's past as a lifelong fan was actually working against him. That was very rarely, if ever a problem with David Tennant but Capaldi was enamoured with the idea of being the Doctor for 5 decades, being old enough to have actually watched William Hartnell when the show began. When his chance to play the Doctor finally came, he clearly wasn't sure what he wanted to do with the character. Part of that was due to the "am I a good man?" story arc but I got the feeling that Capaldi himself genuinely wasn't sure how to play the Doctor. First of all, he took all the fun out of the role in Season 8, something that even John Hurt, the Doctor who fought in the Time War, didn't do. Whenever Capaldi needed to do something corny or deliver a joke, he clearly wasn't in his comfort zone and the jokes in particular tended to come across as mean-spirited. He took a lot of influence from William Hartnell, whom I'm pretty sure is his favourite Doctor, but because Hartnell was the 1st, he could actually get away with being uncertain about who the Doctor was. Capaldi couldn't because his Doctor had already had 12 lifetimes to figure it out and even Hurt, who spent centuries destroying Daleks and goodness knows what other horrors during the Time War, never came across as a sociopathic man who compensated for his inferiority complex by being a total arsehole. Heck, Hurt wasn't even a fan of Doctor Who - he did Day of the Doctor just for the heck of it and was surprised to be charmed by both the show and the fanbase because he thought it was a "cult" - and despite the stupendous pressure of playing a brand new Doctor during the biggest milestone in Doctor Who's long history whilst sharing the screen with 2 of the most popular Doctors of all time AND having Tom Baker waiting in the wings, he nailed the character better in one episode than Capaldi, a lifelong fan who wasn't under even half as much pressure, did in his entire first season. Furthermore, despite Hartnell being his favourite, Capaldi seemed to be trying to be as many Doctors as he could all at once. In one episode he'd try to be Hartnell, in another he'd be as callous as Colin Baker, then he'd throw in some of Sylvester McCoy's machiavellian streak, then he'd become violent like John Hurt had to be during the Time War, and once or twice he'd even try to be romantic like Paul McGann such as when he snogged Missy out of the blue. However, Capaldi lacks several key traits that would enable him to combine all the Doctors into one cohesive performance, such as the effortless charm of David Tennant or the childlike obliviousness of Matt Smith. When Smith was being socially awkward, he gave the impression that he genuinely didn't know any better. As someone who's on the autism spectrum, I can see his Doctor as genuinely being autistic. When Capaldi was being socially awkward, he gave the impression that he was just a sociopath. It's like he studied autistic people but didn't truly comprehend how we operate. As for Tennant, the man could literally smash through a mirror on a horse and charm everybody within seconds. Capaldi doesn't even come close to having that kind of charisma. This is what I mean when I say he took all the fun out of the role. Instead of trying and failing to combine all the previous Doctors together and (admittedly successfully) throwing in the Valeyard for good measure - ever noticed how often he would gaslight or project his own flaws and insecurities onto Clara just like the Valeyard blamed Colin Baker for Peri's supposed death? - Peter Capaldi needed to figure out his own Doctor. To his credit, he did in Season 9 but even then, I don't remember truly seeing the Doctor until The Zygon Inversion, which was over halfway through the season. Maybe I could count the "I'm the Doctor, and I save people" scene but during Season 9, I'd pretty much given up on Capaldi and was only watching the show for Clara's sake. Instead of feeling like it was a triumphant return, I was reluctant to admit that the Doctor was finally back. Capaldi was gradually winning me over but it was an uphill battle and not enough for me to bother watching Season 10. Finally, it was a missed opportunity to not bring back Michael Jayston for Season 8. Perhaps he could have been helping Missy from within cyberspace since the Valeyard is an amalgamation of the Doctor instead of a full regeneration. This would also tie into Missy genuinely seeing the Doctor as a friend because she'd have a physical manifestation of his darker side to interact with. They could have even ended the series with the Valeyard breaking free from cyberspace after Danny destroyed the Cybermen and travelling back in time to confront Colin Baker, tying into the Classic series. Granted, bringing back Michael Jayston would come with several problems, the first being the fact that it would have been nearly 3 decades since Trial of a Time Lord (thankfully, Steven Moffat explained both Peter Davison and Tom Baker's ageing so I have no doubt he could do the same for Jayston), and the second being that he would have made it harder for Michelle Gomez. Classic Who fans would have been salivating about the Valeyard's return, which risks overshadowing Missy. However, it would help sell that Peter Capaldi is still the Doctor but he needs to overcome his darker side because it's not just a psychological problem, it can have a very real effect on the universe if he doesn't keep it in check. Furthermore, it would give Colin Baker some long overdue respect because HE was the one who dealt with the Valeyard in the end. And on top of all that, Season 8 was the PERFECT point in the Doctor's timeline for the Valeyard to manifest. Not only is Capaldi the beginning of a new regeneration cycle which could be used to explain how an amalgamation of his evil side could manifest in the first place, but Anthony Ainley's Master specifically stated in Trial of a Time Lord that the Valeyard showed up "somewhere between your 12th and final incarnation". Thanks to John Hurt, Matt Smith was the 12th Doctor so Season 8 was the ideal time for the Valeyard to appear.
You should say something like, what the Doctor chose to be or simply "The Doctor" instead of "the truth - They're not a god". Because no, HE IS A GOD and so are all of the TimeLords. It is the bias of your own human ego if you truly believe he is "JUST SOMEONE" with the opportunity and desire to do good. Millions of people have that, they are not equal to the Doctor.
@@alphamineron except that’s the point. The Doctor may live far longer, have the tardis, have psychic abilities and and be able to regenerate-but we can all still do what he does. We can make the efforts, embrace the morals, and fulfill the same promise the Doctor made.
@@adammyers7383 nice outlook but you are sounding waaaaay delusional here. We both agree that seeing the “No God” perspective and learning that all it takes to be the “doctor” is a promise IS A REALLY GOOD LESSON to take away from the show. We agree on that. But it is delusion to think for a second that he is not a god. The show has been pretty clear about this, he is a god. In fact the show presents him as the only god, even above the timelords… but he’s a god who doesn’t delve into the godhood’s power trap
Easily one of 11s standout episodes and a true showcase to some of the underrated gems of Series 7 as a whole. Weird to think this is Doctor Who's only other onscreen Western story.
It’s good to be able to watch a Western style doctor who episode without getting the Ballard of the Last chance saloon stuck in your head for the next year
@@owend5538 Classic are underrated, because their episodes are lost for many, and less visually enjoyable. I discovered DW with Smith, and I watched the first two 1963 stories, but the format and image quality can be harder to enjoy
@@arthemis1039 I love the format and image. Idk, something about black and white vintage tv just makes me enjoy everything more. That’s why I still love the OG twilight zone and 12 angry men and etc. That said, god the lost episodes. Modern who isn’t that hard to binge especially with it on HBO Max now. Classic who is a roller coaster. First you need an entirely different subscription service (or to pay exuberant amounts of money) and then it doesn’t even matter because the BBC just deleted the video of so many episodes. Hartnell and Troughton especially got hit hard.
Didn't think I'd see a Series 7A episode be called "masterpiece" at all due to your initial misgivings towards it but I'm glad to have been proven wrong; I'll have to check this out again because I remember seeing it only once several years ago! Granted next week's another Chibnall episode so we'll see how long the good spirits last. 😆🙃
I’m SO glad this episode has got your stamp of approval Harbo! I don’t really see many people talking about this as a standout episode of Matt Smith’s tenure, but it really has to be up there I think! As you said, a truly ‘underrated masterpiece’!
@HishamA.N_Comicbroe I agree with that too. I think that Toby Whitehouse is an underrated Doctor Who writer. It's too bad the rumours of him being the next showrunner after Moffat weren't true, as that would have been interesting to see
I appreciate that you’re ranking 7a and 7b separately unlike literally everyone else who’s pairing them together. It’s the incorrect way even if they’re vaguely connected, they’re both seperate arcs and need to be ranked separately. There’s a reason it’s split up. Moffat told two different stories. Also, if you DO rank then separately, they feel better and as a whole each part stands out. Whether it be good or bad.
I'll admit I hate amy's line about "being better then him" because in this case its just so Amy can walk away from this without feeling like she has blood on her hands while never admitting to how unjust it is Mercy and forgiveness are important but they can't be limitless
19:40 I know season 7A is considered “weak” and disliked generally, but I’ve always kind of liked it. A few final, somewhat silly episodes with the Ponds before devastation and a new era. And I actually like the episodes themselves. I’ve never talked with many other fans so it sometimes surprises me to find out some of the most hated or criticized episodes are some I enjoy the most. I prefer to stay away from fan opinions most of the time, I can continue enjoying what I love without wondering why so many people hate it so much. I don’t mean these videos. These are good. I’ll be here awhile.
I love episodes that tap into the Doctor's darker side. He's a dark character who's trying to suppress that side of him and be a good man, the time lords aren't exactly known for being the pinnacle of good people. I do like the concept that his dark side is always there and that his companions are the reason he keeps it suppressed, it really reinforces the reason he needs a companion.
I love the constant moral dilemma in this episode. Having to decide who is and isn't worthy. What counts as redemption and consequences? Who has the right to issue judgement and punishment? Are good people ever truly good and are bad people every truly bad? It's complex and weighty and handled so well. The acting by all in this episode is brilliant and the story is handled well.
I love this episode because Jex is right. He and The Doctor ARE the same. They both committed atrocities in a war because they truly believed there was no other way and they both chose to repent though saving other lives. This episode REALLY forced The Doctor to face the mirror and I loved it The conversations between The Doctor and Jex really remind me of Blon and 9 in Boom Town.
@@mayotango1317 Jex did care. We see that all throughout the episode he just believed that the ends justified the means to end the Khaler’s war, he was still affected by what he did, he chose helping the people of Mercy as his penance. Just like the Doctor thought destroying Gallifrey and killing everyone on it was the only way to end the Time War and travels through space and time saving people as HIS penance. If the Doctor can choose his justice why can’t Jex
I admit S7 is easily the worst season in the first 10 series of new who (Still better then chibnall's era) but I admit, it has some gems like A Town Called Mercy, The Angels Take Manhattan (beside from that certain statue), the snowman, Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS. Really Matt worked his ass off to make this series watchable with his performance in "The Rings of Akhaten", "Nightmare in Silver and "The Name of the Doctor"
@@nathanielfarkas4431 At least Series 7 feels like Doctor Who and Matt Smith portrays the doctor much better and is written more consistently. Jodie is a good actress but her Doctor lacks so many of the core elements of the character including their authority and ability to just take charge no matter what and be threatening towards their enemies. I mean if 11 or 12 was in the situation they were in during the episode of Rosa where Ryan got punched, 11, 12, 9 or 10 would have stood up for him whereas 13 just stands there and does nothing
Honestly I think people are too harsh on Series 7 just because of how weird of a series it was and because of how bad Dinosaurs on a Spaceship, The Power of Three and The Rings of Akhaten were. The other episodes of the series range from decent to fucking amazing. A Town Called Mercy is honestly probably my personal favorite episode of Doctor Who ever just because of the heavy subject matter, and Nightmare In Silver is something else entirely. Plus bangers like Cold War and The Crimson Horror really harken back to RTD's era in terms of tone, pacing and feeling honestly.
So glad to see you loved this one too. I feel like when episodes don't have an obvious thing making them memorable (being a finale, Daleks, master, regeneration, famous speech, etc) people just treat them as if they are mediocre, but this story is brilliant. Might be top 20 all time for me
Episodes like this and the god complex are why I love Doctor Who. The mix of sometimes goofy sci fi shenanigans and deep dilemmas are always a treat to watch.
This is why I was surprised Whithouse wasn't approached for the show runner gig. Being Human was amazing and Town Called Mercy, School Reunion, God Complex, Under The Lake/Before the Flood are stand outs of their respective eras
Tennant's timelord victorious was pretty scary, but tbh I feel like if it were Matt, it'd be a lot more terrifying. There's just something so much more terrifying about the 11th doctor being ruthless because he's usually so cheery
Chibnall sandwhich is real, though too be fair if it wasnt for the actor who played cube man causing problems for the ending, then I bet next episode would be remembered super fondly
I saw the title and I was automatically so happy! The score is one of my favourite things about this episode, and finding out that not many people liked it was a bummer
This was an episode that was pretty forgettable to me first time I watched it, but I watched it about a year or a year and half ago and thought it was bloody fantastic!! It feels like one of the only episodes in the Moffat era to deal with the Doctor's experiences in the Time War that were so prominent during the RTD era, so it feels really out of place but so fresh and fascinating. Wish we got to see more of this kind of thing from the Eleventh Doctor's time.
...sometimes I wonder if Harbo and Harry join up and toss a coin for who gets to present as an episode's advocate or naysayer, then they each make their case and rejoin for a drink and read-through of the comments - just for funzies. My personal opinion of this episode is neither here nor there. It certainly has it's own depths and stereotypes/tropes and highs and lows. But I tend to skip it on rewatches as it feels generally inconsequential to the series' arc. I strangely tend to watch and feel more entertained by The Power Of Three, because of the little skits and character / "off-screen" moments - even though the main plot and resolution is much more 'meh'.
I’ve watched this episode a few times and never actually REALLY watched it and listened to it but I must say, after your video I rewatched it and I really really loved it
It's no God Complex, but it's pretty damn good! TBH though I was sold from the casting of Ben Browder, he's awesome! Loved him in Farscape and SG-1, but Farscape to me will always be the 2nd best Sci-fi show ever made! I loved this episode for all that other stuff you mention too, it's the Time Lord Victorious all over again.
For me when amy and rory returned to season 7 after their perfect departure is further showing what happens to the doctor when he travels alone. As if it becomes a way for him to show off and he wants to show off to companions he's still reasonably close with. He just takes them from their lives.
Correction at 0:40 - Sergio Leone / Eastwood's 'spaghetti' westerns were filmed in Almeria in Spain, not Italy, and not far from where A Town Called Mercy was shot.
I LOVED this episode, I think it’s my favourite standalone episode (only rivalled by “The Girl Who Waited”). It actually dealt with a genuinely controversial subject about war crimes and mercy. So glad you’re giving it the respect it deserves.
Yeah I feel like it’s the actors showing how good they are almost always and only sometimes the actual writing and all the other stuff helps other times it just becomes another bad episode that could’ve been good
Great video and a truly underrated episode with a beautiful filming location. I think The God Complex is also a dark and underrated story that has really grown on me over the years.
People always forget that doctor who has always been "woke" the bethany joke in this episode for example. The thing is it's been less in your face and in my opinion it balanced "woke" concepts in episodes in an actually healthy manner, recent doctor who stories feel like they are trying to be more politically correct instead of telling a good story. This is what's ruining doctor who, they lost their way. The reason characters like captain Jack worked is because they were good characters first and gay second. that's how you make good stories, and in my opinion it's also more respectful to the pride community, as it shows prouder characters in the same light as normal characters instead of trying to shine them with a fucking spotlight.
Plus, this is the way Doctor Who should tackle things like gender and other politically laden subjects, because the horse quip was on point and everything necessary. No bloated, long winded snoozefest of a speech at the end of every episode.
Awesome episode good mix of comedy and drama, would be good to see Ben browder come back as a descendant of his character, maybe as a unit officer orrrr a Dr who/farscape crossover
You make me think that I did not give this episode enough credit. I'm bemused at how often SciFi (I won't dignify this particular sub-genre with SF) finds itself in the Wild West.
The dark side of the doctor will always be fantastic and here I almost feel like not only did he see the war criminal but maybe even saw the war doctor in him and felt like killing him would be some messy justice, killing a version of his most hated person
Such a good episode... I love when Doctor Who dives deeper into the morality of what the Doctor does and how he acts. Sometimes it flops, but here it creates such an interesting story. Hopefully we get to see more stuff like this with the RTD2 era
I just noticed that every unpopular episode during the Moffat era, especially those of 11th Doctor, are the exact episodes where the show no longer treat the story as a child's distraction and instead puts more mature, more adult, darker themes in it, without softening them by some immature or distracting joke. stories and dramas are taken seriously and this incarnation of the Doctor is forced to face the reality and his traumatic past again and inevitable future, instead of running away. exactly the reason why I actually love them💗💗💗
Damn I skipped this video & the episode when I returned to the show a few years ago brought on by channels like yours & now I think Imma watch this as well this doesn't look half bad. I think the reason why is I've only seen it as a kid & must've remembered it being boring guess its something that needs a bit more age to fully appreciate & something you may skim over. Like I'm never rewatching seasons of Chibnall's as they have like 1 or 2 alright episodes & maybe 1 good episode in the whole thing but like they are bad seasons. Doing things like the daleks badly somehow.
Ethical dilemmas and sci-fi in the wild west? This feels like a 60s Star Trek episode in the best of ways! Also, as a fan of Farscape, I was delighted to see Ben Browder as Isaac!
This is one of my favourite episodes. Series 7 is quite hit and miss in my opinion, but this episode is easily the top one for me. I'm a sucker for those Western vibes, the score and a ton more about the episode.
They filmed in Spain, as thats where the spaghetti westerns were filmed. Spaghetti westerns were Italian films, filmed in Spain with an international cast speaking their own language.
All the actions done by the Daleks would still have happened even if the Doctor did "commit genocide" in Genesis of the Daleks. The two wires still touch: the Doctor doesn't personally do it, but the wires still touch, so it's as good as if the Doctor did it. As he said at the end of the story, this won't stop the Daleks, it will just delay them a couple centuries
This was one of those stories when I saw the "preview for next week" originally I thought it sounded lame but then when I watched it I actually liked it.
this is one of my favorite episodes of all time and because it's in the nightmare of series 7 it gets a lot of flack so i'm very happy to see you deconstruct it like this!
This episode actually aired on my birthday back in the day back in 2012. If there was any episode that could have aired on my birthday' I'm glad it was this one
I was worried about this review. I think this is the best season 7 episode and the only one I will regularly rewatch, enjoying it's flaws rather than hating
I remember liking it when it first aired, also thinking its really good. But I just don't want to watch it again. I don't know what it is about this episode, there's something about it.
Amy. I really think if this would be "standalone" episode (without companions) it would be better. For me Amy in this episode is too different from "normal" Amy