I can only hope that this episode was an aberration. The Peter Capaldi / Jenna Coleman partnership has proved a quirky but absorbing deviation from the perpetually younger Doctor of previous incarnations. However, their on screen relationship does require some gravitas in terms of the plot and dialogue. With good writing, a bit of humour can add to the richness.
The set and costumes for this episode were more suited to Asterix the Gaul than anything even mildly serious. The screenplay seemed to be an attempt at the Douglas Adams style of humour, perfect for Zafod Beeblebrocks, who appears as the chief alien, but utterly unsuited to the other protagonists. Humour and tragedy can be combined to great effect in a good production but here they just cancelled each other out leaving me entirely unmoved. There was some good acting and characterisation but the plot was so ludicrous that it simply appeared out of place.
Doctor Who is important both to the BBC and the fans. Maintaining interest and production values is important to a long running series such as this. I wonder if this episode was intended as a gentle hint as to what might become of the BBC if they lose more funding? I can't believe that the makers of this sad offering could have expected it to be well received.
The set and costumes for this episode were more suited to Asterix the Gaul than anything even mildly serious. The screenplay seemed to be an attempt at the Douglas Adams style of humour, perfect for Zafod Beeblebrocks, who appears as the chief alien, but utterly unsuited to the other protagonists. Humour and tragedy can be combined to great effect in a good production but here they just cancelled each other out leaving me entirely unmoved. There was some good acting and characterisation but the plot was so ludicrous that it simply appeared out of place.
Doctor Who is important both to the BBC and the fans. Maintaining interest and production values is important to a long running series such as this. I wonder if this episode was intended as a gentle hint as to what might become of the BBC if they lose more funding? I can't believe that the makers of this sad offering could have expected it to be well received.