I think this episode, written by Mark Gatiss, is very under-rated. I rate it much higher than some of the more epic and popular episodes of Series 6. This episode does not get involved with any convoluted plot devices or have any major flaws.
The premise is that there is an alien which is afraid and takes on a human form for its own reasons. It inadvertently gives power to things which scare it and influences people and things around it.
The plot is a fantasy level story but it works fine on that level as so many equally outlandish ideas in Doctor Who past have. There is sufficient internal logic and the story develops in a satisfying way.
The greatest strength of this episode is that it is effective in creating a very creepy, scary atmosphere which will have children and people of a nervous disposition hiding behind the sofa. Some dislike scares of this kind but I find scariness in Doctor Who great. Gatiss loves horror based ideas and he succeeds in writing a good one here. The episode is very well done with spooky dark rooms, horrible dolls and an unnerving feeling imbued throughout the episode.
The acting is very good from the whole cast. Daniel Mays, who has gone on to great success since this, guest stars as George's father and does a great job. Arthur Darvill as Rory is fantastic in this as usual and Karen Gillan as Amy and Matt Smith as the Doctor are also on great form. The child actor does a good job too.
The setting of the block of flats is good and the effects and filming of the scary dolls house etc is all done perfectly. The dialogue from Gatiss is solid, funny at times and touching at times. The direction from Richard Clark is very strong.
Another thing I like is that when Rory is apparently dying yet again - a massively overused plot device in Moffatt's era - it is made into a really funny joke with him saying "I'm dead!...... Again!"
Overall an excellent episode in my view.
My Rating: 9/10.
The premise is that there is an alien which is afraid and takes on a human form for its own reasons. It inadvertently gives power to things which scare it and influences people and things around it.
The plot is a fantasy level story but it works fine on that level as so many equally outlandish ideas in Doctor Who past have. There is sufficient internal logic and the story develops in a satisfying way.
The greatest strength of this episode is that it is effective in creating a very creepy, scary atmosphere which will have children and people of a nervous disposition hiding behind the sofa. Some dislike scares of this kind but I find scariness in Doctor Who great. Gatiss loves horror based ideas and he succeeds in writing a good one here. The episode is very well done with spooky dark rooms, horrible dolls and an unnerving feeling imbued throughout the episode.
The acting is very good from the whole cast. Daniel Mays, who has gone on to great success since this, guest stars as George's father and does a great job. Arthur Darvill as Rory is fantastic in this as usual and Karen Gillan as Amy and Matt Smith as the Doctor are also on great form. The child actor does a good job too.
The setting of the block of flats is good and the effects and filming of the scary dolls house etc is all done perfectly. The dialogue from Gatiss is solid, funny at times and touching at times. The direction from Richard Clark is very strong.
Another thing I like is that when Rory is apparently dying yet again - a massively overused plot device in Moffatt's era - it is made into a really funny joke with him saying "I'm dead!...... Again!"
Overall an excellent episode in my view.
My Rating: 9/10.