This has been the hardest episode of this new series to review. As in my title I found this a total mixed bag. I can see why people hate and quite liked it. On the plus side, I have a genuine phobia of spiders, the concept of ordinary spiders transforming into deadly monsters was great, chilling. I quite liked parts of it, I was reminded of the show's distant past, the Pertwee era, and also it felt a little like life under Russell T Davies. On the debit side, it was preachy, the whole Trump style character and dialogue I found a little unpalatable, not the place, why use Dr Who as a vessel to give us that message? we want sci fi.
The spiders were a little underused, after a powerful, dramatic opening nothing much actually happened, I wasn't hugely impressed by the CGI, although the webs looked good. If Chibnall is going to stay on i hope he seeks a slightly different flavour in future, it is all feeling a little overly pc, the show has always been a little rebellious, it's in danger of becoming a little too safe. Last week's episode had truly reinvigorated the series, this one left me wanting something more. Wasn't bad, just hoping it's the series low point.
I have to say I am loving those opening credits and music, fantastic arrangement.
5/10