In darkness, we are revealed." I have great respect for Steven Moffat. He has a child's imagination and an adult's proficiency to write some of the most nuanced stories anyone can think of. In Extremis, despite having written countless other top-notch episodeS that each have their own slice of genius storytelling, Moffat has once again found a treasure trove of plot twists that continue to enrich the Doctor Who lore and confuse its fans. Confusion may sound like a criticism, but in this capacity, where Extremis is merely the introduction to a three-part story, it is definitely justified as a positive point. Here, the showrunner has laid down the seeds for an incredibly fascinating tale that will surely define the end of Capaldi's era as complete and utter triumph.
Honestly, I thought Missy was too obvious to be the one in the Vault, but I must confess that I got it wrong. The Master plays an incredibly important role in this story, and I imagine she will in the coming episodes too. Ever since they were children, members of the Prydonian Chapter, and walking the Mountains of Perdition, these two Time Lords have been the best of friends. In later years, their friendship may have turned sour as their moralities are in perpetual conflict, but in this episode, the Doctor's true feelings towards his longtime friend are revealed. In truth, he can't let go of his friend, and for better or worse, he has now promised to watch over her 'body' for a thousand years. As revelations go, it may have been an obvious identity, but the purpose of her being in the Vault definitely has more meaning that imprisonment. And here, Moffat swiftly integrates her into the story as the Doctor decides that she could be the key factor in stopping these mysterious monks. Speaking of monks, the new Who monsters are truly terrifying, the make-up and effort gone into their appearance is astonishing and it will surely put kids behind the sofa once again, after last week's zombie-filled adventure in space. Understandably, their intentions on Earth are unclear at this point, but they are clearly determined to conquer - they've precisely simulated the entire Earth to plan their invasion, something even the Doctor couldn't foresee (sorry, Doctor). But, it seems the monks have found a fault in their simulation. Humans are beginning to question their existence after reading 'the Veritas', an ancient book that tells a terrible truth, one that will inevitably lead to their death (or in this case, deletion). The simplicity, yet complexity (pardon the oxymoron), of this plot is why I consider Moffat so imaginative. He has thrown his audience into a simulation themselves, and gradually pulled away the cover to reveal the act inside. To many, this may seem like 'filler' (a description I have never liked), but in writing this episode, not only has Moffat shown the full extent of power that these new creatures possess, but he has shown that even in a simulation, and one where it has been so meticulously crafted that it is almost impossible to deduce, the Doctor has a way of thwarting them - by using their own technology against them. Now that the real Doctor is informed of the hostile invasion incoming, who knows what battle could ensue. It's also nice to know that Bill and Nardole are fine after their wonderful two-man team as they travelled through the portals between the simulation. They really are a fantastic TARDIS team. After five seriously toned-down, yet convincing episodes of Doctor Who, this one reasserts the series as an intelligent drama that challenges the audience, and demands that they take heed of every word that is spoken. It took me a while to fully grasp the timelines and the order of the scenes, but once it all comes together, it is one cohesive and incredible tale. References to River Song are also welcome as her diary shows up, promptly delivered by Nardole after he left Mendorax Dellora and after the Doctor left River for the last time on Darillium. As this is a time-travelling show, it would be sacrilege not to include some sort of time-bending chronology, but Moffat does it so subtly that it can sometimes be hard to find. As performances go, it's great to see Michelle Gomez return to reset the bar, owing to some wonderfully hilarious quips towards her so-called executioners. Pearly Mackie equally raised the bar this week, showing how comfortable she now is in the role, and how competent she can be alongside veterans of the art. And a veteran we have in Peter Capaldi, who is at this point in time completely and utterly sold as the Doctor - he is constantly breath-taking in the role, and that scene in the Oval Office is just another example of his unprecedented talent. Although I hate comparing actors, he can stand next to Tom Baker and David Tennant on my list any day. Nevertheless, Doctor Who is on top form, almost rivalling my love for Series 9, and I can't wait to see what Peter Harness can contribute next week alongside the Grand Moff himself. 9.5/10
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