More than 2 million people tuned in Saturday to watch "Doctor Who" as it premiered. While the ratings in the UK aren’t as stellar as they have been, in the US, it was record breaking.
And as far as this Whovian is concerned, this premeire episode was great. Not the best episode, but a great one, considering the past couple of seasons have been hit and miss.
This episode was heavy on the nostalgia, but as a fan of many years, I didn’t really mind.
Bringing back Davros was a hat trick that I was not expecting, considering when we last saw him (the Crucible exploding). But as we all know, the Daleks are never truly gone – ever. No matter how many times we see them blown up or sucked into a vortex, they will always come back. “Doctor Who” would be lacking without the Daleks.
With Davros back, I sincerely believe that anything is possble. We learned in the 50th anniversary special, “Time of the Doctor,” that Galifrey was hidden somewhere in a pocket universe waiting for The Doctor to come and find it.
With that said, can I start calling “Doctor Who” a soap opera? I’ve watched “One Life to Live,” “All My Children” and “General Hospital”, so I am well versed in soap opera "deaths." No body, no proof.
One of my favorite aspects about this episode was the lack of explanation about Missy’s “death.” I felt it was a wise move story wise because there was no waste of time on an explanation. Now I may bite my words when and if an explanation is given, but I do appreciate the fact that Steven Moffat, show-runner of "Doctor Who," did not waste time explaining why she was back, especially when I didn’t believe she was dead to begin with.
And who can forget the epic scene with The Doctor arriving atop a tank playing a guitar? Towards the end of this episode, when both Clara and Missy are "exterminated" by Davros' Daleks, I immediately thought of "The Bad Wolf" when Rose is vaporized by Anne Droid. Both of The Doctors' reactions are almost identical.
Anything is possible this season. Is The Doctor going to die?
I don't think so. It's too soon to pull that trick again.
Maisie Williams, known for her role on "Game of Thrones," is set to guest star this season. There are theories circulating that she could possibly be Romana, but people also said the same of River Song once upon a time.
Needless to say, I am super stoked for this season. Moffat has had many hit and miss moments the past few years, but if the series can keep the momentum it has now, I foresee a really superb season. Peter Capaldi brings a darker vibe to The Doctor, almost mirroring Christopher Eccleston's ninth Doctor in the first season.
"Doctor Who" airs on Saturday on BBCA at 8 P.M. Central.
