Doctor Who: Season 9: Episode 8: The Zygon Inversion by Peter Harness and Steven Moffat
As usual with these examination of ‘Doctor Who’ stories shortly after transmission, if you haven’t seen them, I’ll try not to give away too many unintentional spoilers, although I will give a quick resume of the plot. Much of the analysis will be about it so feel suitably warned.
This has to be one of the finest ‘Doctor Who’ solutions and endings that I’ve seen in quite some while, helped along by the extreme biting performances of Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman that will have you on the edge of your seat. You could bite the air with the tension they created. Am I going to tell you what went on? That would be truth or consequences and you’ll have to see the truth for yourself than let me spoil it for you. Capaldi has now brought a level of combined humour and darkness to the role making it his own by finding this balance.
Considering my comments since the start of this season that Clara hasn’t been herself, it does make me wonder if the Zygon version has been travelling with the Doctor all this time. More importantly, did the Doctor know? Alas, he isn’t here to comment.
The twist given by Kate Stewart (actress Jemma Redgrave) gave to the proceedings also gave that much needed boost. Five rounds rapid indeed.
Petranella Ozgood would really make a good companion as Ingrid Oliver has that feelgood factor about her that makes for all good companions. They could even go together or apart. After all, she could be back in the time-line a few seconds after she left. She certainly needs to see more of the universe. They could even take it in turns.
It does make me wonder why the Doctor has never applied this solution to the Daleks or any of the various Cybermen groups. Thinking about it, I suspect they would press the button. Now that is a scary thought.
Don’t be intrigued. Watch this episode and have serious thoughts about what you’ve been seeing or thinking until now. If you’re a Zygon, your secret is safe.
GF Willmetts
07 November 2015
