Doctor Who spoilers for January 12th indicate when you reach heights, you can take a big fall. We already made it clear we haven’t loved what’s been going on writing-wise since the new show runner took over. While the premiere was pretty good and provide a surprise, it couldn’t last. This Sunday’s episode took a turn more reminiscent of the problems we discussed. Here’s what you need to know.
Doctor Who Spoilers: This looks familiar
The story revolved around The Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and her companions exploring a spa. However, we soon learn there’s a dark secret to this picture-perfect locale.
The first indication of trouble was who greeted our heroes. Doctor Who spoilers reveal a character named Hyph3n (yes, we spelled that right) introduced them to their vacation spot. This character, played by Amy Booth-Steel, might look familiar, if you’re a fan of 80’s sci-fi comedies. See for yourself.
This wasn’t a good start after so many obvious borrows in the previous season. And it only got worse. As the gang explores, a situation arises where a disembodied voice speaks to the guests through a speaker system. It sounded a lot like the voice that spoke to Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) in “The Girl Who Waited.” The setting even reminded us of the same place, as it had a similar color scheme and feel.
Doctor Who Spoilers: Big reveal
It didn’t take the Doctor long to realize something’s not kosher. Through her investigation, she learns this perfect resort is located on Orphan 55. Orphan planets are planets too polluted or otherwise compromised for life. In other words, a dead world. There’s only one way to save those she’s with, and that’s to get back inside the resort, stop the bad guy, and fix the system so guests can be teleported back where they came from. While the Doctor is entertaining as usual, and we liked Bella’s (Gia Ré) interactions with Ryan Sinclair (Tosin Cole), one moment messed the episode up for us.
Doctor Who Spoilers: All right already
This brings us to the problem we’d mentioned with 13’s previous season. This plot quickly devolved into a doomsday rant about climate change and a call to action. It was overly preachy, much like most of the previous season’s episodes. So much so, the Doctor’s final speech about it was comically awful. We know art has a long history of commentary on our world and humanity, especially sci-fi. But when it’s so beat you over the head obvious, it feels more like sitting through a lecture than being entertained. Let’s hope that future episodes do better. For any other soap opera and entertainment news, please visit Daily Soap Dish. For more royal and celeb baby news, come back to Celeb Baby Laundry.