Doctor Who 11.01 'The Woman Who Fell to Earth' review

Doctor Who 11.01 'The Woman Who Fell to Earth' Review

The first episode of series 11. The opening scenes, before the Doctor appears, were done rather well, efficiently introducing each of the 'new best friends' as characters. Ryan trying to deal with his problems. Graham being supportive of his wife's grandson (more on Grace below). Yas wanting more than being a beat cop who has to deal with parking rage. The progression from Ryan throwing the bike away, to finding the strange alien (egg, or device) thing, was well done. From there to the scenes on the train is a logical progression.

From her sudden appearance on the train onwards, the Doctor is much like her previous selves, taking charge and wanting to solve the issue that is threatening the Earth (or just the population of Sheffield). “When people need help, I never refuse,” is very apt. Her memory problems are consistent with previous post-regeneration stories (e,g. Castrovalva, the TV Movie, Deep Breath). Her building of the new sonic multipurpose device from Sheffield steel was done very well also. Also consistent with aspects of previous Doctors.

The concept of the Hunter is not new in Science Fiction (I haven't seen any Predator movies, but I was reminded of the Hirogen from Star Trek: Voyager), nor is the concept of taking teeth as trophies (last seen in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), but this depiction was unique enough. The Doctor's way of opposing him was consistent with previous Doctor's but with her own quirks. However the real kicker is with Grace sacrificing herself to take out the creature the toothyNotHirogen was hunting.

The concluding portion of the episodes, with the Doctor getting to know her new best friends was a cherry on the cake, especially with her attending Grace's funeral and comforting Ryan when his dad doesn't come. The cinematography of the concluding shot of the four after they are teleported was an efficient conclusion. 9.5/10.