Doctor Who 11.04 'Arachnids in the UK' review

Doctor Who 11.04 'Arachnids in the UK' Review

The fourth episode of series 11. An interesting episode, but the resolution of the main plot was a let down. But more on that later. But first, the landing back in Sheffield. The interactions between the Doctor and her friends they arrive in the South Yorkshire city was rather good. It very clearly shows how lonely the Doctor can be if there is no one else travelling with her in the TARDIS. Yas' family was very realistic. Her Dad and sister's interaction with the Doctor and her other friends were quite on point.

The scenes involving Graham's grief were done rather well also. But on to the 'meat' with the Doctor investigating what was going on with the Khan's neighbour, and Yas discovering what is going on at her Mum's (Najia) workplace... Thus the discovery of the enlarged spiders was done rather well However, Robertson's antagonism was done well. Not sure what to make of him going up against Trump. (rivalry?) But firing Yas' Mum, Najia, wasn't a well thought through decision on his part.

Rather a pattern with him, considering what is beneath the Hotel. Along with a scientist, Jade, who was experimenting on spiders, the Doctor, Ryan and Graham come to the hotel. The investigation of the spiders, leading to the disused coal mine beneath the hotel, was done rather well. However, the resolution of this plot was lacklustre. What to do with the Spiders? Certainly just leaving them there to continue to mess up the ecosystem in South Yorkshire wouldn't have been a good idea. But just luring them into a panic room isn't a good conclusion.

Considering that there would still be more out there. And Robertson gets away (even if his bodyguard didn't.) However, the conclusion where her friends decide to continue travelling with the Doctor, despite her warning that their experiences will change them, was quite good. Like, #teamtardis. An arachnophobes' nightmare, but better than many clunkers in the classic series. 7/10.