"It Takes You Away"

There are some stories where there is a twist in the plot. Then there are stories where you reach the end, look back at the beginning and wonder how you got there. "It Takes You Away" sets itself up as a Nordic noir mystery and then goes to places no-one could truthfully have anticipated. The story is stuffed full of intriguing concepts, but the real success it has in its exploration of more emotional themes. The consciousness that is incompatible with the Universe, so it is rejected, to form its own cosmos is intriguing enough, but when that is combined with the themes of loneliness, the effect is potent Yas describes the Solitract as trapping people, but it is also looking for loss, which is the companion of loneliness. There is even a meditation on when love of one's marital partner and of one's child become dissonant with each other. In the Antizone, we have six-legged rats and flesh-eating moths and the disquietingly named Ribbons-of-the-Seven-Stomachs. Ed Hime’s debut script is full of great ideas and, most importantly, manages to weave them into an intriguing story. And, there's a frog.

Jamie Childs again shows he's a force to be reckoned with. The moths eating Ribbons is very close to the bone (sorry!) but, unlike "The Woman Who Fell to Earth", it does not cross the line, but will cause some healthy nightmares in younger viewers. Sharon D Clarke returns as Grace in a very assured performance, and Christian Rubeck is very effective as a father who needs to grow up a little bit more. The actor Kevin Eldon pours his unique skills into the role of Ribbons, under heavy make-up, which I hope means that we are due for another guest turn from this wonderful performer, very soon, The main guest role is Ellie Wallwork as Hanne, who is astonishing, belying the paucity of her acting CV.

The script makes good use of all the regulars, with Ryan and Yas getting good material, but it is the other two who get the lions share. Bradley Walsh is quietly astonishing as Graham, especially in his scenes with Grace. In looking at more batrachian scenes, it is the other performer who truly makes it work. Jodie Whittaker has the Doctor as brilliant and mad as ever, but it is compassion that is the driving force and it is this which makes the scene with the frog truly powerful, rather than ridiculous. The frog is something that will split viewers. Some were expecting the Solitract to manifest as Susan or River. However, that would dilute the highly emotional appearance of Grace. There are others who just find the idea of a talking frog ridiculous. I am not one of those people, as it forms part of the astonishingly varied recipe for this adventure.

"It Takes You Away" is a truly invigorating story and I look forward to more from the pen of Mr Hime!

NEXT: "The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos" 

"The Witchfinders"

The dour pre-Civil War Stuart period in English history, particularly the Jacobean era, is a ripe setting for drama. In hindsight, it seems that the threads that bound the opulent Elizabethan era were slowly starting to unravel. Whilst this was the age of Shakespeare and Bacon, there was a growing hysteria over the imagined rise of witchcraft and it is in this setting that the Doctor and her friends find themselves.

The setting is vividly brought to life and the viewer is very quickly brought up to speed concerning the facts about witchcraft; that it was often an excuse to settle scores, that unmarried women were often the target and that village healers, invaluable in rural communities of the area, were also suspect. If there is one thing that the story really does excellently, it is to expose the rampant misogyny that allowed this hysteria to proceed unchecked. Very cleverly, the trial-by-water is conducted by ducking stool, a device used to punish gossiping women. The Doctor's new gender means that her authority is not accepted anything like as quickly as it would have been before. It is a bit of a shame that the alien threat is not more closely tied with the gender themes of the episodes, but we have had 7 episodes without an alien race wanting to invade Earth, so perhaps this well-worn route is actually welcome. Joy Wilkinson produces a very good script, although it could have done with a couple more drafts, to iron out the plot.

Of course, key to the Jacobean era is old Jake himself, James I of England (and VI of Scotland). James was a complicated figure, but, in the context of witchcraft, he was obsessed to the point of paranoia. We are treated, here, to a wonderfully ripe performance by Alan Cumming that manages to make the man likeable, despite his beliefs and actions. His flirtation with Ryan is priceless. Equally good is Siobhan Finneran as Becka Savage, the goodwife raised to the landed gentry who becomes a vessel for something alien. Tilly Steele's Willa Twiston is a wonderfully real figure, effectively played. One thing the script does well is make the Jacobean characters all sincere believers in witchcraft – whatever their other vices, hypocrisy is not among them. The Doctor has to fight for her authority even harder and Jodie Whittaker excels, nowhere better than her conversation with King James, whilst being tied up. Although the rough edges of the plot to take their toll on the role of the Doctor's 'fam', the 'very flat team structure' is as engaging as ever. Sallie Aprahamian helms a production that recreates early-Stuart England well and critically, she makes the manifestation of the aliens terrifying, especially the reanimated dead.

Although a few more drafts could have improved it critically, "The Witchfinders"is a very enjoyable adventure, dealing well with its various themes.

NEXT: "It Takes You Away"

"Kerblam!"

It's called "Kerblam!", which, depending on one's mood, is either delightfully chipper or just plain silly. The story is one of Doctor Who versus the evil corporation, something which has, of course been done several times before. It's a story that could fit in any era of modern Doctor Who, perhaps even (finer details aside) in an 80s episode. As, with many other writers this century, Pete McTighe is an avid Doctor Who fan, but seldom has a a writer’s joy in being given the chance to pen an episode of their favourite programme been more evident than in interviews with McTighe. This joy transfers to the story and it is this which elevates a run-of-the-mill Doctor Who plot into something more.

The obvious real-world equivalent of Kerblam! is Amazon and it would be all-too easy to attack a large corporation for being oppressive, but Pete McTighe does something more subtle. Kerblam! takes pains to ensure that it's employees are well looked after and their break area is a really nice park. The Kerblam! Management always have their underlings' best interests at heart. Even rebukes about employee productivity are delivered in a friendly manner. However, McTighe seems to make the observation that such environments are intrinsically oppressive, no matter the intentions of the higher echelons. The detrimental effects on employees and general employment are clearly evident, but the fact that the villain is a someone who is doing it for the benefit of those workers, is beautifully subversive. Added to this, the villain's plan being turning the power of the corporation against itself and the Doctor saves the day by turning that back against the villain is glorious. Even the blatant plot-delaying tactic (Twirly running out of power) is forgivable as the reason Twirly does that is that he wastes time and power up-selling.

The supporting cast is wonderful. Julie Hesmondhalgh is a phenomenal actress who puts her all into the role of Judy. Leo Flanagan makes Charlie a very sympathetic mass-murderer and Claudia Jessie makes Kira sweet, when she could have been cloying and her death is suitably heart-breaking. As the surprisingly short-lived Dan, Lee Mack is very likeable. The regulars all shine in the best ensemble work that they've been given and we have our leading lady. The Doctor is authoritative, inventive and sympathetic – yet her glee at receiving her Kerblam! Parcel is very infectious. The visualisation is very like a Sylvester McCoy story with a colossally higher budget – visual similarities with The Greatest Show in the Galaxy are obvious. Yet we have such stunning scenes like the conveyor-belt chase which show director Jennifer Perrott in complete command of the material.

With nearly every element being honed to perfection, "Kerblam!" is an unalloyed delight and I hope Mr McTighe returns to pen another adventure, soon.

NEXT: "The Witchfinders"

"Demons of the Punjab"

"Demons of the Punjab" takes us back in time to one of the critical periods of 20th Century history. The image that most people in the West have of Partition is the lines of Hindus and Muslims passing each other in Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi. What we are shown in Vinay Patel’s remarkable story is how this event affected the history of one family and one person in particular – Yas. The cast of characters is small, but the issues and emotions are certainly not. There is a memorable alien race in the shape of the Thijarians, but it turns out that they are mere observers and not the demons of the title. The demons are those of Dostoyevsky; thoughts native to the thinker that take on a malevolent life of their own and make the thinker do the unspeakable. The partition turned long time neighbours into enemies and turned families against each other and the story of Yas’s grandmother’s tragically short first marriage ads heart to this traumatic background.

Tosin Cole and Bradley Walsh are as impressive as ever, but, finally, Mandip Gill is given the spotlight and she shines in a performance that is funny and heartwarming. This is a key period in history, but its tragedies are all-too universal, so, brilliantly, all the Indian characters are given Northern English accents by the TARDIS – the Yorkshire sadhu in particular is memorable. Shane Zaza and Amita Suman are fantastic as the doomed couple. Hamza Jeetooa is excellent at portraying the conflict between Manish’s love for his brother and his growing Hindu nationalism. It is always good to see Shaheen Khan and, in the present day, we have the invaluable Leena Dhingra as the older Umbreen. The Doctor is the Doctor throughout, being wholly authoritative in her face-off with the Thijarians but her joy at being able to experience female bonding is wonderful.

The direction by Jamie Childs is first rate, with the laid-back compositions for rural India contrasting well with the jarring stabs of the Thijarians manifesting themselves. The aliens are magnificently realised and the sheer beauty of the shot of Prem’s face joining the host that the Thijarians witnessed is wondrous. The moments of Punjabi and Yorkshire domesticity do not clash with this, and the final tragic outcome of Prem and Manish’s relationship is flawlessly executed. Perhaps it is significant that two otherworldly entities witness Prem’s death, as they echo Munkar and Nakir, the angels who judge the dead in Islamic eschatology, and who witness for a Hindu who gave his life for his Muslim love. I must also mention the evocative score by Segun Akinola, whose greatest triumph is the Indian-influenced arrangement of the theme tune, which never moves into parody.

The framing story in the present day, and Yas’s request from the Doctor recall "Father’s Day", but, in the most purely historical story since Black Orchid, we are effectively given the human consequences of historical upheaval, as with The Massacre. In the end, however, the success of this very powerful story, is purely due to its own merits.

NEXT: "Kerblam!"

"The Tsuranga Conundrum"

"The Tsuranga Conundrum" is an example of the mid-season Doctor Who story that won't top any polls or feature in many nostalgic memories. However, for the first time ever, Chris Chibnall has constructed a satisfying plot – the fact that the two crises cancel each other out is actually effective. There is some good world-building going on, with a good sense being had of the 67th century. We also have a pregnant man which starts off (as is usual) as a joke, but develops into something deeper. There is a refreshing lack of predictability about its progression, which, together with the frenetic pace make this a story that is leaves the viewer exhilarated by the ride, but not finding multiple flaws to pick at, later.

Of course, "The Tsuranga Conundrum" is a base-under-siege story, but the key factor that separates it from the herd are the characters. The leader is, at some points opposed to the Doctor, but for the best reasons. Brett Goldstein, primarily a comic actor, is very effective as Astos and Lois Chimimba puts in good work as Mabli. Suzanne Packer radiates authority as Eve Cicero and future national treasure Ben Bailey Smith is a natural as her brother – although Smith has ample experience of having an illustrious older sister! Jack Shalloo's Yoss, is surprisingly touching. Graham and Ryan's relationship is very well served by the script, with Yoss's pregnancy acting as a catalyst for their understanding of themselves. Sadly, Yas is underused, with the character mostly feeding questions to the Doctor and listing 21st century equivalents to the 67th Century gizmos she encounters. Jodie Whittaker is already making playing the Doctor as natural to her as breathing. There is a critical scene that shows what a difference the Doctor being female can be. Astos rebukes the Doctor for being selfish, for wanting to reroute the Tsuranga, and the Doctor agrees, which is a scene which works a lot better when the testosterone is removed.

Jennifer Perrott is a good match for the material, giving the story the sense of urgency it requires. There is only one major location, but the imaginative design makes the story always interesting to watch. The monster of the week is the adorable Pting and, if there's one shot which truly makes the story, it's the look of joy on its face when it is finally sated.

"The Tsuranga Conundrum" may not be the most memorable story, but it does show that, perhaps Chibnall does have it in him to run the programme we love so much.

NEXT: "Demons of the Punjab"

"Arachnids in the UK"

Undoubtedly the most purely enjoyable story that Chris Chibnall wrote for previous Doctor Who administrations was "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship". Here, we are given a similarly pulpy title, the irresistibly named "Arachnids in the UK" which offers precisely what is indicated on the packaging. Again, there are strong influences from the past, but not the obvious one – rather than being invaders from Metebelis 3, the spiders have been mutated by toxic waste accumulated by an unscrupulous company, which obviously brings to mind The Green Death. The multi-legged menace leads to a simple, yet effective plot with Dr Jade McIntyre’s (played by the brilliantly named Tanya Fear) dialogue consisting almost entirely of exposition. It does looks like we are due for another Chibnall cheat ending, but the very obvious Chekhov’s gun is used well and the fact that, in real life, spiders would not be able to survive beyond a certain size is actually crucial to the plot. Again, there is some clunkiness in the nuts and bolts dialogue – there is no need for a character to say that a room looks like a bank vault when it is immediately obvious to the viewer, for example.

Chibnall’s characterisation is very important in making the story work. Although it pales in comparison to Russell T Davies’s depictions of family life, there is some good dialogue with Yas’s family who are nicely drawn and very well acted – in particular, it is always good to see Shobna Gulati. Again, Bradley Walsh’s depiction of loss is very touching and Tosin Cole makes Ryan hugely watchable – whomsoever had the idea for the shadow puppets deserves a drink! However, we have a boss of the company, rather than a BOSS and we have the surprising casting of Chris Noth, an American actor who is very much still bankable and reminding us how much of a big deal Doctor Who is. I am not a fan of Sex and the City, but I am of The Good Wife, in which he was excellent. Noth pitches the character perfectly, with corporate American bluster moving into gun-nut fury with exactly the right level of scenery chewing. There are parallels with the most vicious, idiotic and incompetent occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but, then again, Robertson is an intelligent and competent (if amoral and ruthless) businessman who can string a sentence together! In addition, he has genuine concern over his niece’s wife (played by the even more brilliantly named Jaleh Alp). Noth's performance actually works with the deficiencies in Chibnall's dialogue, so good an actor is he – although he is helped by the fact that he seems less cartoonish than the real life former host of the American Apprentice. The budget would probably preclude it, but I would very much welcome a return appearance. The Doctor is confused by basic domesticity, but effortlessly stamps her authority on even Robertson and Jodie Whittaker continues to be a delight.

Sallie Aprahamian makes this into a very exciting and scary romp and the spider effects are excellent, with the lighting perfect. Aprahamian realises that a giant spider the size of a cat is far scarier than one the size of a bath and I’m sure many people were scared to look under their beds. The scene where Team TARDIS decide to stay has some very dreary dialogue, but Aprahamian's direction and the great performances, more than compensate for this.

"Arachnids in the UK" is a very enjoyable romp that harks back to the light touch of earlier eras. Any non-arachnophobes should have a blast!

NEXT: "The Tsuranga Conundrum"

"Rosa"

I must admit that part of me was dreading "Rosa". This century, Doctor Who has dealt with various historical figures, but they were all extraordinary figures. Rosa Parks, on the other hand was an ordinary person who did something extraordinary. Anyone else on that bus could have refused to give up that seat, but the fact that it was her made her a paradigm shifting heroine. This means that, whilst it is alright for Charles Dickens to encounter the Gelth and for William Shakespeare to battle the Carrionites, it would be inappropriate for Rosa Parks to join the Doctor in battling an alien menace. This means that the story is closer in spirit to the Hartnell era pure historicals than any other story made in colour. There is, however, a science fiction menace, in the shape of Krasko, but a major part of the story is keeping him out of Rosa’s way. This does give this story a similar feel to a Quantum Leap episode, which is no bad thing as few American programmes have aged as well as the exploits of TV’s second favourite time-travelling doctor.

The script could do with a couple more drafts, but, on its own, it is a step above the previous weeks’. I am too old to have been part of Malorie Blackman’s target audience, but it is clear that she is a very talented writer. The (in hindsight) horror of segregated America is excellently brought across and very few punches are pulled. A certain epithet which would have been spat out like machine gun rounds is not uttered (although a similarly derogatory one is used, in a wholly artistically justified way) and we are spared the truly revolting details of how Emmet Till was murdered – yet the violence and stupidity of the situation is vividly portrayed, from the moment Ryan is slapped in the face for talking to a white woman in an act of kindness. The struggle to put history back on course would be farcical, were it not for the very serious stakes. The moment when the regulars realise that they have become part of history is very moving. There is very strong material for the characters, such as Yas and Ryan talking about the realities of race in modern Britain and how much Rosa Parks’s story was instrumental in Graham’s relationship with Ryan’s gran. On a lighter note, Ryan meeting Martin Luther King is very well played and funny. Boldly, and yet bleakly, there is no arcane motive for Krasko to change history – he is just a racist from the future. There are some problems – the Doctor is a bit laissez-faire about Ryan going out on his own after dark in a state where a black man’s life would be in danger after dark.

The good material for the regulars is bolstered by the cast. Tosin Cole and Bradley Walsh put in very impressive performances. The Doctor has to be a bit more low-key and Jodie Whittaker retains a sense of fun whilst realising the seriousness of the situation. As Mrs Parks herself, we have an astonishing performance by Vinette Robinson in a controlled portrayal that dominates the screen. Mark Tonderai is equally skilful directing a very different kind of story from last week. One thing he brings out very well from the script is the sheer convoluted idiocy in implementing segregation – paying at one door, leaving and entering by another, moving the signs designating where certain races should sit, the fact that laws governing black and white make no allowance for the fact that the majority of people on the planet are neither.

The name of the story may hark back to the very first 21st century Doctor Who story, but this is unlike any other story broadcast in the past 13 years. Despite its flaws "Rosa" is a very powerful piece of television that demands our attention.

NEXT:  "Arachnids in the UK"

"The Ghost Monument"

"The Ghost Monument" can be seen as fulfilling the same function for Chris Chibnall as "The End of the World" did for Russell T Davies – a simple plot set in an extraordinary location, to plunge the companions headlong into the alien. As with "The End of the World", the plot is secondary to this aim, but, again, the fact that Chibnall is not the writer that his predecessors are is evident. There are stretches of clunky dialogue that would never have passed muster in previous years and the story is haphazardly structured. The central plot of the race is not a very engaging storyline, and, indeed, is not really presented well as a race.

With this in mind, the script is reinforced to a colossal degree by the utterly stunning production. The South African locations are spectacular and Mark Tonderai, gives the episode a very realistic feel by using deliberately messy composiitions – the scene where the spaceship crashes is a fantastic use of this technique. Tonderai also helps bring the Revenants to life, a brilliantly simple monster, evocative of one of M R James’s most famous tales that, unlike the tooth collection last time, is terrifying without being inappropriate. We are finally reunited with the TARDIS and the new set is spectacular. We also finally see the new opening credits and they are a very nice change of pace from before, with a fine arrangement by Segun Akinola.

The half-baked writing for the supporting characters is compensated for by some very nice performances. Shaun Dooley and Susan Lynch round out their characters very well and it is always good to see Art Malik. The best part of Chibnall’s writing is in fleshing out the regulars. We can see the relationships developing nicely and the performances are spot on. Indeed what Chibnall understands very well is the character of the Doctor. The Doctor sizes up each sticky situation and works out a brilliant solution and encourages her companions to use their skills and knowledge to help. Jodie Whittaker completely sells us on the Doctor and her joy at being reunited with the TARDIS is truly wonderful to behold.

Most importantly, despite its flaws, I had a blast watching the story – which is, of course the most important thing!

NEXT: "Rosa"

"The Woman Who Fell to Earth"

Make no mistake, "The Woman Who Fell to Earth" heralds the biggest reformatting of Doctor Who since The Power of the Daleks. Apart from the casting of the first woman Doctor, the production team has been completely overhauled but it is, of course, the casting of Jodie Whittaker that has dominated the interest in this new era.

Whilst I had no issue with a female Doctor and certainly none with Whittaker’s casting, I did have an issue with the head writer. Doctor Who has been very fortunate in being helmed by two of the best writers in the world, Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat. It would be a bit unfair and perhaps churlish to point out that Chris Chibnall is not in the same league, as few are, but Chibnall is hardly a standout writer, when it comes to Doctor Who alumni. Even in his great solo success of Broadchurch, his writing is easily the weakest aspect. A lot of his writing, even the borderline-great "The Power of Three", resolves the plot abruptly, be it god-from-the-machine or rabbit-out-of-a-hat style. "The Woman Who Fell to Earth", happily, does not do this, but it’s still clear that we are in the hands of a lesser writer. There are some nicely evocative speeches, but the nuts and bolts dialogue lacks polish and often resorts to cliché – Russell T Davies could make a conversation about takeaway pizza be funny and interesting. It was, perhaps, unfortunate that I had recently watched the first two Predator films, as that made the parallels with the Stenza 'Tim Shaw' even more obvious. This brings me to the most troubling aspect – the corpse-mutilation is, in my opinion, going a tiny bit too far for a family programme. I hope that the tone meetings are no longer a thing of the past.

Characterisation is not as rich as it was in previous eras, but we have some excellent performances Tosin Cole is, practically, the lead character in this episode and he is very charismatic. He is joined my Mandip Gill’s strong, yet adorable Yasmin Khan, Bradley Walsh, surprisingly understated and effective Graham, and it’s a pity that Sharon D. Clarke’s Grace dies, given her sensitive performance. I must also mention Karl, engagingly played by Johnny Dixon. Tim Shaw is, as said, hardly an original foe, but Samuel Oatley attacks the part with relish. However, it is clear who the star of the show is. Like Peter Capaldi and Christopher Eccleston, she is a recognisable ‘name’ actor, so I knew she had the ability. However, as with her predecessors, the unique spin she gives on the role is something truly wonderful. Jodie portrays the Doctor as an ancient soul who still finds delight in the challenges the world throws at her. Perhaps it's just me, but it helps, of course, that, with Capaldi’s costume on, she looks like what William Hartnell would look like, if Hartnell were a beautiful young woman!

Further helping the story is the excellent production. The pace is slower than in previous eras and Jamie Childs does a great job in the director’s chair – the initial manifestations seem genuinely alien and inexplicable. Sheffield comes alive on screen as Cardiff has done previously and the anamorphic lenses give the image more breadth. A major change behind the scenes is the first new composer since the programme’s revival. Segun Akinola’s incidental score is more ambient than Murray Gold’s and, although I am very fond of Gold’s music, Akinola’s arrangement of the theme tune is a vast improvement on the terrible Capaldi version.

I sincerely hope that Chibnall will be up to the formidable task, because the team he has assembled can clearly work wonders.

NEXT: "The Ghost Monument"

"Twice Upon a Time"

When other Doctors have reached the end of their lives, this century, they have been fighting one of their bitterest foes - The Daleks, the Master and now, the Cybermen. Here, the battle is over, and we are left with a Doctor who, unlike his Tenth incarnation, is all-too willing to go. But he will not be alone...

This is, of course, Moffat's swansong, as well as Capaldi's and there are some familiar concepts that are expanded on. After giving us a Hell (the Teselecta) we are give a Heaven, in the form of Testimony – the NetherSphere without the horror. As with his first ever story for the programme, there are no real villains, because, despite the action-packed set-pieces, this is, more than any other a story about facing death, something that both of the regular characters have actually gone through.

Of course, the other main attraction is the Twelfth Doctor interacting with the First Doctor. The differences in character between incarnations are, as always a source of comedy, especially the First Doctor's rather less enlightened views of the role of women. David Bradley, after playing William Hartnell in An Adventure in Space and Time, now plays Hartnell's role. As with Richard Hurndall before him, Bradley doesn't try to impersonate the great man, but uses his considerable skills to essay an interpretation of the First Doctor that is compatible with Hartnell's. It is a powerful performance that highlights how much the character of the Doctor has changed, and not just his views on women – the speech that Moffat gives the Doctor for his motivation for leaving Gallifrey both ties in with the more detached, reluctant character in "An Unearthly Child" and is completely compatible with the man he will become. Making a very welcome return is Pearl Mackie, effortlessly confirming my opinion that Bill is the best companion of the 21st Century. We also have a nice role for Mark Gatiss who faces death in an all-too human context as the Captain it's the earnest, likeable persona which he does so well, very different from his other appearances. Playing the closest thing to an antagonist in the story is Nikki Amuka Bird, whose calm voice is perfect for the Glass Woman and her very distinctive face is recognisable even when captured as a transparent CGI creation.

Rachel Talalay again helms the story with great skill, again, making slower introspective moments work well with the action, of which we have plenty – the capture of the TARDIS by the Testimony Ship, the Ypres Salient and the horrors lurking around Rusty's domain. The production team are totally committed to making this tapestry bind and shine and the result is a visual feast.

And we are left with our leading man. Peter Capaldi has taken the Doctor into new places and successfully redefined the role. I had high expectations, as soon as his name was announced as the new Doctor and he has never disappointed. Here, he is a resigned, battle-weary hero literally, at the gates of Heaven, but he elects not to go through. Capaldi is funny, fierce, commanding and silly in his final performance as a regular, and he is wonderful and genuinely heartbreaking to see the Doctor's ring fall off his finger.

But it is not heartbreaking to see the owner of the hand that it slips off from. Jodie Whittaker is a phenomenal actress and I very much look forward to the most radical reformatting yet of a character that has survived and thrived for 55 years, precisely because reformatting is vital to the programme’s survival. Long may it continue...