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My Doctor Who Review: “Mummy on the Orient Express”

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It’s difficult to respond to this episode without first saying that I am coming at it like two completely different reviewers: A Longtime Whovian who has been a fan since childhood, and a Rebooted Whovian who loves this version of the show as well.

The only way I can post my thoughts is to break it down into these two categories, because I view the show through both lenses when I watch. So let’s start with my “Longtime Whovian Persona”

LWP: I absolutely loved this episode. I don’t claim to be an expert on Doctor Who’s writers, outside of the “regulars”, and maybe that’s because I’m American. Either way, James Mathieson (who I found out also wrote for Being Human) did a fantastic job with this episode. I think he blends the Doctor’s grumpy and humorous lines together in one of the better pairings I’ve seen this season. The dialogue was witty and sharp, and it turned on a dime.

The mummy story was nicely done–a real “proper monster”, I believe Moffat said. And yes, some have argued that it was wrapped up a bit too quickly. But honestly, haven’t a lot of Who episodes over the years? At least this episode kept moving at a great clip and didn’t lose sight of the overall story, despite the side plot.

I think I might have bruised my facial muscles from grinning so hard at all the past Doctor references. I mean, honestly, it was a fan’s dream to see Capaldi whipping out those Jelly Babies. And did anyone catch his lovely Tom Baker impression while he was talking to himself in the corridor? I even heard a very Baker-ish “hmm” come out of him while talking to Captain Quell. For a classic Doctor fan like me, I couldn’t help but think of the 4th Doctor’s “The Pyramids of Mars” episode, right down to the mummy, so of course, my inner geek was extremely pleased.

I’ve heard some critics grumble that these throwbacks leave us with a Doctor that isn’t fleshed out–like he doesn’t have his own character. But I totally disagree. Whether it’s the writing or Capaldi or both, I think they are reminding you that he’s not a Doctor meant to be compared to his last couple of regenerations. He is THE DOCTOR, and he’s the sum of so many incarnations, no matter what dominate traits the current regeneration may express. All this harkening back to other versions of him is not, I think, the result of Capaldi or the writers trying to “find” this Doctor’s character. I think they ARE showing his character the whole time. And I love it!

In “Mummy”, I felt like the writing was a bit more on par with Capaldi’s Doctor, and that’s a good thing. He’s had great moments in all the episodes, but there have been some writing hang-ups as well. But more on that in my other persona.

Overall, this Longtime Whovian was extremely pleased with this episode, and I was so glad to see some of the pieces finally fitting together. 

Okay, moving on to my other review from the Reboot Whovian Persona.

RWP: I recently watched an interview with Peter and Jenna in which Peter stated that this wasn’t the same show that he grew up with, but that was okay because there were all kinds of different depths on this show. (that’s not a quote, but a general paraphrase) Well, the question he’d just been asked was about…no surprise…the question of whether there would be flirting and romance between Clara and the Doctor. 

I went back and watched a lot of those interviews that were conducted during the Doctor Who World Tour back in August, and after this newest episode, it made me look at the interviews in a different light. They all adamantly denied that there would be flirting, and they constantly talked about focusing on a different bond between the Doctor and Clara. And you what, come to find out, they actually weren’t lying.

Because there HASN’T been flirting. Instead, there’s been something a whole lot deeper going on…we all saw those stares and looks, and we defiinitely got the subtext loud and clear. There hasn’t been flirting because this is way, way more than that. Even more than romance. I was actually a bit shocked with how intense their dynamic was on “Mummy.” Wow.

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Now, this is where the classic fan and the reboot fan inside me have a bit of a war going on. I’ve been going on about the fact that the Doctor needs new companions without the baggage of the 11th regeneration, and he needs to be able to highlight himself, rather than be subject to the limitations this relationship throws up. In so many ways, the Doctor’s relationship with Clara is crippling to his characterization in this series.

But….but, but but….dang it, if I’m not as hooked as the most emotional fan girl, despite my best intentions!!

How can you not be? I don’t know if this was always the plan from the start, or if the writers changed gears after seeing what intense and remarkable chemistry Jenna and Peter have…but man, this was completely unexpected for me. And I find myself really emotionally invested. Capaldi is playing this part so well, and his eyes speak volumes. And I find myself not wanting Clara to go, now that I feel they have hit their stride as characters together. But then, to throw all this on top of everything…well, let’s just say, it’s not exactly a kid’s show, but this relationship dynamic is keeping me on the edge of my seat…even if I think Clara’s character makes no sense half the time, especially her actions.

Of course, the whole has to turn out badly. How can Clara say “as long as you keep me safe and bring me home on time, it’s fine” and there not be a huge problem looming? I guess I always assumed Clara would be the one to step away, but now, I wonder if it will be the Doctor, knowing he can’t keep that promise. Granted, he’s been pushing her away the whole time, but now that it hasn’t worked and the reality of their relationship is peeking through…well, there will be decisions to be made that the fangirl in me is already sniffling about. (And yet…I want them to stick it out a while, despite it all!)

Like I said…my different fan selves are really fighting this thing out.

But you know what, that’s good television. If I didn’t care, then it wouldn’t be good. If any performance provokes a response, be it positive or negative, then it’s making an impact and, to me, that’s something huge. 

“Mummy on the Orient Express” - one of my definite favorites. 

Can’t wait for next week!

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