Episode 8.11: Dark Water
Written by: Steven Moffat
Directed by: Rachel Talalay
Airdate: 1 November 2014
There's so much darkness in this episode. Death truly changes everything. It's hard to imagine someone could be so cruel to steal the dead and use their souls to destroy the living and the worlds they live in. But as we can guess, there's the Master, or now the Mistress, who prefers to be called Missy, who has no problem crossing this line. It's a very dark, disturbing and heartbreaking story. And it's a big return for not just this one old enemy of the Doctor but also a comeback of the Cybermen, created by the Master with the dying minds and bodies of the people. It feels hard to even write about it, to be honest, especially in the day like that.
First, the short summary of the episode. Clara finally decides to tell Danny the entire truth but the phone call between them ends tragically when he is hit by a car and killed. Heartbroken Clara, who can't even cry after him, decides to blackmail the Doctor into changing the past and saving her love. The Doctor, who notices the change in her behavior and only creates an illusion of her being in control, forgives her betrayal and chooses to find and travel to the place where Danny currently is and bring him back if possible. The Doctor and Clara get to a facility named 3W where they find skeletons contained in a blue liquid and meet Missy, who introduces herself as a droid. Meanwhile Danny wakes up after his death and meets one of Missy's employees, Seb, who informs him about his situation and arranges a meeting with a little boy Danny killed on the war. The Doctor and Clara also meet Doctor Chang who tells them more about 3W. He explains to them that the dead are conscious and the company tries to keep them comfortable, often using so-called "dark water" which can only display organic material. He also allows Clara to contact Danny from his office and leaves the room with the Doctor. She tries to find a proof it's really Danny but in the end he realizes that Clara would die to stay with him and doesn't give her one, causing her to end the call.
Meanwhile, Missy drains the dark water from the tanks, thus revealing Cybermen (not just skeletons) inside. She also kills Doctor Chang, admits to the Doctor she's not actually a droid, but is the Master, now the Time Lady called Missy. The shocked Doctor locates the exit and finds out the building they were in is St Paul's cathedral in London. He's unable to evacuate the people in the area and the Cybermen start to march out and prepare to attack. And Danny, unaware of the reality of the situation, is left with a decision to delete his emotions (heartbroken after talking to Clara) and become another Cyberman.
The Sad Story of Danny Pink
When we first met Danny he already seemed like an interesting and likeable character. He made a very positive on me during his
introduction, I was excited about his future connection with Clara and was waiting for him to meet the Doctor and maybe even become friends with him, given the things the two had in common. Sadly I can't say I'm glad with how his story was written a few episodes later. After
The Caretaker his character was mostly reduced to these short phone calls with Clara where she often lied to him and tested his extraordinary support and patience. The exception was the episode last week but I can't call it a real improvement. It's such a shame when I think about the missed potential of the character and how great he could have been if he spent more time with both the Doctor and Clara. His death at the beginning of the episode was such a sad moment for me. And if it's really over for him... he deserved so much more. He was never in a way of the Doctor and Clara (like I've heard people saying), if you ask me. He really loved her and protected her, like in this episode. And his story is a sad one. If this is a goodbye, I'm gonna miss Danny Pink. There were moments when he reminded me of Rory and Mickey, and sometimes seemed like someone unique entirely. Poor Danny. Great performance by Samuel Anderson!
The Mystery of Missy the Master
I have to admit, after all the great references to the Original Series this season, I was hoping the show might decide to re-introduce the character that is not known to the New Who fans who never got a chance to watch the adventures of the first Eight Doctors. Still, I actually missed the Master, he hasn't been around since an episode that is still quite painful in my memory. And I was wondering what could have happened to him for a while now. Which is probably why it wasn't the biggest surprise to see him, now her, again. When I found out that Missy is someone the Doctor knows and I realized the Time Lord aspect of the her mystery, the Master was my first guess. And I'm sure many other fans as well. I can't say the Master's cruelty is news to me but to steal the dead and tell them the most terrifying lie possible, that they can still feel what happens to their bodies after death, is one of the most disturbing things I've seen. I certainly hope Clara didn't believe in the 3W ("Don't cremate me") because even the idea feels too traumatic to accept. Sadly, it's a very effective lie in Missy's mind, cause it pretty much guarantees the dead's willingness to delete their emotions and become Cybermen. On the more positive note (probably the only one in the episode), Missy's interactions with the Doctor (the kiss!) end up being even funnier when we discover she's actually the Master. Michelle Gomez makes quite an impression in the episode, in both the lighter and the dark moments. Kudos!
The Doctor and Clara against the Impossible
After all the ups and downs this season, Danny's death caused Clara to completely change her perspective and betray the Doctor. Her addiction to the travelling in TARDIS, the wonders of the Universe, her arguments with the Doctor and even her pride after acting more like him at one point, it all suddenly lost its meaning. Losing her love, especially after admitting how much Danny truly means to her, not to mention the most ordinary and abrupt nature of his death, made her determined to make the Doctor change his fate. In the most powerful
scene of the episode, beautifully acted by Jenna Coleman and Peter Capaldi, Clara decides to destroy all the keys to the TARDIS if the Doctor refuses to rewrite Danny's story, even if it meant her losing her friendship with the Doctor, even if it meant their death in the volcano. How far would you go to save someone you love? In Clara's case, as far as it gets. The Doctor doesn't blame her for actions though. In one of his defining moments, Twelve, who so often appeared to be cold, calculated and a stranger to kindness, decides to do the impossible, find the world of the dead, break all the rules and bring someone
back, just to help his best friend with her heartbreaking pain. He lost so many people in the past and never did such a thing for himself but his forgiveness and this choice show just how much he really cares about Clara. In case you were still looking for the Doctor's emotional side, this was it. The very human thing to do. In the most impossible way. The relationship between the Doctor and Clara was a rocky one in this season. But their bond only seems stronger at this point. It makes me wonder how the things are going to end in the next episode. Is there a chance for a happy ending for them? And Danny? The finale is now less than a week away. I'm both excited and scared about it. How about you?
Whovian notes and questions:
1. Such a dark and impressive episode this week. Breathtaking, tense and traumatic. But absolutely worth watching. That's my opinion. What did you think about it?
2. What do think will happen to Danny in the finale?
3. Did you like Missy is the Master reveal? Who did you think/want her to be?
4. How do you think will Clara and the Doctor's story end next week? Do you think it's Clara's last episode or do you believe she's going to stay/survive the finale?
5. Any favorite scenes/quotes in the episode? You already know my pick for the Scene of the Week. Here are some memorable quotes from the hour:
"Clara: One last chance. And I don’t care about the rules. I don’t give a damn about paradoxes. Save Danny, bring him back or I swear … you will never step inside your TARDIS again."
"Doctor: You betrayed me … betrayed my trust. You betrayed our friendship, you betrayed everything that I’ve ever stood for. You let me down!
Clara: Then why are you helping me?
Doctor: Why? Do you think I care for you so little that betraying me would make a difference?"
"Clara: I don’t deserve a friend like you.
Doctor: Clara, I’m terribly sorry, but I’m exactly what you deserve."
"Missy : At 3W, afterlife means aftercare.
Clara: Okay, a bit strange.
Doctor: Very. Why have the scrolling text AND a voice?"
"Doctor: Clara … is it over now?"
"Doctor: Who are you?
Missy: Oh, you know who I am. I’m Missy.
Doctor: Who’s Missy?
Missy: Please, try to keep up. Short for Mistress. Well, I couldn’t very well keep calling myself the Master, now could I?"
Thank you for all the comments and for reading. Go ahead and share your thoughts about the episode below. Till the finale!
Great review!
ReplyDeleteI'm so with you about Danny, it's like he got lost along the way in the second half of the season which is a massive shame after such a strong start. I really like the character, and actor, but unfortunately the lack of screen time hasn't helped bond his relationship with Clara as strongly with fans as I think it should have. His death would have been more effective if he had been more than just the odd phone call for a few episodes in a row there.
I adored the betrayal scene too, as you know :) I didn't the emotion that Jenna brought at the end of Kill the Moon was gonna to be beaten but it sure was, lol. I loved how Twelve kept in control the whole time though, you could tell something was up just by the way he was steering the conversation, the Doctor isn't known as a genius for nothing after all.
Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteI wish we could explore more of his bond with Clara as well, but for me it was still very painful to start the episode with his death. Very effective in my case, for sure.
And oh yes, Jenna was terrific in the scene. Really, she had a very strong season. I would hate to say goodbye so soon but I'm worried that everything that happened Clara won't be able to stay with the Doctor.
Yeah, I'm worried for her too. Jenna and Capaldi just work so well together on screen that I don't want the ride to end, I've been so sure it won't be either for some time now, but latest rumours and this storyline do have me a bit concerned...
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I always read your reviews but never comment, so I thought I should start today :)
ReplyDeleteI also found it hard to comment on the poll page after this episode, it was so moving, the direction and acting during the first half was heartbreaking but the entire episode and the 3 words were really thought provoking.
I completely agree about Mr. Pink, I really liked him but theres wasn't a lot him seen. I honestly don't want it to be Jenna's last season, they've have done a great job with Clara and her and Capaldi are what made the show even better :) I'm not annoyed by the Missy reveal like other fans, I was tweeting along with the show whilst I was watching and most people seemed geuniely shocked (but I assume most dont have a large Whovian understanding or just didnt mind) but her and on Tumblr most seem unhappy, I honestly dont mind, I would have liked her to be a timelady though but Michelle Gomez did such a awesome job, I didnt mind :)
I hope Clara survives the finale, it's always very hard to let go of the companions let alone the doctor after a few seasons.
Thank you! And it's always a great time to start :) I also read many reviews on the site but don't always comment.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a powerful, thought provoking and haunting episode. It makes it hard to really put it all in words. Especially with such a delicate subject at the centre of it.
I haven't actually read many comments about the episode yet. I leave them to look at after I write the review. Hmm, I certainly don't mind the twist, didn't know that many people did. The Master was always one of the greatest Doctor Who villains for me. Though, clearly, also one of the cruelest. And oh yes, Michelle Gomez is doing an excellent job.
Fingers crossed for Clara! Saying goodbye to Amy, Rory and Eleven is still too close for me to let another person go.
Your welcome :) I agree, I wondered what to say too. Do have a look around its quite funny actually some peoples reactions :)
ReplyDeleteI agree on the Master, it will be fun to see Michelle Gomez playing the evil side of the Master as opposed to the playful side :)
Yes and for me too. Whenever I see Matt Smith and Karen Gillan on other projects I get so happy because for me its like there back again, though I wish they would be on something together, they were quite the team :)
Great review.
ReplyDeleteThe first part of the episode was one of the most powerful and one of the best performance of the season, if not the best, for me. Jenna Coleman was outstanding. I already found her incredible in the end of Kill the Moon. But in this episode, I am in a lack of words.
At first wih Danny on the phone and then he didn't answer, the music stoped and there was only silence left and I knew something was wrong. And just like that Danny was dead. He was there and then he wasn't. She was already amazing in her apathy and her confusion. But the scene with the Doctor were she was ready to do anything, just anything, followed by her break down, was amazing, heartbreaking and painful and, and a lots of adjectifs. Capaldi was brilliant too, he was the one in control all along. And he doesn't blame her, there nothing even for him to forgive I think. For this old man who lost so much.
I agree they were a little light with Danny character. There was defintely place to more.
And Anderson was great too. When he puts a end to his conversation with we see him literally slump, crying. He seemed smaller somehow.
As for the master, sorry mistress, well I was a bit disappointed by her identity. Not that it was a surprise. But hey Missy was great too, and her impersonating the doctor and kissing him was hilarious. Her performance can easily make me forget who she was and focus on who she his.
Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteJenna Coleman really stole the episode for me, even though all three others were great too. But the part where she was so determined to get Danny back, almost cold when she faced the Doctor and then she completely fell apart when she thought the keys were all gone and there are no other options, she was just brilliant. Fingers crossed Clara's staying!
And that ending with Danny when he just gave up, no longer tough and brave but lost and broken was such a powerful change and only proves just how effective and cruel are the Master's actions in 3W.
And yeah, Missy or The Master, still it's a great performance and that's good enough for me.
I wonder if the boy he killed will speak to him or not? That line from Forest does stick in my head, "I'd like to see the things around me more clearly". Like I said to Suzana in another post on the site, things must be pretty blooming clear to him at the moment, and they are stark. cold and very, very sad :( Missy, Seb and 3W are very effective at what they do!
ReplyDeleteSome of the people's comments have been hilarious, but I have seen some very misogynistic stuff too, though thankfully not too much. It's pretty odd to think that only a year or so ago there was a load of people saying "why not a female/black Doctor??" when Peter was cast. Now it's "why a female Master??" now Michelle is revealed, bloody ridiculous!! XD People just don't like change, give it time and most of it will smooth over, and those that don't accept it aren't worth bothering about imo. She's fab in the role :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder what would he say and how would it effect Danny and his decision. Maybe the boy's forgiveness would save him. Sadly, things don't look good at all for him now. I hate how effective and scary 3W is.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I people are generally against the change. Never really was a problem for me. It's ridiculous to keep wanting the opposite things!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course I agree, she's amazing in the role!
Agreed, Moffat has made both the Master and Cybermen more evil and scary than they have been in years, the last time I was scared of the Cybermen was Earthshock when Adric, a companion, died! I was inconsolable for weeks...I was only 9 though :p lol
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely true :) I agree, she's so good. Its funny how people want and say something for so long and when it actually happens there annoyed or against it, we're a strange and funny species, us humans :)
ReplyDeleteThey're certainly scary now. The entire plot is really far more terrifying than I expected. But I guess it's very much because of the main subject. Death is already a pretty dark thing to explore on TV.
ReplyDeleteWe're the strangest ;) And funny like that! So true, indeed.
ReplyDeleteTrue. I watched the episode with a 7 and 14 year old and they both loved it, most of that side went straight over their heads as, luckily, death hasn't really effected them too directly yet. I think a lot of the horror was very cerebral, it plays on your mind, rather than being something you see. For them the scary bits were Clara being sad and the skeletons moving, but generally they found it a funny episode as Capaldi is such a great comedian. The show works well on many different levels like that, it's a perfect family show.
ReplyDeleteI like this photo that what's on tv have for their listing next week.
ReplyDeletehttp://assets.whatsontv.co.uk/whatsontv/live/styles/large/s3/images/2014/10/doctor-who_0.jpg
I don't think Danny gave up. He saved Clara and was broken but he didn't give up. He couldn't let her die. He had to send her away.
ReplyDeleteI don't think he gave at on Clara at all. He saved her from joining him. But I'm afraid he gave up on himself if he hits the button to delete all of his emotions and becomes Cyberman.
ReplyDeleteThe child appeared so it's possible Danny will reconsider. I hope he will reconsider.
ReplyDeleteI really hope he will! Sadly, all the spoilers are making me doubt it. So, fingers crossed they're wrong.
ReplyDeleteI hope that we get a conversation between the two of them, that's something that I kinda wish had happened in this episode.
ReplyDelete