Jodie made her screwdriver from sheffield steal, then the Dalek made itself from it too, think thats very interesting

They took an over-used villain and managed to make them scarier. The Doc didn’t take any shit 👍🏼 and felt like she fully stepped into this new ‘skin’ cause she didn’t rely on UNIT (great emergency call-center exchange btw) Educational info on multiple applied sciences. Finally got a director who isn’t afraid of wide shots. They spent a bit too much time on Ryan, but hoping this means we can stop talking about Graham & Ryan’s “arc”. It’s run its course. Bring on the timeless child and/or whatever craziness they have planned for Yaz...give that girl something GOOD.

The Daleks have been made somewhat kitsch for the past couple of years. Steven Moffat treated them as slightly comedic for the most part, so this was an important episode to reestablish them as a threat. And to remind us all that they’re nazis and nazis need to be thrown into a black hole whenever possible. Seeing a single Dalek, without its casing, causing so much suffering really gives the audience a reason to fear them. The horror of the Daleks isn’t in their shape, but what they represent. The persistent, unstoppable hate that will stop at nothing to conquer and destroy, wiping out anything that isn’t a Dalek. Yes, they look like pepperpots with a plunger sticking out. But what makes the Daleks a threat is the terrible things they do. People are much the same.

10’s regeneration was a New Years special

2:14 Technically it's the 2nd new year special, the first one was the End of Time Part 2

I was thinking the exact same thing! I was like “Chibnall where were you since episode 1?” Arghghghhh. I loved the idea of having the Dalek out of its shell and taking control of a human. It was really quite disturbing and made the daleks frightening again. I wished they had used Yaz instead of a new random character as the host for the Dalek. Another missed opportunity to give her something to do. The end I thought was a bit daft (chibnall really struggles to end his stories well), but overall I really enjoyed this one, whereas most of his scripts have left me bored. Someone get him a decent script editor for season 12 please 🙏.

If UNIT are defunded/suspended operations at that time, how is the Zygon treaty being monitored? Are the Oswins unemployed or working for someone else?

I have to say, one of the things I really appreciate about your critique, in general not just on this episode, is your willingness to admit that sometimes something doesn't work for you for your own reasons but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. I like the honesty of your reviews. Keep up the good work. All the best for 2019.

Blame Brexit for UNIT being shut down.

The one morbid problem I had with this episode is I think it needed a companion death. Specifically Graham's. I mean, think about it. Switch out Ryan's dad in that climax with Graham, and rather than Ryan being able to save Graham from being sucked out, have Graham make the conscious choice to sacrifice himself to make sure the Dalek dies. Would've been a far more dramatic moment, given Graham an amazing way to leave the show, and also would've added another dynamic to Ryan's relationship with his dad. Ryan will have lost both Grace & Graham. His dad would HAVE to step up and be the father he always should've been. Because if not, then why would Ryan ever come back again? He could easily use Graham's death as an excuse to never want to go back to Earth. So having his dad step up could be the thing that actually grounds him. Also in the grand scheme, we didn't really care about anyone who died. They all purely existed to die. So having a character death that actually has some weight to it would've been the final thing to really solidify how seriously we should be taking the Daleks again.

He may have said the line about forgiveness because his father was about to die, but when he was proud of how he did given his dyspraxia, he didn't look to his dad; he looked to The Doctor. Subtle, but meaningful.

I really like the look of this Dalek, and I actually loved the idea of a Dalek hitching a ride on a human to make a body for itself. I'm also impressed that the Dalek build itself from scrap and bits of Dalekanium. I know it wasn't brought up in the episode but he technically build himself from bits of dead Daleks, which is an idea I really like! Honestly seeing the Daleks body melt and it screaming made me kinda feel sorry for it, but then it hitches onto Ryan's Dad and then I care. I didn't like the Ryan's dad thing, he was let off wayyy to easily! They let him in too much. There are so many emotions behind both Ryan and Ryan's dad and yet he's just let off! When Ryan said "I forgive you" I just wanna say he doesn't! That annoyed me soooo much! When you've been hurt so badly and cut so deep by someone you love not even a Dalek hitching onto their back and them about to be pulled into an imploding supernova will not let you forgive them. When Graham closed the door on Ryan's Dad that's when Ryan's dad should have left the episode. I'm sorry but that whole thing peeved me off so much!

In a recent interview, Chibnall implied that Yaz gets a character arc in series 12

I think you absolutely nailed it when talking about the sections with Ryan's Dad. Very well put.

Watching this episode this was a good way to start off the year. Season 11 as a whole was a mixed bag, but at least it ended on a strong note. Have a great 2019 everyone.

Spot on. With everything. Especially the bit about Ryan’s Dad. As a victim of abuse myself, the concept of “forgiveness” isn’t really what it’s about. It’s about whether that person has genuinely changed and willing to be accountable for their actions coupled with whether the victim is even psychologically capable of loving that person again. I felt more akin to Ace and her relationship with her mum. “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I stop hating her?” - When Classic Who gives a more realistic portrayal of the effect of bad parenting, you know you’ve got a problem with your writing.

I know that the new Doctor Who is all about representation, but I clearly wasn't expecting a faithful-to-life depiction of us archaeologists. It's rare enough to be noted!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for addressing the bit about Ryan's dad and that whole trope in general! It bugs me too, you're not alone in that. I don't expect our baggage is the same there, but I think anyone who has dealt with an absent parent and/or a toxic parent(s) will have similar feelings about this trope. It also bugs me in the Idiot's Lantern when Rose tells the kid to go and save his father. Like, it's not the kid's responsibility to fix a man who abused him, and I often think it's Rose's own baggage with her dad that is behind it. It reminds me of people who say "Oh I lost my dad, but you still have yours, so you should appreciate him!" without really paying attention to the circumstances the person is dealing with. I got the feeling I was supposed to be feeling emotional about the moment when that supernova was going to pull his dad out of the Tardis, but I couldn't feel it because I guess I just didn't feel invested enough in the relationship there. I suppose it's Ryan just not wanting to lose another family member that drove him to say "I forgive you" and I will give this a pass if later in the next season we see that there are still some things to work out and they don't play it as just hunky dory and all's well. Because there have been people I've forgiven for things, but what they've done isn't forgotten and things aren't just happy and fixed. But that is the way that shows and movies try to play it. "I forgive you, let's live happily ever after!" Anyroads, that aside, I too enjoy the episode quite a bit and loved the new Dalek story! First time I've felt threatened by them since Stolen Earth/Journey's End!

I found it very weird that Ryan so quickly forgave his dad just because he was gonna die. And he in fact had forgiven him after he then didn't die. That felt very unnatural to me so I agree with you on that. Yaz is still just there so I don't get why we need her? But this is definitely the best episode of Series 11 if you count it as part of it and after this, I'm much more looking foward to Series 11 than I was before it

Love your videos, congratulations on the patreon, hope you have a great 2019

Resolution was probably the best episode in the series Edit: the WiFi scene was unnecessary but still worked I thought that Ryan’s dad coming back and his time with Graham was a scene that boosted the episode and made it better After this episode I feel that Jodie Whitaker has finally become a doctor that I’m happy with

The UNIT thing was mainly a Brexit joke. They'll be back.

For the record, even having already seen the episode, I do appreciate your spoiler-free thumbnail. I actively avoided checking my subscriptions page before watching the episode, so as to not see any spoiler thumbnails, so thanks for the considerate thumbnail. Well done as always Joel!

Brexit disbanded UNIT.

I felt the "Magic Dalek" ruined it. The Dalek had been killed, cut into three parts, buried for hundreds of years and still managed to teleport it's parts back together. That's just bad writing. The thing with Ryan's dad slowed the story to a stop. And he could just as easily have visited on Christmas which would have made this a Christmas episode so they could have had one after all.

I'm with you on the Ryans Dad thing. It's not just you, that also bothered me quite a bit, due to my own personal history and baggage. Other than that, I really enjoyed this one too.

I really like that line you used in this review actually. what you said about needing to be prepared for spending just as much time consistently doing good to make up for the time you've been bad is a sentiment I wish were directly driven home in shows more often

What was the place they had the dalek weapons stored? I expect that to show up again

nice to hear your balanced views on dr who this year,a prog I have enjoyed since the unearthly child, many yrs ago, and many others reviews you do,thanks for your channel

It mashed up all of the things we know about the daleks and threw in new elements. It was amazing! Also, on the solution to the lack of support network thing, they have been implying a return of Torchwood in the Audio Drama Series, so maybe Captain Jack will grace us with his fabulousness again.

The reaction I'm seeing to this episode pretty much confirms that people who were against this incarnation from the start, aren't going to find anything they like in any episode, whereas those who took a 'watch and see' approach are much more likely to give the show credit when it does something right.

Technically, as a Catholic, I consider New Year's Day part of the 12 Days of Christmas. So it's kind of a Christmas episode. 😉

if not doing a Christmas special means more good story then im fine with it

The new style of thumbnail with the three sections looks really cool

What a great episode to end with. Can't wait to 2020! Personally, I have loved this season( yeah I know I'm in the minority), especially the historicals. I think if he did more episodes like this mixed with a couple historicals, I think it will balance the seasons better! Hope you are having a great year! Off to listen to more big finish 10th doctor adventures! 🙂

Chibnall has absolutely no imagination. A character delivers exposition about his dad abandoning him, said dad shows up a few episodes later trying to make amends, the two of them have a conversation about how much he's screwed up, the dad joins the other characters on their adventure and ends up being posessed by an alien, and he survives because his son finally forgives him and reminds him what he's got to live for. I could be talking about either Ryan Sinclair or Clyde Langer. It doesn't help that Grace was basically a rip off of Danny Pink, Wilfred Mott, and Rita Anne Smith (Mickey's gran from Rise Of The Cybermen) all and once and that Graeme conformed perfectly to the "character whose relative/friend/love interest is murdered decides to kill the character responsible but decides at the last minute to let them live because they're the better person" cliche.

I love the way these videos end. I would love to give my Patreon support if it were in my means. I happen to agree with this episode's opinion, but even when I do not agree, good reasons are given for the opinions offered. I love that. Keep up the good work.

You deserve the love and support my friend!

I understand what your saying about Ryan forgiving his dad so easily since he was about to die. I have a similar situation with my dad but the reason why he was away was different but I still feel like that problem between us still kinda feels unresolved. I agree that there is nothing that could be said that would wipe away the hurt so easily. Now days I dont really try to seek an apology for the time he's been away, instead I just try to make new memories with my dad since he is still here, especially since I learned from my grandma(his mother) that he has MS.

I do wonder a bit why, after the Doctor couldn't get UNIT she didn't try to get Torchwood.

I LOVED the beginning of the episode and the Darlek scout was a great way of making them seem actually scary again! Did feel it started to lose it towards the end (building a perfectly working Darlek with tools found in a farm metal shop and spare parts was feeling a little stretched) and also Jodi's doctor has no subtlety, which is a real shame. The lack of nuance feels like a hole in the character as it has been vital to both 10 and 11 (which I see her doctor as being as sort of hybrid of). Still wish Yaz got more of a chance to be a likeable/useful character... Side note: Love the channel! Love your takes! I hope this new year is even better for you!

I really enjoyed the episode. It was fun and I've enjoyed the whole series throughout.

I actually just watched this yesterday (finished not long before I saw this video as a matter of fact lol), I thought it was brilliant. Like you said, they did a great job re-establishing what makes the Daleks scary in a very unique way (kinda like Moffat did with the Cybermen in the previous series). I'm excited to see if/when we get other classic villains (or other characters) brought into the mix come Series 12 :)

My own take on the thing with Ryan and his dad and forgiveness is that it wasn't ever intended to be read as an earned forgiveness: Dad has too much to make up for. Instead, it was the second half of a token "bridge" that the two can build on. Where things stood after Ryan and his dad's conversation was nowhere: Ryan could not forgive, and dad didn't know how to proceed without enough forgiveness to be allowed back into Ryan's social circle. There was no path forward. But the Dalek emergency brought dad into the Tardis--where he proved a remarkably cool asset. That was part one of the token "bridge." He came through, and he was a workable Tardis Companion from the start, and a real contributor to the solution. It's not enough to earn him forgiveness, but it is enough for Ryan to then offer his "forgiveness" to a father he would really LIKE to find a real relationship with when faced with a "deathbed" moment of decision. Since all that anger also implies all that longing, it was a no-brainer. Yeah--it's because Dad may die at any moment: but that's a classic motivator on these brittle, uneasy, hard-fought relationships anyway. It gave Ryan the excuse he needed to offer an olive branch and let Dad back in. With luck the two can build on it from there. And it gives us at least part of the character arc for Ryan, Graham, and Dad next series. Did you consider that the beautiful reconfirmation of the danger of just one Dalek also provides justification for reviving UNIT next season? We got that nice comment from the switchboard operator about a lack of recent alien invasions: well, they got one, complete with deaths. With luck UNIT is about to regain its funding.

It's ironic that Chibnall's best episode (IMO) involved THE classic Doctor Who villain.

glad to see a solidly positive review from you! Especially for one of my favorite episodes from the chibnal era so far, from the cute scarf to the more satisfying One Dalek format. ✨

I felt frustrated with how the subplot about Ryan's Dad was resolved, but couldn't articulate why. You explained it perfectly. Since I don't watch much TV or movies, I am surprised to learn that the shallow treatment of reform and forgiveness is as common as you imply. By the way, I became a Patreon supporter of your show because I think you have one of the most interesting, thoughtful, and well-expressed points of view on media culture among the many on KZfaq. I hope you will expand your work into other media (eventually). I'd even read a book of your collected thoughts!

Nicholas Briggs sold this episode to me - The tone from the Dalek whilst piloting Lynn was filled wiht such glee I absolutely love it.

i loved this episode. now we just need to see if CC's writing sticks with this and S12 eps he does is good or if he goes back to the writing of S11

Like your take and honest approach in an intelegent manner Nathaniel you rock !

What about the other two parts of the daleks though?

Ryan's dad has been bugging me for another reason (I also looked at the time during the cafe scene), wasn't it established as Ryan witnessed the birth in Tsuranga, that his dad was around his age when he was born? That would make him 38ish. The actual character felt much closer to Graham's age. Doing the maths did distract me from the bit in the cafe where the 'reconciliation' is hijacked by a sales pitch. I also want to know why they went to such elaborate lengths and enormous, very specific location stamps initially and then pretty much abandoned all of it later. Overall, I enjoyed the episode more than most of s11, you are right about it leaving a taste of hope for the future. I just want it to be more fun again - not one liner funny, but I feel happy when I watch it fun. Keep up the great work with your reviews, sometimes they help make sense of why and what I was watching.

The Paul McGann movie is technically a New Years special 😂

When the Dalek said it was a pilot, I thought that was a reference to the first episode of season 10 and that it was connected to that creature.

Been waiting for this one!

Is it wired that my favorite part is when Ryan's dad is at the door, Graham opens it and goes "nope" before closing it in his face. Also, I wish the Doctor had at least considered calling Torchwood for help. I mean, John Barrowman can't be that busy right now seeing as he's not on Arrow anymore.

I like how they showed the intelligence of Daleks. Except for maybe Victory and Asylum of the Daleks, they're usually just shown as angry trash bins. It certainly can work, as that makes a dangerous villain. But Daleks are also supposed to be scheming geniuses. They don't always kill, sometimes they use other races for work or a bigger plan. Here, a Dalek is able to control a human and build a Dalek tank. That's awesome.

Happy New year

I really enjoyed this episode. For me it was the best Dalek episode since RTD's era and it's nice to have a showrunner that can write them well again.

Well, my baggage is that I pretty much am Aaron Sinclair, so I come at it from a different angle. :)

Finally, finally got to see this. And I agree almost completely with your review.

I became on board with Jodie in Spiders in the UK. That was the first piece of fiction I was actually scared of spiders.

I love your analysis, and I also agree with you about the “quick fix” to Ryan’s dad situation!! I read some really good meta by superevilbeans on tumblr who spoke about how insecure 13 is in her violence? Like she doesn’t want her companions to see how violent her past is, and you can see it in the way she turns around and says “YOU SAW THAT I WAS SUPER NICE RIGJT???? It’s ok to kill Dalek now????” And how dark she got when she hesitated to save Aaron... I think 13 has potential to really bring the emotional depth that Matt smith had, whilst also being the childlike hopeful SWEETIE that she is as the doctor!! Also I LOVED her making-the-sonic scene in episode 1 and all my heart desires is to see more mechanical!13 scenes!! I think it’s so great to see her be a bit hands on. I know that’s irrelevant but it’s my favourite thing

Wonderful to hear Nick Briggs again. He IS the Daleks. Also love the camera work on this. Like when the Doctor says who she is and the Dalek just looks at her, you can just see what it is thinking. (In my head it was: "Oh, shit.") And to do that with an object that has no eyes or no face is a very good job.

Jodie had me the moment she put on those welding goggles. I love me a tinkerer

When I saw the episode and the Kaled mutant outside of its shell, I called it being a Dalek

One thing that bugged me is that Thirteen is doing that parroting thing again. The creature has vanished. Graham says "If it was there and it's not there now, I assume it's roaming around here... in the water. Should we be worried?", Thirteen says "Probably. Looks like it slid down this wall and into the water". -_-

The forgiveness felt really unearned as we have had zero info about Ryan's father before this episode. I feel bad for the actress playing Yaz once again her character feels like a 5th wheel again.

I interpreted the part with Ryan and his dad a little differently. Although I may be wrong in the way I saw it, I thought his dad saying what Ryan wanted was so that he could get the chance to prove to Ryan over a long period of time that he cares, rather than a single sentence being the total fix. Also when Ryan says he forgives his dad, i didnt take it as actual forgiveness, I thought of it more as Ryan accepting that he wanted some of his biological family in his life, and being willing to say anything to have that be the case, even if it isn't true at this point.

Loved the episode. The way the dalek jumped back in fear when the Doctor said who she was made my day. Also I quite liked the “junkyard chic” look of the dalek itself. :)

Interesting discussion. Your point at the end about easy resolutions of emotional damage made me think of Pond Life of all things (more Chibnall), and the Doctor fixing all that mess. I am suspicious that the Doctor let Ryan's dad get almost sucked into space just to allow Ryan his big moment, but that way lies madness...

I enjoyed this episode too- a LOT. And yes, I too had to see her go against a Dalek before it clicked with me emotionally that this character IS the same person as the previous actors. One thing I’d love to see is for the Daleks to meet the new species the Stenza. That would be interesting. Side note about season 11 overall: I do think it’s a little disappointing that the “timeless child” mentioned in the Ghost Monument didn’t go anywhere this year. Maybe next time?

I felt like how 13 got rid of the Dalek once it took control of Ryan's dad had some real shades of 7. Pretending to capitulate in order to lead a foe to its doom. But yeah, I really liked the scenes of the Dalek riding the woman from the dig. I agree that made it properly disturbing again. That it didn't kill her when it had a new shell was a surprise, but yeah. One Dalek, even one made of scrap and bits of other Daleks, is more than a match for humans who don't understand what they're up against. As much as I wanted to see Kate Stewart and Osgood again, I feel like having a properly-informed military response might have beaten the Dalek too easily and detracted from the overall "This is why you should fear them" narrative. Hope we'll get them in 2020. Ryan's dad... I dunno. On the one hand, it's good to give Ryan and Graham more emotional scenes, but on the other he's taking time away from Yaz. Poor girl needs more to do.

awesome start from the prologue, the concept of the dalek taking control of the human, to building of the shell and going to town on the police and soldiers. Then the Dr and the scooby gang showed up with their emotional baggage. How many people get to travel in the tardis anyway? This could have been played much darker with higher stakes. Speaking of which- Torchwood: Children of Earth is still pretty good

The pilot scene reminded me of a dark reading of scenes when the “good guys” do that eg Black Widow in the New York battle in the Avengers.

I thought we were gonna go an entire series without Daleks. Kinda glad we at least got one Dalek.

I liked the episode, bringing back the dalek was great but still felt anti climactic at the same time. Ryan’s dad - geez, I kinda was hoping he would have gotten sucked out with the dalek. Graham just kills me, I love him in every episode. Yaz, *sigh* she falls flat yet again. It’s not her fault it’s the writers. Still liking the Doctor but still waiting for my “wow” moment. Love your videos and channel. Happy New Year *hugs* from Penticton BC

Been waiting for this review. You said you hadn't had your definitive moment until the last episode of season. This was my definitive moment seeing Jodie Whittaker doctor go head-to-head against that Dalek yeah that was it the thing with Ryan's dad was a nice story I think you could have saved it for next season but okay. I've liked this season some episodes were great some were good and some not so good but that's what every single doctor. But yeah they kicked ass on the New Year's special

I really enjoyed this episode. The only problems I have are the Microwave Oven and the atrocious WiFi joke.

I thought for this latest series this was my personal favourite Jodie episode by a mile. They need to do far more episodes like this.

Your review is so solid! I agree with most of it. A great episode, especially for being a holiday special. And the best Dalek story since series 4. I also agree with the part where you talks about Ryans father. I too had some issues with that part of the story. For me, the information about the UNIT works well. I think that the governments in the Doctor Who universe are going to change their decisions after this Dalek incident. Maybee Yaz could join Kate and rebuild the UNIT in a spin off series? They would be a great team. It would also solve the problem with the somewhat over crowded Tardis, making Yaz a guest star in the main series and a main star in a spin off series.

I had one big problem which was that a Dalek hell a dalek scout which is meant to be more powerful. Was beaten by a bunch of celts and an oven.

I loved this episode, but the Dalek really needed the toilet plunger.

The scene where the Dalek builds their own tank seemed like a great parallel to the Doctor's scene with building her sonic screwdriver. Similar shots but the Doctor had warmer colors and the Dalek had cooler colors. It was sort of a meta way to bring up the close nature of the Doctor and Daleks.

I hope the archaeologist couple will come back as companions in the future

Big improvement. Hope it continues.

I agree on the Ryan’s dad front! I was okay with Ryan forgiving his Dad because in my head, he was just saying it to give his dad some kind of closure since he thought he was going to die. Afterward, they should have maybe hugged, but had an understanding that Aaron still had a lot of work to do to earn his sons respect. Someone almost dying isn’t a magic switch, but it can change perspective

I had to pause the episode when she said 'Got to remember how long a rel is' I was laughing so much

If you want to count it as series 11 I would say it was one of my favorites. One of the best Dalek stories we've gotten in a long time.

The Daleks will always be @£#@£&+*#@£+&?@!£#+& terrifying. It's the concept of them that is terrifying. The recon scout adds to the terror. This was a great episode!!

You’re right about the big gestures business.... in the VAST majority of cases, someone like Ryan’s dad popping back in, forgiveness that sudden is pretty uncommonly; it is more often that the skepticism that Ryan shows sticks around for a while.

I felt the pain in your comments about Ryan and his father, but he was in panic mode from when he saw the dalek on his father who was the last blood relative he had. I think for the first time in a long time he had some kind of blood family no matter how inadequate and didn't want thst connection lost

ok. i really enjoyed this episode too. if they take this direction with series 12 then i'm all in. i'm still worried that we may get another series 11 though.

The doctor went to unit in planet of the dead needing their help to reopen the wormhole to fly the bus back

Feel like the ending of Resolution with the dalek being ejected out the Tardis was a nod to the film 'Aliens' where the alien queen is ejected into outer space.

All of these single-Dalek stories have been pretty good so far, with Dalek, Into the Dalek, and Resolution

Wow, I just got it - New Years Doctor Who. Episode called Resolution. New Years Resolution. Nice joke there Chibnall and Crew

So why did the tardis break the chair when it landed instead of the chair going inside the tardis like things normally do? (Also im just counting this as season finale good episode)

This was an amazing special. Honestly the best Dalek story since.....I don't know. Maybe since the end of Series 4. Jodie was on her top game here, and her comebacks and chemistry with the Dalek is on point. I was able to understand her Doctor quite early in Series 11 (around Rosa/Arachnids In The UK), but her confrontation with the Dalek proper is HER moment. I hope the writing is as good as this for Series 12.

Loved it! It was great to see a fresh and exciting spin on the Daleks, as under Moffat they had become a joke. This Dalek was scary as all hell!