I loved when the Doctor tells everyone about what Cyberman can do to humans and says "I will not lose anyone else to that!" That broke me. The loss of Bill still weighs heavy on her mind. Maybe it's stuff like that that has made this version of the Doctor more reserved in letting her companions know more about her.

I really loved Lord Byron flirting with the Doctor too. It was just so funny. "May I say you look lovely in a crisis?" "No you may not." ... "What you said before" "About being lovely?" "Back a bit."

I like that Ada Lovelace is mentioned and that Byron is her father. A deep dive and ties into spyfall.

I like that it was the low key reference to Bill's conversion, that spurred the Doctor to action in this episode. I think a subplot is underway with Graham too. He seems to be "seeing" things that the others just miss out on.

I think he chose to be a cyberman he says he slit his children’s throats when they joined the resistance and something about upgrading was the only way forward

I also love when remembered about what to happened to Bill when she said I lost a another person to the Cybermen. When the line was something like that.

there was deleted tweet from the bbc america dw twitter that basically confirmed yaz was talking about the doctor. it said "we doubt Lord Byron has two hearts". whether or not you take yaz's words as indicating romantic interest, at least we now have explicit confirmation that she was referencing the doctor.

I love the spooky, creepy atmosphere in this episode. I also enjoyed the symbolic connections to the Frankenstein story. I also like seeing the Doctor going dark and getting frustrated/angry. Nothing like a no win scenario to bring out interesting nuances to the Doctor.

I LOVED the scene where Mary confronted the Cyberman and it was made to look like he was going to show some compassion, in a very "Closing Time" way. Now that's how you subvert expectations! I'm also loving the positivity in the who fandom at the moment. Even if people have issues with an episode, it seems to be put across in a much less vicious way than Season 11.

Oh, Yaz was definitely talking about the Doctor in that scene. I don't know if that necessarily meant she has a "crush" on her, though. If that's where they're going, sure. But, it seemed more like she was just relating to knowing somebody enigmatic rather than having feelings for said person. I don't know. It's possible I'm just a bit blind to romance and that was glaringly obvious, but I think it is, in part, people seeing something that probably isn't there.

I bet it must have been pretty amazing to be in a crowd when that Cyberman first showed up. I also really liked the idea of a non-converted human being loyal to the cybermen. In classic we had humans who were sort of 'indoctrinated' into serving both the Daleks and Cybermen, and mentions of a resistance brings to mind ideas of Human servants of the Cyber empire being used to facilitate mass-scale conversions.

Something interesting here that I wonder if it means something, or if the writers are ignoring the conventions of the show - William Fletcher was the real, historical valet of Byron's... who died in 1839, 23 years after he died on the show. Doctor Who doesn't usually alter real history like that. So I'm wondering if it's them not caring as he's only a minor figure, a hint of them being in an alternate timeline, or something else entirely.

He was the valet, basically a personal butler.

This series is shaping up to be one of the better series of new who. Aside orphan 55 every episode has been keeping my interest and have been good to great. With 2 episodes left im feeling like a little kid again

The sleep walking duelist is John Poliodoti a Playwright, teacher and author who wrote "The Vampyre". He was a famous sleep walker too. I guess he's not as well known but his character was very true to him :)

This cyberman was basically what I wanted out of the The Gunslinger. This episode is basically a much better and successful version of Hide and A Town Called Mercy with a little God complex.

Tbh, this episode made me go cold... Like scared cold. I'm also liking the viciousness we're seeing with the Doctor, and the call back to Bill was a nice touch.

I'm not even going to do a Pros/Cons list, I just freaking love this episode. The humor, the use of the Doctor and all 3 companions, the fantastic and well writted cast, the creepy Nancy Drew CD game-esque imagery, the weird funhouse physics, the way they introduce the Lone Cyberman, it's all so good! The intro scene was ripped off of Hide though - my only complaint

The ripple effect part was irritating when she was contrasting it to the "billions" others who'll die... Simultaneously cancelling out the companions existence. But when she put the companions in their place, I literally applauded. Probably my favorite 13 scene and performance from the episode as a whole, which has been continuously getting better this season.

I think they did a good job at keeping it coherent this episode, there were at leat 14 characters, all with personality and it never felt too busy, we have thoughts on them all.

Are we just ignoring those as far as we know actual ghosts?

May I say, you look quite lovely in a crisis. No, you may not 😂🤣

Loved this ep. Great that they're bringing back the pre-credits establishing scene. And we're getting another season three, Utopia, Sound of Drums, Last of the Time-Lords deal. Huge thumbs up. Plus, loved the atmosphere. The constant rain and the changing house made it feel very Victorian gothic horror, nice considering this was the night that supposedly inspired Frankenstein and his monster.

Hadn't actually considered the servants dying argument, it's a great point tho.

"Don't be afraid little one. You will be like us" Lone Cyberman' still a better babysiter than me

I think it was phenomenal! Jodie’s best performance, especially the scene where she mentioned the team structure and how it’s like a mountain and she’s the top of it calling all the shots. It felt ALMOST timelord victorious which was so nice to see from Jodie. The cyberman was so creepy and dark, a great design too. The characters were all likeable and had decent lines, Lord Byron was my favourite too. The woman who wrote this story is apparently gonna be a core writer for the next series, which to me is BRILLIANT news because this was the best episode of chibnalls era (so far)

Great review, spot on and thank you for the expression about The Doctor's speech about words...I felt something similar but couldn't quite explain it even to myself and you nailed wat it was that was bothering me, thank you

15:30 honestly, I read it as a nod to The Waters of Mars and 10's egotistical 'Little People' speech. Tonally, it definitely fits with 13's 'Mountainous Summit' speech.

When the Doctor talking about Shelley and the butterfly effect overlooking two other people who'd already died bothered me too, though I didn't contemplate why as much as you did.

She was definitely talking about The Doctor. I didn't think she was displaying any romantic interest by saying this.

I love this first half a lot, it reminded me of Ghost Light which is one of my favourites stories of all time, the the lone cyberman showed up and it became I N T E N S E. 10/10

Can we just acknowledgement and appreciate that ghosts are now real in Doctor Who. Like actual spooky ghosts. I love this.

I understand your concern, but I can’t get behind it here. What I heard was a Doctor knowing that she should let Shelley die but who couldn’t do it. She was trying to justify that position to her companions and maybe herself and fell short. You could argue that this is a symptom of a bigger flaw. As soon as Jack said “Don’t give it what it wants” we knew she would do just that. Even given Chibnall’s tendency to short change endings, we were never going to get an ending where the Doctor simply refuses the lone cyber man and they all fly off.

Thank you. The Doctor's "save the poet, save the universe" speech pissed me off, too.

I loved this episode it may be my favorite so far. I love the way it was shot, it really looked like the house was lit by candlelight but it wasn’t so dark that you couldn’t see, the humor was well placed, the action was well paced, and for once, the rather large cast felt well utilized. I admit that when I heard the Cybermen were coming back I was like “meh”, I’ve always found them a bit boring. But not this Cyberman. Great design, with the half torn mask, the spine showing, and the actor did I a great job conveying anger and annoyance even with half his face hidden. Exposition was well handled, with just a few moments taken to explain about Byron and company, as well as the Cybermen (not everyone in the world has watched every episode of Who). I admire the boldness of going very dark at times (that cracking sound when the Cyberman snaps the nanny’s neck, ugh). I think this writer totally gets this Doctor, and it seems she’s a writer for the next series, so that’s great. I want to take a moment to thank you, Nathaniel, for moderating your comment section. I watch other Whotubers, but you’re the only one I subscribe to. And that’s one of the reasons, the main one being your honest reviews. Looking forward to you telling us about Gallifrey One!

Like the new closing picture. That's probably been there a while and I haven't noticed. The dress if fantastic. Very chic and classic. Btw, my son just noticed we wear the same glasses. I have spent so much time normalizing him to ... everything and he was like, Oh hey, they have have your glasses. And I said, he says it's a he pronoun. And my son said, he has your glasses. And I laughed and we hugged. Anyway, I was interested that you didn't latch onto the Ada Lovelace mention. We had to pause the episode and talk about it because my son is such a fan of hers.

The character who challenged Ryan to a duel was Dr John Polidori. He wrote 'The Vampyre,' which is the first modern vampire story in English Literature.

The last time I liked a new Doctor Who episode this much it was... a scary, mysterious episode building up to the reveal of a Cyberman where the Doctor let down a companion. Funny that :D

It took a while, 1 and a half seasons. But I finally understand this doctor. And I love her.

I think that "off" moment with Ryan is seeing The Doctor is really conflicted with having to do what she is about to do. She is railing at Ryan, and quite possibly saying that to herself as well. We all know of the running theme that has been in Doctor Who, of the fact that there are fixed moments in time that can't be changed (Shelley staying alive), and I think this "off" moment is again a telling moment in showing The Doctor's inner conflict. I loved this episode, it built and built on the fear and anxiety, and nicely brought in the storyline for the finale. Completely chilling and exciting. Great to see you bring the point out, however small, it needed to be discussed.

This Cyberman is the most dangerous one of them all. He has halitosis.

This is another instance where characters felt fleshed out. As you say, even the butler! So unnecessary, but so appreciated.

Is it just me or have these two series been talking about perception filters a bit more than usual? No idea why watching this review made me think of that... I just did.

I thought from what we have seen is that Yas is into Ryan, particularly the hints about her refusing to give Ryan her sister's number, or giving her sister's number to Ryan whichever it was.

You're underestimating the importance of Percy Shelley, at this point in time he had not yet written "The Masque of Anarchy," a book that Mahatma Gandhi liked to quote. Him dieing in 1816 would also have majorly impacted Mary Shelley's writing (let us remember she wrote more books than just Frankenstein and oh, yes without him being listed as a co author that wouldn't have gotten published and might have been lost) I know the impact of more soft power is underrated in all history studies, but the popularising of certain ideas by widely read books does have an impact on the world.

For me this is the first one in a while that reminded more of the previous incarnations of the doctor, in a good way. I don't dislike Jodie's doctor by any means, but for some reason she's felt quite detached from the others so far for me. But this episode felt like we finally saw the Doctors character again. It might be me but there's my two cents. Really loved the episode!!

I'm not the strongest fan of Doctor/Companion ships, but I've definitely been seeing Yasmin's interest in the Doctor lean towards romance. Especially with Yasmin's line in this episode. As long as they keep it one-sided and give Yasmin closure (not turning it into another Rose/Doctor thing--which I liked on its own and not as standard) I'll be okay with it. Going with your thoughts on the butler and the wet nurse (Elise I think), something that I think needs to be self-examined in Doctor Who is how the deaths of non-well known historical figures are handled. Obviously, their deaths are going to have an impact "smaller" than someone well known, but it's going to affect people like the companions, "ordinary" people. It would be interesting to see a companion change or have their lives be noticeably different at the death of someone not as "significant" as a well-known historical figure.

I'm so glad you posted this. I've come to look forward to these reviews. 😌

You'd think the Doctor has learned their lesson about important and ordinary people after the whole Waters of Mars debacle...

Very much enjoyed this episode. Probably the best of the series so far, really. The mood and atmosphere was excellent, as was the way they integrated the larger story threads they have been laying down. The maze like house was properly creepy, and the Cyberman was straight up unsettling, not just in execution, but in implication. I also have had a pet theory validated, at least somewhat, by this episode. I felt last series that Capaldi's exit speech in Twice Upon A Time was the basis of Jodie's entire Doctor, at least in how she presented herself. However, that presentation has always felt like it was intentionally based around Capaldi's goodbye speech, and deep down, the Doctor hadn't really changed that much. That she was still the same angry character the Doctor has been since Eccelstion first brought the Doctor back. This episode made it very much feel as if that facade was cracking, and this happy go lucky, goofy Doctor was growing tired of faking it, and really showed herself as the weary, old, bitter Time Lord she is. It was one little line, easily missed. When she said she wasn't going to lose someone else to the Cybermen. Clearly, in my mind, she was talking about Bill. Not just Bill, either, but other companions she has lost to the Cybermen. I believe Adric's death was related to them, though I might not be remembering that correctly now. It's been a while since I looked at anything related to that. This is something I feel like Moffet missed out on with how he presented Smith as the Doctor. Tennant's whole "I don't want to go" leading into a goofy, often silly Doctor felt off, and always did. This feels much more like how the Time Lord's mental state at the time of regeneration could affect the next incarnation. It gives it a through line, a sense of continuity, rather than just a random event. That is something I like, as I think having some kind of follow through, even if it's just to give some kind of a basis the fans and viewers can latch onto for the new incarnations personality, that the show has always lacked. None of that makes sense, really, I think. It's one of those things I struggle to explain without going on a long rant in comment section, even though I've basically already done that. Well, I'm a writer, so once I start typing, it's hard to stop. Pat myself on the back for that. Joking. You made an incredibly valid point about the merit of the work verses the merit of the person when it comes to writing. It's something I've always believed. I myself am nothing interesting, and am really just an ordinary, flawed human being. I'd prefer if what I write as an author was what had the spotlight, rather than myself. Well written work, with deep meaning and power is what all writers should aspire to create, but as we are fragile things, and have but a short time upon this earth, who we are is really of little relevance in the grand scheme of things. Leave behind something good, but be content with your own lack of importance, despite how the ego attempts to sabotage that in the face of mortality. Oof. Rambling, long winded, and oddly philosophical in the vaguest of senses. I truly am shameless. How ironic.

Ah, I knew something about the Doctor's "I can't let him die, he's An Important Writer!" thing bothered me a bit, and that's it exactly. Yes, he was influential and everything, but she can't let him die because he's a person, that's all it takes, the same would be true if he was someone history entirely forgot about. Also, I was excited to see Mary Shelley being an awesome super goth weirdo who basically single-handedly invented the entire genre of science fiction when she was still a teenager, and then instead it was a speech about how important her boyfriend was.

Well, I watched this in my apartment...which looks out on Lake Geneva...it was a stormy night...so I kept the curtains closed =:O I loved this ep but I do see your point. It's a bit like the patterns video you made. You definitely can justify it in this instance (the Doctor wasn't there to potentially save the other two) but the fact that it fits into the pattern of killing off the staff is important. I loved the valet in particular. Was very miffed he bought it :( Mostly my reaction was 'Shelley is important but, sheesh, you're labouring the point!'

I haven’t been a fan of Whittaker but I think she’s really found her groove and I love this episode, easily in my top 10 with the likes of heaven sent Ps glad you had fun at gallifrey one, it seemed brilliant!

The unicorn and the wasp reminds me off this because Agatha Christie couldn’t die but it didn’t matter about the man who did.

The doctor being terrified one of them may be turned like happened to a friend not too long ago was amazing.

I'm feeling it really weird this season, like I love these series but the amount of deaths just feels... weird, I don't like how many people have died and I don't know if it's actually more than I remember who being or if thats nostalgia lenses. It does feel hollow to talk about the importance of one life when so many are dying.

I must confess, Yas having a crush on the Doctor probably explains her more recent, reckless behaviour, than the theory about The Master controlling her. Who hasn't done something potentially risky to impress someone you have feelings for?

This ep took elements from an 8th Doctor Big Finish story called The Silver Turk (Mary Shelley/an old battered Cyberman etc), which was a much stronger episode than the one we got on tv.

I had a problem with the Doctor shaming Ryan for the "one for a billion people" when the Doctors made that choice before; in the Zygon Inversion the Doctor made sure to mention he wanted to make sure no one makes that choice, because he already did. Also: hearing the doctor say "I will not lose anyone else" made me feel things

Yeah, there's literally nothing I could add to what you said. This thing is very nearly perfect. I agree with everything that you've said although the overpraising of the author didn't bother me nearly as much as it bothered you :P Whereas I liked Spyfall and The Prisoner of the Judoon because of the characters for the most part, this here was genuinely good as an episode, as a story, it's atmospheric, fairly clever, and it was _such_ a joy to watch! My only nitpick is that Shelly went and picked up something that looked like quicksilver out of the lake.... That sounded so stupid and I don't understand how anyone at that time would think that touching quicksilver is a good idea. Sure, Hg is not poisonous on its own, but it's still best not to touch it.

Loved your take, including (helluva point) no mention of the deaths of “unimportant people.” Don’t miss though some great comments below re Shelley’s serious historical & political importance, there’s that side too. We would be different without him. May I also say, you looked quite lovely at Gally? Had a quick sighting of you rocking a black topcoat 😉 I’m looking forward to your vlog on the past weekend. I heard there were 1800 seats in the ballroom, plus people standing (including me & my daughter.) It was definitely an unforgettable hour, though I had to rewatch with subtitles at home to really get the whole gist. Fabulous episode overall.

Interestingly, voluntary cyberconversion is a callback to the *original* origin of the Cybermen. To survive and thrive the Mondasians voluntarily and gradually replaced everything human about themselves until all that was left was a soulless shell. Forced cyberconversion is terrifying. In some ways, the idea that we would voluntarily walk into that abyss is even more terrifying.

I'm an aspiring author and I still thought that the whole "writer" thing was dumb. Percy Shelley has value as a person, not because of his job.

That is correct. There is a trilogy of stories from Big Finish where Mary Shelley played companion to Paul McGann

That is so fun you got to screen it! That episode was AMAZING!!! It was funny, scary and shocking. I can't wait until next week.

I knew something was off about the Doctor's speech about Shelley, but I could put it into words. Thank you. What happened to '900 years of time and space travel, and I haven't met someone who isn't important'?

9:40 she just meant she knows someone like that. Not that she had a crush on them

Hurray. I'm glad u updated and that u enjoyed ur con

This episode, started off slow and just ramped up to a frenzy, best episode this season, excellent plot superb acting, really moodily shot, and lite, the infinite stair case was radical and of course the Smorgasbord Lone Cyberman. Excellent commentary, Thanks.

I love the moment at the end when Graham asks how the people he saw fit into the picture, and how no one else saw those people. Of course that would happen to him😂. Typical Graham. Loved that moment. Maybe ghosts are real....

I had a similar reaction as you to the Doctor's defence of Shelley's historical importance. The Doctor has always tried to save people because they needed to be saved, not because they were 'important'.

OMG! That was a brilliant episode! Like a mix of Castrovalva, Ghostlight and Earthshock in one episode! And such a great cast! WOW! And, of course, a great review! Thank's! I didn't think about the bit with Percy Shelley until you pointed it out, but you've got a good point there. But hey, wich great episode, except Midnight, hasn't had some small issues that could've easily been fixed?

Fletcher was the Valet. It’s the personal attendant of the male head of the house. Which I only know from watching Downton Abby.

Reflecting on Shelley’s importance and why the Doctor thought that was a valid reason to ensure he should live made me think of Adelaide’s “little people” criticism in ‘The Waters of Mars’. Perhaps we’re seeing some of the Doctor’s mindset from back then show through here? Just a curious little thought to ponder on :)

When I heard that arrogant dandy mention a duel, I flashed back to James T. Kirk and Trelane. And I really liked how you called out the writer of the episode for his self-indulgence about writers.

I loved this. I won't even start talking about what I liked, because I'll be there for hours. 9.5/10

Jodie had major Timelord Victorious vibes. She basically turns round to the companions and humans and says "I'm better you". I love it when The Doctor gets egotistical!

Wow great review (as always) ...I had two of my dearest friends at Gallifrey1 this weekend, they had traveled from Adelaide. Australia! and I almost said to them 'Keep an Eye out for Nathaniel!'....before realizing that you have no idea who the hell They or I are! so...yeah....moving on (Raech was dressed as Romana from City of Death) Back on topic, I really loved this episode! Truly enjoyed it, I loved the Darker more focused Doctor, less about 'hey Fam, we are all cool' and more 'Yeah no, sit your ass down...This is on me, Im in charge'. I also loved the characterizations of the whole cast, the Valet (theres that word you lost)was brilliant in what is essentially a silent role. I Loved the genuine scares, and return to Gothic...Bravo. I enjoyed that this was the first show of the season not written or co written by Chibnell (one gets the feeling his name is there because all the shows need a LOT of re-writing!) so it was that solid, complete and most of all cohesive all on its own! The Companions got great character beats I loved Ryan being the devils advocate..that was Brilliant! but my favorite aspect of the story was one I didn't even realize that I really wanted...and that was to see the Doctor being hit on by a guy..and her shooting him down so beautifully and its LORD BYRON for gods sake....Only Casanova could have been more satisfying! we have seen her disregarded because of her current Gender before...but this was gold! Im glad it was so well done, So im glad it happened in a solid script! your mention of Yaz's gorgeous little scene shocked me...i didn't for one second think it was anyone BUT Ryan.....now Im concerned (I Loathe the whole Rose & Doctor stuff...Im an OLD fan...the idea of the doctor getting touchy with companions is an anathema to me one of the reasons I disregard that season (Tennants 2nd..the one with that woeful 'im burning up a sun' guff)....Im not a fan of 'Dr Bonk'...or that idea in any form) and the idea that that may be a thread they pull..... nope...now Im scared! Please let it be Ryan! Otherwise I loved this episode, It felt like Doctor Who' again.......the last two episodes were impressive but this one was the best of the Whitaker Era (IMO)...Now Im just hopeful Chibnell can stick the landing!

I saw the 50th anniversary special in 3D at my local cinema that was packed FULL of fans, and it was awesome.

I loved this episode! It's side-by-side with The Witchfinders for my favourite Chibnall era episode at the moment. I hadn't thought about the whole "don't kill the writer" moment before, but it is a good point. I'm not sure if there was anything particularly meant by it, but maybe a rewrite of that monologue was due. (Also, as someone who reads/write a lot of whodunits, bumping off the 'servant class' is part and parcel of my fiction intake!)

This episode was SO GOOD. Probably my favorite of Season 12 (so far).

Slow clap for the editing room crew and lighting / cinematography

"One Cyberman, but then thousands. Humans like all of you changed into empty, soulless shells. No feeling, no control, no way back. I will not lose anyone to that!" I had been long looking forward to see how 13 would react to a Cyberman, hopefully a Doctor with an even greater hatred of them, especially after what happened to Bill, and I wasn't disappointed. Quite possibly her best performance as the Doctor, and an all-round phenomenal episode, gotten me hyped for the finale. 9/10 :D

The Cybermen inspired Frankenstein’s creature inspired the Cybermen. That’s why we love Doctor Who.

It was alright. When the Cyberman showed up I really liked it, I got some Dalek vibes off it in that it showed how one alien can be just as scary as an army.

Best episode of the two seasons. Good ideas executed perfectly. I guess I don't really like seeing that much of what's behind the Cyberman helmet? But that's a nitpick.

Those behind the scenes videos Doctor Who does showed Jodie talking about Bill. To weave that into the narrative is heartwarming. Sad for Bill but to acknowledge a pivotal point in the Doctor's life is grand.

I ADORED this episode. I think it’s one of my favourite New Who episodes. My one problem with it was the lack of payoff about the ghosts, but I’m hoping that that’s somehow going to lead into the finale.

Your rant about the show never taking note about the servant class being killed off reminded me of when the blue girl who Rose befriends gets killed in End of the World.

This episode was great, it had a few issues but not enough to make me think any less of it. I loved the setting, the design of the cyberman, the music was creepy af and there were some great scares that got me.... I watched it on the bus and jumped a few times. I also really hope they address the mystery ghosts that Graham, there wasn't any explanation... maybe its the timeless children? But hopefully it's addressed in the next 2 episodes.

Thank you for addressing that issue!

Great Review, thank you! I would love to watch with a room full of Whovians, sadly, I am the only fan in my friend network. I appreciate your take on the Doctors rant. Definitely a writer’s heavy handed input.

Not to mention Shelley isn't going to live much longer anyway lol

Wish I could have gone to Galifrey One, but I was doing a show, and was too busy. Glad you had fun! No, writers are not more important than anyone else. Everyone is important.

Sorry for sounding like a broken record, but I really love Jodie this season.

I agree with you. I 'heard' it a bit differently, as the Doctor using an argument that she thought would work on these people. Maybe. And/or a manifestation of her own fears about whatever-the-hell is going on with Time. But, your point is a valid one.

I never would’ve thought that Yaz and the Doctor would be together, but for me this episode really strengthened that theory

I had my 13th doctor moment in this episode so I am really happy about that, I just hope that it lasts going forward. The episode was my favorite of this season. The cyberman was really well done and well used.

I loved this one. My favourite 13th Doctor episode so far.

The other 2 people were Claire Claremont (Mary Shelley's step-sister - but she wasn't part of the writer's challenge) & Dr. John Polidori, who wrote the 1st modern vampire story as a result of this challenge: Vampyr: A Novel. Although today we'd consider it a novella.