As I mentioned last week it’s been some time since we’ve had a two part episode, and there’s no denying that Steven Moffat has taken full advantage of the opportunities this affords him in the opening story this season. The sheer scale of part one saw us returning to far flung planets, visiting old faces and learning past secrets before our characters were tricked into landing on Skaro, and then of course, the cliffhanger that sparks debate over the next seven days.
Just as Missy and Clara’s uneasy alliance was the highlight for me last week, it is another frenemy partnership that steals the show in The Witch’s Familiar. Trapped alone in a room with one of his oldest enemies, with none of his trusty gadgets or sidekicks to rely on, things really couldn’t be more desperate. Yet the two adversaries find that they have more in common than either believed during the time they spend together as Davros’ life slowly ebbs away.
When it comes to the meaning behind the ambiguous titles of these two episodes, there are few lines in The Magician’s Apprentice that indicate who may be whom, though it’s much clearer by the end of this week I think. However, I am a little torn over a potential double meaning with this instalment. I like both possibilities equally, even if it does bend the rules of grammar somewhat in order for it to work.
The Witch’s Familiar airs on Saturday 26th September at 7.45pm on BBC 1 and BBC 1 HD in the UK, and at 9pm on BBC America. Below are a few dialogue teasers to see you through until then, if you want to have any guesses on who said what I will fill in any correct answers before the episode airs. Don't forget to come back to vote in our poll after the episode and let us know what you thought.
“I’m not sure any of that matters; friends, enemies”
“Can I just say that it’s been an absolute pleasure to finally meet you”
“I hope you are grateful, it wasn’t easy to procure. And very nearly unique, of course”
“Listen to that, the Doctor without hope”
“Gave it up, bad memories”
“A man should have a race. A people, an allegiance. A man should belong”
“Admit it; you’ve all had this exact nightmare”
“Clara Oswald is not alive”
“Doesn’t matter which face he was wearing, they’re all the Doctor to me. So let’s give us the eyebrows”
“Is this the conscience of the Doctor, or his shame?”
Trailer Teaser
“It’s impossible. I hate it. It’s evil. It’s astonishing.”
