© BBC Pictures
After last week’s madcap mayhem with Missy and devious deceptions involving Davros our team are off to the Highlands. In a seemingly deserted subaquatic base in Caithness circa 2119, to be specific, which is where the TARDIS has decided the Doctor is supposed to be, rather than the more daring chasing monsters and looking for things to ‘blow up’ on alien planets that Clara craves.
There’s rather more going on than first meets the eye however, this is no ordinary underwater scientific post. There’s an alien space ship lying in its dock, ghosts haunt its labyrinth of corridors, and the crew are under attack. You may have noticed the Star Trek themed mural on the wall in the dining room in one of the sneak peeks (and there are other Easter Eggs you may spot too), so it won’t come as a surprise that some of the guest stars are fated to become Redshirts. Although being dead in this tale isn’t necessarily the end of your story, which is something Moran (Colin McFarlane), the base’s commanding officer, discovers early on.
Under the Lake and
Before the Flood brings together director Daniel O’Hara and writer Toby Whithouse, who have built up a successful working relationship together after collaborating on Whithouse’s shows The Game and Being Human. Although the episode takes place in a fairly confined structure - complete with reused corridors for characters to run down, of course - between them they have created an adventure that quickly pulls you into the action. Murry Gold’s music too is a real stand-out this week, ramping up the scary moments and sense of urgency at times to a point that some of the very youngest viewers may find it a tad nerve-racking in places.
There are a few niggles I have with the episodes, though most of my issues come with the follow up next week rather than this one admittedly. Some scenes or lines are played for a quick gag, most of which are funny, though aren’t always necessary or perhaps needed from a character prospective. The one that really didn't work for me however is when one of the characters from the 22nd century referenced a film from 2012 in order to describe the situation they are in. Another problem is one I think comes up whenever you have to accommodate a large cast; giving each role enough screen time in order to make them a well-rounded and individual person, opposed to a stock good/bad guy is a difficult task.
These minor gripes don’t outweigh the positives by any means though, there’s a lot to enjoy in
Under the Lake and it has some cracking traditional Doctor Who moments in it. Peter and Jenna are on fire, they make such a fantastic TARDIS coupling and bounce of each other brilliantly. Having a deaf actress, Sophie Stone, playing a leading role and using the abilities she has as part of the plot so seamlessly is a huge boon for the show. I was also pleased to see that the sonic sunglasses have a use beyond just being a new bit of kit or costume for the Doctor.
Under the Lake airs on Saturday 3rd October at 8.25pm 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.
“We’re meant to be in day mode. You shouldn’t be here”
“There’s something in the space ship, I saw it!”
“She says she can’t see them properly, the glass is too thick and they’re too far away”
“You trust me don’t you Clara?”
“Wait a second; you just raved about ghosts like a kid who had too much sherbet”
“I’d love to work for UNIT, first line of defence and all. Yeah, I’m probably not suited though. Not much of a fighter, more of a bleeder”
“Oh god, it saw me. It’s coming through. It’s coming through the door”
“Visual scans in situ reveal nothing. So we have brought the craft on-board, and myself and the crew will now investigate”
“Which is why they sent for that rescue sub”
“It’s ok, I understand. You’re an idiot” The Doctor to ?
Trailer Teaser
“So who’s next?”
About the Author - Sandi
Sandi is part of the Senior Staff at SpoilerTV having been a contributor from back in the Lost days of DarkUFO, and who now writes previews for Banshee, The Musketeers, Poldark, and other BBC shows. She also enjoys watching and commenting on other shows such as Reign, Orphan Black, Game of Thrones and The Flash.
