Mummy on the Orient Express Generally Well Received
- An Impressive debut from Jamie Mathieson
- First of two episodes from Mathieson this series, the next being tonight's Flatline
The Reviews
Doctor Who Worldwide (1)
“A friend of mine thinks the same as me here, we think that it would’ve been an amazing plot twist if the Doctor says to Clara everyone’s been saved, but then at the very end of the episode it cuts to the Promised Land and all of them waking up, implying the Doctor only took Perkins and Clara and left the others to die. Make of that what you will. At the very end after all the excitement, Clara is back in the TARDIS with the Doctor, Danny phones her and tells her he thinks she should leave the Doctor, but once they hang up Clara lies and says everything is fine, hoorah, the Doctor/Clara team are back together again. End titles. Again, I get that maybe she has had time to calm down and think about her options, but let’s face it, the Doctor has completely screwed her over, multiple times since she has been a companion. Yet despite her anger before she is suddenly fine and everything is forgotten? Hmm. Anyway, the Mummy On The Orient Express was pretty darn sweet, but with a few kinks to bring it down. I want Perkins back already, and I am now awaiting Clara’s departure. Until next week!”
Doctor Who Worldwide (2)
“This is an impressive debut for Mathiesen and like all the best episodes he is able to cram so much into the space of 45 minutes. The use of the psychic paper as a short cut again proved beneficial and this time with a new twist. We learn here that the gadget works as a combination of the Doctor’s suggestion and the viewer’s perception, so that the captain chooses what he fears the most – the mystery shopper. It is slightly at odds with Listen where the paper failed to convince the security guard as to the truthfulness of its bearers identity at 2 in the morning Not only is the story fantastically self-contained, but it links in to the wider arc and adds to the mix some interesting dialogue around more generic themes such as the role of myth and the reason why were are attracted to those who are difficult and different. The old chestnut about whether the Doctor is pro or anti myth is forcibly crushed as a false dichotomy. The Doctor researches the myths “an awful lot because at times they can be true”… Only four episodes to go in this magical ride that so far has failed to disappoint.”
The Independent
“Clara’s uncertainty is confusing and underlines the shortcomings of her character. One moment she’s ready to leave the Doctor and in the next she wants to see the stars, blaming poor, old boyfriend Danny. Capaldi meanwhile continues to delight with his abrasive Time Lord. The reckless regard for human life is shocking yet refreshing. Don’t get on the wrong side of this Doctor. This week’s episode from Jamie Mathieson is otherwise a delightful outer-space romp with a rather scary Mummy, hence the later start this week to prevent giving children nightmares.”
The Telegraph
“Mummy on the Orient Express was one of those standalone episodes which didn’t particularly contribute to the series’ overall arc. However, it did exploit the relationship between the Doctor and Clara (Jenna Coleman in a flapper dress). She seemed to have forgiven him for the hubris he displayed in last week’s episode and you got the sense that this complex relationship between the ancient traveller and the ordinary schoolteacher with a sense of adventure was reaching a level of compromise. By the end, Clara had been given boyfriend Danny’s blessing to go on further travels. “Now shut up and give me some planets,’ she commanded the Doctor. Here’s hoping that the rumours about Coleman leaving aren’t true. This could just be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Den of Geek
“Also, for a man so set against soldiers, rarely in recent times has the Doctor acted so definitely as one (he encounters another on the ‘train’ too, one suffering the ramifications of warfare). He’s clearly willing to let person after person die, knowing that a few deaths here will save many down the line. Two things about that. Firstly, he’ll never get a part in Star Trek. Secondly, that’s military thinking, isn’t it? Is the Doctor, basically, going to have to display all the traits he hates come whatever Missy has in store at the end of the series? Lots to mull over then, as is increasingly the case with Doctor Who series 8. With regards this week, Mummy On The Orient Express certainly isn’t the best of this run, but given what we’ve seen the past few weeks, that’s far, far from a negative. Director Paul Wilmshurst once more brings terrific pace and staging to his direction, whilst Jamie Mathieson’s first Who script has lots going on too. Mind you, his next one, for Flatline in seven days’ time, shows real promise too. Who’s betting that one tears the Doctor and Clara apart again?”
SFX
“‘Mummy On The Orient Express’ isn’t a clunker. Impressively mounted, it features an effective monster, a decent midway-point twist, and some great gags (both verbal and visual – you’ve gotta love the Doctor’s cigarette case full of jelly babies). But as a first stab at Who by the talented Jamie Mathieson – the man behind so many strong episodes of Being Human – it’s a bit of a letdown. If it’s monster-loose-on-a-steam-train carnage you’re after, you’re probably better off watching 1972 film Horror Express. It’s mental, and it’s got Telly Savalas in it.”
I just loved that episode by @Jamti For me it was the best one this season. Looking forward to next week.
— Nicola Bryant (@thenicolabryant) October 11, 2014
They should get @Jamti back to write another episode ASAP.
— Jonny Morris (@jonnymorris1973) October 11, 2014
That was BLOODY BRILLIANT. #DoctorWho
— Nev Fountain (@Nevfountain) October 11, 2014
That was cracking. Really scary monster! #DoctorWho
— Gareth Roberts (@OldRoberts953) October 11, 2014
Thought that was triffic, btw. #DoctorWho
— Una McCormack (@unamccormack) October 11, 2014
@Jamti SMASHED IT!!!!! That was bloody ACE
— Frank Cottrell-Boyce (@frankcottrell_b) October 11, 2014
You Said
“Much more enjoyable than I expected if I’m honest!! It’s been said that the “malfunctioning tech” has been done enough, but this worked nicely and was effective in looks and storytelling. The “soldier” element will clearly play into the overall series arc, but I liked that it wasn’t directly called on in that way.” Horace and the Spider, Forums
“I thought it was fantastic. Good idea for an episode, plus it was different. That’s what I like about this series. Every episode has their own unique story and atmosohere. Peter capaldi is excellent! Yes, I understand people think it’s crap, but that’s just because of the dramatic change of atmosphere,darkness and writer. When David Tennant first came on, everyone pointed Doctor Who to have gone crap and then after a year or so, it was considered excellent.
Give the new series a chance. It could turn out to be the best yet! You never know!” - Dan McKenna, Facebook
“Loved it. Each episode is so intricate and unique, a masterpiece. It’s as if Peter Capaldi has been the Doctor forever; he fits the role so brilliantly and his acting is near flawless. I’m not much of a Clara fan, but I love the relationship they have - the Doctor being the fatherly figure rather than the love interest as in previous seasons. He teaches her things, takes her places and (although he doesn’t show or say it) loves her like a daughter. Also, the jelly babies is a nice touch.” - Chloe Dodd, Facebook
“I think Peter Capaldi is a cracking Dr Who! At the end of the episode, he gives us a smile to melt even the toughest of hearts! He is making the character his own, like others before him, and this episode was a perfect vehicle to do so (no pun intended!). Some lovely touches like the jelly babies, the flamboyant bow tie, and the wonderful guest appearance of Frank Skinner make me impatient for next week’s episode!! Bring it on!!” - Maria Lawrence, Facebook
That is, bar none, the best mummy I have even seen on film. #DoctorWho
— Andrew Ellard (@ellardent) October 11, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide Best episode of the season so far. Peter Capaldi, showed what an superb actor he is. Excellent from start to finish
— Martin Fahey (@mfahey79) October 11, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide I thought it was the best of the series so far. Marvellous acting, a seriously creepy monster & a great atmosphere.
— David Cann (@drwhofan_194) October 11, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide that was just a bit good wasn't it? Some serious Tom Baker being channelled there. Great for for the mummy too.
— Barry Roberts (@silentbazz) October 11, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide Was expecting mediocrity, got near greatness. Great 1st ep for a new writer, and loved Capaldi's softening at the end.
— John Lamm (@JohnLammTX) October 11, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide Loved it, very enjoyable and the mummy was scary! And OMG the moment when the kitchen crew were on space, so creepy.
— Zakk Williams (@ZakkVanBurace) October 11, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide Here's one. It was kind-numbingly boring, tedious, with appalling CGI, no atmosphere, and an increasingly unlikeable Doctor.
— Hamfisted Bun Vendor (@MetalOllie) October 11, 2014
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