Reviews
Doctor Who Worldwide
Mathieson does some interesting things with the TARDIS here, in particular the safe mode, a 3 dimensional equivalent of Windows Safe Mode. Seeing the TARDIS in a form other than a police box makes it as unfamiliar to us as the situation is to the Doctor. The circular Gallifreyan symbols are nicely in keeping with those seen for instance in The End Of Time, but otherwise this is completely new to the viewer and just as the Doctor is excited by facing the unknown, so too the long-termers are excited to see something we have never encountered before about the TARDIS.
From the outset however, it is something of a throwback to Tom Baker and Pat Troughton’s eras when the TARDIS acts all iffy and materialises 120 miles off course. In recent years the Doctor has been a much better pilot, Twelve will blame it on the TARDIS malfunctioning or the alien influence but in reality perhaps he simply gets it wrong from time to time. Overall this mixing of the nostalgic with the new when it comes to the TARDIS is characteristic of the episode as a whole. More like the classic series than any other post 2005 story and yet quite radical in its reversal of roles for Clara and the Doctor
The Independent
Peter Capaldi gives another fabulous performance from inside the tiny Tardis. Even when he takes a backseat, he remains incredibly entertaining. This reviewer wonders whether he could have a new companion every week rather than just sticking to one? Jamie Mathieson is again on writing duties. Compared to last week’s period drama Mummy adventure, ‘Flatline’ is the stronger of the two stories. The concept is original and he gives a memorable twist to the usual Doctor Who alien invasions.
The Telegraph
The script once again fizzed with knowing playfulness, as writer Jamie Mathieson had fun with the role reversal. “You really do throw your companions in at the deep end,” the Doctor admonished Clara. He announced himself as “the man that stops the monsters” and called community service workers in hi-vis vests “fluorescent pudding brains”. The disorientating spatial tricks recalled cult Sixties series like The Prisoner and The Avengers, not to mention vintage-era Who. There were nods to the Alien films, The Taking Of Pelham 123 and the zombie genre. Capaldi donned a pair of Ichabod Crane-esque steampunk spectacles and “Addams Family-ed” the Tardis by scampering with his fingers like Thing. The special effects recalled everything from Predator to Terminator 2, via Aha’s Take On Me video. Flatline was full of outlandishly original ideas, smartly executed. It was thrillingly unsettling and ultimately satisfying. Your move, Mr Cottrell Boyce.
Forbes
‘Flatline’ wraps up all these ideas in what is one of the most visually stunning episodes of the series, from a shrinking TARDIS and the introduction of the TWODIS, to a genuinely inventive monster with a unique look on screen. There are moments of body horror thrown into the mix, but the real horror is not generated by the protagonists from another dimension, it is the transformation of Clara that should be focused on. She is tapping into some very dark areas of her psyche, she is relishing the adventure and the challenge, she is becoming immune to the suffering and death of others, all in pursuit of ‘the adventure’.
SFX
If last week’s mummy murder mystery marked Jamie Mathieson as a Who writer to watch, “Flatline” cements the former Being Human man as one of the show’s brightest new talents. Initial worries that the story sounded startlingly similar to notorious Tenant-era clunker “Fear Her” prove unfounded, it’s an episode brimming with brilliant ideas, madcap concepts and moments of outlandish invention.
Den of Geek
The sheer ambition of Flatline, though, is going to take some matching. One or two bits perhaps don’t quite fit as well as others, but it gets an awful lot right. There’s a skilful balance of humour (“the Two-dis” might just be our favourite comedy line of the series) and horror, a corking rant from Peter Capaldi at the end that should happily make any future invading creatures think twice, and a visual style to the monsters that feels different, and hugely impressive. Congratulations to all concerned. Let the Missy speculation begin in earnest. And Mr Moffat: how about getting Mr Mathieson back on board for series 9?
Personalities Reaction
That was magnificent! Lovely to see Chris Fairbank. #DoctorWho
— Gareth Roberts (@OldRoberts953) October 18, 2014
First one in years to scare my teenager @Jamti - well done! #doctorwho
— Daniel Blythe (@danblythewriter) October 18, 2014
@jamti does brilliance again
— Frank Cottrell-Boyce (@frankcottrell_b) October 18, 2014
Woo Who ! tonight ep of DW Terrific ! Loved the Banksy feel to the monsters in the wall ! Xx
— KatyManning Official (@ManningOfficial) October 18, 2014
Another excellent #doctorwho from Jamie Mathieson. Full review tomorrow but for now a full 3D thumbs up
— Simon Forward (@prefect4d) October 18, 2014
Your Thoughts
“yes best episode yet Clara was less annoying and I think he is getting to grips with the role more, looks good for the future. I would like to see either a male companion next or a pair male and female just to get away from the “special girl” scenario” - Janet Dunn, Facebook
“Scary but riviting. Very clever and the ” thing” alike was very funny yet breath holding scary., Loved it, every second of it and the other episodes. Fantastic series and brilliant Dr Who. Clara is also really great.” - Margaret Manby, Facebook
“Rubbish episode… Clara Who… I am starting a rumour that Capaldi is sick and can’t spend time filming episodes. Can we expect a Clara spin-off next session with Moffat writing all episodes?” - Grant Chapman, Facebook
@DrWhoWorldwide Another phenomenal episode by Jamie Mathieson. Reminiscent of 'Fear Her' what with all the 2D monsters (only this was good).
— Jamie Kerr (@jamiealexkerr) October 18, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide I absolutely loved it. It even surpassed last weeks ep!! Scary, funny and original. Everything you want it to be.
— Fan of David Paisley (@KarenKts11) October 18, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide great! And the finest West Country accents since Planet of the Spiders.
— Andrew Shaw (@NewsWalrus) October 18, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide Great Episode, lived up to it's high concept. Chilling monsters And stellar performances from both Capaldi and Coleman.
— Martin Fahey (@mfahey79) October 18, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide Clara Who was quite good, though the resolution (bloody sonic screwdriver) was pathetically lazy writing.
— Hamfisted Bun Vendor (@MetalOllie) October 18, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide Some cool ideas and striking visuals. Seemed a bit unsure of itself in tone. Strong supporting cast; regulars sublime.
— Phil Pagett (@Phil_Pagett) October 18, 2014
@DrWhoWorldwide Wow! Doctor Who has suddenly found a whole new set of dimensions to delight, intrigue and entertain. Simply fantastic!
— Neil Avery (@veryalien) October 18, 2014
Latest News
