[initial reactions] Doctor Who 12x01 - Spyfall, Part One

[grimorie]

Series 11, all about taking the slow road, gently taking the new audience by the hand and slowly bringing everyone into the fold.

Series 12:

Lore.

Drop.

Honestly, I’m still shaken by the reveal and I know it’s bound to be confusing to new folks, part two is going to be proof in the pudding at how well Chibnall seals things.

But my god was that amazing. Were there still clunky parts, sure but hell it was damned fun. They had so much fun leaning into all the spy fi cliches including the use of the real ‘C’.

Or is it?

From here on out I am not trusting anything.

Also, it’s going to be so much fun rewatching and seeing the subtle clues. Plus, confirmation that Thirteen’s been dodging questions about herself and the Master coming in like a wrecking ball destroying all of that, thus pushing everything forward and the team asking in earnest, ‘Who the hell are you? And where the hell you’re from?’

The Doctor’s had a rest from her usual drama but now with the Dalek and the Master coming in to play, that is well and truly over.

Like I can’t think of anything else but that masterful (eh!) revelation. The question is, if this Master is this universe’s Master? After all, this is the multiverse now, if the multiple Earth thing is considered. Also because I just listened to the Audio where the Third Doctor didn’t get to Earth until 90s and the Master was Gatiss!Master and right now in the audios, there was an alt!Master vs War Master audio.

I also wondered why Big Finish Audios had free reign with Missy – because there’s a new Master in town! And I recognize the actor for the new Master, he played Waris Hussein, Doctor Who’s first ever director!

It seems like the new Master is playing more in the Ainley/John Simm!Master wheelhouses and it’s so fascinating to watch. Also the reveal when the Doctor finally caught on. Like, damn. The Master wanted to expose himself as fast as possible and they’ve been texting. Killing each other is their texting and since O can’t reveal himself yet, he resorted to literal texting!

I can’t wait how the next discussion between the team and the Doctor go: ‘Hey, fam, meet my ex oldest friend.’

The Team: ‘He tried to kill you.’

‘Yup.’

The Doctor left a message to the Master, saying 'kisses'. HAH!

Also, I should have known that something was up the moment Thirteen repeated Missy’s lines!

I love that we had more Yaz and that moment between Ryan and Yaz, and Yaz being truly shaken.

Is it January 5/6 yet????

Comments

[eve11]

oooh, when did Thirteen repeat Missy's line?

[grimorie]

It's just a small thing, when C thought Graham was the Doctor and Thirteen suddenly pops out of nowhere (she's so tiny!) and sad 'I've had an upgrade!' and I had a moment of - Oh hey, Missy said that. I thought it was just a funny call back.

BUT OF COURSE IT WASN'T JUST A CALL BACK.

[justphoenix]

I just have to say about that reveal AAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Interesting idea about the multiple Earths. I’d love to see it.

[grimorie]

Yes, I am really really intrigued about this whole multiple Earths business!

[aurumcalendula]

I really enjoyed how spy fi/ Bond film it was! The Master works well as a Bond villain! I can't wait until next week!

Random thought - I know Vor means thief in Russian (because of the Vorkosigan saga), I wonder if that was intentionally done w/r/t the company name?

[grimorie]

The Master does work as a Bond villain!

And interesting stuff, I didn't know that is what Vor means in English or that's actually a Russian word! Thank you for sharing!