Doctor Who: "The Zygon Inversion" Review

"The Zygon Inversion" concludes the Zygon two-parter...

*Spoilers Ahead*

Honestly, the first 30 minutes of "The Zygon Inversion" is relatively forgettable. Aside from the fun chemistry between Osgood and the Doctor and Clara’s excellent scene, it ultimately just a series of plot points to move the characters into position for the final act without much impact.

After Osgood's introduction, many wanted to see her as the new companion, and while I did not see it then, I certainly see it now, because Ingrid Oliver is quite good as Osgood. She is witty yet seems intelligent and knowledgeable. Even though I doubt she will become a permanent companion, there should at least be one story where she accompanies the Doctor on his travels. Actually, if you consider the previous story, people turning down the Doctor’s invitation to join him is becoming a trend, which leads me to believe that it will impact Clara's eventual departure. How will it impact it? Only the writers know. 

Ultimately, the entire story is about the final speech by the Doctor as he tries to "talk down" either party from starting a war that would kill millions. The speech, while grandiose, seems to lose focus at points. However, as whole, it is a rather impressive speech with gravity thanks to Capaldi's excellent performance.

What impressed me more than anything was Jenna Coleman's performance as the Zygon because it exceptional. Coleman even played off of herself with such a convincing difference between the two performances that I forgot that the entire scene is ultimately Coleman talking to herself. She truly impressed during the entire performance; excellent work! Maybe she will have the chance to play a villain in some other TV show or movie.

Even though it is a one-off line, the Doctor's name is "Basil." Really? That's his name. After more than 50 years of secrecy, we learn his is Basil. Is the Doctor lying or is that really his name. If so, it was said in the most nonchalant way possible. But honestly, it probably is not his name. I wonder if it is a callback to Basil Rathbone, notable for playing Sherlock Holmes in the 30s and early 40s. 

Despite being an above average episode, and the only "Part-Two" to be definitely better than part-one this season, "The Zygon Inversion" only had four points of interest, the speech, Osgood, the Doctor's name, and Coleman's performance. Other than that, there is not much else to talk about.

Overall: 7.9/10- Thanks to several strong performances and a memorable speech by the Doctor, The Zygon Inversion makes up for the lackluster first part, even if the overall product is still less than amazing.

Episode Reviews:

• "Under the Lake"
• "The Witch's Familiar"
• "The Magician's Apprentice"
• "Before the Flood"
• "The Girl Who Died"
• "The Woman Who Lived"
• "The Zygon Invasion"

Other Reviews:

• Child of the 70s Review

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