Doctor Who: The Woman Who Fell to Earth Review

Jodie Whittaker's timelord debut attracts the shows highest viewing figures in a decade, in a cinematically entertaining episode, full of sci-fi spectacle and family humour

Jodie Whittaker as the thirteenth Doctor in 'Doctor Who' (BBC)

by Jack Linsdell

On Sunday night, the BBC unveiled the first episode of the thirteenth incarnation of the timelord, which kickstarted series 11 with a two-parter from former Broadchurch scribe, and now leading showrunner (head writer and executive producer) Chris Chibnall. Indeed, after many believed the previous doctor (my personal favourite and the real reason I watched the series full-time if I'm honest) Peter Capaldi had peaked before his third and final series (series 10), fans have been eagerly awaiting Whittaker's incarnation to start.

Now, it's clear that the prospects for series 11 and the new doctor are excellent, with the opening episode - The Woman Who Fell to Earth - attracting the series' biggest launch in a decade and it's largest overnight audience in five years, with 8.2 million viewers tuning in (around 40% of the whole TV viewing audience for that night) - an impressive figure by any feat. Now, let's be realistic. Some of that figure was general audience curiosity - something which surrounds every Doctor Who launch - and this time this figure was inflated further by the fact that Whittaker is the series' first female incarnation, marking a milestone in TV drama. However, even knowing that the figure will drop a little for episode two, these figures are still extremely impressive and indicate a - thus far - positive reception to not only Whittaker's incarnation but to a female doctor as well.

Although I was a big fan of Capaldi's doctor, being a massive James Bond fan also I am well used to the character being constantly rebooted with a different actor, and understand that given time I will adapt to the new style/actor. And, I have to admit, my first impressions are hopeful. 

Firstly, the new series looks visually stunning - shot with new anaphoric lenses (for those that don't know: these allow wider range of aspect ratios to fit within the standard frame), the series has a cinematic look which resembles the quality of any movie you'd see at your local cinema. This upgrade adds an extra draw to the series as people can stay at home and experience the same (visual) quality they would in a cinema. For a science-fiction series, this choice is excellent, with the night scenes in particular adding more 'atmosphere' to the episode. With this, the types of shots utilised within the episode are more in-line with the production values acquitted by a feature-film director (for example the swooping shots of the characters on the hill at the beginning are a masterclass) and really lifts the visual quality of the series.

Narrative wise, although I found the story a touch predictable in places and noted the humour not quite hitting the mark in the same way the dynamic between Capaldi and Matt Lucas did in the previous series for me, I do think Chibnall did a decent job at establishing Whittaker's timelord, with excellent characterisation, believable (and very real-world and normal) sidekicks with their own problems and a plot that, at times, was tense and stirred up intrigue at where the second part will go next. The story about one Alien coming to earth to hunt for a human target to claim as a trophy and take back home to their planet, was simple and low-key enough to be believable than the whole "Alien's are taking over the world, again" trope that always loses me when introduced - which is another win for Chibnall and all involved. As many have commented before, there isn't too much given away (probably to increase discussion as audiences have no idea what's happening yet) with no opening titles, only a tease of the new theme and no Tardis, yet. However, it's commendable that Chibnall keeps most of the cards to his chest and yet still crafts an entertaining debut episode, which by far wasn't poor by any extent.

Whittaker's performance as the doctor was well-judged, natural and in-keeping with the continuity and character of Capaldi's incarnation. She balanced humour, physicality and emotion from scene to scene, stealing the screens. Although, at times a little reserved, I'm expecting her confidence to grow as the series progresses and the role becomes more comfortable for her. And, in terms of the whole "woman are equally as strong both emotionally and physically as men" thing, the episode was excellent at giving audiences a well-told female hero to save the planet from Alien invasion. She shows vulnerability (struggling to control the Alien's actions at points) but also bravery, both emotionally (standing in front of her new 'gang' and arguing man-kinds case with the Alien) and physically (jumping from one crane to another in mid-air was a badass move!). Therefore, in terms of a female hero - the series is off to a flying start.

Lastly, a word on the new 'gang' or sidekicks - namely played by Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill - who I still think we're yet to see really come into their own. The dynamic between all four was, in many moments, reminiscent of the whole "a strong team can battle anything" mantra which is nice to see in modern-day entertainment still. However, I'm yet to invest in their characters and whole team relationship, which is something I hope/expect to change in the coming episodes - but for an debut episode which had so much to establish and do, I can give Chibnall and all involved the benefit of the doubt.

Overall, Doctor Who looks to be in safe hands under its new regime, proving popular both critically and commercially (viewing figures wise) and delivering quality Sunday night entertainment and sci-fi spectacle, whilst breathing fresh air into a long-standing and well loved series. I look forward to the next episode. As ever, let's watch this space. 

4/5 STARS