Doctor Who - Listen Review

This is one of those times when I have absolutely no idea where to start. Well, OK. I will start by warning anybody who hasn't seen the episode yet not to read this. You really need to experience it without me spoiling anything.

Moffat's best episodes have always played on our most basic fears - this episode was, in effect, a "greatest hits" episode - but of course, it wasn't. That was what made it so beautifully, refreshingly different. Moffat literally made fear itself the only monster in Doctor Who to ever be real.

This episode brought many things full circle, including the episode's story, the characters' stories and the very purpose of the show itself. Moffat did some very clever writing here - providing something scary and then an explanation in the style of his previous episodes. Something that seems rational, but that nobody believes. This time, in the first of many twists, it was that disbelief that became the monster itself.

Now, let's talk about THAT scene. I have to admit, I kind of saw it coming. This was because of a less than careful "spoiler free" review that I read, stating that there was a scene "steeped in Who lore" that may cause outrage. I then guessed, as Clara made the mistake of going back through Danny's timeline, that she may do the same with the Doctor - which she did. The only other thing that briefly popped into my mind was that that barn looked familiar, but I didn't really think about it properly, so the massive twisty ending still made a massive impact. But who could have seen THAT coming? Moffat had so carefully created his story that with one move - Clara grabbing the Doctor's ankle - everything changed. I literally could not believe what I was seeing. Clara became the Doctor's reason to be good. My whole family looked at each other, I felt like applauding and I think my dad actually did...

The direction and music worked perfectly together to create tension and, indeed, the illusion that our fears might be real.

Now let's talk about my niggles. Insert blank space here. Not only can I not find anything wrong with this episode but I can also say that this episode has eliminated any previous concerns I had for the show. The length was perfect, and the story showed that the show can be self contained and yet still have meaning to its audience without being self aware.

Bravo Moffat - you have surpassed yourself, which is no mean feat.

10/10

Next week the Doctor robs the most protected bank in the universe.