[ZeoRangerV]

Looks like another week of being in the minority as the world seems to be in universal praise of this episode, while I found it pretty average. The direction and general atmosphere were superb, but the story kind of felt all over the place and left a whole lot of unanswered questions even with the "twist" at the end.

And on that twist - I really didn't like it. I've just come out a long "discussion" with my fan-of-the-series-through-the-reboot girlfriend about how modern audiences are more demanding of glimpses into the Doctor's backstory, but it never seems to sit well with me right. I enjoy the Doctor as this complete enigma, and we've had more insight and revelations in Moffat's few years as show runner than we have in the entire show's run before. Afraid of the dark is fine, but not so much the sleeping in a barn or expected to become a soldier thing - I'm obviously very traditional in that respect.

That said, if it was a Tennant/Smith episode I'm sure I'd have outright hated it. Capaldi's Doctor was perfect for this episode, and combined with last week it just shows how perfect he is for all aspects of the character. Even if I found the Doctor looking for trouble and willingness to frighten/torment someone for the sake of his curiousity a little harder to wrap my head around this week. Not necessarily complaining, just an observation