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**Review of "Before the Flood"**
*"Before the Flood"*, the second part of the underwater ghost story arc, skillfully raises the stakes while delving into the Doctor's moral
and scientific dilemmas. Written by Toby Whithouse, this episode blends high-concept ideas, strong character work,
and emotional beats, though not without minor missteps.
The episode begins with an inventive breaking of the fourth wall, where the Doctor (Peter Capaldi) explains the "bootstrap paradox," setting up the temporal loop at the story's heart. Capaldi shines in these moments,
delivering the speech with a mixture of charm and gravitas. This metafictional introduction also emphasises the show's exploration of time as a narrative device, cleverly foreshadowing the resolution.
The narrative alternates between past and present, offering insights into the mysterious Fisher King and the events leading to the creation of the ghosts. The Fisher King, portrayed with chilling menace, adds a classic monster element, though its limited screen time and lack of depth feel like a missed opportunity. Its imposing design and eerie voice (voiced by Peter
Serafinowicz, with a roar provided by Slipknot's Corey Taylor) enhance its presence but fail to make it a truly memorable villain.
The episode's core strength lies in its characters. Clara (Jenna Coleman) grapples with her growing dependence on the Doctor, particularly when
separated from him. Her dynamic with Cass (Sophie Stone) continues to evolve, showcasing mutual respect and resourcefulness. Cass's standout moment-sensing danger through vibrations-highlights her agency and clever use of her deafness as a strength. Lunn (Zaqi Ismail) also grows into a more significant role,
with his quiet bravery shining through.
The resolution, involving the Doctor's clever manipulation of events to ensure his survival, ties neatly into the bootstrap paradox. While satisfying from a narrative perspective, it leans heavily on exposition, potentially alienating viewers expecting a more action-oriented conclusion. The paradox itself is a fascinating concept but may feel convoluted to some,
given its abstract nature.
Director Daniel O'Hara maintains the tense, atmospheric tone established in *Under the Lake*. The eerie underwater base and haunting visuals of the ghosts continue to impress. Murray Gold's music, especially the rock-inspired opening piece, adds flair, though it occasionally feels mismatched with
the episode's somber mood.
Thematically, the episode explores sacrifice, leadership, and the complexities of time travel. The Doctor's manipulation of his ghost hologram raises questions about his moral boundaries, adding depth to his character
while reflecting his darker edges.
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**Final Rating: 85/100**
*"Before the Flood"* delivers a clever and atmospheric conclusion to the two-parter, with strong performances and thought-provoking themes. While some elements, like the Fisher King, feel underdeveloped, its exploration of time paradoxes and character dynamics solidifies its place as a memorable episode.
For the full script, visit
<A href="
http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/35-4.htm"> (
http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/35-4.htm)</a>.
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