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**Review of "Sleep No More"**

*"Sleep No More"* is one of the most experimental and divisive episodes
of *Doctor Who*. Written by Mark Gatiss, the story breaks from the traditional narrative structure, employing a found-footage format and introducing a meta-commentary element. While its ambition is commendable, the execution struggles to balance creativity with clarity.

The premise revolves around the Morpheus machine, a device designed to eliminate the need for sleep, but which inadvertently spawns dangerous creatures known as the Sandmen. The concept is both intriguing and unnerving, drawing on primal fears about sleep deprivation and its consequences. The horror potential is immense, and the claustrophobic setting aboard
Le Verrier Space Station enhances the tension.

However, the execution is hampered by muddled storytelling. The found-footage style is inconsistently applied, with camera angles and edits that undermine the logic of the format. While this style adds an unsettling atmosphere,
it sacrifices coherence and immersion. The Sandmen themselves, though conceptually terrifying, are underwhelming in appearance,
which diminishes their impact as antagonists.

Reece Shearsmith delivers a solid performance as Rassmussen, the morally ambiguous scientist whose narration drives the plot. His character's
sinister undertones and the final twist, revealing his complicity in
the events, are chilling highlights. The twist-ending, where Rassmussen's message is revealed to be a trap, is bold but divisive. While it challenges conventional resolutions, it leaves many viewers unsatisfied due
to its abruptness and lack of closure.

The Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and Clara (Jenna Coleman) feel somewhat sidelined
in this episode. Their dynamic, usually a highlight, is overshadowed by the unconventional narrative structure. Clara, in particular, is given little to do, which feels like a missed opportunity considering her impending departure from the series.

Thematically, the episode grapples with humanity's drive for efficiency at the expense of natural processes. This critique of technological overreach and the consequences of disrupting biological rhythms is compelling but underexplored amidst the chaotic plot.

In summary, *"Sleep No More"* is a bold but flawed experiment. Its ambition to push storytelling boundaries is laudable, but the uneven execution and lack of resolution leave it feeling incomplete. While it succeeds in moments of atmosphere and thematic depth, the episode ultimately falls short
of its potential.

**Rating: 68/100**
For all its ambition, *"Sleep No More"* struggles to balance innovation with clarity, resulting in a polarising episode that fascinates as much as it frustrates.
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