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 From: doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca 
  
 "The Bells of Saint John" is a mixed bag, and opinions on it vary quite a 
 bit. 
 Here's a breakdown of common points and my own rating: 
  
 **What people tend to like:** 
  
 *   **Modern setting and concept:** The episode tackles the very 
 contemporary 
 idea of the internet and Wi-Fi being used for sinister purposes. 
 This felt fresh and relevant at the time. 
  
 *   **Pacing and action:** The episode moves along at a good pace, with some 
 exciting sequences, particularly the motorbike chase 
 and the TARDIS appearing inside the plane. 
  
 *   **Clara's re-introduction:** While some find it a bit repetitive, this 
 episode serves as a more grounded introduction to Clara as a modern-day 
 character, after her previous appearances as Oswin and Victorian Clara. 
  
 **What people tend to dislike:** 
  
 *   **Weak plot:** The actual plot involving the Spoonheads 
 and the Great Intelligence's plan is considered rather thin 
 and underdeveloped. The motivations and the execution 
 of the villain's scheme aren't particularly strong. 
  
 *   **Repetitive Clara introductions:** This is Clara's third introduction 
 in 
 a relatively short time, which some viewers found frustrating. 
  
 *   **Underuse of the Great Intelligence:** The Great Intelligence, 
 a returning villain, feels somewhat tacked on and doesn't have 
 a significant impact on the story. 
  
 **My rating and thoughts:** 
  
 I'd give "The Bells of Saint John" a **6/10**. It's an enjoyable 
 enough episode with some fun moments and a good pace. The modern 
 setting and the exploration of technology are interesting. However, 
 the weak plot and the somewhat unnecessary re-introduction of Clara 
 hold it back. It feels like a missed opportunity to do something 
 more substantial with the Great Intelligence. 
  
 Ultimately, "The Bells of Saint John" is a decent but unremarkable 
 episode of Doctor Who. It's not one of the best, but it's not one 
 of the worst either. It serves its purpose in re-introducing Clara 
 and setting up some plot threads for the rest of the series, 
 but it's not particularly memorable in its own right. 
  
 -- 
 Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca 
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