XPost: rec.arts.drwho, uk.media.tv.sf.drwho, rec.arts.tv 
 XPost: rec.arts.sf.tv 
 From: doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca 
  
 eview of "The Witch's Familiar"** 
  
 *"The Witch's Familiar"*, the second part of the Season 9 opener, builds 
 upon 
 the tension and themes established in *"The Magician's Apprentice"*. Written 
 by Steven Moffat, this episode delves deeper into the complex relationship 
 between the Doctor and Davros, while continuing to explore moral ambiguity, 
  manipulation, and the enduring theme of mercy. 
  
  The episode opens with the Doctor and Davros locked in a deeply personal 
  confrontation. The core of the narrative hinges on their philosophical 
  debate, which balances moments of genuine poignancy and underlying 
 deception. 
  Julian Bleach's performance as Davros is particularly striking-he portrays 
  the Dalek creator as frail yet manipulative, offering moments of 
 vulnerability 
  that feel authentic. His interplay with Peter Capaldi is the highlight 
  of the episode, showcasing the rich complexity of their decades-long 
 enmity. 
  
  Capaldi continues to shine as the Twelfth Doctor, mixing sharp wit with 
  a palpable sense of moral struggle. His anger, compassion, and occasional 
  unpredictability keep the audience hooked. The flashback scenes with the 
 young 
  Davros effectively mirror the Doctor's decisions in the present, 
 reinforcing 
  the episode's exploration of moral responsibility. 
  
  Missy (Michelle Gomez) and Clara (Jenna Coleman) are given a parallel 
  storyline, which alternates between humour and suspense. Missy's gleeful 
  malevolence is endlessly entertaining, with Gomez perfectly capturing her 
  character's chaotic energy. Her playful yet sinister mentoring of Clara 
 adds 
  depth to their uneasy alliance. Clara, as usual, brings humanity to the 
 story, 
  although her role feels slightly diminished 
  compared to Missy's dominating presence. 
  
  The episode is visually stunning, particularly its depiction of Skaro's 
  interior and the Dalek city. The production design pays homage to the 
 classic 
  series while modernising the visuals with impressive detail. Director 
 Hettie 
  MacDonald ensures the pacing remains tight, with the climactic 
 confrontation 
  delivering emotional weight alongside its action sequences. 
  
  While the episode has many strengths, it does falter in a few areas. 
  The resolution, involving the Doctor's trickery with Davros's life-support 
  system, feels a bit rushed and overly reliant on exposition. 
  The twist-revealing Davros's trap-works on an intellectual level but 
 slightly 
  undermines the emotional sincerity of earlier scenes. Additionally, Clara's 
  confinement within a Dalek shell, while thematically intriguing, echoes 
  a similar plot device from *Asylum of the Daleks* and lacks originality. 
  
  Thematically, the episode excels in its exploration of mercy. The Doctor's 
  ultimate act of compassion-saving Davros as a child-underscores the show's 
  ethos of hope and redemption. The Daleks' evolution, albeit subtle, 
  hints at intriguing possibilities for the future. 
  
  --- 
  
  **Final Rating: 87/100** 
  *"The Witch's Familiar"* is a thought-provoking and visually striking 
 episode 
  that deepens the emotional stakes between the Doctor and Davros. While its 
  resolution stumbles slightly, the character performances and thematic 
  resonance make it a worthy continuation of the season opener. 
  
  For the full script, visit 
   
  (http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/35-2.htm). 
  
 -- 
 Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca 
 Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist 
 rising! 
 Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; 
 Merry Christmas 2024 and Happy New Year 2025 
  
 --- SoupGate-DOS v1.05 
  * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)