- Network: BBC-1 , BBC , BBC America , BBC One
- Series Premiere Date: Mar 26, 2005
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Critic Reviews
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The premiere episode here, “The Woman Who Fell to Earth,” reminded me, more than anything, of “The X-Files,” when it was really good. It takes you back to the days when Doctor Who was a fun sci-fi procedural. ... [The alien] resembles some gleaming villain out of a Marvel movie, which makes his blokey name, Tim Shaw, even more incongruously funny. This is Doctor Who at its best--nerdy and chilling and quick with a joke. And, most significantly of all, generous of spirit, a quality that simply shimmers off Whittaker.
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As the first in what one hopes will be a long line of female doctors, Whittaker is funny, energetic and full of joy. Whovians should be pleased.
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All in all, “The Woman Who Fell To Earth” succeeds as a statement of intent for this brand new era of Doctor Who, telling us that it’s going to be easily accessible, gorgeous to look at and listen to, all about the character drama and brought to life with a lead actress who has a lot of energy. In terms of comparing it to past Who, it’s not a flawless season opener, but it does a terrific job of making us excited for the rest of Doctor No. 13’s tenure.
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There’s a convincing ordinariness underpinning the fantastic events here. ... “The Woman Who Fell to Earth” does feel like a fresh start; Moffat’s later years were heavy in tone and hobbled by long arcs and psychology. If only for a transitional moment, but maybe longer, the new season has put that baggage down.
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Striking the right balance has been a tall order for any new Doctor and showrunner to take on, as several pairs have done over the last decade, but the level of difficulty this particular team had to master is arguably the highest yet. That’s why it’s so impressive that “The Woman Who Fell to Earth” is, for the most part, an extremely typical episode of “Doctor Who.”
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The virtues of “The Woman Who Fell to Earth” go well beyond Whittaker’s performance and Chibnall’s confident, thoughtful writing of the character. Gill, Cole, and Walsh make excellent additions to the cast, and while each character still wants development (unsurprising, this early on), each also has a moment, or more than one, to shine.
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Whittaker beams with joy and confidence and a smattering of comic derring-do reminiscent of past interpretations of the intergalactic hero’s personality.
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We get a sense of this reboot's concept, but not its tone. Chibnall may be responding to fans' hopes for less timey-wimey jibber-jabber, offering more plot simplicity. Will a female Doctor Who be enough to revitalize the series? The development is certainly enticing, but a series has nothing without compelling storylines.
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Goofy and curious, commanding and contemplative, Thirteen is already well on her way to demonstrating the complex emotional makeup that is the Doctor. She also demonstrates a cheerful, can-do spirit. ... With the exception of Tim Shaw’s unappealing self, very little about the episode feels Whovian. Gone is former showrunner Steven Moffat’s sense of play, both in the verbal sparring and convoluted storytelling.
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This Doctor Who feels like a lot of other TV shows, not just in its writing but in its pacing, its cinematography, its use of music. When the scary monsters appear, you could be watching any other well-made but conventional science-fiction or horror show. Or a police procedural, for that matter. Everything about the show is more ordinary, which may have to do with levels of inventiveness but also feels like a choice. ... Ms. Whittaker performs gamely, if not yet distinctively, as the 2,000-year-old Time Lord. It’s far too early to tell what kind of stamp she might put on the character.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 75 out of 488
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Mixed: 46 out of 488
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Negative: 367 out of 488
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Dec 12, 2018
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Oct 10, 2018
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Oct 24, 2018After 3rd episode I made a decision -- it's worst Doctor ever. Political agenda is not very believable and actors doesn't seems to be believable.