Last week’s episode received mixed reviews amongst fans and critics alike, with Peter Capaldi putting on a good show as a Doctor with both humour and determination, alongside a hint of darkness. This week we see the Doctor get as close to a Dalek as you can possibly get: Actually inside it.
The episode contains a combination of lighthearted and darkly comedic moments. However, it is more notable for it's serious elements. The most prominent one here is the new conflict within Twelve was directly addressed. Facing a "Good Dalek," the Doctor faced a grapple with his concious and, indeed, his past that would further push the drastic tonal shift of this series. This episode was unnerving but the most chilling moment of the whole episode was the final conversation between the Doctor and Dalek, soundly reminding him of the similarities between their two world views.
If there was to be one way to get Doctor Who fans to pay attention to the new regeneration, it would be by throwing him in the deep and getting him to face the Daleks. This week’s episode was paced slower than its previous, yet held your attention brilliantly, and also gave you the opportunity to pay more attention to Capaldi and his own rendition of the Doctor. It seems with each minute that he gets more and more into his role and develops his personality to the point of completion. Even if a bit wordy in places, Capaldi seems to be coming into a league of his own, sprightly and quick on his feet and in his speech, whilst maintaining a more pragmatic and logical side and willing to make the tough choices.