Mixed emotions over the series 10 finale...
Great direction and editing. The score, as per usual, was epic and emotional. Dr. Who has one of the best tv soundtracks, it very effectively stirs the FEELS in me every time I watch LOL.
All performances were excellent. Capaldi was outstanding! Total standing ovation. I really don't want him to go.
But when it comes to the actual story.... I dunno.... on first watch, I was sucked in and completely emotionally manipulated. Upon second watch, I felt more frustrated and disappointed.
The Two Masters.... very anti-climatic. Honestly, other than the Who historic moment of the having them team up, and some witty banter between them, they really did not have any significant impact on the narrative. The story could have worked just as effectively without them. It really felt like a wasted opportunity. Though I did appreciate the way Moffat ended their team up, it felt in character, mixed with tragedy and irony.
Bill... speaking of tragedy... I loved her arc right up til the last 10 minutes. It was powerful and heart wrenching. And then the Moffat reset button was hit. Even though the ending was set up in the season opener, it still felt like out of left field and a cheat. Not to mention, it was very repetitive of Clara's fate, which was handled much better. Also, Bill's ping pong of emotion... sad to happy to sad back to happy... really played out odd.
Nardo.... so not safe, left in mortal danger along with all the other survivors. Moffat better resolve this plot point in the xmas special.
So for me, it was a well produced, if but a very uneven episode. The cliffhanger brought a smile and I look forward to the Christmas episode for the final swan song.