REVIEW: Doctor Who: ‘The Zygon Invasion’

Osgood (Ingrid Oliver) and the Doctor (Peter Capaldi). (Credit: BBC)

This week we gather together to do a slideshow review of Episode 7 of Series 9 of Doctor Who, ‘The Zygon Invasion.’ This is the first half of the two part “Zygon” story of this series. In this episode, the a Zygons are elevated to a new level of villainy within the Whoniverse. But not all Zygons, mind you. Both despite, and because of, attempts to peacefully assimilate Zygons into human society by taking the form of the native species, a terrorist faction has emerged. Their goal is to achieve what they consider to be liberation for their species by demanding that they be allowed to take their true form.

Two key players on the side of peace are Osgood and Osgood. What would have once been considered to be one human and one Zygon copy of that human, the two Osgoods think of themselves as being hybrid sisters. The new rules for Zygon mimicry do not just include these hybrids, but also have eliminated the need for humans to stay alive to sustain their Zygon counterparts. The explanation for these new rules so far has been vague, so we will hopefully learn in ‘The Zygon Inversion’ the science behind these changes and how they came about.

Onward to the opinions of (most of) our staff!

Next: Season of the Hybrid

Osgood (Ingrid Oliver) doesn’t like what she sees. (Credit: BBC)

David Hill – Co-Editor

Well, it seems that Series Nine of Doctor Who is not just going to be remembered for the two part episodes and the death of Clara, but it will also be known as the Season of the Hybrid.

We began the season with the Doctor getting tricked by Davros into merging Time Lord DNA into that of the Daleks, or so it seemed. Instead, the Doctor then managed to trick Davros by giving that DNA to all of the Daleks, so that the ones who had been in their sewers were given the same regenerative ability. Even if they were fighting one another, we still have the potential for a truly devastating enemy if Davros can get them under control once more.

Then we have Ashildr. She may be human, or at least was initially, but the Doctor granted her immortality. In adjusting a Mire medical kit, which had been used by the creatures to repair themselves during battle, he managed to bring her back from the dead. This, however, resulted in another hybrid.

Now, there is the question of Osgood. She has refused to answer as to whether or not she is the Zygon or the human Osgood, claiming to be both. While this could simply be a matter of her speaking metaphorically, could it be possible that the two different versions found a way to merge, at least to some degree, becoming yet another hybrid?

It was said that the Doctor would eventually create the ultimate warrior, a hybrid who would be a truly formidable foe. The question now is, which of these hybrids will fulfill that prophesy?

Next: A Shocking Experience

Clara (Jenna Coleman) and Jac (Jaye Griffiths) break out the torches. (Credit: BBC)

James Aggas – Staff Writer

One thing that really surprised me with ‘The Zygon Invasion’ was how incredibly dark and gritty it was. The body count in the story really leapt out, even with so many occurring off-screen. The city of Truth Or Consequences in particular was really eerie due to how empty it was, and seeing what was left of the townspeople was pretty horrific. As far as body counts go, this episode must have one of the highest I’ve seen in awhile.

But even more shocking to watch were how the Zygons used their shapeshifting abilities in a cold and manipulative way. The scene with the soldier pointing a gun at his “mother” in particular was really dark and unsettling stuff. It is a psychological edge that I haven’t seen Doctor Who present before. In fact, in some ways, it is something that I would have expected to see more in Torchwood than on a family show like Who. Not that I’m complaining – I think that the series is at its best when it knows how to push boundaries without going too far and crossing the line.

I also enjoyed the epic scope of the episode, telling an invasion story on a worldwide scale for once. This is another reason why I’m really grateful for the return of the two-part story: it allows for an organisation like UNIT to be much more effective than in a story only 45 minutes long. Kate Stewart in particular I thought seemed to work much better here than in her initial Doctor Who story, ‘The Power of Three.’

Overall, both the story itself and the depiction of UNIT here have left me eager not just for next week’s episode, but also for the upcoming brand new audio stories of UNIT, too.

Next: For the Love of Zygons

The Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and Clara (Jenna Coleman) in ‘The Zygon Invasion.’ (Credit: BBC)

Joel Getter – Staff Writer

I had been looking forward to this episode for two reasons: 1) it was written by Peter Harness who previously penned last season’s controversial ‘Kill the Moon’ and 2) the episode stars one of my favorite monsters. ‘Terror of the Zygons’ is one of my favorite stories from classic Doctor Who, so it was a treat to give them a two-parter. Despite some minor complaints, I thought that this was a solid outing which I’m eager to see completed in the second half.

Since the Doctor orchestrated a peace treaty between humans and Zygons, twenty million of the shape-changers now live among us in secret. A rebel faction now wants, however, to end the treaty as they believe they should be free to live in the world as their true selves. It seems rare for Doctor Who to explore the contemporary issues that are occurring in our world, but there were definite parallels to not only terrorism, but also on the rights of others to just be themselves. The radicals’ refusal to just “blend in” to the dominant culture is worthy of its own article. The Zygons managed in this episode to elevate themselves to a formidable foe that is all the more frightening because they can be anyone. Despite a slow buildup in some places, I’m eager to see how this all plays out.

There was a great twist with Clara being a Zygon for most of the episode, but unfortunately I figured that out long before the big reveal. I loved the nods to the classic series, such as the picture of the First Doctor and the discussion about former companion Harry Sullivan.

Let’s hope that the next installment gives us a satisfying conclusion to the buildup of part one.

Next: Series Nine's Best Episode So Far

Clara (Jenna Coleman) in a particularly badass pose. (Credit: BBC)

Kory Plockmeyer – Staff Writer

‘The Zygon Invasion’ may very well be my favorite episode of Series 9 thus far. In my opinion, there was so much that worked well for it.

Here are a few of the highlights for me:

• Osgood’s continued fandom of the Doctor. Osgood is one of those characters who started as a bit and has since expanded to be one of my favorite recurring background characters. I particularly enjoyed the videorecorded sequence of the two Osgoods, especially since it answered the lingering question I had after I recently rewatched the 50th anniversary special. We knew then that the Osgoods could tell themselves apart – how would the Zygon Osgood respond? This was brilliant.
• The fear and emotional factor. There is something particularly chilling about an enemy who is able to portray itself as your closest family members. How do you face an enemy threat if you can never be sure who is human and who is not? This made the Zygons, otherwise a fairly silly enemy (what with the giant suckers and general disgustingness), into an actual terror.
• The politics. I love how this was able to hit on so many relevant political issues in a meaningful way. From the chilling videos and logo clearly reminiscent of ISIS to the “No British” graffiti in New Mexico, I so enjoyed an episode that left me drawing clear parallels to the modern world. UNIT even got an upgrade – safe houses and drones. It felt like UNIT has finally been taken from a vague military force to an actual 21st century military machine.
• Zygon Clara. I’m not sure many of us were surprised by the Clara twist, but still. It was delightful nonetheless. Watching Clara take pleasure in destruction and launching a rocket was wonderful.
• The Doctor facing his messes. ‘The Day of the Doctor’ left us with a delightful feeling about the human/Zygon interaction. A treaty will be brokered. Hooray! But there is something wonderful about returning yet again to the reality of the world which the Doctor leaves behind, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions.
• Good Zygons. Really, though, this was my favorite part. Our experience in the world tells us that no one is wholly evil or wholly good. Why should we expect aliens to be any different? While some episodes of late have explored the possibility of an otherwise “evil” species that can be good or show good qualities (e.g., ‘Inside the Dalek,’ ‘Cold War’), this episode took it one step further. The Zygons are fundamentally good, just looking for a place to settle and live out their days in peace. What a brilliant way to shift the starting point of the story.

Sure, the episode wasn’t perfect. But I, for one, cannot wait for the conclusion.

Next: Kinda Like a Movie

Kate Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) is ready for action. (Credit: BBC)

Leah Tedesco – Assistant Editor/Staff Writer

Series 9 of Doctor Who has been a breath of fresh air with its polished storytelling, in contrast to the largely juvenile muddiness of Series 8. With Episode 7 of Series 9, ‘The Zygon Invasion,’ writer Peter Harness has certainly risen from the ashes of  ‘Kill the Moon.’ ‘The Zygon Invasion’ has more of a feel of a feature film than a television episode. You would think that this would be true of most, if not all, television episodes which are part of a two part story. It actually seems, however, to be an unusual occurrence. In this case, it is probably largely attributable to a) the international scope of the plot, b) the steady pacing, and c) the sophisticated writing style.

‘The Zygon Invasion’ exemplifies an allegorical tale which, despite its obvious parallels to real world issues and events, is still both insightful and enjoyable. Science fiction is a fantastic medium for these sorts of stories. Doctor Who is particularly good at exploring the nuances of, not only various cultures and how they interact, but also fractured differences within each respective culture. We have repeatedly seen such internal conflicts within Dalek society, for example. Now we see it in the presentation of a militant faction within the larger, more peaceful Zygon community.

Series 9 has continued its track record for exciting cliff hangers. I am especially anxious to see if this is the end or not for the recently captured humans. If it is anything like ‘The Zygon Invasion,’ ‘The Zygon Inversion’ will surely be wonderfully epic.

Next: Closer and Poll

And so, we come to a close on this week’s slideshow. We have a unanimous consensus that this was an overall great episode with the promise of more greatness in the second half, ‘The Zygon Inversion.’ Here is the trailer:

According to ‘Steven Moffat’s exclusive Doctor Who series nine episode guide,’ here is the synopsis:

"The future of planet Earth is sealed in a box in Unit’s back archive, and only the Doctor knows what’s inside. With Unit under Zygon control, and Clara lost, the Doctor and Osgood find themselves fugitives in a London where no one can be trusted – but the wily old Time Lord knows there is one last hope for peace. Because that box in the black archive isn’t any old box. It’s an Osgood Box!"

There is a crude joke there somewhere, but let us not take things to that level… Anyway, we can surmise from this that we will most likely find out who actually dies and what exactly is the mysterious Osgood Box.

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Next: REVIEW: Doctor Who: 'The Woman Who Lived'

And now, folks, we have come to the portion of our slideshow where you get to share your opinion! Please enjoy our complimentary reader poll and, as with all of our articles, comments section. Thank you! Come again!