After an exciting arc with the Monks, it’s time to get back to some normalcy…well, normal for the Doctor.
The Doctor, Bill, and Nardole are back in a new adventure on Mars. Penned by Mark Gatiss, this is the episode that Classic Who fans have been waiting for — the return of the Ice Warriors. Let’s take a look at the synopsis of the episode, The Empress of Mars.
Doctor Who TV gives this synopsis:
"The Doctor, Bill and Nardole arrive on Mars, and find themselves in an impossible conflict between Ice Warriors… and Victorian soldiers. As the Martian hive awakens around them, the Doctor faces a unique dilemma – this time the humans, not the Ice Warriors are the invaders. When Earth is invading Mars, whose side is he on?"
Another episode in Victorian London (sort of) and on Mars. This has to be a Gatiss episode. I’m always particularly fond of the Victorian England episodes, and it will definitely be interesting to see what happens when the Doctor is faced with two invaders that don’t belong on Mars.
These look quite different than last time we saw the Ice Warriors, but according to Radio Times, these got a rethink from originals in Classic Who when they were wanted to be introduced this season.
With only one episode after this before the two-parter begins, enjoy these single stories with Peter Capaldi. They may be the last we have before things get a bit too crazy!
Another important note:
In looking at the promo photos released by the BBC for these episodes, there were four episodes of the Doctor at the vault.
(C) BBC/BBC Worldwide – Photographer: Simon Ridgway (C) BBC/BBC Worldwide – Photographer: Simon Ridgway (C) BBC/BBC Worldwide – Photographer: Simon Ridgway
It’s also a wonder of why he’s going back, seemingly to talk to Missy. Does he want to make sure she stays on the straight and narrow? It seemed at the end of The Lie of the Land that she was going through what would be considered the “hard part” of rehabilitation. The part where it gets worse before it gets better.
Next: How will Bill last the rest of the season?