Shirley
Da 5 Bloods
On the Record
I May Destroy You
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"The Lie of the Land" closes a significant chapter for Doctor Who's tenth season -- yet leaves some major characters' fates tantalizingly open.
Forming a beautiful contrast at episode's end, as Missy reveals her real struggle as she tries to become good: the memories.
It appears that Twelve will remain intact midseason after all, which is a relief since his and Bill's relationship has been such a joy, and we only have them together for a few more episodes.
It's more average Doctor Who than bad, which may be an even greater crime because it just didn't work hard enough. Oh well, two out of three ain't bad, right?
"The Lie Of The Land" could have been a great story, but most of its best moments feel like paler retreads of better stories.
One thing that was impressive about this episode was how well it was able to maintain and manage the whole dystopian vibe, at different times evoking 1984, The Handmaid's Tale, and even the Mockingjay Part 2.
Pearl Mackie put in another marvellous performance here: authentic but controlled, never histrionic, equally convincing whether she was threatening to "beat the s--t" out of Nardole or saying a fond farewell when she thought she was sacrificing herself.
The payoff is ingenious enough to make one forgive how easily the super-powerful aliens end up being defeated.
Pearl Mackie has this uncanny ability to transition between emotions flawlessly, with each change so natural that you realise how you'd probably react in the same way.
Team TARDIS found themselves battling through a dystopian Britain literally being brainwashed by fake news. It's a timely take on our modern world, but... disappointingly threw out its most interesting premise by committing the exact same sin.
The monk storyline ends on a strong note, giving us SJW food for thought, a couple of exciting set pieces, and some great if tantalizing Missy scenes.
"The Lie of the Land" brings the biggest story arc of the season to a close with mostly satisfying results, opening the door for more involvement from Missy, and proving that Bill can determine the course of the narrative in more ways than one.
Perfectly entertaining, but after a certain point of the episode, it just felt less interesting, with the ending less exciting than the build up.