‘Doctor Who’ analysis: 7 thoughts about ‘Dark Water’

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If you’re reading this, then you’re on the Internet. And if you’re on the internet, there’s no way you’ve managed to avoid the revelations of ‘Dark Water’.

So, let’s see exactly how dark this water was below the surface…

 

“Tongues?” 

Doctor Who Death in Heaven Missy 2

Missy planted a smacker on The Doctor before she revealed her true identity. Now, if that’s simply The Master/Mistress screwing with her old Time Lord frenemy, then fine.

However, if it’s a Moffat ‘strong woman’ trope (sarcastic remarks, sexually confident, a fondness for power dressing – hello River Song, Madame Kovarian, Tasha Lemm, Ms Delphox et al), then we rather think he’ll have missed a trick here.

We’re inclined to believe the former, however, if for no reason other than this: we can absolutely believe that John Simm’s Master would have done the exact same thing, given half a chance. And, yes, it’s worth pointing out that Matt Smith’s Doctor delivered a few too many uninvited kisses on unsuspecting women, and yes, we’re not exactly happy with that. But, that’s an essay for another time!

 

“Where there’s life…”

Doctor Who Dark Water Danny

Three words. Three words heard in the ether by 3W founder Doctor Skarosa (hang on, what was that name again?) on which the Cyber-plan hangs. But they are not the most important three words spoken in this episode.

It’s another three words, spoken at two pivotal points, that condemn Danny Pink to his fate – once by killing him, and the second time trapping him in a hell without Clara. The three most terrifying words in the Master-plan are, of course, “I love you.”

 

“Is there a particular dead person you want to talk to?” 

Doctor Who Dark Water Seb

You want dark? Here’s dark. The Doctor says that almost every culture has a concept of the afterlife, and that he always meant to have a look. Which means, simply, that he considered it at least possible to visit, speak to, or maybe even save anyone who died.

Which means only one thing: he must have really hated Adric.

 

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