Everything revolving around the game shows was absolutely intriguing and it reminded me so much of a dystopian universe. That was all so perfect. I love Big Brother in real life, which made this episode better. However, it was overshadowed by the return of the fucking idiotically annoying Daleks, who shout "EXTERMINATTTEEEE." Like whoever voiced them is obviously tone deaf.
You'd think returning to the setting of the worst episode of the season would tank Bad Wolf but I loved this episode. It was thrilling, fast paced, witty. The tension and stakes were so well rendered and the mystery of exactly what was going on fascinating. Like the best Doctor Who episodes even the one off side characters like Roderick, Lynda, the programmers on floor 500 and the Controller left an impression.
Shout by ChrisBlockedParent2021-02-15T15:36:00Z
Doctor Who: Bad Wolf - Season 1, Episode 12 (aired 2005)
Story: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Effects: 9/10
Action: 8/10
Rewatch: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
THE GOOD: This is a thrilling episode from start to finish, with top-tier writing, directing, acting and visuals. The comedy in the first 20 minutes is hilarious, but the tone in some of the set-pieces is also quite bleak (you are the weakest link), showing off Doctor Who's ability to mix the dark with the humorous. Christopher Eccleston is perfect here, Billie Piper is good and John Barrowman is iconic as Captain Jack. Lyanda with a Y is also an extremely likeable side character, and the Controller is an extremely freaky and memorable character. Also, that cliffhanger!
THE BAD: The episode has slightly aged poorly in some areas, with some of the TV parodies a little dated. Also, nothing really happens for the first half, it's more just fun.
Overall: A bold, must watch episode.