5x11 The Lodger

When i last watched this episode 5 years ago at the age of 20, at the time for years before i had watched a lot of the greatest media. You can forgive that younger man for having such high standards at that time -- too high of standards for storytelling. Years later, i can more appreciate an episode like this. Fun and casual, a slice of life episode for the most part, but still retains some good sci-fi concepts.

I enjoyed this episode. I enjoyed seeing the doctor relax more into a human life with Craig, and i like Craig and Sophie as characters and i enjoyed seeing their dynamic.

When i was younger i was less interested (and had less experience) in the complexity and existential confusion of romance and a romantic relationship. I mean i had liked romance content before, but in having little experience, i did not fully appreciate what happens in this episode, that of the relationship and development between Craig and Sophie. Now i do.

I liked the doctor trying to do human things and be weird in this environment. So many good moments, like the football and giving advice to Sophie and the call center part.

I liked how powerful they made out the ship to be, able to effect time distortions and hologram technology. It even interfered with the tardis itself.

I don't like the mindmeld with Craig. I don't like the doctor suddenly having this ability.

Tricking the ship move felt a bit simplistic.

What i also liked apart from the casual stuff, was the creepy parts. This episode was really creepy sometimes, with the ship tricking people inside. The way it tricked people feels like any of us could fall for such a thing. The creepy music was perfect. Doctor Who doesn't often do horror, but when it does, it often does it effectively.