'Doctor Who' Season 12 Episode 9 lacked a strong narrative but fans still found the Cybermen scarier than ever
After last week's episode of 'Doctor Who' where the lone Cyberman attacked the Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and her companions in 19th Century Geneva, expectations were certainly high for this week's episode which was to be the first of a two-part finale.
Titled 'Ascension of the Cybermen', the penultimate episode was, however, much weaker compared to previous episodes. With haphazard storytelling and random plots, Episode 9 felt more like a filler episode.
The episode picks up as the Doctor proceeds to Step 2 of her plan (after last week's Step 1 which was to save Percy Shelley) to save the universe. In the far future, humanity is nearly wiped out, with the Cybermen looking to finish the few humans left.
Of course, some viewers still found the episode thrilling. There is one thing viewers agreed on, however, and it was that the Cybermen — especially the lone Cyberman — are the most frightening version of the villain so far on the over 50-year-old show.
One fan tweeted, "Lone Cyberman.... best Cyberman ever!... new cybermen look amazing as well...this series has been amazing."
Another wrote, "These Cybermen head drones are actually quite terrifying." A fan observed, "I don’t know that I’ve ever found the cybermen genuinely frightening before but this new take is pretty chilling."
A viewer tweeted, "Great to see scary Cybermen again, and some genuine purpose for the companion, but the stilted, somewhat contrived script and plodding narrative can't be overlooked. Amazing new Cybermen, impressive performances, and a fantastic cliffhanger make up for it though."
Viewers loved the new Cybermen design. One fan said, "easily one of the best designed Cybermen with a clash between new and old. Hints of 2013 on the chest too."
Another tweeted, "The new Cybermen haven’t looked better since Earthshock.. a perfect fusion of the classic '80s look and the more recent designs. Absolutely beautiful work by the designers."
'Doctor Who' airs on BBC America on Sunday nights at 8/7c. The Season 12 finale, 'The Timeless Children', will air on March 1.