The Lodger was fantastic, as the Ninth Doctor would say. Utterly fantastic. But its sequel, Closing Time, ruined it. It's not as though Closing Time was extremely poor, but many cant quite accept that the notion of love defeated the Cybermen. Hopefully they have upgraded beyond this flaw for their return. Taken as itself, The Lodger is a prime example of Doctor Who doing something different and excelling. Amy takes the backseat here, and James Cordons Craig Owens welcomes a new flatmate. Matt Smith shows of his comical acting here as the socially-inept Doctor in one of many standout performances. It was a tale laced in humour and, like many of these tales, one much needed before the darkness of the ensuing story. Many disliked the failed resolution at the climax of the tale, but that should surely be forgiven now that fans know who the ship belonged to. In the grande scheme of things it doesn't much matter. What does is the chemistry between Smith and Cordon, one which fizzles likewise in its sequel. Rumours have been rampant online that Cordon will eventually return for a final appearance, forming another loose trilogy, but it remains to be seen how that will work with Capaldis gruffer Twelfth Doctor.
