Doctor Who: 6 Polarizing Episodes Of Mark Gatiss

2. Cold War - Classic Base Under Siege This episode is probably my overall favorite episode of series 7, this is a textbook definition of a classic style base under siege story that actually both works as an episode and makes the Ice Warrior's better creatures. When your story actually adds layers and dimension to an already popular and strong enemy, then you know it has the makings of greatness. What I like about this episode is simply the atmosphere and tension it creates. The claustrophobia of the submarine is well captured and serves as a worthy back drop for the almost alien-esque sequences involving the Ice Warrior out of it's suit. I also love the lack of over emotion and arc heavy pandering that tends to plague the new series in every story, this episode feels like it could very easily fit into the classic series. It reintroduces the Ice Warrrior's in a familiar but brand new light at the same time, the redesigned Ice Warrior is a thing of beauty. I'd go as far to say that this is the best episode of Who Gatiss has ever written. And if anyone has ever any had any doubts about Gatiss's ability to write for the show really need to give this one another watch. The only negatives I can find are the Ice Warrior head reveal- not just because they should have left it unseen, but because of the use of CG. And a lack of stand out moments for Clara, but that is true of pretty much all episodes in series 7 after St John. However these small things are no where near a big enough problem that it renders the episode bad, it's more of a small niggle in an otherwise brilliant story.