Doctor Who: Once, Upon Time Review - 5 Ups & 6 Downs

Now this was interesting. The Doctor had the meatiest backstory this week, and it was about time. At last, we got to see The Division in action, with Thirteen reliving a memory of the Fugitive Doctor defeating Swarm and Azure the first time around. It was great to see the reappearance of Jo Martin, though she didn’t get a lot to do here sadly, but regardless, we dined well on story progression tonight.

There’s still clearly more story to come here, but we now have a much clearer idea of exactly what The Doctor’s time in The Division was like - she appears to be in command, though it’s hinted that she’s been forced into service, she’s got a new hoodie, and she even has a little gang that includes Karvanista. We wonder why he never revealed this to The Doctor.

Much in line with what we saw in Fugitive of the Judoon, this incarnation of The Doctor is edgier, and more willing to disregard life than her successors, and it’s very interesting to see this portrayal. We also understand now why The Ravagers seem to have it in for The Doctor, deepening the history between the Time Lord and her new nemesis. Thumbs up.