Doctor Who: The Devil's Chord Review - 8 Ups & 2 Downs
2. UP - The Doctor Is Genuinely Terrified
Let's be honest, RTD was guilty of writing the Doctor as an insufferable know-it-all, particularly in David Tennant's first era. That's certainly not true of the RTD2 era, which introduces a villain that genuinely terrifies the Doctor and makes him doubt himself in Episode Two of the season!
It's refreshing to see the Doctor admit that they don't know everything, and that they can't guarantee they'll be able to save the day this time. It also confirms that, while they laughed it off, the Doctor's bi-generation knocked the wind out of his sails somewhat.
The Doctor's fear of Maestro and the lasting toll of fighting their father the Toymaker adds a new dimension to the character that will be fascinating to see develop.
It also gives Ncuti Gatwa interesting material to play, as the Doctor eventually realises that he can defeat Maestro, because his experiences of loss, joy, and heartbreak make him attuned to music.
Great Doctor material, sublimely performed by Gatwa. He may turn out to be one of the best Doctors we've ever had.