Flatline
- Episode aired Oct 18, 2014
- TV-PG
- 43m
A problem happens with the Tardis, trapping the Doctor inside and leaving Clara to fend for herself against a two dimensional enemy.A problem happens with the Tardis, trapping the Doctor inside and leaving Clara to fend for herself against a two dimensional enemy.A problem happens with the Tardis, trapping the Doctor inside and leaving Clara to fend for herself against a two dimensional enemy.
Photos
- Director
- Writers
- Jamie Mathieson
- Steven Moffat
- Sydney Newman(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis is the first time since the classic series that The Doctor opens the TARDIS doors using the control panel. The sound effect used is also the same as in the classic series
- GoofsWhen Clara introduces herself to Rigsy, she is holding the sonic screwdriver up in her right hand. It then cuts to a shot of Clara from behind, shaking hands with Rigsy.
- Quotes
The Doctor: I tried to talk, I want you to remember that. I tried to reach out, I tried to understand you but I think you understand us perfectly. I think you just don't care! I don't know if you are here to invade, infiltrate or just replace us, I don't suppose it really matters now, you are monsters! That is the role it seems you are determined to play so it seems I must play mine! The man that stops the monsters! I'm sending you back to your own dimension. Who knows? Some of you may even survive the trip. And if you do, remember this: YOU are not welcome here! This plane is protected! I am the Doctor and I name you the Boneless!
- Crazy creditsIn the opening credits it's usually the Doctor's eyes which are seen but in this episode it's Clara's.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Doctor Who Extra: Flatline (2014)
The concept of the TARDIS exterior shrinking with the Doctor trapped inside is fun and interesting and it is made both thrilling and funny. It harks back to the TARDIS shrinking in the classic era story Planet of Giants but with the twist that the interior and the occupant this time remain normal size.
The creatures from a 2-dimensional universe clashing with our 3-dimensional world is a fresh and exciting idea. The ingenuity of this concept and how it is used along with how the scenes are successfully made menacing and suspenseful makes this tremendously enjoyable and memorable. The antagonists, dubbed The Boneless by the Doctor, are a superb addition to the greatest adversaries the Doctor has faced.
Peter Capaldi is always brilliant and despite being trapped in the TARDIS he gets plenty of chance to show his talent, proving yet again how perfect he is for the role. He is dark yet funny, other worldly, charismatic and powerful. Sometimes he carries weak episodes with his great performance as the Doctor but when he gets terrific material like Mummy on the Orient Express and this it is wonderful to see.
The one and only thing I was not 100% keen on is that yet again the Doctor's 'dark' morals and questionable 'goodness' are brought into play. It is one of Moffatt's obsessions and is too repetitively pushed in his era in my view. Fortunately in this instance Jamie Mathieson is such a good writer that he weaves that theme cleverly into an awesome episode and does not allow it to detract from the overall story. The theme is used well with Clara taking on the difficult choices herself and the Doctor finding it uncomfortable to see his companion pushed into his role of making those tough calls. It is in other episodes that the theme of the Doctor's dark side is overstated and overused in my opinion whereas I can forgive the way it is mentioned in this story.
Clara is made central to this story and Jenna Coleman acts her part very well showing Clara's strength and bravery. The rest of the cast act their roles really well and the guest characters are all strong and well defined.
The direction by Douglas Mackinnon is perfect, the dialogue is sharp and intelligent, the effects are fantastic and the episode is just an instant classic. It is my favourite Capaldi era episode.
My Rating: 10/10.
Series 8 Episode Ranking: 1st out of 12.
- A_Kind_Of_CineMagic
- Mar 18, 2019
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Filming locations
- Maelfa Shopping Centre, Cardiff, Wales, UK(Underpass and graffiti clean up scenes)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime43 minutes
- Color