Doctor Who—Flux, Chapter 3: Once, Upon Time
by Chris Chibnall (2021)
Not entirely satisfying as a self-contained episode, yet engaging enough and sufficiently comprehensible as to reveal some of the bigger picture (within which lies the Doctor’s Timeless Child origin story). The fractured mosaic / relived memories narrative allows for some out-of-character acting.
Doctor Who—Flux, Chapter 2: War of the Sontarans
by Chris Chibnall (2021)
Flux evinces lessons learnt from the Key to Time season arc, embedding the big picture more cohesively within its component parts. Chapter 2 sees Dan go from strength to strength, and rehabilitates the Sontarans somewhat (though still playing them mainly for laughs).
Doctor Who: The Halloween Apocalypse (Flux #1)
by Chris Chibnall (2021)
Swarm shapes as an adversary worth spending a series on—not merely taunting the Doctor (as Missy might do) but actually setting in motion a most horrifying end of days. John Bishop balances the high stakes as down-to-earth new companion Dan Lewis.
Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks
by Chris Chibnall (BBC, 2021)
Despite impressive credits elsewhere, Chris Chibnall has always seemed a little at sea when scripting Doctor Who. His writing here is clunky, the emotional moments forced (and overscored). It doesn’t help that the Daleks have outstayed their welcome by half a century.
Broadchurch, Series 1
by Chris Chibnall (ITV, 2013)
Broadchurch gave David Tennant a chance to brood and smoulder post- Doctor Who; yet for all the fine acting and murderous intrigue, tension was maintained only by means of an incredible coincidence of events, such audience manipulation ultimately undermining the entire scenario.