Doctor Who - Pocket Reviews (aka Catching Up)

'The Vampires of Venice' in which the TARDIS crew go back in time and deal with some creatures that are feeding on humans. Not a bad episode, some good running about. some good explanations, some good character building, but I wasn't completely happy with the Doctor's reaction to the creatures. He seemed to jump to 'realistic but hopeless' too quickly for me but that's just me. Not bad not not really great either.

'Amy's Choice' in which the TARDIS crew exist in two realities at once, not knowing which is the true reality they should try to stay in. Great episode, funny, kept you on your toes as to what was going on, some really strong character moments. Very solid and very enjoyable. I think this may have something to do with the finale but that's just a thought.

'The Hungry Earth' and 'Cold Blood' in which the TARDIS crew encounter creatures that sleep below the Earth. Good story with excellent effects (I want a theme park ride that lets you walk through the underground city as part of the queue as it was beautiful) but was let down ever so slightly by my familiarity with the show's history. The very basic plot felt like 'Inferno' connected with 'Doctor Who and the Silurians'. There's even the young creature that wants to wipe out the apes while the older creatures are willing to talk things over. Good scares, well put together, but a bit familiar.

'Vincent and the Doctor' in which the TARDIS crew meet Vincent Van Gogh. Wow. Sensitive, moving, sad, depressing, invigorating. The Doctor does something that I've dreamed of doing for a creator. This is a high point for the season in my book.

'The Lodger' in which the TARDIS gets stuck and the Doctor gets bored. The Doctor has to pretend to be a 'normal' human while investigating roommate Craig's upstairs flat. Funny, a bit clever, a little scary, and heartwarming. A fun buffer episode before the finale hits us.

All in all, it's been a great season so far. Moffat has been clicking on all cylinders as far as I'm concerned. Two episodes left. Can't wait until Saturday...