Doctor Who: Boom Review

This a review for the third episode of Doctor Who season 1 titled Boom; which is written by Steven Moffat and directed by Julie Ann Robinson.

There are also reviews for the previous two episodes in the season titled Space Babies and The Devil’s Chord.

Synopsis for Boom

Caught in the middle of a devastating war on Kastarion 3, the Doctor is trapped when he steps on a landmine. Can he save himself and Ruby, plus the entire planet…without moving?

Review

Boom is definitely one of the most intense, suspenseful and emotional episodes in this season so far and the stakes are high! There’s also a much more serious tone to Boom compared to Space Babies; which was a goofier one about a bogey shaped creature or a more playful and maniacal episode about an entity which stole music in The Devil’s Chord.

A majority of the scenes are static given the circumstances of this darker storyline. However, Steven Moffat’s writing is strong in his return to Doctor Who. Moffat has written such captivating scenes and unpredictable episode which left me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, during this dangerous adventure.

Ncuti Gatwa has delivered a gripping performance here alongside Millie Gibson, and there’s some of the best dramatic Doctor-Companion exchanges since David Tennant and Catherine Tate’s Wild Blue Yonder, and Peter Capaldi’s time on the show with Jenna Coleman and Pearl Mackie.

Overall Thoughts

This episode wrapped up quite quickly at the end, however the pay-off was worth it, and this is one of the best episodes yet for Ncuti’s era!

The production looks fantastic in Boom, and this episode also serves as a testament to Gatwa’s talent; as he was able to exercise his ‘acting chops’ well in one space for so long, while keeping the scenes engaging. I also enjoyed the fun references and callbacks.

As mentioned in the previous reviews, Russell T Davies seems to be building the mystery of Gibson’s Ruby Sunday character extensively and refreshingly.

This is certainly an exciting companion story to follow along with each week! I can’t wait to see what’s happening in the next episode called 73 Yards.

Here are all of the upcoming episode titles and release dates for Doctor Who season 1.