In the far future, the Doctor meets some of the last humans – and is reunited with an old foe…

Chris Chibnall’s penultimate episode for Jodie Whittaker’s second season encapsulates much of what has worked, and what hasn’t, during the last few weeks. There’s plenty of spectacle, some strong moments for the Doctor (Whittaker at her best berating herself for her recklessness), a new look at old Doctor Who tropes (love the new Cyber-look, while the Cyberleader himself is a terrific addition to the canon) – and a load of plot-required illogicalities. Why leave the TARDIS so far away from the humans’ encampment in he first place? Why do three Cybermen need two shuttles to deal with the humans – or does the Lone Cyberman have to work alone most of the time? How do the Cybermen manage to miss pretty much nearly every time? Where are all the billions of lives at stake that the Doctor mentioned last week?

And then there’s the element that at the moment I have to be on the fence over – the life, death, life and apparent murder of Brendan in a rather stereotypical Irish environment. More than anything else about the episode, how that plays out in the finale will dictate whether it was worth the time spent in episode 9.

With the various threats already at play, the cliffhanger almost didn’t need the ‘surprise’ totally unheralded (except by a naff anagram) reappearance of the Master – but at least it confirms that one plotline from this season looks likely to be resolved next week. And I have to admit, I’m looking forward to it…

Verdict: So much of how this will be regarded will be based on how well Chibnall sticks the landing, but this felt like the first two parts of an old style four-parter. 8/10

Paul Simpson