“Arachnids in the UK” Advance Review – Eight Legged Freaks
Note: Doctor Who TV’s pre-air episode impressions aim to be as detail-free as we reasonably can while still offering a critique, but as everyone’s spoiler sensibilities are different, we advise you read on at your own discretion.
Along with death and Tom Baker’s smile, arachnophobia is one of the most common human fears. So what better time than with Halloween right around the corner than for Doctor Who to take on spiders, with the appropriately titled “Arachnids in the UK”. And we mean lots of big spiders.
After missing their target destination last week, the Doctor and co (they’re still deciding on a name) finally arrive back in Sheffield, and, surprisingly, not long at all after they last left. Just in time for tea in fact. The only problem is that they missed the massive infestation that is now plaguing the city. But who, or what is causing it?
Chris Chibnall once again pens this episode, his third this run (or fourth if we count the co-written third episode). Chibnall has made it clear in interviews he wanted each episode of this run to have a different flavor. If last week’s was your thoughtful historical, then this week’s could be seen as more of a “don’t-think-about-it-too-much” monster romp.
Of course this wouldn’t be the first time Doctor Who has featured the eight-legged creepy-crawlies. The modern era has featured variations in episodes such as “The Runaway Bride” and “Kill the Moon”, but there’s not really been a fully-fledged outing since Jon Pertwee’s “Planet of the Spiders” some 44 years ago. This latest plot remains standalone though.
The titular monsters set the stage for some effective frights early on (no, don’t put your head down there!). Arachnophobes will obviously have a tougher time watching this one than most. As the episode goes on though, the fear factor lessens, and the resolution is perhaps a bit too silly for its own good.
Increasing the noise is main guest star Chris Noth. He delivers a performance featuring a healthy dose of ham, as the villainous businessman, Jack Robertson. He’s a gun-loving American caricature, who just happens to be running for president. There’s not much else to him. We’re sure people can probably see an obvious parallel to a certain figure though.
It’s fair to say that out of the trio of companions so far, Yaz has had the least development. Episode 4 finally makes a bit more time for her by introducing her family. Yaz’s mother, Najia, is also given a prominent guest role in the plot (guest star Shobna Gulati), which allows for some mother-daughter banter between the two. Meanwhile, Graham and Ryan are both faced with returning home for the first time since Grace’s death, in some of the best scenes of the episode.
After the last couple of visually impressive outings, going back to Sheffield was never going to be able to match what came prior. However, director Sallie Aprahamian is still able to bring some atmosphere to the hotel, where much of the action takes place.
Early verdict
Best enjoyed as more of a mindless monster romp. It’s unlikely to win any awards, but after last week’s weighty historical, it will serve as a fair respite.
