Doctor Who Series 8, Episode 6 Review: The Caretaker - I Don't Think the Doctor Likes Soldiers, He Might Need to Say it a Few More Times
- doctorbrick
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
What did you think of this episode?
Sonic!
Good!
Bumpy-wumpy!
Exterminate!
The Caretaker is another one of those Doctor Who episodes that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I love it!
Yeah, the villain is a bit shit, yeah, there are irritating kids in it, and yes, there are probably a couple too many mentions of PE and soldiers, but the Twelfth Doctor as the caretaker is funny, and it is a harmless, good old Doctor Who episode.
The Skovox Blitzer is almost comical, but I kind of got the vibe that the show knows that. It's not really what this episode is all about after all.
"Thanks. Yes, John Smith’s the name. But do you know, here’s the thing. Most people just call me - The Doctor."
The real heart of The Caretaker lies in the dynamic between the Doctor and Clara, and also Danny. This is what I really like about Series 8. Clara is unsure of the Doctor, he isn't just some dashing young (looking) man that has no faults. He has plenty, and she brings him up on a lot of them.
Peter Capaldi is absolutely hilarious here. His grumpy, sarcastic take on the Doctor is at its best, especially when he goes undercover at Coal Hill School by wearing a different coat. There’s something genuinely brilliant about watching him try to blend in, while simultaneously acting like he really doesn't give a shit.
One of my favourite moments is when the Doctor mistakenly believes Clara is dating the teacher who looks like a younger version of Matt Smith’s Doctor. The sheer glee he shows, how chuffed he is, is hilarious, and it shows just how much he still wants to believe he’s the centre of Clara’s world. It’s a small moment, but so well played and packed with layers of insecurity, comedy, and affection.
"Never lose your temper in the middle of a door sign."
That said, the episode isn’t perfect. The ongoing theme of the Doctor’s hatred for soldiers feels a bit off here. It starts to come across as forced and inconsistent with his past, especially considering how many former companions have been soldiers, or at least fought in wars. His instant dislike for Danny Pink because of his military background feels a bit unreasonable, and while the show wants to explore a clash of worldviews, it doesn’t always sit right with who the Doctor is supposed to be.
The Doctor could at least hate Danny for reminding us about how many wells he had dug!
"Possibly reminded me of a certain, dashing young time traveller."
Still, despite its wobbles, The Caretaker is a solid, enjoyable episode. It’s not a high-stakes classic, but it’s full of charm, strong performances, and great character work. Capaldi and Coleman shine, and the humour makes up for the dodgy villain. The less said about Danny's somersault the better!
What did you think of The Caretaker? One of the infamous mid series episodes? Or is it a bit more than that? Let me know in the comments below.
RATING: Good!
BEST LINE: "Oh, genius. That is, that is really, really brilliant reasoning. How can you think that I’m her dad when we both look exactly the same age?"
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