The Eaters of Light

Last updated

274 –"The Eaters of Light"
Doctor Who episode
Cast
Others
Production
Directed by Charles Palmer
Written by Rona Munro
Produced by Nikki Wilson
Executive producer(s) Steven Moffat
Brian Minchin
Music by Murray Gold
Series Series 10
Running time42 minutes
First broadcast17 June 2017 (2017-06-17)
Chronology
← Preceded by
"Empress of Mars"		Followed by →
"World Enough and Time"
List of episodes (2005–present)

"The Eaters of Light" is the tenth episode of the tenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who . It was written by Rona Munro and broadcast on 17 June 2017 on BBC One. Munro previously wrote Survival , the final serial of the original run of Doctor Who, making her the only writer to date to have worked on the classic and revived eras of the show. The episode received generally positive reviews from television critics.

Contents

The Doctor (Peter Capaldi) takes Bill (Pearl Mackie) and Nardole (Matt Lucas) to second-century Scotland to settle their different theories about what happened to the ninth legion of the Roman army that vanished. When they arrive, however, they find an alien menace from another dimension that may be the reason behind the vanishing, presenting a far greater threat than any army.

Synopsis

The Picts, who left their legacy through monumental stones like the one pictured, are featured in this episode. Serpent stone.JPG
The Picts, who left their legacy through monumental stones like the one pictured, are featured in this episode.

The Twelfth Doctor and Bill, disagreeing about the fate of the Ninth Legion of the Imperial Roman army, travel in the TARDIS along with Nardole to the 2nd century in Scotland to prove the other wrong. Bill goes her own way to find the Legion, while the Doctor and Nardole look for their dead bodies.

Bill encounters some of the Legion's soldiers hiding underground, the TARDIS' translation circuits helping her communicate with them. The soldiers are hiding from a "Light Eating Locust" that seems drawn to any light source, killing those in its path. Meanwhile, the Doctor and Nardole discover the boneless corpses of the remaining Legion. They later come across a Pict tribe guarding a cairn and waiting for Kar, their leader and the "Guardian of the Gate". The Doctor impatiently enters the cairn, passing into an interdimensional portal full of creatures feeding off a light source. He comes out seconds later, but finds that more than two days have actually passed. Kar explains that once a generation, a warrior of their tribe goes through the cairn to defeat an "Eater of Light", but with the invading Roman army, she allowed one to escape to fight them. The Doctor warns her that unless they can get the creature back into the portal and close it, more of its kind will escape and consume the sun and all the stars in the universe.

Bill leads the surviving legion away from the creature and end up near the cairn, reuniting with the Doctor and Nardole. The Romans and Picts all agree their squabble is childish given the larger threat. The Doctor works out a plan to lure the Eater back to the portal during daylight. Once the creature is trapped, the Doctor tells them someone needs to stay within the portal until the sun extinguishes to prevent the creature from escaping, but as human life spans are too short, he prepares to enter the portal himself, since his Time Lord physiology and regenerative abilities will protect him. Bill objects and knocks him down, while Kar and the remaining Ninth Legion instead sacrifice themselves as a group to stop the creatures, despite the Doctor's objections.

With the portal closed, the remaining Picts honour Kar's memory in monumental stones and by teaching the crows to say her name, which Nardole observes continues into the present day. Back in the TARDIS, Missy awaits their return, to the surprise of Bill and Nardole.

Continuity

Nardole mentions the Mary Celeste to Kar's followers as an example of people mysteriously disappearing. His tale of the ship's fate contradicts the First Doctor story The Chase (1965), where Daleks board the ship and frighten the crew into the water. [1]

Production

The read-through for "The Eaters of Light" was on 12 October 2016, with the main shooting taking place from 2 November to 22 November 2016. [2]

Writing

Moffat announced in October 2016 that a writer who had previously written for the classic series would be returning to write an episode, [3] later confirmed as Rona Munro, who previously wrote the Seventh Doctor story Survival , the final serial of both Season 26 and the classic series. She is the first writer to write for both the classic series and the revived series. [2]

Broadcast and reception

The episode was watched by 2.89 million viewers overnight, the programme's lowest overnight rating in its post-2005 history at the time of its airing, after the rating for "The Lie of the Land" which was watched by 3.01 million viewers overnight. Its audience share was 22%. [4] The episode received 4.73 million views overall, the programme's lowest rating at the time since its return in 2005. It was the twenty-sixth most watched programme of the week and had an audience share of 30.3%. It received an Appreciation Index of 81. [5] [6]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Rotten Tomatoes (Average Score)7.7/10 [7]
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer)100% [7]
Review scores
SourceRating
The A.V. Club B+ [8]
Entertainment Weekly B+ [9]
SFX MagazineStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [10]
TV FanaticStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [11]
IGN 8.3 [12]
New York MagazineStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [13]
Radio Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [14]

The collective press opinion for "The Eaters of Light" was quoted as "solid, if flawed". [15] The episode has 100% positive reviews based on 15 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site's consensus stating "'The Eaters of Light' emphasizes the Doctor's most relatable characteristics with an episode whose timely political subtext is nestled neatly within compelling drama." [7]

Alasdair Wilkins of The A.V. Club gave the episode a grade of B+, praising veteran writer Rona Munro on her script, and how she "skilfully mixes the political and the personal", specifically on the usage of the Roman army and the complexity of the characters of the soldiers. He stated how the episode felt like a throwback to a different era of the show, given Munro's being the first writer of the classic era to return to write for the modern era. He felt that criticisms of the previous episode applied to this episode as well, in light of the "retro" feel of the episode. Wilkins felt that the episode was "bizarre", in a positive manner, and that it had a "tremendous, distinctive atmosphere". [8]

Kathleen Wiedel of TV Fanatic gave the episode 3.3 stars out of 5. She felt that it was a solid episode with plenty to enjoy in terms of the story, including Nardole's inclusion with the natives, the Doctor's talking about the crows, and Bill and her discovery of the TARDIS' ability to translate. She commented on the predictability of what would happen when the Doctor declared that he would guard the gate – how the viewers would expect that the supporting cast would take his place instead. [11]

Scott Collura from IGN gave the episode a rating of 8.3. He especially praised the supporting cast of the Romans and Scots, and how they were an improvement compared with the weaker supporting cast and characters of the previous episodes in the series. Collura commented on the amusement of the conversation between Bill and Lucius regarding his romantic intentions, and the girl Kar with her pain and history of having lost everything. He commented on how the mixture of the supporting characters, the "over-the-top monster", and the stand-alone factor of the episode all contributed towards a better episode in a somewhat forgettable series. [12]

Patrick Mulkern from Radio Times gave the episode a perfect score, calling the script "beautifully written". He stated that the "authorial" voice of Munro was the most rewarding aspect of the programme as a whole, and how well she had adapted the story for a "half-remembered" myth. He compared a lot of the episode to Survival, Munro's previous episode of the classic era, including "adolescents running wild without adult guidance and ultimately become an elegy for a generation of lost youth". Mulkern complimented Bill in the episode, especially regarding her realization of the TARDIS' translation and the discussion on sexuality with the Romans. He also complimented Capaldi's portrayal of the Doctor, and how he did what the Doctor does best: take authority and throw himself into danger. [14]

In print

The Eaters of Light
Author Rona Munro
Series Doctor Who book:
Target novelisations
Publisher BBC Books
Publication date
14 July 2022
ISBN 978-1785947933

A novelisation of this story written by Rona Munro was released in paperback 14 July 2022 as part of the Target Collection. [16]

Related Research Articles

Rona Munro is a Scottish writer. She has written plays for theatre, radio, and television. Her film work includes Ken Loach's Ladybird, Ladybird (1994), Oranges and Sunshine (2010) for Jim Loach and Aimée & Jaguar (1999), co-authored by German director Max Färberböck. Munro is the second cousin of Scottish author Angus MacVicar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twelfth Doctor</span> Fictional character from Doctor Who

The Twelfth Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. He is portrayed by Scottish actor Peter Capaldi in three series as well as four specials. As with previous incarnations of the Doctor, the character has also appeared in other Doctor Who spin-offs.

"Thin Ice" is the third episode of the tenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was written by Sarah Dollard and broadcast on 29 April 2017 on BBC One. "Thin Ice" received mostly positive reviews from critics, with many labelling the topic of racism in the episode as well-executed.

The Magicians Apprentice (<i>Doctor Who</i>) 2015 Doctor Who episode

"The Magician's Apprentice" is the first episode of the ninth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on BBC One on 19 September 2015. The episode was written by showrunner Steven Moffat and directed by Hettie MacDonald. It is the first of a two-part story; the second part, "The Witch's Familiar", aired on 26 September.

"The Witch's Familiar" is the second episode of the ninth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on BBC One on 26 September 2015. It was written by Steven Moffat and directed by Hettie MacDonald, and is the second part of the story begun by "The Magician's Apprentice" on 19 September.

<i>Doctor Who</i> series 10 2017 series of Doctor Who

The tenth series of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who premiered on 15 April 2017 and concluded on 1 July 2017 with twelve episodes, after it was formally announced in July 2015. The series is led by head writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, alongside executive producer Brian Minchin. It is the third and final series overseen by the two as executive producers, as well as Moffat's sixth and final series as head writer. This series is the tenth to air following the programme's revival in 2005 and is the thirty-sixth season overall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Husbands of River Song</span> 2015 Doctor Who episode

"The Husbands of River Song" is an episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. First broadcast on BBC One on 25 December 2015, it is the eleventh Christmas special since the show's revival in 2005. It was written by Steven Moffat and directed by Douglas Mackinnon. The episode marks the return of Alex Kingston as River Song, making her first appearance alongside Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor, and also her last on screen appearance to date. This also features the first appearance of Nardole, who would become a companion starting from the next episode.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Return of Doctor Mysterio</span> 2016 Doctor Who episode

"The Return of Doctor Mysterio" is an episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. First broadcast on BBC One on 25 December 2016, it is the twelfth Christmas special since the show's revival in 2005. It was written by Steven Moffat and directed by Ed Bazalgette. The episode received generally positive reviews from critics.

"Extremis" is the sixth episode of the tenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was written by Steven Moffat and broadcast on 20 May 2017 on BBC One. "Extremis" received very positive reviews from television critics, with many praising Peter Capaldi's performance and Steven Moffat's script, though some commented on the complexity of the script.

"Smile" is the second episode of the tenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce and broadcast on 22 April 2017 on BBC One.

"Knock Knock" is the fourth episode of the tenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was written by Mike Bartlett and was broadcast on 6 May 2017 on BBC One.

"Oxygen" is the fifth episode of the tenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was written by Jamie Mathieson and broadcast on 13 May 2017 on BBC One.

"The Pyramid at the End of the World" is the seventh episode of the tenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was written by Peter Harness and Steven Moffat and broadcast on 27 May 2017 on BBC One. "The Pyramid at the End of the World" received generally positive reviews from television critics.

"The Lie of the Land" is the eighth episode of the tenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Written by Toby Whithouse, it was broadcast on 3 June 2017 on BBC One. "The Lie of the Land" received mixed reviews from television critics.

"The Pilot" is the first episode of the tenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was written by Steven Moffat and broadcast on 15 April 2017 on BBC One. "The Pilot" received mostly positive reviews, with praise on the introduction of Pearl Mackie, and how the episode served both as a soft reboot and as a series premiere.

"World Enough and Time" is the eleventh and penultimate episode of the tenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was written by Steven Moffat, directed by Rachel Talalay, and was broadcast on 24 June 2017 on BBC One. The episode was the first part of a two-part story, concluding with The Doctor Falls.

"The Doctor Falls" is the twelfth and final episode of the tenth series, and 843rd episode overall, of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was written by Steven Moffat, directed by Rachel Talalay, and was broadcast on 1 July 2017 on BBC One. It is the second episode of a two-part story, the first part being "World Enough and Time".

Bill Potts (<i>Doctor Who</i>) Fictional character in the TV series Doctor Who

Bill Potts is a fictional character created by Steven Moffat and portrayed by Pearl Mackie in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. In the show's tenth series, starting with the first episode, Bill served as a companion of the Twelfth Doctor, an incarnation of the alien time traveller known as the Doctor.

"Empress of Mars" is the ninth episode of the tenth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was written by Mark Gatiss and broadcast on 10 June 2017 on BBC One. "Empress of Mars" received generally positive reviews from television critics.

Twice Upon a Time (<i>Doctor Who</i>) 2017 Doctor Who episode

"Twice Upon a Time" is a special episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, broadcast on BBC One on 25 December 2017 as the programme's thirteenth Christmas special. The episode was written by Steven Moffat and directed by Rachel Talalay. It features the final regular appearance of Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor, the first official appearance of Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, and also stars David Bradley as the First Doctor. Pearl Mackie stars as the Twelfth Doctor's former companion Bill Potts, while his other companions make guest appearances – Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald and Matt Lucas as Nardole. Mark Gatiss plays a First World War British army captain. The episode is a continuation of "The Doctor Falls", and takes place during the final serial of the First Doctor, The Tenth Planet (1966); footage from The Tenth Planet is used in the special. "Twice Upon a Time" is Capaldi's fourth and final Christmas special as the Twelfth Doctor, and at the time was the last Doctor Who story to be written and produced by Moffat, who served as the show's executive producer and chief writer since taking over from Russell T Davies in 2010. After the special's broadcast, Moffat was succeeded as executive producer and showrunner by Chris Chibnall.

References

  1. ↑ Dillon-Trenchard, Pete (17 June 2017). "Doctor Who series 10: The Eaters Of Light geeky spots and Easter eggs". Den of Geek. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  2. 1 2 "Series 10, Doctor Who – The Eaters of Light: The Fact File". BBC. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  3. ↑ "Moffat Promises Classic Doctor Who Writer For New Season". Comic Book Resources . 9 October 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  4. ↑ "The Eaters of Light – Overnight Viewing Figures". Doctor Who News. 18 June 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  5. ↑ Marcus (27 June 2017). "The Eaters of Light – Official Ratings". Doctor Who News. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  6. ↑ Marcus (19 June 2017). "The Eaters of Light – Audience Appreciation:81". Doctor Who News. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  7. 1 2 3 "Doctor Who, Series 10, Episode 10, The Eaters of Light". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  8. 1 2 Wilkins, Alasdair (17 June 2017). "Doctor Who heads to ancient Scotland for a mystical throwback". The A.V. Club . Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  9. ↑ Serrao, Nivea (17 June 2017). "Doctor Who recap: 'The Eaters of the Light'". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  10. ↑ Delahunty-Light, Zoe (17 June 2017). "DOCTOR WHO S10.10 REVIEW: "THE DOCTOR'S SAVIOUR COMPLEX CAN BE DOWNRIGHT SELFISH"". GamesRadar . Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  11. 1 2 Wiedel, Kathleen (18 June 2017). "Doctor Who Season 10 Episode 11 Review: The Eaters of Light". TV Fanatic. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  12. 1 2 Collura, Scott (17 June 2017). "Doctor Who: "The Eaters of the Light" Review". IGN . Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  13. ↑ Ruediger, Ross (17 June 2017). "Doctor Who Recap: History Lessons". New York . Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  14. 1 2 Mulkern, Patrick (17 June 2017). "Doctor Who The Eaters of Light review: "Rona Munro creates her own legends with a beautifully written script"". Radio Times . Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  15. ↑ "The Eaters of Light". Doctor Who News. 19 June 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  16. ↑ Munro, Rona (14 July 2022). Doctor Who: The Eaters of Light (Target Collection). ISBN   978-1785947933.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.