Doctor Who: The Woman Who Lived Recap

After the disappointing The Girl Who Died, this week's episode offers more insight to the character of Ashildr (here, simply referring to herself as Me), as well as the effect The Doctor's exploits have on someone after he disappears from their life. This companion-less story is certainly an improvement over last week's tale, but is still lacking a compelling narrative overall. Its strength, however, comes from Maisie Williams and Peter Capaldi, both of whom are on top form.

Taking place many years after the battle between the Vikings and the Mire, the Doctor arrives in 1651, where he encounters Ashildr once again, this time posing as infamous robber "The Knightmare". Ashildr recognises the Doctor even after so many years, and tells him of the struggles she has faced during her immortal life. With the Doctor unwilling to let Ashildr travel with him, he soon faces more than he bargained for when Ashildr becomes allies with a deadly alien warrior, who is hell bent on ripping the world apart so that his kind can invade.

Story-wise, this is still far below the standard of the first four episodes, with a very similar plot to last week: an alien invasion. The invasion plotline involving the alien, Leandro (a lion-like beast), is given much less focus than the interactions between the Doctor and Ashildr. It almost seems like a plotline from a different episode, and it all leads to a rushed an un-exciting climax. There's also comedian Rufus Hound starring as Sam Swift, a rival of Ashildr, who becomes involved in Leandro's scheme of opening a portal. Ashildr believes this portal will provide an opportunity to escape her mundane life on Earth, and so she briefly turns against the Doctor. Swift isn't that developed as a character, and his involvement in the less interesting plotline of the episode means he too isn't that interesting. It very much feels like Hound was allowed to play the character with his own comedic style, which could have worked better if featured in a lighter-toned episode.

Williams and Capaldi prevent this from being totally forgettable, as their performances are a cut above every other aspect. The writing being their dialogue is strong, but the emotions evoked from both actors is what really sells, and had me intrigued as to how their friendship would end up. Between this and last week's story, Ashildr has gone through much, including becoming a mother and losing her children to the plague. She seeks the thrills of the Doctor's life, unaware that it involves just as much pain and sacrifice. The Doctor's good nature is thoroughly tested, and this time its by someone who has seen just as much suffering as he has. This makes for good drama and character development, with them both unsure of one-another even after working together to stop the invasion.

Better than last week, but by no means a classic, The Woman Who Lived is certainly a mixed bag. Storywise, its only slightly better than the first part, but the characters are developed more and are given priority. This is going to be one that divides opinion,  but will most likely be forgotten if the series gets back on track. It helps, then, that we have the return of some classic monsters next week...