One morning in London, and every city and town in the world, the human race wakes up to the most surprising invasion yet: the trees have moved back in. Everywhere, in every land, a forest has grown and taken back the Earth.

For much of the season, the stories for Doctor Who has taken on the horror genre, and this episode too dips a bit into that with a trip into the forest, the setting of so many children’s tales, grim as they are. It’s appropriate since this episode focuses on a bunch of kids, Clara, and Danny Pink. Pink, Clara, and the kids begin on a class school trip, and when attempting to go home discover London (and the world) has been overrun with planets. In comes the Doctor and one strange little child.

The whole tree aspect is interesting, and some nice pro-environment messaging, though a meh story. What’s interesting though is the interaction with the Doctor and Clara. While the Doctor is trying to save the world, there’s a point Clara gives up, a switch from her integral part in saving the world the last couple of episodes. It also shows a part of her that’s a bit tired of it all. She also sides with Pink, choosing him over the Doctor.

There is some very interesting discussion at the end about forgetting, and humanity’s habit of doing so. But, really, it’s that “next time” that really has me excited. It looks like the season has been building up to something interesting, and we’re about to find out what that is.

Overall Score: 7

Separated from the Doctor, Clara discovers a new menace from another dimension. But how do you hide when even the walls are no protection? With people to save and the Doctor trapped, Clara comes up against an enemy that exists beyond human perception.

Lately, Doctor Who has been on a string of horror episodes. This one is interesting in that it also mixes in a lot of humor, especially when it comes to a running gag of a mini-Tardis.

The bad guys themselves are pretty cool with a very nice design, and some awesome special effects. The monsters themselves aren’t much of the point in the episode though, instead acting as a driver to something bigger.

Overall though, the episode is about Clara, who has taken on the role of the “Doctor,” and must save the day. It builds on a theme of the season, building up the strength of Clara, shifting her from her role as a macguffin whose character was intertwined with the Doctor reminding him of who he was, with no other motivations. This season has changed her into an independent companion who’s as much the hero as the Doctor, and much more of a 3 dimensional character (pun intended considering the bad guys this episode). The irony being, this is her last season.

Overall, the episode continues an intriguing season with each episode having a goal, and aiming to accomplish it.

Overall Score: 8

Doctor Who can do goofy, can do sci-fi, but I think the show is often at its best when it does horror. Some of my favorite episodes are the scarier ones, which mix scares along with the usual craziness that’s associated with the Doctor.

Mixing in some time travel, Clara and the Doctor head back in time and meet a young Danny Pink and deal with the idea of nightmares, and the idea we’ve all experienced the same one at one point in our lives.

The episode is a fascinating one, in that it not only tells us a lot about Danny, and his past, but also about the Doctor now. Clara shows lots of caring and affection, but the Doctor also has shown he has tossed his affection and caring. This Doctor is no longer sugar-coating things, instead he just wants to get the job done, which is to protect humanity.

But the episode not only dives into Pink’s past, but also the Doctor’s asking in a way if the Doctor is defined by his companion(s)? These first four episodes continue to deconstruct the Doctor, his motivations, and now his past and origin. And it even sheds some light into the War Doctor we know so little about with this episode.

The season has been interesting so far, with a goal to entertain, and also challenge what we think and know of the Doctor.

Overall Score: 8

Part of Doctor Who’s brilliance is that it can take us anywhere and at any time. For this episode, we get a trip to Sherwood forest to join Robin Hood and his band of men in their battle against the evil Sheriff.

What’s interesting is what happens near the beginning of their getting to know Robin Hood. He explains how he began his battle, prompted by a woman to stand up for what’s right. Much like how the Doctor is now by Clara. Also, the Doctor seems to be confused by this figure who shouldn’t exist, not realizing that his bewilderment is similar to Clara’s relationship, and all companion’s relationships, with the Doctor.

Overall, the episode is ok, keeping us questioning what is real, and what is not. The story, isn’t the main focus, it’s the underlying themes as discussed above that really matters.

The episode is all about legends and heroes, and what the Doctor’s labels are when it comes to both of those. It’s clear the season is really focusing on all of that, the Doctor’s role in the world and that question if he’s a good man.

Not the best episode, but it moves along the themes of the season well.

Overall Score: 7.5