Doctor Who: Legend of the Sea Devils review: Penultimate special is ‘rollicking ride’ we were promised – but the new era will be welcome
Posted by  badge Boss on Apr 17, 2022 - 08:54PM

is about to bow out of for good, with Legend of the Sea Devils being her penultimate appearance as the 13th Doctor.

The latest special saw the Doctor, Yaz (Mandip Gill) and Dan (John Bishop) battling against the classic monster, the Sea Devils, who have had quite the upgrade since they last featured in the sci-fi.

Perhaps more importantly to fans, some much-needed conversations are had between Yaz and the Doctor

Meanwhile, the Doctor seems to know something is about to happen, as we left her on an emotional note wishing this adventure ‘could last forever’.

Legend of the Sea Devils was enjoyable, living up to what Chibnall described as ‘a big, epic,  rollicking, fun adventure.’

The return of the Sea Devils was a genius move, with the characters being updated perfectly, but still staying somewhat faithful to their beginnings in the sci-fi.

The Yaz and Doctor scenes were the best of the episode (Picture: BBC / Twitter)
The classic monsters returned (Picture: BBC / Twitter)

It’s the type of adventure people love Doctor Who for and, after Flux, which tried to do too much at points, it was an enjoyable and simplistic return to form.

As usual, the cast were fantastic, especially considering the stunts they pulled off, with the final shot of Jodie on the beach being a little haunting considering how soon we know the regeneration is coming.

Mandip and Jodie’s chemistry has always been great and the slightly awkward chats Yaz and the Doctor had were particularly stand-out moments. However, it’s difficult to see how that’s going to proceed.

The Doctor and Yaz finally spoke about their feelings (Picture: BBC / Twitter)
The Doctor and co battled the Sea Devils (Picture: BBC / Twitter)

After years of fans willing it into existence, the Doctor and Yaz’s romance seems like it might be over before it’s even started. Perhaps we’ll need to wait and see on that one, although it seems questionable that their relationship will happen and be wrapped up in a satisfying way with just one special left.

That aside, it’s still a little difficult to get past Chris Chibnall’s writing.

We may risk sounding like a broken record, but the showrunner’s writing still leaves plenty to be desired, with lots of jarring dialogue.

We’re definitely going to miss Jodie but, in all honesty, Russell T Davies’ return can’t come soon enough.

Legend of the Sea Devils is available on BBC iPlayer.