...and why not?

Allow me to share my thoughts before handing this place of sanctuary over to you.

For myself, over the course of the last six episodes, Series 8 has already far surpassed the last two and in terms of consistency, Series 5 also. I'm aware that this appears to be a series of two halves, with the latter being billed as the more defining of the two - but I have enjoyed S8 immensely, thus far - even if it hasn't been perfect.

Peter Capaldi is a strong presence, and his Doctor is currently fulfilling the remit of his character's arc this series (in Capaldi's own words). He's still a mystery. He doesn't know who he is, yet - so neither should we. I trust that this story will reach it's end in the final episodes, and we will have a clearer picture as to who our new Doctor really is - but that isn't stopping me from loving what we're getting already. Not just because we share the trait of hating others talking over our plans

I have seen it said that 12 has no desire to explore the Universe, get involved in the affairs of others or indeed travel at all. I have seen no evidence to back up these claims. He put himself in the middle of a Dalek resistance conflict to save a soldier - despite having no reason to do so (he only went for coffee!) He was even briefly glad at the prospect of being miniaturized. 12 then took it upon himself to investigate the Robot mystery in Sherwood Forest - quite keen after that arm fell off. Then, of course, he dived in throughout time and space to investigate a recurring nightmare across all of Human history - which affected him as a child. Did he need to? No. Recently, he volunteered to rob the most dangerous bank in the Universe to reunite two members of an alien species and dared to wade in among the boring little Humans to save the planet from the Scovox Blitzer.

The most obvious example of a situation he was mostly forced in to, was going inside the Dalek. But even then, he was clearly curious about saving Rusty's soul, as it were. Capaldi said he wanted to make a darker, more layered character - who still has a great joy in seeing what the Universe has to offer. But while I have latched on to that, it is a shame that others just see a grumpy blank canvas. But then, any increase in subtly in characterization could be seen as quite alien after Series 7.... but each to their own. Capaldi has given us little moments of pause which I love. A lingering glance, an almost nostalgic reaction to a kiss and a few moments in The Caretaker which reflect his fiercely protective nature of those under his care. After all - us, down here... we're never small to him. He made that quite clear right at the start - no matter how much of our brains may be made up of pudding.

Then there's Clara, of course. Backed up by an active, episode-to-episode storyline this time around and a consistency in character traits which I expect is down to Moffat hopefully keeping a firm (and co-credited) grip on the series. It sounds like the best is still to come for Clara/Coleman - so I look forward to it! While I still thought she was a refreshing presence in Series 7, I made it clear on here that I wasn't exactly satisfied at her usage until Day of The Doctor onwards. But now - I'm all smiles! Still getting used to Danny, though I don't know how much more we will be seeing of him.

Episode pacing has been much improved. Longer scenes - as promised. Even the fluff has more substance.... and the montages are fun! I had some concerns about the score going in to this series, too. Audio mix aside, I was paranoid about the possibility that I am The Doctor would be somehow remixed again and still manage to creep in every episode. But thankfully, the music is being used very effectively so far - and there are long stretches of silence which is oddly reassuring.

Series 7 wanted big and bold ideas. This time around, it feels like a much more thought-through scheme. I've done enough speculating as to why that is - so I'm happy to just sit back and enjoy it. If this is the Doctor Who that gets 4.8m overnights and AIs of 82-84... then long may I continue to see those numbers in the Ratings Thread!

By all accounts - things can only get even more interesting with Kill the Moon, hopefully setting a upwards trend for the rest of the series. Really, really looking forward to what the new writers (and directors) have to offer!

Rambling over, I need sleep Over to you! I promise not to call you easily pleased.

( p.s. I have labelled this as an appreciation thread as to fall within the forum rules. Feel free to continue elsewhere if you hate Series 8 with a passion )

A brilliant thread. And a fantastic first post. I shall be back when I can eloquently write down why I am loving S8 so much. But oh how I do!

My appreciation for Series 8 is at 66% at the moment....4 Hits, 2 Misses!

I've said on a few threads how much I am loving this series. I'm a bit conscious of delving into overly sentimental territory but, oh well.

This series has really been something special. Every single second for me has offered something brilliant. There hasn't been one moment that's made me cringe, which normally by now in every other series there's been one or two moments, even whole episodes that has just made me embarrassed for all involved.
Capaldi probably has a lot to do with that. He's just amazing. I'm endlessly surprised when I see people bitching about him on here. He's the perfect foil to the previous two incarnations. The silly Fez wearing and 'oh yes!' stuff for me doesn't compare to Capaldi's cynical, almost blasé attitude to the world. It's wonderful. It might be because cynical and blasé is my own default setting, but it's just so nice to see a Doctor that isn't impressed by everything he sees.

And of course the writing. Which in my opinion is finally on the form it hasn't been since series 5. It's like Moffat is now writing with his eyes open, he knows his characters and he has given himself direction. I feel the last two series, while of course having such amazing moments, didn't have the overall focus it needed. This series feels concentrated and certain. Listen was the most perfect episode of Doctor Who I've seen in a long while.

The characters in this series have also been something very special. For all the complaining people have done about Danny Pink, I think he's lovely. He's sweet and well meaning. He feels like a real person, and I get the feeling we haven't even scratched the surface with him. And as for Clara, she's just brilliant. It's taken me this long to warm to her if I'm honest, but she's everything a companion should be without being irritating and over the top 'I love the doctor and everything about him'. Her and Capaldi are a surprisingly brilliant team.

Overall, it's a bit difficult not to be moved to the point of emotion with this series. Perhaps not for obvious reasons. But because my all time favourite programme finally feels like it's back on form. It has done away with the gimmicky nonsense and gone back to what it should be. I love it. I love everything about it. And I'm so excited to see where this is going.

That's all very well, OP, but we all know you're a sheep.....

Kidding!

Seriously, Thanks for posting this thread CD, it was very much needed, I think.

I agree with your post almost 100%. I've loved all the episodes except one, (You can't win 'em all!). I'm loving Capaldi. Loving loving loving him. I really don't get the "He's just grumpy and rude" criticism. He's subtle and funny and caring and clever, manipulative and uncertain and insecure. A proper and appropriate paradox.

Clara has emerged for me as a real person, something that got lost in the last series, imo. I find her and Danny's love story touching and realistic, and yet intriguingly having some mystery attached.

The writing has been consistently good. So much going on I've gone back to watching episodes twice to see what I missed first time. That hasn't happened to me since series 4. Everyone involved seems to be having a great time. (Whether they are or not, I don't know, but they should look as though they are and this lot do).

I've moaned quite frequently about the last few series, but there's absolutely nothing for me to complain about in this one. I'm looking forward with delighted anticipation to this week's episode, and I'm dying to know what happens in the rest of the series, while at the same time not wanting it to go by too soon. You know, the usual.

Lovely post.

I love your location.

Thank you
And thanks again! I thought I'd go all dark and moody with Editors song lyrics. Why not? Ha.

I'd never heard of The Editors (don't judge me too harshly) but after reading your post I have now listened to them performing "Sugar" on Youtube. It's brilliant! What a stunningly unique voice that boy has!

So thanks for introducing me to them.

(I'll now get off this thread before I get told off for going off topic. Sorry OP. )

Ahh it's very off topic yes but you're in for a treat if you're just discovering them

But yes. Series eight is wonderful and lovely. Thank you OP for making the tread. So nice to have some positivity for a change

This series is closing in on Series 1.

Series 4 is still my favourite, Series 1 in second place and Series 8 currently in 3rd.

Could be my favourite season ever if it carries on the way it has been doing.

I'm just chucking my opinions in for what they are worth.

I'm really loving this new series and especially the new Doctor who I feel has encouraged all involved to turn things up a notch. I may be biased in that I've loved all of Capaldi's previous work but there yer go. As Granny says, he brings so much more than just the 'grumpy and rude'. Personally, I find his performance as The Doctor so layered and emotive. For example, 'The Caretaker' has been said to have been 'comedic' in a large part however I found it quite emotional and it did leave me feeling sad in some way. Call me a soft sod but the way in which the Doctor reluctantly admits 'It's a start' when Clara tells him Danny did just save the planet just tugged at my heart strings. You can't help but see the emotion there just looking at his eyes. Fear, rejection, letting go, realisation he isn't the only saviour or Clara's only idol...it's all there. The Doctor is an alien but he strikes me as as having very real, raw emotions and a lot of bravado. He isn't all happy, clappy and oh joy, isn't everything amazing. I think there are many layers yet to be unwrapped and I am enjoying watching his character unfurl along with Clara and Danny.

I could go on and on about other subtleties but I would probably just come across as a sentimental old fool and bore everyone. I suppose I am excited to be excited. I'm watching the series 'live' on Saturdays once again, not leaving it all for catch up, and then re-watching (and always finding something new). I'm anxious about what this weeks episode will bring and find I can't wait for it to be Saturday again.

Great thread CD and great points, like Salad I'll be composing my thoughts on the series later. Suffice to say - Capaldi is great

Don't let that stop you! I love a bit of sentiment, me.

I haven;t got time to comment in detail right now, but I;ve made no secret of my love for S8 and the new Doctor, and I agree with most of what others on this thread have said, especially regarding the subtlety of the stories and Capaldi's performance. S8 is, for the most part, a massive return to form for Doctor Who, and the best it has been since the classic series.

Series 8 looks like it is going to be awesome. It has an 80% approval rating from me, the 20% being the awfulness that is Robots of Sherwood.

I still don't know what to think of Listen, it seemed like the show was trying to be too clever and fell flat on its face a bit but I enjoyed the episode if I don't ask too many questions about it.

So far it is lining up to be Moffats best season

I approached Series 8 with nervous caution...there was a lot of promise there, and an opportunity to turn a lot of mistakes around. Mistakes that unfortunately the brilliant Matt Smith ended up lumbered with. Series 5, 6 and 7 all presented different problems that were glaringly in your face and distracting - that's not to take away the fact that there was some stunning stuff in there as well (all three series contain some of my favourite episodes) but each series became notably more convoluted and as one issue with the series was addressed another two popped up to replace them.

They say that you can judge your true appreciation for something by how obvious that things flaws are. For instance if you find yourself picking holes in Series 7 then it doesn't matter how much you tell yourself that it's still okay and you generally like it... it has got problems. If the problems a series has are glaringly obvious or you struggle to forgive those issues then the series has done something wrong (subjectively speaking of course). That's where Series 8 comes in.

From the six episodes we've had so far, I've found it increasingly difficult to not forgive Series 8 its flaws. It has a definite charm about it, an intimacy or reservedness that became sorely lacking from recent years. Whilst not perfect, Series 8 has so far been an absolute joy to watch. The attention, time and care taken to develop characters has not gone unnoticed. Each subsequent episode doesn't feel like it is trying to outdo or undermine the previous one, but is rather simply wholly focused on telling its own story. The pacing issues have been worked on massively, I feel because they're not going for absolute overkill with ideas. A lot of the stories leave me wanting more, but at the same time I generally don't feel dissatisfied by what I've watched. Of the six episodes so far, I've really liked five of them - Deep Breath was the exception, and I found it to be tremendously flawed upon initial viewing. Funnily enough though I've rewatched it once in light of later episodes and I find it quite easy to forgive the episode its flaws because it is contributing to something markedly more impressive. I cannot say the same for The Impossible Astronaut from Series 6, which in complete contrast was adequate enough on initial viewing but is now full of empty promises and a plot that ultimately didn't deliver. I find it hard to forgive, comparitively.

I'm heading into the second half of Series 8 with much anticipation and excitement, and better still it's without that sense of worry or caution I was still carrying just six episodes ago. Capaldi and Coleman have completely sold this series to me, and unless a number of these upcoming episodes manage to completely turn the series on its head in terms of quality, there's little that will deter my opinion that Series 8 is...and I love saying this...appointment viewing. I can't take or leave Doctor Who any more like I've felt I've been able to do for a while... I genuinely want to see it and look forward to it more than I have done in a long time. The cast seem to really be enjoying themselves and are relishing meatier character work, rather than just spouting caricature-esque catchphrases every few minutes. I genuinely look forward to seeing this duo more than any since Ten and Donna... in fact Clara has had a complete turnaround since the end of Series 7 and is now probably my second favourite companion after Donna. Moffat has, dare I say it, impressed me so far, even if the one episode that disappointed me was from him (and as much as I loved Listen it was terribly overrated as well).

There are problems still, as always. I've had one awkward scene (the 'rehearsing a play' scene from The Caretaker was the wrong side of awkward and not funny enough for me) this series, and whilst the episode ideas are varied there hasn't been a true stand-out story for me so far this series. But these are all either totally trivial issues or ones that may yet be resolved. Again, it seems much easier to forgive those problems because of how much I'm absolutely loving everything else on offer! I think in part that success comes not only from a stellar cast and improved writing, but also from actually having a full series again. Doctor Who is a TV series, not a movie or a bunch of specials. While I feel that Series 8 may have benefited from a two-parter around the middle to help it flesh out a little more of its own identity it's definitely not fallen into the slur that Series 7 did and it's actually sustaining a decent arc, as well as delivering consistent quality episodes which I'm looking forward to week on week. With a whole series in one go I don't feel like it's over as soon as it's begun...there's actually substantial content to get invested in.

This is the most positive I've been about Doctor Who in a long time (aside from the odd gushing about random episodes here and there). It goes to show it's not about RTD vs. Moffat, it's not about Tennant vs. Smith or Eccleston or any of those things...it's much more simply about whether all the ingredients have added up to the best quality product you can make. And for me, Series 8 is definitely Clara's best souffle!

An enjoyable and very good post if I may say.

The undoubted strength for me so far has been the lead actor Peter Capaldi combined with the lines and overall characterisation given to him in the scripts so far. I have found this element the most engaging of the series so far, here we are at the halfway stage, and as you highlighted he still is very much a mystery. I can only speculate too that it is all purposely done.

The Caretaker episode has done the most for me so far this series in terms of engaging with the series, in terms of the often previous slightly clunky Clara and Danny passages that have been in the series previously. The Caretaker was a fine script and production all round and incorporated the Clara/Danny storyline more happily as it was central to events in that episode, aside from the slightly jarring surprise play section. The Doctor again for me improves episode on episode as we get to see that bit more of him, and as you said it was heart warming to see the care and flashes of happiness for Clara in the episode, which was one of my concerns in his earlier episodes of him showing too little compassion at times.

The storylines have been a bit of one good then one less good, but I can see the second half of the series seeing more heavyweight storylines for us. All in all I am not quite a fully signed up member of series 8, but it has shown to me that it has great promise so far and certainly is shaping up to be my favourite since series 4.

UPDATE: AI Index 71%

Series 8 for me (with only 5 episodes left) become my favourite series yet.

Simply adore the direction we have taken...we need this arkness and grittiness and surreal humour to keep us going in this day and age.

I adored the Matt Smith era very much so ....heck he made me fall in love with the show when I needed it most.

Series 5 and 6 i thought would be tough to beat...yet here we are Series 8 has surpassed those and series 1 IMO already...

all 7 episodes have showcased pure excellence and consistency, I love there have not been any two parters this series too, it allows for each episode to flow seamlessly into the next to create such a bombast storyline and intriguing story arc as we build closer to the finale.

Also series 8 has not been afriad to take so many risks.....it really is just perfect TV right now and I hope it continues and am so very sure it will.

Personally I do not see what some of the negativity is coming from ....it upsets me people just throw their voice around to showcase such negativity but there we go......not everything pleases everyone and you dont know what you have until its gone.

So just appreciate what we have...Doctor Who at IMO its very best. 5 more episode to go I cannot believe how time has flown by! But i cannot wait to see where we are headed.

thus far i would rank the series like this -

Series 8
Series 5
Series 6
Series 1
Series 7
Series 4
Series 2
Series 3

Glad I'm not the only one thoroughly enjoying this series. It has actually fully resparked my love for the show when it has been waning for the past few years. Tbh, after his initial series I have not enjoyed the Matt Smith era very much at all.

I feel like there were far too many stories with good build up, only for everything to be magically solved in the last few minutes bringing a rather stunted conclusion to things that didn't really fit. I was fed up of the Doctor finding a magic button to push or suddenly working out you do this out of nowhere and then it ending. Not to mention I feel it had become a bit too soft and not enough of a mix between adult and child stuff.

Rewatching series 1 (up to The Doctor Dances) has only confirmed that for me and tbh I haven't liked the direction the show has gone. But series 8 really has been fantastic and it will probably turn out to be one of my favourite series of all.

The writing seems to have improved, it has a darker tone which makes it way more interesting and I just feel like Peter Capaldi is absolutely fantastic. Not to mention I think his dynamic with Clara is great. She has also improved greatly since last season.

Apart from Deep Breath, which took me a while to get into, there hasn't really been an episode I have been unsatisfied with. Hopefully it continues that way and my love for the show can stay fully revived

On a rather more superficial note, I really like that the Doctor no longer has "an outfit"! He's not a superhero (nor, for that matter, a soldier) and it never made much sense to me that (at least since Peter Davison's tenure, by my reckoning) he never changed his clothes.

I am LOVING this series - for me, Dr Who is back where it should be at last.

To be honest, for a while it didn't worry me over-much if I missed episodes during 10 and 11's tenures - there are still quite a few of them I have never seen.
Saturday evenings are often busy for me and at times I just didn't feel inclined to watch on iPlayer - I had disengaged with the show.
This series has certainly changed all that. My Saturdays are still in demand, but I ALWAYS catch up on Sunday mornings - if only to see if it is as bad as the doom-and-gloom merchants who populate this forum actually say it is! But then some people seem to get off on moaning ...
Capaldi is as brilliant in the role as I thought he would be and I am delighted with the return of Who as it should be.

Yeah, count me in. So far, I'd say it's been Moffat's best.

Series 5 was delightfully average. Strong stories, nothing groundbreaking, but good enjoyable drama, pretty much week in week out. Consistency. That's worth a lot.

Series 6 was a failed experiment, if you asked me. No worries though- they tried something new, it didn't go down all that well, but again, there were some strong stories in there.

Series 7 was an oddball. Five episodes, followed by a Christmas special, followed by eight more episodes that were totally different in tone to the first five. Just...odd. But once again, there was some good stuff in there, and all of the episodes were perfectly decent, bar a couple. However, it offered something series 6 didn't- the chance for casual viewers to actually understand what was going on.

Series 8, so far, has been much like series 5, albeit better. After a pretty horrendous start, it gave us a strong episode, a good romp, a masterpiece, another strong episode, another good romp and...I don't even know what you'd class "Kill the Moon" as, but it was good.

Six hits and one miss in my opinion. Not bad at all. Plus, I think that Peter Capaldi is amazing.

This series is shaping up to be my all time favourite. After tonight I feel this thread should be bumped!

What a great idea for a thread. I think this series is fantastic too.