Doctor Who: Sleep No More' - A Divisive Episode with a Unique Format

As a fan of Doctor Who, I personally love some episodes more than others. Two of my favorite episodes are '42' and 'The Impossible Planet.' When I heard that 'Sleep No More' was another Event Horizon-style adventure, I knew it would be a unique experience.

From the very beginning, the episode features a cute scene with banter between The Doctor and Clara. However, aside from this moment, they get remarkably little screen time. In fact, the whole episode is shot in found footage segments, without even a title screen. This unconventional format may have been intended to create an experimental feel, but it's hard not to see it as just another gimmick.

One of the main criticisms of 'Sleep No More' is that it doesn't give Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman enough room to shine. After their brilliant performances in the previous Zygon adventures, it's a shame that they're relegated to secondary roles. The cramped, narrow shots can feel constricting and claustrophobic, making it hard to fully invest in the story.

The monsters in this episode are another point of contention. Grown from sleep sand that accumulates in the corner of the human eye, they have a certain body horror uneasiness. However, there's no edge to them, making them just another horde of unscary creatures.

Despite receiving some criticism, 'Sleep No More' is still a part of Series 9, which has been remarkably consistent in quality. The show seems to have hit on a solid mix of classic series nostalgia, revived series pacing, serialization, good scripts, and room for Peter Capaldi to chew scenery. While this episode may be divisive, it's clear that the writers are trying something new and different.

Overall, 'Sleep No More' is an episode that will likely polarize fans. Some will love its experimental format and unique monsters, while others will find it confusing and lacking in substance. As for me, I think it's a decent addition to the series, but not one of my favorites.

Doctor who sleep no more online