This is a lot messier than the first half of the story, but it satisfyingly hits so many huge and dramatic beats that it is still a joy to behold. The soldier storyline, while it hasn't been my favourite series arc, is very well handled and Danny Pink is given a good send off. When I first watched this in 2014 I did not like the inclusion of a cyber-Brigadier at all, but I have softened on this considerably and now think its a sweet touch.

The real star of the show is Michelle Gomez's Missy who elevates proceedings by several factors. Her magnetic performance puts a magic spin on anything it touches. Ideas which might have seemed a bit of a stretch in the hands of another actor, in her hands look perfectly natural. Missy's plan in this story, to give The Doctor a dead army, is both clever but also actually quite sweet. I love that she just wants The Doctor's attention!

The Doctor has had the realisation that he is "an idiot" which I'm hoping confirms that he will not be returning to this darker, moodier mode which has dogged this series. I love the neurodivergent man who does not know how to give and take compliments, but I don't like The Doctor as a bully.