It was fine.

I think there is a lot to love and dislike with this one, it all comes together to give me the Feeling of "Yup this was fine", which might feel a bit paradoxical but let me explain:

I think it being a Sequel to Midnight was unnecessary. Not even necessarily because I think it handles the Task of a Sequel poor, but mainly because at the End of the Day, I think and don't really see much Point how this adds anything. I am sure some like this Connection Bit and how it handles the Midnight Entity is for the most Part okay. But like many other Things with this Era, if I have any major Issue with it, it's the Need to connect Bits together. Oh look, Sutekh, the Toymaker and the Mara are now in the same Pantheon of Gods! Oh, look, this mysterious Creature is that other Creature from 2008. It just makes the Universe much smaller, and I rather have another mysterious Creature than just say it's the same one. I love a good ol' Sequel, but really if anything Doctor Who's biggest Strength is how it isn't bound to a few Villains, Creatures or anything and yet despite it all, this Era feels the Need to say "Well actually the Universe of this World is much smaller!", which to me feels paradoxical to the Core of the Show.

Despite that, I think the Episode for the most Part is fairly solid. The Side Cast is great, everybody gives a good Performance and feels believable, from the terrified Aliss to the skeptic to the one who fully believes in the Doctor. I think we get to know them well enough for the most Part for it to work enough. That said.. I really must admit the Way this Creature attacked them felt quite silly and it being the Midnight Entity at the same Time makes me enjoy it kinda less(?). Like I said it handles it Sequel Status fine enough, it gets that this Creature would evolve and learn more, but I would lie if I didn't felt too sold on it.

On the other Hand, you have the superb Directing, which is something you could say for most if not all the Episodes. Here it adds to the Atmosphere, which was build really well in the first Half but didn't hit the landing with the last few Minutes. As always, our Leads do a great Job. I particularly like the Beginning with the two in the Tardis, Scenes like that were really missing in the last Season. Probably the Highpoint for me.

I totally get why this one will probably end up for many either a 'love it' or 'hate it' Episode. I think it's solid as it is, but could have been better on its own Feet, since frankly regardless if you think is it handles it Job as a Sequel well, its Nature as such will bring comparisons with it. And in general, I will be more open to a brand-new Creature.

This is probably a prime example that maybe on Rewatch can go either way for me. For now, I think there is equally Stuff I like and equally one that bothers me. Very curious to see how the next Episode will land for me.