All of the stars are for Yaz and The Doctor. This episode feels so off in its editing and staging. Generously, I feel like that had to be from filming in covid times. But still feels really weird to watch a sword fight and feel zero excitement whatsoever. I hope in the years to come, we'll get to hear what happened behind the scenes.

I'm hoping this proves to be the Planet of the Dead for Jodie's last run. A semi decent special before the next one that delivers on everything we come to expect from Doctor Who.

This episode has a very classic feel, and honestly I think more of Thirteen's era should have been like this. She does best when in filler-type episodes, just running around having adventures with the fam. Though technically the stakes include the entire world, they feel small and localized, which I prefer. I like that the Sea Devils (unfortunately named, but that was established long before this) more or less maintain their classic appearance. The pirates (TWO different eras of Chinese pirates!) are great fun. The entire thing maintains the random yet earnest feel that made classic who so charming, only with impressive special effects.

And, of course, the relationship conversation was expertly handled. The Doctor in an ordinary romance would never have worked, and this was a great way to discuss that.

Nowhere near as bad as I remembered. The Thasmin moments are great, the story isnt amazing but its okay!

i actually think its extremely offensive to give me a qing dynasty historical like i asked but its some yawn doodoo boring s**t and anyways like if youre gonna do any china historical and not make it the most amazing groundbreaking episode i literally hate you. bbc are you racist like be honest.

and also idgaf about thasmin like im sorry but yazmin got the characterization of a piece of cardboard especially in comparison to other companions. how on earth am i supposed to care about this #emotional romantic conversations when ive sat through companions that gone through crazier s**t with the doctor.

Really not as bad as people say, it's only really the special effects that are a let down for me. I loved the emotional scenes with 13 and Yaz, Dan was great, the Sea Devils are more adorable than ever, and I'm a massive fan of pirates anyway so this was right up my alley.
I will happily defend this episode for as long as I live