This is probably my fav spy master story so far such a good story with mystery and horror esc vibes

I found The Clockwork Swan to be a solid adventure for the Master. Perhaps not as inventive or crazy as it could be, it's still a component and fun murder mystery with some nice plot twists and the Master just running about, indulging himself in the fun of it all in a disguise.

Three out of five is generous. After all, it didn’t mess up in any respect, but it didn’t do much new either (this is true for any Rob Valentine-led range, and I’m FURIOUS that he is taking over the War Master range.

Last episode has funny narration, this episode has the Master posing as a detective investigating a series of mysterious murders. Well, Nev Fountain’s The Broken Clock did it first and it did it better.

And I am really sick of the MAD and CHAOTIC approach to the Master… it’s become really predictable and boring. (the Master I really want to see more is the Beevers Master, when are we going to get a Decayed Master boxset?

I was most excited for this episode because I love Georgia Cook's writing and it's a murder mystery and it definitely did not disappoint. Everything I wanted from a spymaster story.

Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time! 

“CALL ME MASTER: THE CLOCKWORK SWAN – A MASTERFUL WHODUNNIT WITH A LACKLUSTRE PAYOFF”

The Clockwork Swan drops the Spy Master into a futuristic theme park, Historica Dramatica, just as the cast and crew prepare to launch their latest murder mystery production. But when real murders start happening, the Master assumes the role of LeMaitre, a flamboyant Poirot-esque detective, to solve the case—despite secretly being the one pulling the strings. The premise is classic Doctor Who whodunnit fare, but with a deliciously twisted Master twist: he’s playing both detective and killer.

DHAWAN STEALS THE SHOW

Sacha Dhawan throws himself into the role with unrestrained energy, leaning heavily into the Spy Master’s penchant for theatricality. His exaggerated French accent and over-the-top mannerisms are perfectly in line with this incarnation’s love of disguises, much like his Rasputin act in Power of the Doctor. While his bumbling detective persona is entertaining, the story shines most when he sheds the façade in the final third and unleashes his true, terrifying self.

A CLASSIC MYSTERY… WITH FEW SURPRISES

The futuristic theatre setting adds a fun, artificial charm to the mystery, but the story itself follows a familiar whodunnit structure: suspects are introduced, clues are scattered, and the Master slowly uncovers the truth. Unfortunately, the supporting cast fails to leave much of an impression, particularly Nyseth, the usher who spends most of the story at the Master’s side—only to ultimately serve as yet another casualty of his cruelty.

A MEANDERING MIDDLE AND A BLOATED FINALE

Despite its intriguing setup, the story gets bogged down by an unclear plot and a lack of stakes. Murders pile up, but the tension never fully materialises, making much of the mystery feel weightless. The Master’s inevitable reveal should be a moment of sheer delight, but by the time we reach the final act—where he revels in tying everything together—the payoff lacks real impact. The conclusion is drawn out longer than necessary, making the third act feel sluggish rather than thrilling.

📝VERDICT: 6/10

The Clockwork Swan boasts an entertaining concept and another phenomenal performance from Dhawan, but the story itself never quite reaches its potential. The whodunnit structure is competent but uninspired, and the supporting characters are largely forgettable. While the Master’s transition from comical detective to remorseless villain provides some great moments, the overall narrative lacks weight. Fun, but ultimately underwhelming.

Okay, so, I really didn't enjoy this. I'm quite devastated tbh as the first episode really worked for me, but this didn't on so many levels. Why did they insist on the Master maintaining the fake accent for over half of the duration of the episode, which also really dragged on imo. It really took me out of it, if it had been a few minutes fine but over 30? It was just OTT and not in a good way. The Master being part of a murder mystery, great concept, but ofc the predictable route is he's behind it which... I didn't like either. They could've done something really clever with this, I really didn't like how predictable it was to figure out what was going on. Sacha is great, he's done lots of BF work before so he's great at voice acting, and I could listen to him read the phone book quite honestly, he's got such an amazing voice. That's maybe partly why I was so annoyed at the accent for so long, it just idk didn't suit him. I didn't care for the side characters in this at all either, unlike the previous story. Unfortunately it just didn't land with me, but that's just my opinion!