Doctor Who resumes season 7 with “The Bells of Saint John” and a new companion for the Doctor. The Doctor’s search for Clara Oswald brings him to modern day London, where wifi is everywhere. Humanity lives in a wifi soup, but something dangerous is lurking in the signals, picking off minds and imprisoning them. As Clara becomes the target of this insidious menace, the Doctor races to save her and the world from an ancient enemy.
The beginning of this season was rather maudlin, what with the imminent departure of Amy and Rory. The last time we saw the Doctor he was still pining for his companions, but there was a spark or excitement regarding the mystery behind Clara Oswin Oswald. Thankfully, this episode brings back the fun and adventure along with some excellent surprises. There is a very unexpected cameo appearance as well as a book with an interesting author. Not sure how either of those will play out over the rest of the season, if they do at all. Along the way the Doctor learns a couple of new skills and Clara suddenly knows something new as well. The dialog between the Doctor and Clara is sharp and witty and the dynamic is certainly new. This is the thrid time we’ve met Clara Oswin Oswald for the first time and she gets more and more interesting each time. Oh, and pay attention to the opening sequence to discover the meaning behind the title of the episode. It’s quite clever.
Look for our spoiler-filled review podcast later this week and check out the prequel to “The Bells of Saint John” below!
Doctor Who returns to BBC America tonight at 8:00 PM