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eview of "The Witch's Familiar"**

*"The Witch's Familiar"*, the second part of the Season 9 opener, builds upon 
the tension and themes established in *"The Magician's Apprentice"*. Written 
by Steven Moffat, this episode delves deeper into the complex relationship 
between the Doctor and Davros, while continuing to explore moral ambiguity,
 manipulation, and the enduring theme of mercy.

 The episode opens with the Doctor and Davros locked in a deeply personal 
 confrontation. The core of the narrative hinges on their philosophical 
 debate, which balances moments of genuine poignancy and underlying deception. 
 Julian Bleach's performance as Davros is particularly striking-he portrays 
 the Dalek creator as frail yet manipulative, offering moments of vulnerability
 that feel authentic. His interplay with Peter Capaldi is the highlight 
 of the episode, showcasing the rich complexity of their decades-long enmity.

 Capaldi continues to shine as the Twelfth Doctor, mixing sharp wit with 
 a palpable sense of moral struggle. His anger, compassion, and occasional 
 unpredictability keep the audience hooked. The flashback scenes with the young
 Davros effectively mirror the Doctor's decisions in the present, reinforcing 
 the episode's exploration of moral responsibility.

 Missy (Michelle Gomez) and Clara (Jenna Coleman) are given a parallel 
 storyline, which alternates between humour and suspense. Missy's gleeful 
 malevolence is endlessly entertaining, with Gomez perfectly capturing her 
 character's chaotic energy. Her playful yet sinister mentoring of Clara adds 
 depth to their uneasy alliance. Clara, as usual, brings humanity to the story,
 although her role feels slightly diminished 
 compared to Missy's dominating presence.

 The episode is visually stunning, particularly its depiction of Skaro's 
 interior and the Dalek city. The production design pays homage to the classic 
 series while modernising the visuals with impressive detail. Director Hettie 
 MacDonald ensures the pacing remains tight, with the climactic confrontation 
 delivering emotional weight alongside its action sequences.

 While the episode has many strengths, it does falter in a few areas. 
 The resolution, involving the Doctor's trickery with Davros's life-support 
 system, feels a bit rushed and overly reliant on exposition. 
 The twist-revealing Davros's trap-works on an intellectual level but slightly 
 undermines the emotional sincerity of earlier scenes. Additionally, Clara's 
 confinement within a Dalek shell, while thematically intriguing, echoes 
 a similar plot device from *Asylum of the Daleks* and lacks originality.

 Thematically, the episode excels in its exploration of mercy. The Doctor's 
 ultimate act of compassion-saving Davros as a child-underscores the show's 
 ethos of hope and redemption. The Daleks' evolution, albeit subtle, 
 hints at intriguing possibilities for the future.

 ---

 **Final Rating: 87/100**  
 *"The Witch's Familiar"* is a thought-provoking and visually striking episode 
 that deepens the emotional stakes between the Doctor and Davros. While its 
 resolution stumbles slightly, the character performances and thematic 
 resonance make it a worthy continuation of the season opener.  

 For the full script, visit
 <a href="http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/35-2.htm">
 (http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/35-2.htm)</a>.

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