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**Review of "The Zygon Invasion"**

*"The Zygon Invasion"* is a tense and politically charged episode that builds 
upon the events of *The Day of the Doctor*, exploring the aftermath of 
a fragile peace between humans and Zygons. Written by Peter Harness, 
the story offers a compelling allegory for real-world issues such 
as radicalisation, identity, and trust, though at times its execution 
struggles with balance.

The episode's strength lies in its ambition to tackle heavy themes. The 
Zygons, with their ability to mimic human forms, become a metaphor for hidden 
threats and the fear they instill. The story parallels contemporary political 
and social issues, such as the treatment of marginalised groups and the 
dangers of extremist ideologies. However, some of the allegory feels 
heavy-handed, risking alienation for viewers seeking escapism rather 
than social commentary.

Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor anchors the narrative with his mix of gravitas 
and wit. His monologue on understanding both sides of the conflict showcases 
Capaldi's ability to elevate the material. Jenna Coleman pulls double duty as 
Clara and her Zygon duplicate Bonnie, delivering a layered performance that 
highlights her range. Bonnie's cold ruthlessness contrasts sharply with 
Clara's compassion, creating an engaging dynamic.

The global scope of the episode adds weight to the story, with scenes spanning
from a small English town to the Middle East. However, this ambition 
occasionally hampers the pacing, as the plot moves rapidly between locations, 
sacrificing depth for breadth. Some characters, such as Kate Stewart and UNIT,
feel underutilised despite their importance in earlier arcs.

The Zygon designs remain true to their classic origins while updated to modern
standards. Their unsettling transformations and eerie presence contribute to 
the episode's tension. The darker tone and suspenseful atmosphere are 
amplified by Daniel Nettheim's direction, which emphasizes paranoia 
and uncertainty.

Where the episode falters is in its exposition-heavy dialogue, which sometimes
slows the narrative. Additionally, while the themes are impactful, the lack of
subtlety in their presentation risks detracting from the story's emotional 
resonance. The cliffhanger ending, while effective in setting up the second 
part, leaves much unresolved, making the episode feel incomplete on its own.

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**Final Rating: 84/100**  
*"The Zygon Invasion"* is a bold and thought-provoking episode that excels in 
its performances, themes, and atmosphere. However, its pacing issues 
and occasionally heavy-handed allegory prevent it from reaching its full 
potential. The stage is set for an intriguing conclusion 
in *"The Zygon Inversion."*

For the full script, visit 
<a href="http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/35-7.htm">
(http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/35-7.htm)</a>.

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