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**Review of "Sleep No More"**

*"Sleep No More"* is one of the most experimental and divisive episodes 
of *Doctor Who*. Written by Mark Gatiss, the story breaks from the traditional
narrative structure, employing a found-footage format and introducing a 
meta-commentary element. While its ambition is commendable, the execution 
struggles to balance creativity with clarity.

The premise revolves around the Morpheus machine, a device designed to 
eliminate the need for sleep, but which inadvertently spawns dangerous 
creatures known as the Sandmen. The concept is both intriguing and unnerving, 
drawing on primal fears about sleep deprivation and its consequences. The 
horror potential is immense, and the claustrophobic setting aboard 
Le Verrier Space Station enhances the tension.

However, the execution is hampered by muddled storytelling. The found-footage 
style is inconsistently applied, with camera angles and edits that undermine 
the logic of the format. While this style adds an unsettling atmosphere, 
it sacrifices coherence and immersion. The Sandmen themselves, though 
conceptually terrifying, are underwhelming in appearance, 
which diminishes their impact as antagonists.

Reece Shearsmith delivers a solid performance as Rassmussen, the morally 
ambiguous scientist whose narration drives the plot. His character's 
sinister undertones and the final twist, revealing his complicity in 
the events, are chilling highlights. The twist-ending, where Rassmussen's 
message is revealed to be a trap, is bold but divisive. While it challenges
conventional resolutions, it leaves many viewers unsatisfied due 
to its abruptness and lack of closure.

The Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and Clara (Jenna Coleman) feel somewhat sidelined 
in this episode. Their dynamic, usually a highlight, is overshadowed by the 
unconventional narrative structure. Clara, in particular, is given little to 
do, which feels like a missed opportunity considering her impending departure 
from the series.

Thematically, the episode grapples with humanity's drive for efficiency at the
expense of natural processes. This critique of technological overreach and the
consequences of disrupting biological rhythms is compelling but underexplored 
amidst the chaotic plot.

In summary, *"Sleep No More"* is a bold but flawed experiment. Its ambition to
push storytelling boundaries is laudable, but the uneven execution and lack of
resolution leave it feeling incomplete. While it succeeds in moments of 
atmosphere and thematic depth, the episode ultimately falls short 
of its potential.

**Rating: 68/100**  
For all its ambition, *"Sleep No More"* struggles to balance innovation with 
clarity, resulting in a polarising episode that fascinates as much as it 
frustrates.
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