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**Review of "Heaven Sent"**

Steven Moffat's *"Heaven Sent"* is a masterclass in psychological drama and 
inventive storytelling, positioning it as one of *Doctor Who's* most ambitious
episodes. Directed by Rachel Talalay, this standalone episode is an intimate, 
almost theatrical character study that strips the Doctor to his core, focusing
on his grief, determination, and ingenuity in the face of a seemingly 
inescapable prison.

The episode begins immediately after the events of *"Face the Raven,"* with 
the Doctor grieving Clara's death. Transported to a mysterious castle, he 
finds himself trapped in a puzzle-like environment filled with foreboding 
clues and an ever-pursuing creature, the Veil. The castle's design-a maze
 that shifts and changes-becomes an extension of the Doctor's mental state, 
 amplifying the atmosphere of isolation and dread. Talalay's direction 
 captures this perfectly, using haunting visuals, shadowy corridors, 
 and a sense of oppressive claustrophobia to immerse the audience.

Peter Capaldi delivers what is arguably his finest performance as the Doctor. 
For much of the runtime, he carries the episode alone, delivering monologues 
that range from witty and irreverent to heart-wrenching and profound. 
His confrontation with his fear and grief is visceral, particularly as he 
uncovers the truth about his prison-a Time Lord confession dial-and realises 
the seemingly infinite cycle of death and resurrection he is trapped in. 
Capaldi's ability to oscillate between humour, rage, and despair brings 
a profound humanity to the character.

The Veil, as a metaphor for death and inevitability, is one of the series' 
most unsettling antagonists. Its relentless pursuit forces the Doctor to 
confront his mortality repeatedly, creating tension and a chilling 
inevitability. The puzzle-solving narrative, combined with the Doctor's 
determination to resist and outwit his captors, makes for compelling 
viewing, though the cyclical nature of the plot risks feeling repetitive.

Murray Gold's score is another standout element. Tracks like "The Shepherd's 
Boy" complement the emotional core of the episode, with swelling orchestral 
arrangements that highlight the Doctor’s resilience and the poignancy of his 
plight. The music elevates key moments, especially the climactic scene of 
the Doctor punching through the diamond wall over billions of years-a 
sequence that epitomises his unyielding spirit.

Thematically, *"Heaven Sent"* explores perseverance, loss, and the indomitable
nature of hope. The revelation that the Doctor’s torment spans billions of 
years, culminating in his escape, is both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking. 
However, the decision to immediately set up the finale, *"Hell Bent,"* 
lightly undercuts the emotional weight of the Doctor's triumph.

In conclusion, *"Heaven Sent"* is a bold, experimental episode that 
exemplifies the potential of *Doctor Who* as both science fiction and art. 
Its tightly focused narrative, outstanding central performance, 
and philosophical depth make it a standout in the series.

**Rating: 97/100**  
A near-perfect blend of storytelling, performance, and direction, 
*"Heaven Sent"* is a testament to the show's creative heights.
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