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**Review of "Hell Bent"**

Steven Moffat's *"Hell Bent"* serves as the finale of Series 9 and attempts to
tie together the overarching themes of the season, exploring loss, memory, 
and the lengths the Doctor will go to for those he loves. However, while the 
episode contains powerful moments and striking visuals, 
its narrative choices are polarising, leaving fans divided.

The episode begins with the Doctor returning to Gallifrey after his harrowing 
ordeal in *"Heaven Sent."* The return of the Time Lords and the exploration of
their politics, while initially intriguing, feels underdeveloped. The Doctor's
standoff with Rassilon is intense, but the resolution-banishing Rassilon 
without much conflict-feels anticlimactic. Gallifrey's presence, long-awaited 
by fans, serves more as a backdrop than a critical part of the story.

Clara's resurrection is central to the plot and represents the most 
controversial aspect of the episode. The Doctor's decision to extract Clara 
from her timeline, risking the collapse of reality, highlights his growing 
recklessness. While their bond has been a cornerstone of Capaldi's era, this 
act of defiance undermines the emotional weight of Clara's death in 
*"Face the Raven."* The resurrection feels less like a natural progression 
and more like a refusal to let go of a beloved character.

The dynamic between the Doctor and Clara is undoubtedly compelling, 
with Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman delivering strong performances. 
Their farewell scene in the cloisters is poignant, mirroring their first 
meeting with a bittersweet reversal. Clara's final journey, traveling with 
Ashildr in  a TARDIS, is thematically rich, emphasising her growth into 
a Doctor-like figure. However, the focus on Clara detracts from the broader
implications  of the Doctor's actions on Gallifrey and the universe.

Moffat’s script delves into philosophical territory, particularly in the 
conversation between the Doctor and Ashildr about hybridisation and fear. 
These moments provide depth but are weighed down by the convoluted narrative. 
The hybrid prophecy, teased throughout the season, ultimately feels like a red
herring, its resolution ambiguous and unsatisfying.

Director Rachel Talalay crafts stunning visuals, from the desolate Gallifreyan
 desert to the eerie cloisters. The atmosphere is rich and evocative, 
 complementing the story's introspective tone. Murray Gold's score, as always,
 heightens the emotional resonance, particularly 
 during the Doctor and Clara's farewell.

While *"Hell Bent"* strives to be a character-driven exploration of loss 
and defiance, it stumbles under the weight of its ambition. The episode 
sacrifices coherence and stakes in favor of sentimentality, leaving key plot 
points unresolved. It's a finale that will resonate with some for its 
emotional depth but frustrate others with its narrative choices.

**Rating: 78/100**  
*"Hell Bent"* is an ambitious yet flawed finale, offering emotional closure 
for the Doctor and Clara but struggling with its narrative focus 
and the resolution of its themes.
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