Doctor Who: Season 8, Episode 8 - Mummy on the Orient Express (2014)

The episode begins with the TARDIS materializing on a luxurious train traveling through space, the Orient Express. The Doctor, portrayed by Peter Capaldi, steps out, intrigued by the setting. Clara, played by Jenna Coleman, is with him, and they are both dressed in formal attire, fitting for the elegant atmosphere of the train. The Doctor is excited about the adventure, but Clara is apprehensive, feeling the weight of their recent experiences together.

As they explore the train, they encounter various passengers, including a wealthy woman named Ms. Delphox, who is overseeing the train's operations. The Doctor and Clara soon learn that the train is not just a regular journey; it is haunted by a mysterious creature known as the Mummy. The Mummy is said to kill its victims in a gruesome manner, and the passengers are understandably frightened. The Doctor's curiosity is piqued, and he decides to investigate the situation further.

The first victim of the Mummy is a man named Frank, who is found dead in his cabin. The Doctor and Clara witness the aftermath, and the Doctor begins to piece together the clues surrounding the creature. He discovers that the Mummy appears only when a countdown reaches zero, and it seems to be targeting specific individuals. The Doctor's analytical mind races as he tries to understand the Mummy's motives and the nature of the threat.

As the countdown continues, the Doctor and Clara gather information from the remaining passengers, including a soldier named Perkins, who becomes an ally. The Doctor realizes that the Mummy is a manifestation of a curse, tied to a long-lost Egyptian pharaoh. He deduces that the creature is bound to a specific set of rules, which he must unravel to save the remaining passengers.

Tension escalates when the Mummy strikes again, killing another passenger. The Doctor, Clara, and Perkins devise a plan to confront the creature. They set up a trap, using the train's technology to create a distraction. The Doctor's confidence grows as he prepares to face the Mummy, but Clara's fear for their safety is palpable. She expresses her concerns about the Doctor's reckless behavior, highlighting the emotional strain in their relationship.

As the countdown reaches its final moments, the Doctor confronts the Mummy directly. He uses his sonic screwdriver to communicate with it, attempting to understand its purpose. The Mummy reveals that it is bound to fulfill its duty until it has completed its mission. The Doctor learns that the creature is not inherently evil but is acting out of a sense of obligation.

In a climactic moment, the Doctor makes a bold decision to save the remaining passengers. He devises a plan to use the train's systems to create a safe environment for everyone. Clara, feeling a mix of admiration and fear for the Doctor's determination, supports his plan. The Doctor's quick thinking and bravery lead to a tense standoff with the Mummy, who ultimately accepts its fate.

The episode concludes with the Doctor and Clara reflecting on their experiences. Clara expresses her concerns about the Doctor's increasingly dangerous choices, leading to a deeper conversation about their relationship. The Doctor, feeling the weight of his actions, reassures Clara but also acknowledges the risks they face together. As they leave the train, the emotional tension between them lingers, setting the stage for future challenges in their journey.

In the ending of "Mummy on the Orient Express," the Doctor confronts the Mummy, which is revealed to be a creature that kills its victims in a specific time frame. Clara, who has been grappling with her feelings about the Doctor and their relationship, ultimately decides to leave the TARDIS. The Doctor, having solved the mystery and saved the remaining passengers, is left alone, reflecting on his choices and the nature of his adventures.

As the episode draws to a close, the Doctor successfully uses the Mummy's own rules against it, allowing the creature to be defeated. Clara, feeling a sense of disconnection and uncertainty about her place in the Doctor's life, chooses to step away from their travels together. The episode ends with the Doctor alone, contemplating the weight of his actions and the loneliness that often accompanies his life.

The episode "Mummy on the Orient Express" reaches its climax aboard the luxurious train, the Orient Express, which is hurtling through space. The Doctor, portrayed by Peter Capaldi, has just uncovered the truth about the Mummy, a creature that kills its victims in a countdown of 66 seconds. The tension is palpable as the Doctor races against time to save the remaining passengers, including Clara, played by Jenna Coleman.

As the Doctor devises a plan, he confronts the Mummy, which is revealed to be a manifestation of a creature that feeds on fear. The Doctor's determination to protect Clara and the other passengers drives him forward, showcasing his resourcefulness and bravery. He uses the Mummy's own rules against it, creating a scenario where it can be trapped and ultimately defeated.

In a pivotal moment, Clara, who has been struggling with her feelings about the Doctor and their relationship, begins to realize that their adventures have changed her. She feels a growing sense of disconnection from the Doctor, who seems more focused on the mission than on their friendship. This emotional turmoil culminates in a heartfelt conversation between Clara and the Doctor, where she expresses her concerns about their dynamic and the risks involved in their travels.

As the Doctor successfully defeats the Mummy, Clara makes a significant decision. She chooses to leave the TARDIS, feeling that she needs to find her own path and reassess her life outside of the Doctor's shadow. This moment is filled with emotional weight, as Clara acknowledges the impact the Doctor has had on her life while also recognizing the need for independence.

The episode concludes with the Doctor standing alone on the train, reflecting on the events that have transpired. He is left to ponder the consequences of his actions and the loneliness that often accompanies his adventures. The final scenes emphasize the complexity of the Doctor's character, showcasing both his heroism and the emotional toll of his lifestyle.

In summary, the fates of the main characters are as follows: the Doctor successfully defeats the Mummy and saves the passengers, but is left alone as Clara chooses to depart from their travels. Clara's decision marks a turning point in her character arc, highlighting her growth and the need for self-discovery. The episode closes with the Doctor in solitude, contemplating the nature of his existence and the relationships he forges along the way.

In "Mummy on the Orient Express," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The story wraps up with the Doctor and Clara reflecting on their experiences aboard the Orient Express, and the focus remains on their journey and the emotional dynamics between them as they face the challenges presented by the Mummy. The episode ends on a poignant note, emphasizing their relationship and the weight of their adventures together.

The Mummy, known as the Foretold, is a creature that appears to be a reanimated corpse wrapped in bandages. It is significant because it embodies the fear of death and the unknown, as it only appears to its victims when they are aware of its presence, creating a psychological horror element. The Mummy's curse is tied to the idea of inevitability, as it hunts down its victims on the train, leading to a race against time.

In 'Mummy on the Orient Express', the Doctor and Clara's relationship is tested as they confront the reality of their adventures together. Clara is frustrated with the Doctor's detachment and his willingness to put her in danger. The emotional tension peaks when Clara confronts the Doctor about his behavior, leading to a moment of vulnerability where the Doctor reveals his fear of losing her, showcasing a deeper bond between them.

Perkins, played by Frank Skinner, is a train engineer who becomes an ally to the Doctor and Clara. His character provides comic relief and a grounded perspective amidst the chaos. He is resourceful and helps the Doctor devise a plan to confront the Mummy, showcasing his bravery and intelligence. Perkins also serves as a contrast to the more serious characters, highlighting the human element in the face of danger.

The countdown is a crucial plot device that heightens the tension throughout the episode. It signifies the limited time the characters have before the Mummy strikes, creating a sense of urgency. Each time the countdown reaches zero, a new victim is claimed, emphasizing the stakes and the horror of the situation. It also serves as a metaphor for the inevitability of death, which the Doctor and Clara must confront.

The Doctor defeats the Mummy by using his intellect and understanding of its nature. He realizes that the Mummy is bound by a set of rules and that it only kills those who are aware of its presence. By creating a distraction and using the knowledge he has gathered, he manages to confront the creature and ultimately allows it to fulfill its purpose, leading to a resolution that respects the Mummy's tragic backstory.

"Mummy on the Orient Express" is generally considered family-friendly, but it does contain some elements that may be unsettling for younger viewers or sensitive individuals. Here are a few potentially objectionable aspects:

1. Mummy Creature: The episode features a supernatural creature, a mummy, that is depicted as menacing and threatening. Its appearance and behavior may be frightening to some children.

2. Death Scenes: There are scenes where characters are killed by the mummy, which could be distressing. The deaths are portrayed in a suspenseful manner, adding to the tension.

3. Tension and Suspense: The overall atmosphere of the episode is filled with suspense and urgency, which might be intense for younger audiences.

4. Themes of Mortality: The episode explores themes of life, death, and the fear of the unknown, which may provoke deeper thoughts or anxieties in sensitive viewers.

5. Emotional Moments: There are emotional scenes that deal with loss and fear, particularly in the context of the Doctor's relationship with Clara, which may resonate differently with various viewers.

While the episode is crafted with adventure and humor typical of "Doctor Who," these elements could be challenging for some children or sensitive viewers.