Doctor Who: Season 9, Episode 2 - The Witch's Familiar (2) (2015)

The episode begins with the Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, and Clara, portrayed by Jenna Coleman, in the aftermath of the previous episode's events. They find themselves in the dark, cavernous interior of the Dalek city on Skaro. The Doctor is determined to confront the Daleks and save Clara, who is in a precarious situation. The Doctor's emotional state is tense; he is both resolute and anxious about Clara's safety.

The scene shifts to the Dalek Emperor, who is in a state of confusion and anger over the Doctor's presence. The Doctor, using his cleverness, manages to manipulate the Dalek's systems, creating a distraction that allows him to reach Clara. He is aware that the Daleks are watching and listening, and he uses this to his advantage. The Doctor's internal motivation is to protect Clara while also proving his superiority over the Daleks.

Clara, meanwhile, is trapped inside a Dalek casing, struggling with her own fear and the realization of what it means to be inside a Dalek. She is terrified but also determined to maintain her humanity. The Doctor, using his sonic screwdriver, manages to communicate with her, reassuring her that he will find a way to save her. This moment highlights their deep bond and mutual trust.

As the Doctor devises a plan, he confronts the Dalek Emperor directly. He challenges the Daleks' understanding of what it means to be a Dalek, arguing that they are not the ultimate beings they believe themselves to be. The Emperor, infuriated, orders the extermination of the Doctor. The tension escalates as the Doctor stands his ground, showcasing his bravery and defiance.

In a pivotal moment, the Doctor uses a device to create a temporary truce with the Daleks, allowing him to access their systems. He is aware that this is a dangerous gamble, but he believes it is the only way to save Clara. The Daleks, intrigued by the Doctor's audacity, agree to listen to him, albeit with skepticism.

The Doctor then reveals his plan to Clara, explaining that he will use the Dalek's own technology against them. He instructs her to focus on her humanity and not to let the Dalek casing define her. Clara, filled with determination, begins to fight against the Dalek's programming, showcasing her strength and resilience.

As the Doctor executes his plan, he faces off against the Dalek forces. The tension mounts as he navigates through the Dalek city, using his wits to outsmart the Daleks at every turn. The Doctor's internal conflict is palpable; he is both a warrior and a protector, and he must balance these roles carefully.

In a climactic moment, Clara manages to break free from the Dalek casing, but not without consequences. The Daleks, enraged by the Doctor's interference, launch an attack. The Doctor and Clara work together, using their combined strengths to fend off the Dalek onslaught. The action is intense, with explosions and chaos surrounding them.

The episode reaches its emotional peak when the Doctor is faced with a moral dilemma. He must decide whether to destroy the Daleks or find a way to save them. This decision weighs heavily on him, as he grapples with the implications of his actions. Ultimately, he chooses to spare the Daleks, believing that there is still a chance for redemption.

As the dust settles, the Doctor and Clara escape the Dalek city, but not without scars from their encounter. The emotional toll of their experience is evident; they have both faced their fears and emerged stronger, but the shadows of the Daleks linger. The episode concludes with a sense of unresolved tension, leaving the characters and the audience to ponder the consequences of their choices.

At the end of "The Witch's Familiar," the Doctor confronts the Daleks and ultimately chooses mercy over violence, saving Clara and allowing the Dalek to live. The episode concludes with the Doctor and Clara escaping together, having faced their fears and reaffirmed their bond.

The episode begins with the Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, standing in the heart of the Dalek city, surrounded by the ominous presence of the Daleks. He is determined to save Clara, who is trapped in a precarious situation. The tension is palpable as the Doctor, with his characteristic bravado, engages in a battle of wits with the Daleks, particularly with the one that has been transformed into a creature of pure hatred.

As the Doctor navigates the Dalek city, he is faced with the moral dilemma of whether to destroy the Dalek or to show it mercy. The Dalek, which has been rendered vulnerable, expresses its desire to kill the Doctor, but he remains resolute in his decision to spare it. This moment is crucial as it highlights the Doctor's internal struggle; he is a warrior, yet he seeks to break the cycle of violence that has defined his encounters with the Daleks.

Meanwhile, Clara, portrayed by Jenna Coleman, is in a dire situation, facing the Dalek's wrath. Her fear is palpable, but she also exhibits a fierce determination to survive. The bond between her and the Doctor is tested as they both confront their own fears and the reality of their situation. Clara's bravery shines through as she stands her ground, refusing to be a victim.

In a pivotal scene, the Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to manipulate the Dalek's systems, allowing him to communicate with it. He speaks to the creature, attempting to reach the remnants of its former self. The Dalek, however, is consumed by its programming and hatred, leading to a tense standoff. The Doctor's compassion is evident as he tries to understand the creature's pain, showcasing his belief in the possibility of redemption.

As the climax approaches, the Doctor makes a bold choice. He decides to let the Dalek live, despite its violent nature. This act of mercy is a defining moment for the Doctor, illustrating his commitment to life and his refusal to succumb to the cycle of hatred. Clara watches, her emotions a mix of relief and admiration for the Doctor's decision.

The episode concludes with the Doctor and Clara escaping the Dalek city together. They emerge from the chaos, their bond strengthened by the trials they have faced. The Doctor's choice to spare the Dalek serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of morality and the importance of compassion, even in the face of overwhelming darkness.

In the end, the Doctor and Clara stand together, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, their friendship reaffirmed and their resolve unshaken. The fate of the Dalek remains uncertain, but the Doctor's choice signifies a glimmer of hope in a universe often defined by conflict.

In "The Witch's Familiar," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes with the resolution of the story involving the Doctor, Clara, and the Daleks, focusing on the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the characters. The narrative wraps up without any additional scenes after the credits, leaving the audience to reflect on the events that transpired in the episode.

In 'The Witch's Familiar', the emotional response of the Dalek, particularly when it recognizes the Doctor, highlights the complexity of the Dalek's character. It showcases the internal conflict within the Dalek, as it grapples with its programmed hatred for the Doctor while also exhibiting a form of recognition and confusion. This moment emphasizes the theme of identity and the struggle between one's nature and one's choices.

The Doctor employs clever tactics to manipulate the Daleks into believing he is in control. He uses the Dalek's own programming against them, creating a scenario where they are forced to confront their own limitations. By pretending to be vulnerable and allowing Clara to be in danger, he ultimately orchestrates a plan that leads to her rescue, showcasing his resourcefulness and deep care for her safety.

Missy, the Master in disguise, plays a pivotal role in 'The Witch's Familiar' by providing a chaotic yet insightful perspective on the Doctor's actions. Her interactions with the Doctor and Clara reveal her manipulative nature and her complex relationship with the Doctor. She serves as both an ally and a potential threat, adding layers of tension and unpredictability to the narrative.

The episode delves into the concept of mercy when the Doctor chooses to show compassion towards the Dalek, despite its violent nature. He attempts to reach the creature's core, illustrating his belief in the possibility of change and redemption. This act of mercy is juxtaposed with the Dalek's inherent programming, raising questions about the nature of evil and the potential for transformation.

The reference to 'Genesis of the Daleks' serves as a poignant reminder of the Doctor's long-standing conflict with the Daleks and the moral dilemmas he faces. It connects the current events to the Doctor's past, emphasizing the cyclical nature of his battles with the Daleks. This allusion enriches the narrative by highlighting the weight of history and the consequences of the Doctor's choices throughout time.

"The Witch's Familiar" contains several elements that may be considered potentially objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Violence and Threats: There are scenes that involve threats of violence, including the use of weapons and the implication of harm to characters. The Doctor faces off against dangerous foes, which can be intense.

2. Dark Themes: The episode explores themes of death, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas, which may be heavy for younger audiences. The emotional weight of these themes can be unsettling.

3. Emotional Manipulation: Characters experience significant emotional turmoil, including fear, despair, and betrayal. The psychological tension can be quite intense.

4. Monsters and Creatures: The presence of menacing creatures and the portrayal of the Daleks can be frightening for younger viewers, as they are iconic villains known for their ruthless nature.

5. Moral Ambiguity: The episode delves into complex moral questions, which may be confusing or distressing for children trying to understand right and wrong.

These elements contribute to a darker tone in the episode, which may not be suitable for all children or sensitive viewers.