The fun characters and goofy contrasts only come to life, though, because Chibnall’s script is so spectacularly written. The dialogue is wonderful from beginning to end, fast-paced, crackling, and clever at all times. There are moments of banter here that rival the best of even Moffat’s work. Listening to these characters constantly throw truly memorable lines – like “What sort of man doesn’t carry a trowel?” or “How do you start a triceratops?” – back and forth is an absolute joy. I have not written down this many Doctor Who quotes in my notes in a long time, and I could have recorded many more. This script was simply on fire.
What I find most impressive, though, is that Chibnall hasn’t just included all these fun, zany elements for the sake of having a good time. Each character and concept really does have a crucial role to play in the narrative, making for an episode that is as tightly constructed as it is wildly fun. Nefertiti turns out to be the object of the villain’s desire; Brian’s genetic bond with Rory is essential to flying the spaceship; Riddell’s hunting skills are needed to protect against velociraptors; the dinosaurs were taken by Silurians for preservation after the extinction event; and so on and so forth.
Chibnall doesn’t even forget to leave room for the Doctor, Amy, and Rory, as each have their share of strong moments. The Doctor, of course, is at his most carefree and happy-go-lucky, giving Matt Smith a chance to go to town with his flawless comic timing. And in the Doctor’s few intense moments – mostly contained to interactions with Solomon – Smith flawlessly sells the tonal shifts, jumping from silly and childlike to old and authoritarian with ease.
Amy and Rory, meanwhile, each get moments to prove their worth. Rory’s medical skills come in handy when his father is shot by a robot, and Amy looks through the ship’s computers to discover the vessel’s secrets. I love being reminded that Amy and Rory do have their own individual skills, separate from each other or the Doctor. They are competent space travellers on their own by now, able to solve problems and contribute even when the Doctor isn’t near them.
Amy also gets a spectacular dramatic moment with the Doctor near the end of the episode, where she confesses to being worried when the Doctor leaves her and Rory for extended periods of time. It’s a scene that should not work – in the middle of all the mayhem, a quiet and heartfelt moment is theoretically out of place – but does because Chibnall’s writing is so sharp and Karen Gillan’s performance so outstanding. She is simply wonderful at portraying Amy’s deep-seated vulnerabilities, and Smith, in turn, has one of his warmest moments in recent memory, assuring Amy that he will never abandon her. The Doctor has, of course, discarded companions before, but I believe Smith’s Doctor is sincere. Amy and Rory are too important to him to ever leave behind, meaning that whatever cataclysm lies ahead to forever separate the group will be a truly traumatic event.
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