TV REVIEWS: FTN Reviews Doctor Who Season 12 Episode 7: Can You Hear Me?

I have to admit at first “Can You Hear Me?” felt like it was going to be another take at the formula “Praxeus” had last week. But thankfully, that wasn’t the case, and it was even a better episode because of the starting out big and coming in small at the end, as well as delivering another good message and teasing what’s coming next.

When the companions were away doing their daily lives, the Doctor found herself in Syria dealing with a new monster, but while that would’ve been enough for an episode, Graham, Yaz, and Ryan all found themselves dealing with strange sightings, visions, and their own monster.

Turns out, there are indeed gods and immortals in the universe that do more than just walk around and watch things (I.E.: Me from Capaldi’s run). Some of them play “games” and some of them are very cruel. Learning about these god-like beings, beings that the Doctor herself has heard of changes things and adds to an already packed universe.

What’s more, their desire to feed off of nightmares just to “pass the time” is a nice twist on things. Because even gods get bored I suppose. The use of body horror via the detached fingers was REALLY creepy, and a nice visual. And seeing everyone have their own nightmares about their lives past, present, and future was very telling and emotional to watch at points.

All of this led to a fun confrontation with these gods versus the Doctor, and while it may have been a bit obvious that The Doctor was going to win, there was no lack of joy from me when the gods were put back in their “cage”. They deserved what they got.

But while that could’ve been the end of the episode, Doctor Who wisely dove into the fears of the companions and what they meant. Yaz almost ran away from home a few years back, and fears what would’ve happened if she didn’t make that decision. Graham fears his cancer returning and having to face his former wife again in the afterlife. Ryan wonders whether his adventures with the Doctor can last, and what he’ll be leaving behind (like his best friend we met) if he continues on with her. It’s the simple things that make it all work, and I’m glad they delved into it.

And as for that good message, fear is bad at times, but the fact that we endure that and continue on is our greatest strength. Yeah, it sounds cheesy, but it’s true. Every day that we live on is a victory, even if it doesn’t feel like it at times.

“Can You Hear Me?” was a very fun episode that brought some new players to the fold and continued to tease what’s coming with Doctor Who. The season is rapidly approaching its end, but it might just end on a high note!