The Halloween Apocalypse

Context

Faithful reader, before diving into my thoughts on this episode, I should mention something: this is my very first review for the WHOniversal Reviews project. Naturally, I would have started with Rose, the episode that kicked off New Who and, for me, where it all truly began. But since tomorrow, the day this review goes on my website, is Halloween, I couldn’t miss the once-a-year chance to start with a Halloween-themed adventure. So, let’s begin.

The Halloween Apocalypse starts Doctor Who: Flux, the final series of the Thirteenth Doctor’s era, with a lot of ambition. It is the first fully connected season of New Who, which makes it stand out right away. This was also the first season I watched alongside other Whovians when it aired on Halloween night in 2021.

At the time, showrunner Chris Chibnall was quite controversial, especially after the Timeless Child storyline. Some fans were unsure about his direction, but many were hopeful about this new serialized format, something Chibnall had already done very well in his other show Broadchurch.

Synopsis

As the universe begins to fall apart, the Doctor and Yaz try to uncover the cause of a mysterious cosmic event known as the Flux. Along the way, they run into new friends, returning enemies, and strange clues that hint at multiple threats to all of space and time.

Whoniversal Review

From its very first moments, the episode barely takes a breath. The Doctor and Yaz are already in the middle of an adventure, hanging above an acid lake before they even get a chance to talk properly. That fast pace sets the tone for the whole story, full of new characters, villains, mysteries, and world-building.

At the heart of the story is the Flux itself, a massive cosmic hurricane ripping through the structure of the universe and destroying worlds at an unbelievable rate. It is a powerful and cinematic idea, though sometimes it feels a bit buried under the many side stories, like the Lupari dog-soldiers, the escape of Swarm and Azure, the mysterious Claire who knows the Doctor, and appearances by the Weeping Angels and Sontarans.

It is a lot to take in, but that chaos is also part of what makes it fun. The episode feels like a Halloween carnival of monsters, helped by its bold color grading and spooky tone, which continues through the rest of the season. It is exciting, extremely rewatchable, and packed with things to notice on a second viewing.

Jodie Whittaker gives one of her most lively performances here. Her Doctor feels sharper, more focused, and a bit more haunted by the mystery of her lost memories. Mandip Gill’s Yaz is stronger and more confident than ever, showing just how much she has grown since her early days with Ryan and Graham. Their relationship really stands out: Yaz wants the Doctor to be open and honest, while the Doctor hides her worries behind her usual cheerful energy.

John Bishop’s new companion, Dan Lewis, is instantly likable. His friendly, down-to-earth Liverpudlian humor adds some much-needed balance to the chaos. His introduction, especially when he is kidnapped by the dog-like Karvanista, is both funny and charming. I liked him right away, though I have to admit that my love for the character did not grow much after his first few episodes, which set the bar very high early on.

The main villains, Swarm and Azure, steal every scene they are in. They look beyond incredible, they are performed with real menace, and they are unforgettable from the moment they appear.

Director Jamie Magnus Stone gives the episode a big, cinematic feeling. The visual effects, from collapsing worlds to the strange beauty of the Flux itself, are some of the best in modern Doctor Who. Segun Akinola’s music is equally impressive, mixing tension and wonder beautifully. His score really helps make this season stand out and might be one of the best in the show’s history.

The Halloween Apocalypse is bold, messy, and exciting, a season opener that throws everything at the screen and somehow makes it work. It is not subtle, but it is full of energy and atmosphere, setting up Flux as a true event season. Some viewers might find it confusing or a bit too much, but for fans who enjoy mystery, scale, and adventure, it is a thrilling and worthwhile ride.

Happy Halloween!

31 oct. 2025

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