Class: Episode 4 Advance Review

Note: Doctor Who TV’s pre-air reviews aim to be as detail-free as we reasonably can while still offering a critique, but as everyone’s spoiler sensibilities are different, we advise you read on at your own discretion.

Of all the characters so far, April has been the one lacking her big moment in the spotlight, so it’s pleasing to finally have an episode dedicated to the character and the affect the Shadow Kin have had on her since corrupting her in the opener. Complicating things further, her Dad finally makes an appearance. All of this gives Sophie Hopkins plenty of weighty material to play off as a result.

Following Mr. Armitage’s untimely end, there’s also the arrival of Coal Hill’s stern new headteacher (played with suitable relish by Pooky Quesnel). She gets involved in a sub-plot involving evil flower petals arriving on Earth. Yes you read that correctly! It’s as silly as it sounds, but is dealt with in a largely po-faced manner. Like the main plot, this is not resolved in the episode (Ness considers this a two-parter), so it’s hard to make a judgment call on where it is leading and its overall relevance.

There are also a few trips to the Shadow Kin’s realm. While it’s always nice to see worlds beyond plain old Earth, the realisation is lacking. Aside from the CGI establishing shots, almost all of the action there takes place in a dark throne room, which is rather generic. Additionally, the Shadow Kin performances are pretty hammy, all sounding like they need a throat lozenge! One bizarre moment makes you question what on earth Ness was thinking when he wrote it.

Episode 4 can be generously summed up as a mixed bag. There’s some welcome character progression for April leading to an exciting cliffhanger, but things get a little sidelined by the strange subplot and some questionable moments.