Ep 8. The Lie of the Land

In "The Lie of the Land," season 10 episode 8 of Doctor Who (2005), the world is under the rule of a new regime – a faceless, authoritarian organization known only as "The Monks." The Doctor (Peter Capaldi), Bill (Pearl Mackie), and Nardole (Matt Lucas) have been separated for six months, and Bill is struggling to find her footing in this new reality. Under the control of The Monks, humanity has lost the ability to remember anything from before their rule.

When the Doctor unexpectedly appears in Bill's life, he tells her that he has found a way to stop The Monks, but it requires a deep dive into her own memories. With the help of Nardole, who has been tasked with helping the resistance against The Monks, they embark on a perilous journey into Bill's past. Along the way, they discover that some memories are not as they seem and that the lies they have been told are even more sinister than they realized.

As the trio races against time to save the world, they encounter familiar faces from the past, including a surprise guest appearance from a beloved character. The stakes are high as they try to break through The Monks' hold on humanity and uncover the truth behind their invasion.

As with many episodes of Doctor Who, "The Lie of the Land" explores themes of memory, truth, and power. It takes a more dystopian turn than some previous episodes, with a heavy focus on the consequences of living in a regime ruled by fear and lies. The characters also confront their own personal demons, with Bill facing the possibility of losing her sense of self and the Doctor coming to terms with his own mortality.

Overall, "The Lie of the Land" is a thrilling episode that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It delves deeper into the ongoing story arc of season 10 while also delivering some standout moments of pure Doctor Who magic.